Naxos is famous for its spectacular suns ets photographed through the portara of the Temple of Apollo, but this island has much more to offer than just snapshots. In fact, Naxos is the largest island in the archipelago, and offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, as well as exceptional windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. Naxos is truly brimming with treasures to discover, from charming traditional villages with whitewashed houses and blue shutters, to the island's capital, Chora, as well as diverse natural landscapes, from golden sandy beaches to craggy cliffs and mountains. In this article, we'll introduce you to the 15 must-sees on this magnificent island, where you can discover authentic, unspoilt places.
1. Chora, the capital of Naxos
The capital of Naxos, preserved from mass tourism, has retained its authentic character and local atmosphere. With its 6,000 inhabitants, Chora was built on the remains of the ancient town of Dia. As soon as you arrive by boat, you'll be amazed by the sight of the imposing marble gate of the Temple of Apollo and the small church of Panaghia Myrtidiotissa, builton an islet in the middle of the harbor. White houses rise up in a staircase from the shore to the kastro, a fortress built in the early 13th century by Marco Sanudo. This part of town is the most interesting, with its winding lanes, beautiful Venetian mansions and flower-filled squares.
We recommend this one-day bus tour of Naxos, which will take you to all the most beautiful spots on the island.
2. See the Portara, symbol of the island
When you arrive in Naxos by boat, you're greeted by a postcard landscape: the majestic marble gate of the Temple of Apollo, located near the small church of Panaghia Myrtidiotissa, built on an islet in the middle of the harbor. This gate, also known as the "portara", is the undisputed symbol of Naxos and the most famous and photographed monument in the Cyclades. According to legend, it was here that Theseus abandoned Ariadne on his return from Crete after defeating the Minotaur. It's a popular spot in season, especially for newlyweds, who come here to have their photos taken. In the evening, it's one of the best spots to watch the suns et.
3. Mount Zeus
Mount Zeus, also known as Myti tou Za to the locals, is the highest peak in the Cyclades, peaking at 1,100 or 1,004 meters depending on the source. The surrounding massif is classified as an "Area of Community Importance" under the European Union's Natura 2000 project. The well-marked trail leads toZeus's cave, where, according to mythology, the god was raised. In summer, it's advisable to set off early in the morning and bring water, even though the trail is often shaded and passes springs. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.
Click here to find out how to hike to the Grotte de Zeus!
4. Sunbathing on the beaches of Naxos
Naxos isn't one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades for nothing. Its dream beaches are one of its main assets. Agios Georgios beach, close to the capital, is the island's most famous. Although crowded, it's ideal if you're staying in Chora. It's a great place for scuba diving. Mikri Vigla beach is reputed to be one of the best on Naxos for kitesurfing and other water sports. Aliko (or Alyko) beach is one of the wildest and most beautiful in the Cyclades. With its fine sand and crystal-clear waters, this large beach surrounded by white and red cliffs is a true paradise. Finally, Plaka beach is the longest on the island, stretching for 4 km. It is lined with villas, hotels and restaurants to the north, and is quieter and wilder to the south.
Planning a cruise in Greece? Discover our dedicated article "7-day sailing cruise in Greece: itinerary tips".
5. See the Kouros, those impressive unfinished statues
The Kouros are imposing, unfinished statues of young men, carved in the quarries of the island of Naxos. These statues are one of the island's most famous attractions and can be admired at two different sites. On the road leading to Apollonas, where you'll find the largest statue, measuring over 10 metres high and weighing 80 tonnes. At the top of the quarry is the inscription "ΟΡΟΣ ΙΕΡΟΝ ΧΩΡΙΟΥ ΑΠΟΛΛΩΝΟΣ" ("holy mountain of Apollo"), dating from the 5th or 4th century BC, proving the existence of a temple dedicated to Apollo at this location. To Flério, where you can discover two other smaller Kouros, each measuring 5 meters in height.
