A sunset behind Paros from Mikri Vigla beach
Introduction & General Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the island look like?
Naxos is a beautiful island. When you approach the island by ferry, you are welcomed by the imposing Portara marble doorway, the main town (Chora), and the mountains behind it.
The island is fringed with sandy beaches (mostly on the western part). If you get to the center of the island, the atmosphere reminds you of Crete, with many verdant valleys full of olive trees and scattered villages.
Take a look at our photo gallery !
For what is the island known?
Naxos is well known for its long sandy beaches (Agios Prokopios, Plaka), ideal wind conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing (Mikri Vigla, Laguna), high-quality local agricultural products (potatoes and types of cheese like arseniko and anthotiro), the impressive Portara (trademark of the island which is the remaining door of the temple of Apollo), fertile valleys of the mainland, mountainous villages and rich history.
Naxos or Paros?
Read about the comparison in our blog post: Naxos or Paros?
Is it expensive?
Naxos is not very pricey and far less expensive than Santorini or Mykonos. You can find accommodation and food for a very decent price. As the island is rich in water, it produces its own meat and vegetables and does not need to import much.
Is there an airport?
There is a domestic airport, meaning that it mainly receives flights from Athens. The airport is located nearby Naxos town (Chora).
What to do when it rains?
Firstly, it rarely rains in Naxos during summer since rain mainly occurs from October to April. You can see all things to do. If it rains, you can visit the several museums of the town, have a coffee in the many cafes or simply get romantic at home. Usually, the rains are for a short duration. When it stops, consider heading to the mainland and trekking a hiking route.
Is it a touristy place?
Naxos was under the radar for many years, under the shadow of Paros, the neighboring island. In the last decade, the island became quite popular, but it is large, so you never feel like it is too busy. Naxos town (Chora) is bustling during dinner time, though.
Is it a party place?
Naxos is NOT a party place. It is a more family-oriented island. You can party in some places if you feel like it, though. The "Island" bar in Agia Anna is very active, with dancing all night long. "Yazoo" organizes some full moon parties. There are also some nightclubs in town, like Ocean, but they mostly play Greek music.
Is the island ideal for families?
Naxos is the perfect island for families. Many beaches with shallow waters lie across the coastline, which guarantees secure swimming environments for children. The island also boasts a very rich history and many things to see and do.
The best beaches for families are Agios Georgios and Sahara (Mikri Vigla).
What islands are located nearby?
The closest islands to Naxos are Paros, Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Donoussa. Paros is the most easily accessible, with many daily ferry crossings, especially during the summer.
Where is the port?
The port is located on the northern side of Chora (the main town), within a walking distance from any part of the town.