Naxos island guide

Naxos Town is a joy to explore, with a busy waterfront of cafés, restaurants and boats, and a maze of lanes winding up to the Kastro, the Venetian castle quarter where old mansions and churches hide behind its walls. Just beside the harbour, a causeway leads to the islet of the Portara, the giant marble doorway that frames the most famous sunset on the island.

• Harbour cafés and tavernas
• Venetian Kastro
• Portara sunsets

Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are the island’s favourite beach resorts, with soft golden sand, shallow turquoise water and a relaxed choice of hotels, studios, tavernas and beach bars. Buses run regularly to Naxos Town, so they make an easy, sunny base. Wander without a plan: the joy of the Cyclades is in the lanes, the little squares and the views that open up around every corner.

• Long sandy beaches
• Hotels and tavernas
• Buses to town

Plaka is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades, a long stretch of pale sand backed by dunes and bamboo, with stylish beach bars, small hotels and plenty of space even in summer. Wander without a plan: the joy of the Cyclades is in the lanes, the little squares and the views that open up around every corner.

• Long natural beach
• Stylish beach bars
• Sunsets

Halki was once the capital of the island’s interior, and its elegant neoclassical houses, little squares and cafés make it one of the loveliest villages on Naxos. Visit the Vallindras distillery to taste kitron, the island’s citrus liqueur, and explore the Byzantine churches of the olive-filled Tragaia valley.

• Kitron distillery
• Neoclassical houses
• Olive groves and chapels

Apiranthos is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Greece, with marble-paved lanes, stone arches and Venetian towers. It has a strong character of its own, small museums and tavernas serving the island’s mountain cooking. Wander without a plan: the joy of the Cyclades is in the lanes, the little squares and the views that open up around every corner.

• Marble-paved lanes
• Mountain tavernas
• Small museums

Filoti spreads across the slopes below Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, and its square shaded by a great plane tree is the place to sit with a coffee and watch village life. It is the starting point for the hike up Zas. Wander without a plan: the joy of the Cyclades is in the lanes, the little squares and the views that open up around every corner.

• Village square
• Start of the Zas hike
• Mountain views

Agios Prokopios regularly appears on lists of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and it is easy to see why: fine golden sand, crystal-clear water that stays shallow for a long way, and a relaxed resort behind it. Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be scarce, and arrive early in July and August for the best spot.

• Crystal-clear water
• Golden sand
• Sunbeds and tavernas

Agia Anna is a friendly, family-style beach with a small harbour, calm shallow water and a strip of tavernas and bars, from where the sand continues south towards Plaka. Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be scarce, and arrive early in July and August for the best spot.

• Calm water
• Small harbour
• Tavernas and bars

Plaka beach is so long that there is always room to spread out. The northern end has organised beach bars; further south it becomes wilder and quieter. Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be scarce, and arrive early in July and August for the best spot. The summer meltemi wind blows from the north, so on windy days head for a beach on the sheltered side of Naxos.

• Kilometres of sand
• Beach bars and quiet stretches
• Sunset views

Mikri Vigla is a favourite of kitesurfers, with schools on the windy northern side, while the southern side is calmer and better for swimming, so there is always a good spot. Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be scarce, and arrive early in July and August for the best spot.

• Kitesurfing schools
• Sheltered cove
• Two beaches in one

Agios Georgios is the easy beach for anyone staying in town, with very shallow water that is ideal for children, cafés and tavernas behind the sand, and windsurfing lessons at its southern end. Bring water and sun protection, as shade can be scarce, and arrive early in July and August for the best spot.

• Walk from town
• Very shallow water
• Windsurfing lessons

Banana is a lively beach bar on Agia Anna, serving everything from breakfast to grilled meat and fish, with cocktails late into the night. Sunbeds usually cost extra, and the most popular clubs are worth booking at weekends in July and August. Arrive by late morning for the best sunbeds, and check whether there is a minimum spend.

• All-day menu
• Late cocktails
• On Agia Anna beach

Yucca brings a stylish touch to Plaka beach, with sunbeds, cocktails and Mediterranean food, and accommodation for those who never want to leave. Sunbeds usually cost extra, and the most popular clubs are worth booking at weekends in July and August. Arrive by late morning for the best sunbeds, and check whether there is a minimum spend.

• Stylish sunbeds
• Cocktails and food
• Rooms on site

Tohu is a relaxed beach bar with a creative edge, from specialty coffee and brunch in the morning to grilled meat and fish and well-made cocktails at sunset. Sunbeds usually cost extra, and the most popular clubs are worth booking at weekends in July and August. Arrive by late morning for the best sunbeds, and check whether there is a minimum spend.

• Brunch
• Mixology cocktails
• Sunset on Plaka

Peppermint blends a beach-bar mood with proper island cooking, so you can lie on a sunbed all day and eat Naxian dishes beside the water. Sunbeds usually cost extra, and the most popular clubs are worth booking at weekends in July and August. Arrive by late morning for the best sunbeds, and check whether there is a minimum spend.

• Naxian dishes
• Cocktails
• Right by the water

Axiotissa is one of the most praised restaurants on Naxos, cooking with the island’s meat, cheeses and vegetables and organic ingredients in creative but honest dishes. Book several days ahead in summer. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view.