6. The island of Delos, next to Naxos
Delos, an open-air museum island, leaves a deep impression on visitors who discover the melancholy majesty of a vanished world. The island's only inhabitants are its guardians. According to legend, Apollo and his sister Artemis were born on the island, which was then taken from Sicily and hidden by the waves. However, at Zeus' request, Poseidon made it visible (délon) so that Leto, pursued by the jealous Hera, could give birth there in peace. Delos is a fascinating archaeological site and a historical treasure that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Take a stroll through the ancient streets, admire the mosaics and explore the ancient houses. The remains of the theater, stadium and sanctuaries will give you a glimpse of daily life in those days.
The best way to visit Delos is to take part in an organized tour of the island, which you can book right here!
7. Take a windsurfing course
At Laguna Beach Park, windsurfing lessons are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced. You'll love practicing this water sport in the lagoon's warm waters, where the wind blows constantly. It's the ideal place to learn windsurfing with experienced instructors who will pass on their passion for the sport. The resort is located opposite the lagoon, on a small hill. The beach is sandy and, being a lagoon, the water is shallow. The "Meltemi" wind blows all summer long on Naxos, from late morning until early evening.
Click here to take advantage of our partner's rates and book your windsurfing lessons in Naxos.
More of a diving fan? Discover our article "Where to dive in Greece? Our practical tips" and take part in a discovery dive in Naxos by booking right here !
8. Take a kite-surfing course at Mikri Vigla
Naxos is an ideal destination for a beach vacation, and kitesurfing at Mikri Vigla in Naxos is a magical experience! It's one of the best spots in Southern Europe for taking kitesurfing lessons. The Mikri Vigla spot on Naxos is renowned for its long sandy beach and favorable wind conditions for kitesurfing. The prevailing winds are side-onshore, which means that on the rare occasions when something goes wrong, you'll be taken back to the beach. Bonus: all kitesurfing lessons are given in private or semi-private mode if you come with your friends (maximum 2 people per instructor) to quickly learn the basics of kitesurfing.
Click here to book your kitesurfing lesson at Mikri Vigla in Naxos with Kite Life Naxos instructors.
9. Rina Cave, a natural gem
Don't miss a visit to the Rhina Grotto (or Rhina) during your stay on Naxos. Located on the island's south coast, this grotto is a true natural gem. Inside, you'll marvel at the rock formations that have formed over the millennia. Stalactites and stalagmites create an impressive landscape of breathtaking beauty. You'll also discover natural pools filled with crystal-clear water.
Tempted? Click here to book your boat cruise to Rina Cave from Naxos.
You can also opt for a more unusual option by booking your sea kayak excursion to Rina cave from Kalantos beach in Naxos right here .
10. Filoti, a picturesque village
Filoti is the most densely populated village on Naxos, with around 1,800 permanent inhabitants, who live mainly from agriculture and livestock farming. It lies on the slopes of Mount Zas, the archipelago's highest peak (1,004 meters), at the exit of the Tragea valley, 19 km east of Chora, 2 km south of Halki and 5 km southwest of Apiranthos. The Cycladic houses of Filoti contrast with the dull color of the mountain. From this village, you can reach the beautiful, almost wild Kalantos beach, located 19 km from the southern tip of the island. Along the way, you can see the Tower of Himaros (Pyrgos Himarou), a four-storey tower dating back to Hellenistic times.
Would you like to visit the Cyclades? Discover our 15-day Cyclades tour in Greece.
11. Halki, a traditional village
Nestled in the heart of the island's mountains, the charming village of Halki, also known as Chálki, will seduce you with its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a romantic ideal for a romantic vacation. Here you'll find the famous kitron, ouzo, pottery and ceramics, hand-sewn hats and clothes, jams and candied fruit, as well as fine art photography. The narrow streets leading up to the Gratsia tower, dating from the Venetian period, are well worth a visit, even if you can't see it. The frescoes in churches such as Panaghia Protothroni, one of the oldest on Naxos, are also worth a visit. Don't miss a visit to the Vallindras distillery, where the famous Naxos kitron, a traditional lemon-based spirit, is produced. Learn more about this liqueur and taste its different varieties.
