Greece is a dream destination for many and a treat for all. For travellers, it is indeed a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, intriguing places, and fun things to do.
And of all those best places to visit in Greece, Naxos certainly comes somewhere on the top of that list. Situated in the island group of Cyclades, Naxos is an administrative region in South Aegean.
Naxos is all about mighty mountains and a vast stretch of sand and sea. As well as that, the island town is also known for its mythological significance. The legend has it that Naxos is the place where Zeus – the god of the sky in ancient Greek mythology, was born.
Being the largest island in the Cyclades, there is so much natural beauty, cultural significance, and rich history that fascinate travellers visiting this place. With that being said, here we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Naxos.
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The Best Things to do in Naxos
Naxos is the perfect place to go in Greece during the warm summer months. In this guide, we will discuss the best time to go to Naxos as well as the 2 best things to do in Naxos.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Naxos
Luxury – 18 Grapes Hotel is a luxury accommodation located in Agios Prokopios, in Naxos. The accommodation features sea views and an a great outdoor pool, an onsite bar and free wifi throughout.
All rooms are air conditioned and some feature views of the pool or garden.
Read more about 18 Grapes Hotel here.
Mid-Range – Naxos Dream Aphrodite Studios is located just 10m from Agios Georgios Beach and 150 m from the central square of Naxos. The studios have free WiFi and a free transfer from the airport can be arranged.
All rooms have air-conditioning.
Read more about Naxos Dream Aphrodite Studios here.
Budget – Naxos, Nikos & Maria Studios, Apts and Suites is located 20m from the beach of Plaka in Naxos. The accommodation offers a garden, sun terrace and some rooms have a balcony.
All rooms have air conditioning and a kitchenette with a fridge and a kettle.
Read more about Nikos & Maria Studios, Apts and Suites here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread on the island.
Browse the full range of hostels that Naxos has to offer and book your stay right here.
Archaeological Museum of Naxos
Located in the heart of the island in Chora Naxos, the Archaeological Museum of Naxos is one of the must things to do on the island. Established in a five-storey building, the museum houses a rich collection of artefacts and home items from different eras of the past.
There are exhibits dating from the Late Neolithic period as well as the early Christian time. A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Naxos is indeed a great experience that takes you back in time and tells you the unseen nuances of history.
Visit the Old Town
Sprawling from the harbour up to the Kastro, Old Town is one of the iconic places to visit in Naxos. The area is a world of alleys, passages, and stairways in its own way.
However, this is one such place where you can just wander around and experience the best of Naxos. The key highlight of the Old Town is gorgeous white Cycladic and marble paving stone houses.
The houses here follow a similar theme to the ones in Santorini. They have banisters, doors, and window frames dotted in pale or deep blue.
The Old Town in Naxos is a chaotic-free region on the island where you can also go shopping as there are many souvenir shops selling replicas of prehistoric Cycladic figurines and handmade jewellery.
Along with that, there are also plenty of bars, cafes, and taverns to just chill and enjoy a meal or drink.
The Portara
Also known as the Temple of Apollo, The Portara is one of the most popular landmarks on the island of Naxos. As soon as you land on the island by ferry, this is the first place you will get to see.
It’s a large entrance or the door on a cliff. The Portara is an entrance to an unfinished temple built in 530 BC and there are two legends associated with the construction of this temple.
The first legend says that the temple was built to commemorate the god Apollo as the Portara faces the islands of Delos. Another has it that the Portara was dedicated to Dionysus who was known to worship Naxos.
Mount Zas
Calling out all the nature lovers and adventure seekers, Mount Zas is a not-to-miss experience on a trip to Naxos. Hike to the top of the mountain and get treated with some spectacular views over Naxos city.
The mountain is known to have the highest point in the Cyclades from where you can capture panoramic views of the entire city. However, it is worth noting that hiking is the only way to get to the top.
There are two options to reach the top; the easiest one is from Aghia Marina which is a 7 km round trip hike. Whereas, the other route begins from Aria Spring and passes through the Cave of Zeus. Though it is a 5km round trip hike, this one is more challenging as the hike is much steeper than the first option.
Panagia Drosiani Church
The oldest Christian church on the island, Panagia Drosiani Church is one of the key attractions to visit in Naxos. The church traces its history from the 6th century and is located near Moni.
