Your Headline

Greece Travel Secrets picks some of the best things to do on Naxos in the Cyclades, including discovering the beaches, villages, and ancient ruins.

Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands in Greece, offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From stunning beaches and ancient ruins to charming villages and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. Here are some of the best things to do on the Greek island of Naxos:

naxos-pixabay-1.jpgNaxos Town

Best Things to Do on Naxos

 1. Explore Chora: Start your visit by exploring the island's capital, Chora. Wander through its narrow streets, lined with whitewashed houses and vibrant bougainvillea. Visit the Venetian Castle, also known as the Kastro, which offers panoramic views of the town and the Aegean Sea.

naxos-pixabay-9-shop.jpgTourist Shop on Naxos

2. Visit the Portara: One of the most iconic landmarks on Naxos is the Portara, a massive marble gate that stands on a small islet near Chora. Dating back to the 6th century BC, it is the entrance to an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo. Watching the sunset from this spot is a must-do experience.

naxos-pixabay-2.jpgNaxos

3. Relax on the Beaches: Naxos boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. Agios Prokopios, Plaka, and Agia Anna are popular choices with their crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Whether you prefer a lively beach with beach bars and water sports or a secluded cove for tranquility, Naxos has it all.

Must Read: Best Time to Visit Naxos

4. Explore the Villages: Take the time to explore the charming villages scattered across the island. Visit Apiranthos, a picturesque mountain village known for its marble-paved streets and traditional architecture. Halki, with its Venetian mansions and olive groves, is another village worth visiting. Don't forget to sample the local products, such as the famous Naxian cheese.

naxos-pixabay-5.jpgArtwork on Naxos

5. Discover Ancient Ruins: Naxos has a rich history, and there are several ancient ruins to explore. The Temple of Demeter, dedicated to the goddess of agriculture, is a well-preserved archaeological site. The ancient city of Naxos, known as the Portara Archaeological Site, offers a glimpse into the island's past.

naxos-pixabay-7-mountains.jpgThe Mountains of Naxos

6. Hike Mount Zas: For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike up Mount Zas is a must. At 1,004 meters (3,294ft), it is the highest peak in the Cyclades and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. The trail is well-marked and takes you through beautiful landscapes and wildflowers.

naxos-pixabay-4.jpgTable and Chairs on Naxos

7. Taste the Local Cuisine: Naxos is known for its delicious food and local specialties. Try the famous Naxian potatoes, grown in the fertile soil of the island, or sample fresh seafood at one of the waterfront tavernas. Don't forget to try the local cheeses, such as graviera and arseniko, and pair them with a glass of local wine.

8. Visit the Kouros Statues: Naxos is home to several impressive Kouros statues, ancient marble sculptures of young men. The most famous is the Kouros of Apollonas, located in the village of Apollonas. These statues provide a fascinating glimpse into the island's ancient history.

ancient_theatre_delos_cyclades_greece.jpgThe Ancient Ruins of Delos

9. Take a Boat Trip: Explore the surrounding islands and hidden coves by taking a boat trip from Naxos. Visit the neighboring islands of Paros and Mykonos, or take a day trip to the small uninhabited island of Delos, an important archaeological site.

10. Enjoy Water Sports: Naxos is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing at the famous beaches of Mikri Vigla and Plaka. The island's strong winds and calm waters make it an ideal destination for these activities.

naxos-pixabay-3-bicycle.jpgDecor Naxos-Style

These are just a few of the best things to do on Naxos. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, Naxos has something to offer every traveler.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Rough-Guide-Greek-Islands-2022.png

More Cyclades Pages

  • Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Naxos, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

    Best Time to Visit Naxos

    Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Naxos, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

  • This is the first travel guide to Schinoussa and Iraklia, two tiny islands in the Cyclades, published by Real Greek Experiences.

    Schinoussa and Iraklia Travel Guide

    This is the first travel guide to Schinoussa and Iraklia, two tiny islands in the Cyclades, published by Real Greek Experiences.

  • Travel information from Greece Travel Secrets about Folegandros in the southern Cyclades, close to Sikinos, with flight and ferry information.

    Folegandros

    Travel information from Greece Travel Secrets about Folegandros in the southern Cyclades, close to Sikinos, with flight and ferry information.

  • The island of Ios in the Cyclades group of islands in Greece is noted for its nightlife in summer, as well as its beaches, churches and the grave of Homer.

    Ios in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    The island of Ios in the Cyclades group of islands in Greece is noted for its nightlife in summer, as well as its beaches, churches and the grave of Homer.

  • Surrounded by bigger and better-known Cyclades islands such as Ios, Naxos and Santorini, Sikinos is a delightfully untouristy island.

    Sikinos

    Surrounded by bigger and better-known Cyclades islands such as Ios, Naxos and Santorini, Sikinos is a delightfully untouristy island.

  • The island of Andros in the Cyclades has fast ferries from Rafina. There are some good beaches and the main town has two interesting museums.

    Andros in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    The island of Andros in the Cyclades has fast ferries from Rafina. There are some good beaches and the main town has two interesting museums.

  • Kythnos is a small island in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, with easy access from Athens and popular with Athenians on summer weekends.

    Kythnos

    Kythnos is a small island in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, with easy access from Athens and popular with Athenians on summer weekends.

  • Sifnos is one of the smaller islands in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea.

    Sifnos

    Sifnos is one of the smaller islands in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea.

  • Travel advice and information on Anafi in the Greek Cyclades islands with good beaches, walking, accommodation, tavernas.

    Anafi in the Cyclades islands of Greece

    Travel advice and information on Anafi in the Greek Cyclades islands with good beaches, walking, accommodation, tavernas.