12. Apiranthos
Located 27 kilometers east of Chora, Apiranthos is a charming village full of character, often referred to as the "museum village" or the "marble village". With its beautiful rough-hewn stone mansions, two defensive towers, small squares and marble-paved streets, it has retained its traditional character. It is the second largest village on the island after Filoti. The 1,000 or so inhabitants of Apeiranthos are renowned for their artistic talent and revolutionary spirit. Proud of their origins, they retain certain Cretan customs, such as song and weaving, and have their own dialect derived from ancient Greek, called aperathitiko. Apeiranthos is full of attractions, with numerous museums, renowned tavernas and an impressive municipal library .
Tempted? This guided bus tour of Naxos will take you around the island and its villages, including Apiranthos.
13. Naxos Archaeological Museum
The Naxos Archaeological Museum is well worth a visit for its ancient and medieval collections from finds made on the island. On the terrace, you can see marble coats of arms from the Frankish period and a mosaic from the 4th century BC depicting a Nereid riding a bull, with deer and peacocks at the corners. On the lower floor, Hall III features classical and Roman statues, while Hall IV houses the museum's centerpiece: the Cycladic (3200-2300 BC) and Mycenaean collection, which occupies half the building's surface area. This is the country's second-largest collection, after that of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. In the courtyard, a mosaic depicting the abduction of Europa by Zeus transformed into a bull can also be seen.
14. Temple of Demeter
Built between 530 and 520 BC, the Temple of Demeter is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites to visit in Ancient Greece. The history of this important archaeological site is closely linked to that of Naxos. For a long time, worship services were held on the hilltop in the open air. Near the corner of the temple, two small pits connected by a canal are visible. These were offering pits where fruit juice or plants dedicated to the Goddesses of Fertility were poured. If you look at the temple, you'll notice that the columns are tilted inwards and that all the wall blocks are inclined. This optical correction gave the illusion of perfect verticality and horizontality. The Temple of Demeter was the first Greek building to use this ingenious trompe-l'oeil technique, which was later used in the construction of the Parthenon in Athens.
We recommend taking part in this half-day guided tour to discover the history and culture of Naxos. You'll visit its emblematic monuments , such as the Temple of Demeter and the Panagia Drosiani church, and sample its olive products.
15. Taste local specialties
Naxos is a Greek island renowned for its tasty cuisine and typical Greek culinary specialties. These include the famous Naxos cheese, graviera, and the island's delicious potatoes, cooked in a variety of ways. Meat lovers will appreciate veal stew with tomatoes and onions, while fish lovers can feast on fresh grilled or fried fish. Vegetables also feature prominently in Naxos cuisine, with dishes such as stuffed zucchinis and grilled eggplants. Finally, to accompany your meal, don't hesitate to try the local wines, such as dry white wine or full-bodied red wine. The island's traditional desserts, such as loukoumades (honey doughnuts) or baklava, are also not to be missed.
For gourmets in search of an unusual and authentic activity, we recommend booking this walking tour of Naxos, including a cooking class where you'll learn how to prepare the delicious appetizers for which Greece is famous.
See also our article on What to see and do in Greece? The 17 most beautiful places!
Where to stay in Naxos?
Naxos is a popular Greek island for tourists, offering a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Chora, the island's capital, is an ideal place to stay. Here you'll find numerous hotels, apartments and guesthouses in the old town, as well as restaurants, bars and stores. In Agios Prokopios, a popular seaside resort on the island's west coast, you'll also find a wide variety of accommodation. If you're looking for peace and quiet, Plaka, a small coastal town in the north of the island, offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Discover our three favorite Naxos accommodations:
- The most family-friendly: Dina Naxos
Located on a hillside, the Dina Naxos is a small, family-run establishment that stands out for the quality of its welcome. We particularly liked the garden and shady arbour. Accommodations, from 2 to 5 people, are all well-equipped with balconies, some with sea views. It's a very good deal for families (baby bed available), which you can book right here.
