Travel Guide of Naxos in Greece by Influencers and Travelers

Naxos is a Greek island and the largest of the Cyclades. It was the centre of archaic Cycladic culture. The island is famous as a source of emery, a rock rich in corundum, which until modern time was one of the best abrasives available.

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Pictures and Stories of Naxos from Influencers

16 pictures of Naxos from Romanos Senikidis, Chris Barbalis, Terry Vlisidis and other travelers

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How to visit Naxos ?

Why traveling to Naxos?

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages. It's a perfect destination for those looking for a mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Naxos is less crowded than its popular neighbors, Mykonos and Santorini, making it a great choice for travelers seeking an authentic Greek experience.

How to get to Naxos?

There are two main ways to reach Naxos: by air or by sea. Naxos has a small airport, with daily flights from Athens and other major Greek cities. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, travelers can take a ferry from Athens' ports, Piraeus or Rafina. The ferry ride lasts between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the type of ferry chosen (high-speed or regular). Ferries also run between Naxos and other Cycladic islands.

What to book in advance?

It's recommended to book accommodations, ferry tickets, and car rentals in advance, especially during the high season (June to September). If you're interested in guided tours or specific activities, such as windsurfing or scuba diving, it's a good idea to book these in advance as well.

What are the costs?

Naxos is generally more affordable than other popular Greek islands. Accommodation prices range from €30-€150 per night, depending on the type and location. Meals in local tavernas will cost around €10-€20 per person, while high-end restaurants may charge up to €50 per person. Car rentals are available from €25 per day. Ferry tickets from Athens cost between €20-€50, depending on the type of ferry.

Best things to do in Naxos

1. Explore the Chora: Naxos' main town is filled with narrow streets, traditional houses, and charming squares. Don't miss the Portara, a marble gate that's the only remaining part of an ancient temple.
2. Visit the ancient sites of Apollonas and the Temple of Demeter.
3. Relax on the island's beautiful beaches, such as Plaka, Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna.
4. Hike or drive to the traditional villages of Apeiranthos, Koronos, and Filoti.
5. Try local delicacies, including Naxian cheese, potatoes, and the liqueur Kitron.

Where to eat?

1. Taverna Maro: Located in Chora, this family-owned restaurant offers delicious Greek dishes made with local ingredients.
2. O Giorgis: In the village of Melanes, this traditional taverna serves mouthwatering Naxian specialties.
3. To Elliniko: Situated in the Chora, this restaurant offers a modern twist on classic Greek cuisine.

Where to stay?

1. Naxian Collection: A luxury hotel with private villas, infinity pools, and stunning views of the island.
2. Lagos Mare Hotel: A stylish and comfortable hotel located close to Agios Prokopios beach.
3. Kavos Boutique Hotel: A charming family-run hotel with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience in Naxos, consider visiting the lesser-known, yet enchanting village of Halki. This picturesque village, with its Venetian architecture and peaceful atmosphere, offers a glimpse into the island's past. While there, visit the Vallindras Distillery, where you can learn about the production of the local liqueur Kitron and even taste the different varieties. Hiking enthusiasts can also explore the nearby Byzantine-era Panagia Drosiani church and its surrounding olive groves.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Naxos

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1 - Apollo Temple

The Temple of the Delians is the largest of the three cult temples dedicated to Apollo within the temenos of the Sanctuary of Apollo on the Greek island of Delos. It is also known as the Great Temple or the Delian Temple of Apollo.

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2 - Portara

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3 - Windsurf in Naxos

Laguna Beach Park offers windsurfing courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced windsurfers. Whatever your level, you will love windsurfing in the lagoon's warm waters with the wind never stops blowing. An ideal spot with experienced instructor...

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4 - Naousa

   12 km away

Naousa is a village in the Cyclades. It is located in the northeastern corner of the island of Paros, and it has a population of 2,870.

