Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
07/08/2025
Efrem Efre, Pexels
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, offers a diverse landscape encompassing long sandy beaches with clear waters, rugged mountains, and authentic historic villages. It is a destination ideal for those seeking relaxation, active pursuits like water sports and hiking, and exploration of ancient sites and local culture.
The main social hub is Naxos Town (Chora), which features a lively waterfront with restaurants, cafes, and some bars. Popular beaches such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka also offer beach bars and tavernas, providing a relaxed atmosphere for interaction. While there are options for evening entertainment, Naxos is known for a laid-back nightlife scene rather than a strong party focus.
Top 9 Things to do in Naxos
Activities encompass visiting ancient sites, exploring traditional villages, enjoying diverse beaches, engaging in water sports, and experiencing local culinary traditions.
1. Explore Naxos Town (Chora) and Kastro
Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Chora, the island's capital, discovering its whitewashed Cycladic architecture and Venetian influence. The Kastro (Castle) area, perched above the town, offers a picturesque journey through history with charming streets and old mansions. While exploring, browse the local boutiques and enjoy a coffee at a waterfront cafe. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos, housed in a 17th-century Venetian building, showcases artifacts from the Early Cycladic period, providing insight into the island's rich past.
Cost: Exploring Chora and the Kastro is free. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos (temporary exhibition) offers free admission.
Transport: Naxos Town is easily walkable. If staying outside the town, public buses connect Chora to various parts of the island, with the central bus station located at the port.
2. Visit Portara (Temple of Apollo)
Witness the iconic Portara, the monumental marble gateway to an unfinished ancient temple dedicated to Apollo from the 6th century BC. Standing proudly on a small islet connected to Naxos Town by a causeway, it offers magnificent views, especially during sunset. This landmark is the first historical site many visitors see upon arriving by ferry.
Cost: Free to visit.
Transport: Located on a small islet adjacent to Naxos Town, it is within easy walking distance of the port.
3. Relax and Enjoy Western Beaches
Naxos boasts long stretches of white, sandy beaches with clear waters along its western coast. Beaches such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka are well-organized, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachside tavernas for a relaxed day by the sea. These family-friendly beaches provide ample space for relaxation and swimming.
Cost: Beach access is free. Sunbed and umbrella rentals typically range from €10-€20 for a set.
Transport: Frequent public buses connect Naxos Town to Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka, with a one-way fare around €2.10.
4. Engage in Water Sports at Mikri Vigla
For those seeking active pursuits, Mikri Vigla beach is renowned for its excellent wind conditions, making it a prime spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Equipment rental and lessons are available for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. Other water sports like SUP, canoeing, and waterskiing can also be found at various beaches including Agios Georgios and Plaka.
Cost: Windsurfing rental starts from approximately €30-€45 per hour. Kitesurfing rental is around €40 per hour. SUP and canoe rentals begin at €15-€20 per hour. Waterskiing is about €30-€40 for 10 minutes. Lessons are typically an additional cost.
Transport: Mikri Vigla is accessible by public bus from Naxos Town, though routes might be less frequent than to the closer beaches, or by car/taxi.
5. Hike Mount Zas and Explore Zeus's Cave
Ascend Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, believed to be the birthplace and childhood home of Zeus. The hike offers rewarding panoramic views of Naxos and the surrounding Aegean Sea. Along the trails, you can visit Zeus's Cave, a natural cave with stalagmites, offering a glimpse into mythology. There are multiple routes, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, typically taking 2-4 hours to complete.
Cost: Free to hike.
Transport: Public buses run from Naxos Town to Filoti or Agia Marina, which are starting points for the hike, costing approximately €3 per way (€6 return). Taxis are also an option, with a one-way fare from Naxos to Mount Zas area costing around €18-€22. Renting a car provides greater flexibility.
6. Discover the Temple of Demeter
Journey inland to the serene valley of Gyroula near Sangri village to explore the Temple of Demeter, an ancient 6th-century BC sanctuary. This marble temple is considered a significant precursor to the Parthenon. A small museum adjacent to the archaeological site houses authentic findings from the area, providing context to the ancient worship of Demeter, goddess of harvest and fertility.
Cost: Admission is €4, with free entry for children. Only cash payments are accepted.
Transport: Accessible by public bus (Line 6) from Naxos Town to Sangri village, taking about 20-22 minutes and costing €2-€3 one-way. From Sangri, it is a short walk or taxi ride to the temple. A taxi from Naxos Town typically costs €12-€15 one-way. Driving takes about 30 minutes from Naxos Town.
7. Explore Traditional Mountain Villages
Venture into Naxos' mountainous interior to discover charming traditional villages, each with its unique character. Halki (Chalkio) is known for its neoclassical architecture, flower-filled alleys, and the historic Vallindras Kitron Distillery, where you can sample the local citron liqueur. Apeiranthos, the 'marble village,' features marble-paved streets, Venetian towers, and several small museums. Filoti, the largest village in the Tragea Valley, offers a glimpse into authentic Greek village life with a beautiful marble church and local tavernas. These villages provide a rich cultural experience away from the coastal bustle.
Cost: Exploring villages is free. Entrance to the Vallindras Kitron Distillery typically costs €3.
Transport: Public buses (Lines 2 and 6) connect Naxos Town to villages like Halki, Filoti, and Apeiranthos. Bus tours are also available, often combining village visits with other sights, costing approximately €35-€50. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring at your own pace.
8. Participate in a Naxian Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Naxos by taking a hands-on cooking class. These classes, often held in traditional village homes or tavernas, teach participants to prepare authentic Cycladic dishes using fresh, local, and organic ingredients, some even picked directly from a garden. The experience often culminates in enjoying the prepared meal with local wine, providing a flavorful and interactive cultural insight.
Cost: Cooking classes typically range from €85 to €120 per person, including the meal and sometimes local wine.
Transport: Classes are often located in traditional villages such as Kaloxylos or Potamia. Some tours may include transportation, or it can be reached by car or taxi.
9. Take a Catamaran Day Cruise
Experience the Aegean Sea from a different perspective by joining a catamaran day cruise. These tours often depart from Naxos marina and explore secluded beaches, hidden coves, and nearby islands like Koufonisia. Cruises typically include opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, with lunch and drinks prepared on board using local products. It is a relaxing way to discover the island's coastline and surrounding smaller islands.
Cost: Catamaran day cruises can range from approximately €100-€200+ per person, depending on the duration, inclusions, and luxury level.
Transport: Tours typically depart from Naxos Port or Marina, which is walkable from Naxos Town.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