• Local and organic
• Modern Naxian cooking
• Book days ahead

Metaxi Mas, meaning between us, is a much-loved taverna in the lanes of the old town, perfect for an evening of sharing meze and grilled dishes. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view. Ask about the dish of the day and the local wine: kitchens on Naxos cook with what the island produces each season.

• Classic meze
• Old-town lanes
• Lively evenings

The Naxos Apothecary is one of the most stylish places to eat in town, with a terrace facing the Portara, refined Mediterranean cooking and a well-chosen wine list. Reservations are recommended. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view.

• Portara views
• Refined cooking
• Book ahead

Apostolis is a friendly taverna in a green courtyard in the old town, with generous Greek dishes such as slow-cooked lamb, and a glass of kitron with your meal. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view. Ask about the dish of the day and the local wine: kitchens on Naxos cook with what the island produces each season.

• Shaded garden
• Generous portions
• Slow-cooked lamb

Paradiso has tables on the sand under the trees at Agia Anna, a photogenic spot for fresh fish, seafood and Greek dishes as the sun goes down. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view. Ask about the dish of the day and the local wine: kitchens on Naxos cook with what the island produces each season.

• Tables on the sand
• Fresh fish
• Sunset views

Lefteris is a lovely stop on a day in the mountains, serving the hearty food of inland Naxos on a veranda full of flowers. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view. Ask about the dish of the day and the local wine: kitchens on Naxos cook with what the island produces each season.

• Flower-filled veranda
• Mountain dishes
• In Apiranthos

Vassilis is a genuine village taverna near the ancient kouros of Melanes, where the vegetables, meat and cheese come from the family’s own land. In high season it is wise to book a table, especially for sunset or for a terrace with a view. Ask about the dish of the day and the local wine: kitchens on Naxos cook with what the island produces each season.

• Family produce
• Village setting
• Near the kouros

520 is a stylish bar in a historic building, with cocktails, music and a terrace looking out to sea. Island evenings start late: most bars fill up after dinner and stay lively well past midnight in summer. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go early or late in the year.

• Historic building
• Sea views
• Cocktails

Like Home is a relaxed rooftop where the day starts with coffee and ends with cocktails and DJ sets above the town. Island evenings start late: most bars fill up after dinner and stay lively well past midnight in summer. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go early or late in the year.

• Rooftop views
• DJ sets
• Coffee to cocktails

On the Rocks sits right on the seafront, a café by day, a sunset-drinks spot in the evening and a lively bar later on, with cocktails and sport on the big screen. Island evenings start late: most bars fill up after dinner and stay lively well past midnight in summer. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go early or late in the year.

• On the seafront
• Café by day
• Bar by night

Meli & Kanela, honey and cinnamon, is a cosy coffee shop by day and a cocktail bar by night, with creative drinks in a beautiful old building. Island evenings start late: most bars fill up after dinner and stay lively well past midnight in summer. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go early or late in the year.

• Creative cocktails
• Beautiful old building
• Coffee by day

Swing has two terraces looking over the water and a lively crowd, starting with sunset cocktails and turning into a dance party later in the night. Island evenings start late: most bars fill up after dinner and stay lively well past midnight in summer. Opening times change with the season, so check before you go early or late in the year.

• Two terraces
• Sea views
• Dance parties

Nissaki is one of the best-rated hotels on Naxos, right on the sand of Agios Georgios beach with a pool and elegant rooms, close enough to walk into town for dinner. Book early for July and August, when the best rooms on the islands sell out months ahead. Many hotels on Naxos open from spring to autumn only, so check the season dates if you travel early or late in the year.

• On the beach
• Walk to town
• Highly rated

Kavos is a stylish boutique hotel above one of the best beaches on the island, with sea-view rooms and pools in Cycladic white. Book early for July and August, when the best rooms on the islands sell out months ahead. Many hotels on Naxos open from spring to autumn only, so check the season dates if you travel early or late in the year.

• Sea views
• Pools
• Above the beach

18 Grapes is a well-reviewed boutique hotel in town, a comfortable base for exploring the old town, the harbour and the beaches nearby. Book early for July and August, when the best rooms on the islands sell out months ahead. Many hotels on Naxos open from spring to autumn only, so check the season dates if you travel early or late in the year.

• In town
• Highly rated
• Boutique style

Iria Beach Art Hotel is set on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with rooms decorated with art and the dunes of Plaka at the door. Book early for July and August, when the best rooms on the islands sell out months ahead. Many hotels on Naxos open from spring to autumn only, so check the season dates if you travel early or late in the year.

• On Plaka beach
• Art-filled rooms
• Sunsets

Kouros Art Hotel is a calm, adults-only retreat on the Stelida hill, close to the beaches of Agios Prokopios and a short drive from town. Book early for July and August, when the best rooms on the islands sell out months ahead. Many hotels on Naxos open from spring to autumn only, so check the season dates if you travel early or late in the year.