The church has a huge significance and is considered one of the most highly revered Byzantine churches. Along with its sacred significance, the church is also known as the home of a wide range of rare paintings.
From the church, you can also capture the astonishing views of the Tragea Valley. There is also a courtyard in the church which also has the cemetery of the village.
Chora
Chora is itself a very famous town in Naxos and also the largest in the Cyclades group. The town has a unique essence when it comes to tourism. There are numerous market gardens that are contrasting with its gorgeous whitewashed buildings and golden sand beaches.
This is a perfect town to spend a few days in Naxos. Along with the markets, there are also laid-back cafes, cosy restaurants along with small shops. The town is located on a hill and also serves as a way to Kastro.
The entire town is beautifully dotted with Cycladic architecture that includes a bit of Venetian essence to remind us of the island’s Venetian history. The houses here are a treat to the eyes in themselves. They are perfect sugar cube houses with intriguing and colorful entrances.
As you will stroll down the beautifully whitewashed winding paths, you will walk under arches and be treated with a surrounding adorned with bougainvilleas and basil.
Geolological Museum of Apeiranthos
The Geological Museum of Aperiranthos is another place to explore in Naxos. Established in 1964, the museum was successfully operated until 1968. Later in 1987, it was reopened.
Located in the Culture Centre building, the museum houses exhibits, posters, and maps that together cover a wide range of topics related to the geology of the Naxos island along with the South Aegean Sea. The museum tour begins from Naxos Hall and continues in the Aegean and World Hall.
Kastro
Kastro is a stunning castle which can be best explained as a beautiful maze of small flowery squares that are linked by narrow alleys that include churches, monasteries, and mansions. Considering its mighty grandeur, this castle is one of the best things to see in Naxos.
The castle has three gates – paraporti which is the southern gate and also the main entrance. Trani Porta is the northern entrance whereas, the southern-eastern gate is Piso Paraporti.
One of the key highlights of the castle is the Della Rocca Barozzi Tower, which is one of the oldest mansions in the vicinity of Kastro. Inside the mansion, there is a museum where you can learn about Venetian and Folk History.
Another attraction of Kastro is the Tower of Crispi. It is the only surviving tower out of all the twelve that are believed to protect the site. Other attractions to explore within the Kastro vicinity are the Catholic Cathedral, the Orthodox Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, and the Capuchin Monastery.
Halki
Also known as Chalki, Halki is a quaint little town on the island of Naxos. This picturesque village is dotted with narrow stone paths and renovated neoclassical buildings. Adding to the charm of this beautiful town is the verdant greenery that makes the town a picture-perfect getaway.
This town was once Naxos’s capital and this is the place where the famous Kitron liquor was invented. Here, there is the Valindras Distillery where you can learn about the process of the local liquor and can even taste a sample.
Another key attraction in the town is the church of Saint George Diasoritis which was built in the 11th century. Venetian Barozzi tower is another place to visit in the town from where you can capture astonishing views of the surrounding.
Explore the Beaches of Naxos
Apart from the historical and cultural tours, the town of Naxos also offers a good opportunity for tourists to explore its stunning beaches. In case you are wondering, Naxos is home to some amazing beaches of the Cyclades.
The white sand of the beaches in Naxos contrasts exceptionally well with the azure blue sea. Some of the best beaches in Naxos are Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka.
Agios Prokopios beach is considered one of the best beaches in Europe. With gentle winds and a long stretch of golden white sand, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind yourself.
In close proximity to Agios Prokopios, there is Agia Anna beach. This is one of the most highly organized and maintained beaches in Naxos with a good number of bars. You can just lay on a hammock under a beach umbrella and enjoy your cocktails.
Lastly, Plaka beach is ideal for all those who enjoy watersports. You can indulge in adventure activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. Along with that, the beach is also known for its crystal clear water where you can enjoy swimming and a long stretch of clean, beautiful sand.
Moutsouna Village
Moutsouna Village is one of the most intriguing settlements to explore in the region. This remote village is one the only two settlements located on the eastern coast of the island; the other one is Lionas.
The talk of the town is the port as well as a rare system that supports the transportation of emery – a granular rock that was one of the top exports of Greece up until World War II.
As a result, there are plenty of emery mines in the town. Along with that, another key highlight of the town is an overhead transportation cable railway which dates back to the 1920s. This is a 9 km stretch that runs from Stavrolagada to Moutsouna.