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5 - Paros

   18 km away

Paros is a Greek island in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about 8 kilometres wide. It lies approximately 150 km south-east of Piraeus.

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6 - Windsurfing in Naxos

Laguna Beach Park offers windsurfing courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced windsurfers. Whatever your level, you will love windsurfing in the lagoon's warm waters with the wind never stops blowing. An ideal spot with experienced instructor...

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7 - Antiparos

   24 km away

Antiparos is a small island in the southern Aegean, at the heart of the Cyclades, which is less than one nautical mile from Paros, the port to which it is connected with a local ferry.

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8 - Venetiko

   26 km away
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9 - Snorkelling in Naxos

Discover the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and the breathtaking landscapes of the Greek Cyclades on this snorkelling and boat tour from Naxos! Welcoming adventurers ages 10 and up. Naxos Island is located in the southern Aegean Sea and is th...

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10 - Mykonos

   42 km away

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island has an area of 85.5 square kilometres and rises to an elevation of 341 metres at its highest point.

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11 - Church of Greece

   42 km away
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12 - Bike Tours in Naxos

Hop on a 3-hour cultural e-bike exploration in Naxos and stroll among olive trees, and citrus fruit as you absorb the natural beauty of the island and its valleys! Meet your guide at their base in Protodikiou Square, just a few minutes away from Agio...

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13 - Little Venice

   42 km away
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14 - nice n easy

   42 km away
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15 - Kitesurfing in Naxos

Kitesurfing in Mikri Vigla in Naxos is pure magic! One of the best spots in Southern Europe to get your kitesurfing lesson. With the help of Naxos Kite Life's instructors, rest assured that you will learn rapidly how to kitesurf in private, and you w...

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16 - Agios Stefanos Beach

   45 km away

Agios Stefanos was originally a fishing village for the nearby village of Avliotes located on the north west coast of Corfu island. In 2011, its population was 176. It is located 35 km from Corfu town, approximate transfer time by car is 1h 15 min.

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17 - Armenistis Lighthouse

   47 km away
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Learn More about Naxos

The largest island of the Cyclades with its 428km² of surface, Naxos is the Greek island par excellence. Less touristic than its neighbors Santorini and Mykonos, it is home to many colorful villages, long sandy beaches and archaeological wonders. It is also the highest island of the archipelago. Among the various mountains, Mount Zas (or Mount Zeus) stands out with its 1004 meters high and is the highest peak of the Cyclades. Easily accessible from the Greek mainland by plane or ferry, the town of Naxos, also called Chóra, is the main port of the island. A visit to the Kastro district is a must. It is the oldest part of the town and it is nice to stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Market. Not far from there, on the islet Palatia, stands the emblem of the island: the Portara. The only remnant of the Temple of Apollo built in the 6th century BC, this massive marble door is precisely the place where, according to the legend, Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, was abandoned by her lover Theseus after he killed the Minotaur. The site of Portara is also the best place to admire the sunset and the port of Naxos. Other villages are worth a visit. In the center of the island, do not miss to visit Halki. Indeed you will find there the distillery of Vallindras, the only place on the island where Kitron, the local liquor, is produced. You can also visit the village of Vivlos to admire its three mills. Or in the village of Filoti, the largest on the island, from where you can start the ascent of Mount Zas. After a first step at the springs of Aria, you can admire the cave of Zeus before finishing the ascent and enjoy a magnificent panorama. The island of Naxos is also a destination for those who wish to enjoy the beach. There are beaches all around the island, some of sand, others of pebble. The closest to the city is Agios Georgios, but other more wild beaches are to be preferred: Agiassos, Pirgaki, Kastraki, Amitis, ... Finally, don't miss the Kouros of Apollonas located in the village of the same name in the north of the island. Kouros means "young man". It is an unfinished marble statue dating from the 6th century BC, 10.7 meters long and weighing 80 tons. Two other kouros can be observed in Flerio, smaller and less well preserved.

   Where to Stay near Naxos

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