• Adults only
• Near the beaches
• Highly rated

Airbnb lists hundreds of places to stay on Naxos, from whitewashed village houses to modern villas with private pools, and many are run by local families. It suits families and groups who want a kitchen and more space than a hotel room. Read the reviews and check how far the property is from the beaches and the main town.

• Villas with pools
• Village houses
• Good for families and groups

Vrbo specialises in renting whole properties rather than rooms, so it is a good place to find a house or villa on Naxos for a family or a group of friends. Compare the total price, including cleaning and service fees, with the same property on other sites. Check the exact location on a map before you book, as island roads can be steep and villages are spread out.

• Whole houses and villas
• Good for longer stays
• Compare total prices

Many of the friendliest places to stay on Naxos are small, family-run studios and rooms, and most of them can be booked on Booking.com, often with free cancellation if your plans change. Filter by village and read recent reviews for cleanliness and the welcome. Check the exact location on a map before you book, as island roads can be steep and villages are spread out.

• Family-run studios
• Free cancellation on many rooms
• Easy to compare

Naction is a well-reviewed local company that will meet you at the port, a big help on an island as large as Naxos, where a car opens up the mountain villages and the southern beaches. Book ahead in July and August, check the insurance carefully, and photograph the car when you collect it; a valid licence is needed and non-EU drivers may also need an International Driving Permit.

• Pick-up at the ferry
• Helpful staff
• Clean cars

Motonaxos offers cars and scooters with delivery to the port, airport or your hotel. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, so having your own wheels is the best way to see it. Book ahead in July and August, check the insurance carefully, and photograph the car when you collect it; a valid licence is needed and non-EU drivers may also need an International Driving Permit.

• Cars and scooters
• Hotel delivery
• Family-run

Just south-east of Naxos lie the Small Cyclades, tiny islands with some of the clearest water in Greece. Day cruises visit Koufonisia and its neighbours for swims in turquoise coves. Trips depend on the weather and the wind, so keep a spare day in your plans in case of cancellations.

• Turquoise lagoons
• Swimming stops
• Tiny islands

Paths from Filoti and from the chapel of Agia Marina lead to the summit of Zas, with views across the Cyclades on clear days. Allow a few hours, start early and take plenty of water. Trips depend on the weather and the wind, so keep a spare day in your plans in case of cancellations.

• Highest peak in the Cyclades
• Views across the islands
• Start early

The steady summer winds make Naxos a great place to learn to kite or windsurf, with schools at Mikri Vigla and at Agios Georgios beach in town. Trips depend on the weather and the wind, so keep a spare day in your plans in case of cancellations. Book ahead in July and August, when the best trips on Naxos fill up quickly.

• All levels
• Equipment rental
• Steady summer winds

The Portara is the symbol of Naxos: a huge marble door frame, all that stands of a temple begun in the 6th century BC. Walk along the causeway in the evening and watch the sun set through it. Arrive half an hour before sunset to find a good spot on the rocks, and afterwards walk back along the causeway to the harbour for dinner in one of the waterfront tavernas or the lanes of the old town.

• Sunset through the door
• By the harbour

The Kastro was built by the Venetian dukes of Naxos in the 13th century, and its lanes, arches and old mansions are still lived in today. Climb up from the harbour and get lost. Look out for the Venetian coats of arms above the doorways, the Catholic cathedral and the little museums, and stop for a drink on a terrace with a view down over the rooftops and the harbour.

• Venetian mansions
• Quiet lanes
• Above the harbour

Kitron is made from the leaves of the citron tree, which has grown on Naxos for centuries. The Vallindras distillery in Halki shows how it is made and offers tastings. The shop sells the three styles of kitron, from the strong, clear version to the sweet, green one, and it makes a lovely gift to take home. Combine your visit with a coffee in the square of Halki and a walk among the olive groves and Byzantine chapels of the valley.

• Kitron tastings
• Historic distillery
• In Halki

Naxos is a ferry hub of the central Cyclades, with connections to Piraeus, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios and the Small Cyclades. The bus station is at the port. For any emergency in Greece call 112. Ferry and flight times on Naxos change with the season, so always check the latest timetable.

• Hub of the Cyclades
• Bus station by the quay
• Arrive early in summer

Naxos airport is a few minutes from town and the beaches, with flights from Athens. Taxis and car hire meet arrivals. For any emergency in Greece call 112. Ferry and flight times on Naxos change with the season, so always check the latest timetable. Pharmacies take turns to open in the evenings and on Sundays; the rota is posted on every pharmacy door.

• Flights from Athens
• Close to town
• Taxis and car hire

Buses run frequently in summer from the port to Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka, and less often to Halki, Filoti, Apiranthos and the north. For any emergency in Greece call 112. Ferry and flight times on Naxos change with the season, so always check the latest timetable. Pharmacies take turns to open in the evenings and on Sundays; the rota is posted on every pharmacy door.

• Frequent beach buses
• Mountain villages
• From the port

For emergencies call 112, or 166 for an ambulance. The hospital serves Naxos and the Small Cyclades, and pharmacies can help with minor problems. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. For any emergency in Greece call 112. Ferry and flight times on Naxos change with the season, so always check the latest timetable.

• Emergency 112, ambulance 166
• Near town
• Pharmacies in villages