  • Syros is in the Cyclades islands, with Ermoupoli as its main town and some good beaches, described here on the Greece Travel Secrets website.

    Syros

    Syros is in the Cyclades islands, with Ermoupoli as its main town and some good beaches, described here on the Greece Travel Secrets website.

  • Kea is in the Cyclades group of Greek islands and this page from Greece Travel Secrets shows how to get there by ferry and what to do when you've arrived.

    Kea

    Kea is in the Cyclades group of Greek islands and this page from Greece Travel Secrets shows how to get there by ferry and what to do when you've arrived.

  • The island of Paros in the Cyclades is famous for its marble, and on this page you can also see information about flights and ferries to Paros.

    Paros in the Cyclades Islands in Greece

    The island of Paros in the Cyclades is famous for its marble, and on this page you can also see information about flights and ferries to Paros.

  • Kimolos is in the Cyclades islands of Greece, close to Milos.

    Kimolos

    Kimolos is in the Cyclades islands of Greece, close to Milos.

  • Travel information about Antiparos near Paros in the Cyclades Islands of Greece from the Greece Travel Secrets website.

    Antiparos

    Travel information about Antiparos near Paros in the Cyclades Islands of Greece from the Greece Travel Secrets website.

  • Serifos is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, a rugged and mountainous island with a small population.

    Serifos

    Serifos is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, a rugged and mountainous island with a small population.

  • Travel information about the Cyclades group of Greek islands including Mykonos, Santorini (Thira), Naxos, Paros, Delos, Tinos, Siros, Milos, Amorgos.

    Cyclades

    Travel information about the Cyclades group of Greek islands including Mykonos, Santorini (Thira), Naxos, Paros, Delos, Tinos, Siros, Milos, Amorgos.

  • The island of Tinos in the Cyclades has several daily ferry connections from Rafina on the Greek mainland and is most famous for the Feast of the Assumption.

    Tinos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    The island of Tinos in the Cyclades has several daily ferry connections from Rafina on the Greek mainland and is most famous for the Feast of the Assumption.

  • The island of Milos in the Cyclades in Greece is noted for its museums and beaches, and read about flights and ferries to Milos.

    Milos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    The island of Milos in the Cyclades in Greece is noted for its museums and beaches, and read about flights and ferries to Milos.

  • The island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and on this page you can see information about flights and ferries to Naxos.

    Naxos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    The island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and on this page you can see information about flights and ferries to Naxos.

  • You can get from Mykonos to Santorini, and of course from Santorini to Mykonos, by ferry, by plane (sort-of) or even by helicopter.

    How to Get from Mykonos to Santorini

    You can get from Mykonos to Santorini, and of course from Santorini to Mykonos, by ferry, by plane (sort-of) or even by helicopter.

  • The island of Delos in the Cyclades islands is a unique archaeological site, taking up the whole island, and a popular day trip from nearby Mykonos.

    Delos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    The island of Delos in the Cyclades islands is a unique archaeological site, taking up the whole island, and a popular day trip from nearby Mykonos.

  • Travel advice and information on Amorgos in the Cyclades, a dramatic and growing holiday destination with ferries from Athens and other Greek islands

    Amorgos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece

    Travel advice and information on Amorgos in the Cyclades, a dramatic and growing holiday destination with ferries from Athens and other Greek islands

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Zakynthos’ Navagio Beach Viewing Platform Safety Overhaul Funding Approved

    The green light was given for significant safety and aesthetic improvements to the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach viewing platform on Zakynthos, following the approval of a €500,000 budget by the Mi…

    Read More

  2. Athens Airport Passenger Traffic Soars Over 21 Million in January-August

    Athens International Airport (AIA) set a new record during January-August, welcoming 21,260,634 travelers, a 13.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Based on data of the airport, du…

    Read More

  3. KOUZINA 2024 Festival Honors Florina’s Gastronomy in Three-day Event

    The unique culinary traditions of Florina take center stage at KOUZINA 2024, a gastronomy festival showcasing a three-day program filled with local recipes and cultural events. The KOUZINA festival is…

    Read More

  4. Thessaloniki’s New ‘ThessTicket’ and ‘ThessCard’ to Cover Both Bus and Metro Services

    Efforts to redesign Thessaloniki’s transportation network, including the introduction of a new ticketing system, were commended by Greek Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras d…

    Read More

  5. Santorini’s Caldera Zone to Face Construction Freeze Under New Legislation

    The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy is poised to implement a freeze on all construction activities in the Caldera zone of Santorini and on the island of Therassia, according to a draft law cu…

    Read More

  6. Angsana Corfu Resort Shines as Romantic Backdrop in Netflix’s ‘Love is Blind: UK’

    The idyllic Greek island of Corfu has once again captured international attention, this time as the stunning location for Netflix’s hit series “Love is Blind: UK”. The show’s producers have chosen the…

    Read More

  7. Corinth Moves Forward with Plans for Scuba Diving Park to Boost Tourism

    The Municipality of Corinth in the Peloponnese is exploring ways to develop a scuba diving park in an aim to attract more visitors to the city.

    Read More

  8. Exploring the Roman Agora at Athens: A Visitor’s Guide

    Nestled in the historic heart of Athens, the Roman Agora is an often-overlooked gem, where ancient cultures and architecture meet in a lively urban setting.

    Read More

  9. Discover Sifnos: A Perfect 3-Day Island Getaway

    Beaches, historical sites, and local cuisine: discover the best of the Cycladic island of Sifnos in just three days.

    Read More

  10. Thessaloniki to Get Second Museum for Metro Artifacts, Says Culture Minister

    Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni on Monday provided an update on various projects overseen by the Ministry of Culture, with a focus on northern Greece. Notably, one of the highlighted projects i…

    Read More