Naxos Greece - Naxos Travel guide

Find out everything about your holidays in Naxos on our travel guide! Discover the best things to do in Naxos, fantastic beaches, top hotels, and restaurants, as well as a wide selection of breathtaking photos!
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and, definitely, one of the most beautiful Greek islands! It may be a short ferry ride away from the super famous Paros and Mykonos islands, but Naxos is relatively unknown, staying under the mainstream radar.

Despite being relatively underrated, compared to the neighboring Cyclades islands, Naxos is one of the most interesting destinations in Greece! Its glorious ancient past and strong influences of the Venetians and the Franks are responsible for the abundance of ancient sites. Naxos breathes history!

Apart from its impressive monuments, though, Naxos boasts a beautiful natural landscape, as it is the greenest island of the Cyclades. Imposing mountains, green valleys, beautiful beaches, and rural villages will exalt nature lovers’ spirits!

Naxos is a paradise on earth! Find out how to get there and some amazing photos!!

How to get there

Sightseeing(42)

Beaches(21)

Things To Do(20)

Eat & Drink(90)

Accommodation(114)

MORE ABOUT NAXOS GREECE

Naxos Greece sits in the center of Cyclades island group, in the heart of the Aegean sea. It is the biggest and the greenest island of the Cyclades, boasting a magnificent natural landscape!

The island’s rich history is reflected in the many archaeological sites that embellish it. The most iconic of them -and the trademark of Naxos- is Portara, the remaining gate of an ancient temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo.

Naxos Chora, the main town of Naxos, is a wonderful mixture of Venetian and traditional Cycladic architecture. Above the Cycladic whitewashed houses of Chora stands the imposing Venetian castle, oozing a medieval charm!

Are you a thrill-seeker? There’s a whole heap of amazing things to do in Naxos’ nature! Visit enchanting mountain villages, explore Mount Zas, test your skills in water sports such as windsurfing and kite surfing, hike in the verdant nature… Naxos holiday is a never-ending adventure!

As for Naxos beaches, they are considered as some of the best beaches of the Cyclades islands! The coastline of Naxos is fringed with small coves, creating an array of beautiful sandy- and uncrowded- beaches with cobalt waters. Don’t leave the island before having a dip in Mikri Vigla beach, Agios Georgios beach, and Plaka beach.

Naxos island is the ultimate unpretentious summer escape!

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HOW TO GET TO NAXOS?

The most popular way to reach Naxos is by ferry but the island can also be reached by plane, from Athens. You can also include Naxos in an island-hopping itinerary.

Ferries to Naxos Flights Island Hopping packages

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NAXOS

Discover the best things to see & do in Naxos! From Naxos sightseeing, to activities, we give you the best recommendations for the ultimate Naxos holidays experience!

Portara
The Portara, or the Great Door, is essentially a massive marble doorway, that stands proudly as the jewel of Naxos. It lies close to the port, on the islet of Palatia
Agios Prokopios beach
Agios Prokopios is among the most beautiful beaches in Naxos, with clean waters and soft sand. Due to its proximity to the town, this is a convenient place to stay during holidays in Naxos.
Organized Tours
Discover the sightseeing of Naxos and the surrounding islands with organized tours.
Plaka beach
Plaka beach is large in size and has crystal waters. Some accommodations, fish taverns and water sports centres line up this beach, while it also has room for privacy.
Venetian Kastro in Chora
Kastro is the oldest and most picturesque quarter in the Town. Surrounded by large Venetian walls, this quarter has few boutique hotels and narrow streets to walk around.
Apiranthos village
Located in the northern side of the island, Apiranthos is a beautiful village with traditional architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery, the region around Apiranthos is nice for hiking.
Halki village
The village of Halki has traditional architecture with Cycladic and Venetian elements. In summer, the International Axia Festival is organized in the square of Halki.
Ancient Kouros of Melanes
In the countryside of the island, there are two statues of Kouros: one in Melanes and the other in Apollonas. Both these large statues are left on the exact site where they were excavated.
Hiking along Potamia villages
The village of Potamia actually consists of three settlements: Ano, Mesi and Kato Potamia. Hiking from one settlement to the other is a unique experience.
Temple of Demeter
The ancient temple of Demeter is located in a short walk from Ano Sangri, an inland village. It dates from the 6th century BC and was dedicated to the goddess of grain.
Kouros of Apollonas
The statue in Apollonas, also known as the Kouros of Apollonas is exceeding 10 meters in height. The archaeologists haven't actually decided on whether the statue depicts the god Apollo or the god Dionysus.
Koronos village
Koronos is a mountainous villagewith picturesque architecture. Surrounded by imposing nature, many hiking trails are found in the region and lead to interesting monuments, churches and gorges.
Byzantine church of Drossiani
Near the village of Moni is the interesting church of Panagia Drossiani. This church was constructed in the 6th century AD and the interior has valuable wall paintings.
Moutsouna little harbor
The fishing port of Moutsouna is located on the eastern side of the island. This is a lovely place with a small beach in front of the settlement and few fish taverns along the port.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Due to the strong summer winds, Naxos is the best island in Cyclades to enjoy windsurfing and kite surfing. These two sports are largely practiced particularly in Mikri Vigla, Laguna, Plaka and other beaches on the western side.
Venetian towers
In the Middle Ages, this island was conquered by the Venetians, who left an evident mark on the island. Many Venetian towers are found in Naxos, some ruined and others turned into museums.
Zas mountain
Mount Zas is the tallest mountain of Naxos island and also the tallest mountain of the Cyclades. Located 18 km from Naxos Town, it is strongly connected to the history and geography of the island.
Archaeological museum
All the findings of excavations carried out over the years are exhibited here at the Archaeological Museum. It houses everything from objects of everyday use to works of art dating from the Late Neolithic period to early Christian times. The Cycladic Civilization was at its peak of glory in the third millennium B.C.