CYCLADES ISLANDS

If you’ve ever dreamt of wandering through whitewashed mountain villages, lounging on long stretches of golden sand, and watching the sun set behind ancient ruins, then Naxos might just be your perfect Greek island escape.

I spent four days on the island with my boyfriend for my 33rd birthday, and it ended up being one of our favourite islands. Whether you're having lunch in a tiny mountain village, quad biking to remote spots like Apeiranthos, lounging on the beach, or catching the sunset at the Portara, the ancient marble gateway that overlooks the sea, Naxos offers the perfect mix of adventure, history, and total relaxation.

Chora

The lively capital of Naxos blends Cycladic charm with Venetian history, featuring a maze of whitewashed alleys, quaint shops, seaside tavernas, and hidden churches. It’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly, browse local boutiques, and soak up the relaxed island vibe. Whether you're exploring the Kastro (Venetian Castle), strolling along the waterfront promenade, or enjoying sunset views at the Portara (Temple of Apollo), Chora is full of character and ideal for both daytime exploring and evening dining.

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLAND

Naxos is an island, so getting there requires a bit of planning. If you're arriving from Athens, the most convenient option is a domestic flight from Athens International Airport to Naxos Airport. Athens is currently the only airport offering direct flights to Naxos. If you're traveling from another island, such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Paros, ferries are the only available means of transport to Naxos.

When planning our trip, I used Ferryhopper, which I found to be a fantastic tool for organising and booking ferry travel. The website/app lets you compare different ferry operators, departure times, and prices, making it easy to find the option that best fits your schedule. You can book directly through the app, and your tickets are saved to your phone for convenience.

When you arrive on the island of Naxos, the port is located right in the heart of Naxos Town (Chora), the island’s capital. Most accommodations in Chora are within a short walking distance of the port. However, if you're staying in another part of the island or further afield, the bus station is conveniently located nearby, offering regular routes to major villages and beaches. Taxis are also available just outside the arrivals area for direct transport to your destination.

WHERE TO STAY

We chose to stay in an Airbnb nestled in a quiet neighbourhood on the edge of Naxos Town. Just a short walk from the port, the apartment sat perched at the top of a hill, offering stunning views over the harbour and the sea. It struck the perfect balance, close enough to town to enjoy its vibrant cafés, tavernas, and shops, yet far enough removed to escape the daily hustle and bustle.

The apartment itself was modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, an ideal base for our stay and the perfect place to celebrate my birthday. It felt peaceful and comfortable, with everything we needed to relax after a day of exploring. There was convenient on-street parking nearby, which came in especially handy when we spontaneously hired a quad bike for a few days to explore more of the island. Overall, it was a relaxing stay, and a place I would definitely return to.

Other popular areas to stay while visiting Naxos include:

Agios Georgios - A beachside neighborhood just a short walk from Naxos Town. Calm, shallow waters make it ideal for kids, with plenty of cafés and accommodations.

Agios Prokopios - Famous for its long sandy beach and turquoise waters. Has a more resort-like feel with beach bars, tavernas, and a laid-back vibe.

Agia Anna - A small and cosy beach village next to Agios Prokopios. Great for sunset views, seafood, and quiet evenings.

Plaka – A stunning and less crowded stretch of beach, popular with backpackers and travelers seeking a more secluded, laid-back stay. It's worth noting that some sections of the beach are nudist-friendly, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Chalki - Inland and away from the coast, this traditional village offers charm, history, and easy access to hikes and nearby ancient sites.

Apeiranthos - A mountain village with marble-paved alleys and a lot of local character. Best for a few nights or a day trip to soak in the authentic atmosphere.

FOOD AND DRINK

Avaton 1739 - A rooftop café perched atop the historic Ursulines Monastery in Naxos Town, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the Venetian Castle. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and a variety of traditional dishes. With plenty of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options, the Greek fava wrap was a personal favourite of mine, perfectly accompanied by homemade sour cherry juice.

La Paloma - A Tex-Mex restaurant and cocktail bar located on the Naxos waterfront, offering stunning views across the harbour. They serve popular dishes like tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. I started with the guacamole and chips appetiser, followed by the shrimp tacos, both of which were absolutely delicious. The seafood was fresh, portions generous, and prices very reasonable. The staff were especially accommodating to my dietary requirements, even checking in with the chef to ensure everything was suitable. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed lunch by the sea.

Corner Bakery - Located opposite the port, on the corner of Protopapadaki and Leof Naxou Eggaron, the corner bakery, was the perfect place to start the day. They serve delicious pastries, a variety of hot and iced coffees, fresh juices and Greek yoghurt bowls. This quickly became our go-to breakfast spot, which we returned to every morning. They also offer vegetarian options and dairy-free milk alternatives.

Doukato - A traditional restaurant located in the Old Chora, offers authentic local Naxian dishes such as Saganaki, Giaourtlou, and Kalogeros. We visited for dinner on my birthday and started with the fava dip served with fresh pitta, which was incredible - a new favourite of mine. I followed this with the vegan stuffed ravioli, while Matt chose the potato gnocchi with zamponi and kefalotiri cheese, which he claimed was on par with the gnocchi he’s eaten in Italy. With plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes, this restaurant is suitable for most dietary requirements. Be sure to book a table or arrive early, as it’s a popular spot and tables fill up quickly.

