Are you looking for the very best things to do in Naxos? Then this Naxos travel guide will have you completely covered! Get ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands of the Greek Cyclades.
Naxos is the biggest and most fertile island out of all the Cyclades. Driving through its landscapes will often give you the exact same vibe as driving through mainland Greece. Rolling hills, endless beaches and picturesque towns make Naxos a wonderful island to discover.
Ideally you want to spend about 3 nights here and the most convenient way to travel to Naxos is by ferry. But more in that later!
Naxos is the perfect island for you in the Greek Cyclades if you love outdoor activities and if you want to escape the big crowds that tend to flock to Mykonos, Santorini and Paros.
The 10 Very Best Things To Do In Naxos
The island of Naxos is especially known for its pristine beaches. Think white yellow sand that glides underneath your feet and the turquoise colored water that forms a perfect contrast.
So if you want to spend a couple of days here on the beach, by all means! You can simply add a day or two to this itinerary. Personally I’ve never been much of a beach bum. Instead I prefer to cruise around and discover beautiful Greek villages and look for that perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner.
This Naxos itinerary is pretty efficient one but that’s also how I love to travel. But like I said before. You can easily add a couple of days extra if you want to spend an afternoon or two at one of the many beaches that Naxos is so known for.
Nonetheless, above you can get an idea of all the things that you can do in Naxos during a stay of 3 nights.
Below I’ve listed all of the best things to do in Naxos on your trip. And just like with any of my guides, if you have any additional questions simply pop a question and I’m more than happy to help!
Have the best time on this island! Greece is amazing!
Top things to do in Naxos
1. Wander through the streets of Naxos Chora
Naxos Chora is the beating heart of Naxos island and it’s also where you’ll arrive with the ferry.
You can see and experience everything Naxos Chora has to offer in a day since the town is relatively small and you can walk to every attraction.
Wandering through the small streets of the historic centre of Chora was one of my favorite things to do on Naxos.
At the harbor front you’ll also find a lot of restaurants and bars to grab lunch and indulge in some local food.
2. Visit the Temple of Apollo
Naxos’ temple of Apollo, also known as Portara, is connected to the mainland of Naxos. It’s a huge marble gate and the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC, and is the island’s emblem and main landmark.
The best times to visit are either at sunrise or at sunset. If you’re staying outside of Chora I would recommend visiting in at sunrise so you’ll easily find a parking spot. In the evening it can become a lot harder to find a decent parking spot.
3. Enjoy a day at Tortuga Beach
Tortuga Beach is one of the best beach bars in Naxos, especially if you’re looking for those bohemian vibes at a more reasonable price compared to other beach clubs in the south of Europe.
Spend a day at the beach relaxing or simply come by for an evening dinner overlooking the sunset. We had an amazing meal here and the overall vibe is a relaxed but classy vibe. They focus on fresh Mediterranean cuisine and I highly recommend trying out their tuna steak. And yes, even those who don’t like fish can find a delicious meal here!
Tortuga is located in the centre of Plaka beach, one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Naxos.
Opening hours – Daily from 8am until 11pm
Price range – Prepare to spend €€€ compared to other places on Naxos.
4. Go on a road trip around Naxos
The vegetation on Naxos is incredibly diverse and a lot greener compared to the other Cyclades. So if there’s one island where you should definitely go on a road trip it’s Naxos. It’s honestly one of the best things to do on this beautiful island. Simply cruise around and admire the landscapes around you!
There’s a ton of small towns that you will encounter along the way and that are perfect for a quick stop and a refreshing drink. But driving through the mountains and alongside the coast of Naxos was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
TIP – Make sure to fill up on gas cause once you leave the area around Chora and Agios Prokopios the amount of gas stations really slinks down a lot and driving up and down a mountain road always takes up more fuel.
5. Have a sunset dinner by the beach at Agios Prokopios
One of our favorite evenings from our time in Naxos has to be this super simple and small restaurant right above the beach at Agios Prokopios. The food wasn’t that special in all honesty but the location definitely was.
It felt as if we were sitting on top of the sea and the overall vibe was very romantic.
Location – O Fotis, Agios Prokopios
We arrived pretty early in the evening to secure a table right next to the beach. It’s a small terrace so either make a reservation or be on time.
6. Drive by the small town of Melanes
Melanes is one of the oldest villages in Naxos, located 8 km southeast of Chora. The main occupation of the locals is cattle breeding and agriculture.