A Day Trip to Santorini
Okay, we know this list is all about the best things to do in Naxos, but a day trip away from the island of Naxos wouldn’t do any harm, especially when it is the very famous Santorini.
Picture the white-walled villages beautifully settled on imposing rocky cliffs and overlooking the azure blue ocean waters. A very popular Greek island but somewhere that we highly recommend visiting.
The island is itself a geological wonder as its existence is the result of volcanic activity that created a crater filled with water. However, everything submerged except this crescent-shaped island which is today known as Santorini.
There are so many amazing things to do in Santorini from enjoying beach time to spectacular sunset views to hiking trails to museums to delicious local food to an ultimate nightlife scene. The key highlight here is definitely the white buildings sitting on the cliffs lit up at sunset.
If you want a taste of this beautiful island, one day in Santorini is a great way to see if it is the place for you. If you enjoy it, we would recommend planning a separate Santorini itinerary and spending longer on this beautiful island.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Naxos
Before you set off on your trip to Naxos, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and successful trip. These include what to pack for Naxos and what is the best travel insurance for your trip. Both of these will be discussed in the following section.
When is the Best Time to Visit Naxos
Naxos is different from other islands of the Cyclades. It is the largest of all and the best time to visit this place is between April and October. This is the time when the weather remains warm and pleasant to travel on the island.
However, if adventure activities are a must-do in Naxos for you, then spring is the ideal season. The weather during this time is also warm enough to indulge in activities such as hiking, walking, and even exploring the island’s nature. However, the ocean water is too cold to swim in during this time.
Summer is the busiest of all seasons in Naxos. The season begins in the month of July and lasts until August. The temperature during these months is pretty mild and pleasant. If you want to enjoy the weather in summer but want to avoid the crowd, then June is the month for you.
Though winter is the quiet season to visit the island, a lot of tourists still prefer to visit it. Winters in Naxos last from November to February where January witnesses heavy rainfall. In this season, you can expect very few crowds and can visit archaeological sites and museums.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Naxos
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
What Should You Pack for Naxos?
What you need to pack for Naxos will rely highly on when you make your trip there. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and rainy days. During the Summer, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather with temperatures ranging from 20-35 oC. The hottest months are July and August, so these will be the most popular for a Summer holiday.
During the winter months in Naxos, the rain will become more frequent and the temperatures will drop to between 10-20 oc. If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Naxos is very strong, especially during the summer months. Apply a lot of suncream regularly to prevent a nasty burn from ruining your trip. We use this specific sunscreen to protect us as it is not as oily and irritating as other sunscreens.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Naxos, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
Where to Stay in Naxos
Luxury – 18 Grapes Hotel is a luxury accommodation located in Agios Prokopios, in Naxos. The accommodation features sea views and an a great outdoor pool, an onsite bar and free wifi throughout.
All rooms are air conditioned and some feature views of the pool or garden.
Read more about 18 Grapes Hotel here.
Mid-Range – Naxos Dream Aphrodite Studios is located just 10m from Agios Georgios Beach and 150 m from the central square of Naxos. The studios have free WiFi and a free transfer from the airport can be arranged.
All rooms have air-conditioning.
Read more about Naxos Dream Aphrodite Studios here.
Budget – Naxos, Nikos & Maria Studios, Apts and Suites is located 20m from the beach of Plaka in Naxos. The accommodation offers a garden, sun terrace and some rooms have a balcony.
All rooms have air conditioning and a kitchenette with a fridge and a kettle.
Read more about Nikos & Maria Studios, Apts and Suites here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread on the island.
Browse the full range of hostels that Naxos has to offer and book your stay right here.
So there you have it, a guide to the best 12 things to do in Naxos. If you have been to Naxos recently, let us know how you found it in the comments below. What were your favourite sights? What did you think of the beaches? Where was your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
If you are planning a trip to Naxos, make sure you check out the rest of our guides and Greece content to ensure a stress-free adventure. We will gladly answer any questions you have with regards to your trip, so either DM us or send us an email.
Don’t forget that sharing is caring! Be sure to share this article with your family and friends to let them know all about your big plans. Maybe even inspire them to visit Naxos themselves! Catch up with us on social media and see what we are currently up to. Tag us in your photos from your Naxos adventure on Instagram so that we can share them with the rest of our community.
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