Gliko Fournismata - Located in Agios Prokopios, a local bakery and juice bar. The menu includes pancakes and waffles, while takeaway options feature traditional baked pastries, freshly pressed juices, and coffee.

Naxaki - Located on Agios Georgios Beach, Naxaki offers refreshing cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a relaxed beachfront setting. The menu features a blend of authentic Greek and Italian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, ranging from club sandwiches and fresh seafood to burgers and salads. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available, making it a great choice for a variety of dietary preferences. 

We enjoyed freshly made burgers - Matt had the beef, while I opted for the shrimp - and Naxian potatoes, with cocktails delivered right to our sun loungers, a perfect beachside treat.

Yasouvlaki - A popular souvlaki spot in central Naxos, this casual restaurant has a large menu offering a variety of gyros and souvlaki, catering to many dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan options. I chose the halloumi gyros, which I enjoyed, and it was very reasonably priced at around €4.

THINGS TO DO / DAY TRIPS

Venetian Castle of Naxos (Kastro) - This historic fortress sits at the heart of Chora, offering a glimpse into the island’s Venetian past with its winding alleys, stone arches, and old mansions. We stopped for lunch at Avaton 1739, a rooftop café tucked within the castle walls with panoramic views across the island.

Portara (Temple of Apollo) - A massive marble doorway on Naxos and the remnant of a 6th-century BCE Temple of Apollo, draws crowds each evening as people flock here to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Aegean Sea. We enjoyed visiting in the afternoon, when the crowds were minimal and the sound of the waves could be fully appreciated.

Agios Georgios Bay – Just a short stroll from Naxos Town, this popular and family-friendly beach is known for its shallow turquoise waters, soft sand, and easy access to a variety of cafes, tavernas, and water sports. One of the highlights of our visit was Naxaki, a stylish beach club right on the bay. For just €15, we got two sunbeds, a parasol, and fresh towels, a total bargain. The atmosphere was relaxed but vibrant, with chilled music and a beachfront vibe that made it easy to unwind. They also offer table service and a surprisingly well-priced menu, with food and drinks delivered right to your lounger. Highly recommend adding this spot to your Naxos itinerary! 

Chalki - Once the island’s capital, filled with charming cafés and local artisan shops. Now, a charming village in the heart of Naxos, known for its architecture, traditional charm, and peaceful atmosphere.

Apeiranthos - A picturesque mountain village built almost entirely from marble, renowned for its narrow alleys and rich local traditions. With plenty of charming spots to choose from, we enjoyed an authentic Greek lunch of Naxian potatoes and filo-coated feta - a perfect afternoon pick-me-up, washed down with sour cherry juice or homemade lemonade, of course.

Filoti - A vibrant mountain village nestled on the slopes of Mount Zas, known for its breathtaking views and historic churches, offering traditional architecture, scenic trails, and authentic local culture.

The Agricultural Site at Yiroulas, Sangri - The site features the Temple of Demeter, a significant sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of agriculture and harvest. Dating back to around 530 BC, it's a well-preserved example of early Ionic architecture and includes an on-site museum showcasing artifacts and the temple's history. The museum costs €4 to enter (cash only), however, the temple grounds are free to visit. Don’t do what we did and arrive after hours - it’s open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, except on Tuesdays when it’s closed.

Hawaii Beach – With its crystal-clear waters and secluded feel, this was my favorite beach in Naxos. It’s accessible only by a short walk and a climb down the cliffs, which helps keep it peaceful and uncrowded. We spent a few relaxing hours here, taking in the stunning surroundings and swimming in the ocean.

The beach is completely secluded, with no shops nearby, and it gets especially hot as the sun reflects off the surrounding cliffs—so be sure to bring plenty of water and food if you plan to visit.

Plaka Beach – One of Naxos’s most stunning stretches of coastline, known for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and relaxed, unspoiled atmosphere - perfect for a laid-back beach day. We stumbled upon it unintentionally during a drive along the coast and couldn’t resist stopping for a walk. It turned out to be a beautiful, quiet beach, with a few loungers and even a food truck nearby.

Agia Anna – A charming beach village, loved for its golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and beachfront tavernas that offer the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Aegean. Just a short drive from Chora, it’s a lovely area to visit—whether for a relaxed breakfast by the sea or to watch the sunset.

GETTING AROUND

If you're planning to explore beyond Naxos Town (Chora), renting a vehicle is highly recommended. While public buses do run, they can be infrequent and don’t always cover all the best spots on the island.

You have several options for getting around Naxos: car, moped, quad bike, or ATV. We hired a 450L C-Force quad bike from Mike’s Bikes & Cars and it was the perfect choice for two people - comfortable, easy to handle, and equipped with a secure lockbox for helmets and personal items while sightseeing.

One of the biggest advantages of a quad bike is how easy it is to park, especially in popular areas like Chora, Agios Prokopios, or the hilltop villages where parking can be limited.

We arranged the rental directly through Mike’s Bikes, and the process was smooth. They offered flexible pick-up and drop-off options, making it hassle-free.

Remember, in Greece you drive on the right side of the road, and helmets are mandatory by law when riding mopeds or quad bikes. Helmets were included with our rental, and Mike’s Bikes ensured we were properly equipped and informed.

We visited in May 2025 and paid €35 per day plus fuel, which was significantly cheaper than other rentals in the area. The quad bike gave us the freedom to explore Naxos at our own pace, and we’d definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to discover the island beyond the main town.