Melanes is a frequent destination for hiking, too. Many hiking trails start from Chora and lead to the region of Melanes, passing through lovely valleys, small settlements, and ancient sites.
7. Vist the town of Koronos
The traditional mountain village Koronos is located in a picturesque valley full of vegetation. The village lies in a dramatic setting. It is built on a crevasse, and two distinct halves to it face each other. On one side, you will notice the vineyards sitting on the hill divided by walls.
If it’s time for lunch then definitely check out Matina & Stavros Tavern. This family run restaurant is located in the heart of Koronos and one of the best places to eat local food in Naxos. Their hospitality is incredible and the setting ever so charming.
8. Visit the crown jewel of Naxos, Apeiranthos
Apeiranthos village is by many considered the crown jewel of Naxos. Much of this belief is due to the fact that over the centuries it has managed to retain its unique authenticity which is apparent in every step you take, in every alley you walk and wherever you look.
Apeiranthos boasts magnificent views of the Naxian mountain ranges. The altitude offers extraordinary views from its various restaurants serving the local produce and the café most of which overlook the surrounding peaks and valleys.
But its most impressive feature is its architecture. Stone built towers, old houses and churches, marble paved alleys, traditional small souvenir and local craftsmanship shops. It is a photographer’s paradise in all its glory…
But if you’re visiting during the day make sure to bring a pair of sunglasses. Cause the sunlight will reflect on the shiny cobblestones and white walls.
9. Hike up to Mount Zeus
One of the best things to do in Naxos is hike up Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades. Another very good reason to summit Mount Zeus is to stond on the exact place where Zeus was born and raised.
The hike to the peak of Mount Zeus is relatively short but there are two ways to get there. Since we didn’t bring proper hiking shoes on this trip we opted for the least steep route which was perfectly doable in sneakers.
We started the hike at the Saint Marina Holy Chapel. From here it took us about 1.5 hour to reach the top. The last part up is pretty strenuous but the 360° views at the top are so worth it!
I really wanted to see the sunset from the top of Mount Zeus and it was absolutely incredible! If you’re interested to do the same time it so you’re at the top about 1,5 hour before the actual sunset. And make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight with you so you can safely hike back down.
Be prepared for this hike by bringing the following items:
- Lots of water
- Sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. Especially if you’re hiking during the day.
- Snacks
- A flashlight
10. Visit the quaint town of Chalki
Visiting the village of Chalki is one of the best things to do in Naxos, since it’s the former capital of the island. Chalki is located in the centre of the island and used to be its main administrative and trade centre.
Halki has a long history and the numerous neoclassical houses and buildings are testimony to the wealth and power the village once exerted in the surrounding area. Apart from the lovely old mansions and the picturesque churches, the village itself has colorful alleys that give visitors the sense that they have somehow gone back in time. Many well preserved houses, Venetian Towers and fine Byzantine churches can be found in the area.
It is a very fertile area of Naxos and in conjunction with the olive groves that cover many square kilometers, the “Citron” tree from which the famous Naxian liqueur is produced, is everywhere to be seen.
How to get around Naxos
Naxos is the biggest island out of all of the Greek Cyclades and the best way to travel around the island is by rental car.
Naxos has a very small airport but flights tend to be expensive and very rare. So the best way to reach the island is by ferry. The best place to book your ferry is through FerryScanner.
Since we were arrive at the port in Chora I opted for a car rental company that would allow pick up and drop off at the port and so limiting taxi and transport costs.
When it comes to renting a car I always use SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.
Our favorite restaurants in Naxos
Here are some of our favorite restaurants for lunch and dinner in Naxos. Some dishes you have to try are Naxian potatoes, Naxian cheese, seafood and lamb.
- Tortuga, Plaka Beach
- O Fotis, Agios Prokopios
- Matina & Stavros Tavern, Koronos
- Giannis Tavern, Chalki
Hotel recommendations in Naxos
When renting a car in Naxos I don’t recommend staying within the town of Chora because the amount of parking spaces here is very limited. It would honestly be a hassle everytime you would come back. Instead I will list my favorite hotels where you can also relax by the pool in the afternoon.
- Avgoustos Suites Naxos – A beautiful boutique hotel located right on the beach, offering a sea view
- Naxian Collection – A complex of luxury villas with a panoramic view over the Aegean Sea
- Proteas Hotel & Suites – A more budget friendly hotel with modern rooms that come with a private balcony and a communal swimming pool
READ MORE – THE 9 BEST HOTELS IN NAXOS
Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings.
Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice.
She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay.
Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.
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