- Our favorite for a dream stay: the Kavos Hotel Naxos
Nestled high above the village of Stelida, the Kavos Hotel Naxos is our nugget for a dream stay. Praised by the international press, it is one of the best hotels on Naxos, thanks to the quality of its service, its architecture, its view of the Aegean Sea, the beach of Aghios Prokopios and Chora, its flower-filled garden, its infinity pool and its top-quality bar and restaurant. Tempted? Click here to book your stay!
- The most romantic: Nastasia Village Hotel
The Nastasia Village Hotel is a little love nest located a quarter of an hour's walk from the port. With its Cycladic architecture, 18 rooms and pretty, flower-filled central courtyard, it feels like a village square. The welcome is warm, the service impeccable and the rooms are typical and comfortable. We're particularly fond of the excellent breakfast, which includes spinach friands, orange cakes and chocolate cakes that we're sure you'll be telling us about! Are you tempted? Click here to book your stay!
What to do in Naxos in 3 days?
Welcome to the Cyclades, a string of heavenly islands. Naxos is a beautiful Greek island with plenty to see and do. Here's a 3-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in Naxos in spring, for example.
Day 1: Naxos
- Start your day by visiting the old town of Naxos, or Chora, with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and Venetian castle.
- Then head for the Temple of Apollo, one of the island's most emblematic sites, located on the hill of Palatia.
- After lunch, head toAgios Prokopios beach, one of the most beautiful on Naxos, to relax and soak up the sun.
- In the late afternoon, visit the Naxos Archaeological Museum to learn more about the island's history and culture.
Day 2: The mountain villages around Naxos
- Rent a car or scooter and explore the mountain villages of Naxos, such as Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos.
- On the way, stop off at the Vallindras distillery to taste kitron, a local lemon-based liqueur.
- After lunch, head to Plaka beach for a refreshing swim.
- In the late afternoon, visit the Kouros of Apollonas, an ancient marble statue 10.5 meters long.
Day 3: Delos Island
- Take a boat to the island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Discover the city's ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the Dolphin House and the Theater.
- After lunch, return to Naxos and head to Agia Anna beach for a final swim.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in one of the tavernas in the old town of Naxos.
This itinerary will allow you to discover the most important sites of Naxos in 3 days, while enjoying the island's natural beauty and delicious local cuisine.
What are the most beautiful villages on Naxos?
Naxos is a Greek island famous for its picturesque villages. Among the island's most beautiful villages are Filoti, Chalki (or Halki) and Apiranthos.
Filoti is the largest village on the island and is situated on the slopes of Mount Zas, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding valley. The village is known for its narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and Byzantine churches.
Halki (Chalki) is another charming Naxos village, located in the center of the island. It is famous for its neoclassical buildings, cobbled streets and shady squares.
Finally, Apiranthos is a unique mountain village, with its white marble houses and narrow cobbled streets. The village is also known for its museums, churches and local craft stores. Each of these villages has its own charm and is well worth a visit during your stay in Naxos.
Book in advance the trendiest things to do on your Naxos vacation:
Getting around Naxos
When you're in Naxos, it's easy to discover the island by renting a car, scooter or mountain bike. You can also take the local bus, which serves the island's main towns and villages. The bus network is well organized and tickets are affordable.
How do I get to Naxos?
Getting to Naxos by plane can be a little more complex than for other Cycladic islands. Indeed, there is only one airline serving Naxos airport, operated by Olympic Air or Sky Express, and connecting only with Athens, the Greek capital. It is therefore likely that you will have a stopover from several French cities. However, by booking in advance and comparing prices on comparison sites such as Kayak, you can save money.
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