Holidays to Naxos
Naxos highlights
Island villages
Venture beyond the main tourist track on your holiday to Naxos and explore the island’s villages. You’ll see medieval monasteries and the Venetian towers in Sangri, taste local cheeses and wines in Potamia and kick up dust on the hiking trails near Mount Zas, the highest point in the Cyclades.
Wine and cheese trails
Holidays to Naxos aren’t complete without a steady diet of local wine and cheese. Nibble on ‘graviera’, the rich, aromatic sister to feta, or spicy, buttery ‘arseniko’ goat cheese. Get a proper introduction at one of Naxos’ traditional tavernas, or take a tasty excursion to the countryside with a food tour.
Water sports
Get on the water in Naxos. The beaches near Mikri Vigla are perfect for kite and windsurfing — book lessons on Kastraki Beach. For a different view of Naxos, take a catamaran trip around the island near the ferry terminal in Chora. And for a peaceful day of paddling, explore secluded coves and hidden beaches on a kayaking tour.
Naxos: Know before you go
| Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | July – August |
| Low season | November – March |
Find the best time to go to Naxos
Weather in Naxos
March – May: Spring is sunny and warm. The seas are still cold, but it’s a great time to hike and join the Easter festivities.
June – August: Summer means bright blue skies, warm water and a bustling atmosphere. Kitesurfers take advantage of the famed Meltemi winds, which arrive around May.
September – November: Autumn is an underrated season on the island. Hotel prices drop, but the days stay toasty. Many restaurants and hotels close in late October.
December – February: Cold nights and drizzly days are typical in winter. Though things may feel a little sleepy in town, you’ll be rewarded with front-row seats to the folklore carnivals.
Events in Naxos
Carnival (February or March): Celebrate the mythological love story between Dionysus and Ariadne with torchlight-led processions and plenty of colourful costumes and dancing.
Naxos Festival (June to September): Each summer, the 17th-century Bazeos Tower transforms into a vibrant cultural hub. Enjoy a mix of art installations, theatrical performances, live music, dance and literary events.
Demetria (August): Celebrated in the village of Sagri, Demetria honours Demeter, the goddess of harvest and agriculture. This popular festival showcases Naxos’ rich agricultural traditions with fresh local delicacies, from cheeses to olive oils. Don’t miss live music, traditional dances and a warm community atmosphere while savouring the island’s seasonal bounty.
The best neighbourhoods in Naxos
Chora
Chora, also called Naxos Town or Naxos City, is the best area to stay in Naxos for Greek history and nightlife. Walk through the Kastro, the 13th-century Venetian Castle of Naxos, and visit the 2,500-year-old marble temple entrance known as the Great Door of Naxos. At night, drink and dance in the bars and clubs along the waterfront.
Good for: History, nightlife, central location
Agios Prokopios
Beach lovers wondering where to stay on Naxos should look no further than Agios Prokopios. Here, you’ll find the crystal blue waters of Maragas Beach, shoreside cafes and plenty of kayaks to keep you busy. Dry off for a trek to the hillside village of Galini, then catch the sunset from open-air bars.
Good for: Swimming, water sports, sunset views
Agios Georgios
On an island this stunning, you don’t want to waste time travelling. Agios Georgios is a perfect place to base yourself during your holiday. Walk to the beach from your hotel, take a short stroll to Chora’s Old Town, and dine at beachfront eateries. But be aware that many businesses close between October and April.
Good for: Beaches, convenient location, restaurants
Things to do in Naxos
Shopping
The souvenir shopping on Naxos is second to none. You’ll find plenty of crafts, clothes and jewellery in the area around the Naxos Castle. For more traditional handicrafts, you’ll need to travel to the villages. Take the bus to Apeiranthos to select handmade embroidery, or browse among mounds of artisan pottery in Damalas.
Places to eat
You’ll never be far from somewhere to eat in Naxos, but you’ll find the most restaurants in Chora and the tourist-oriented areas. Wander the cobblestone streets and alleyways to find street vendors selling snacks like roasted chestnuts and corn. If you want to sample authentic Naxian food, head to a traditional taverna. Beef, poultry and fish dominate the menus, alongside olives, cheese and potatoes.
Take in the culture
Museums on Naxos take you back to ancient times. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is most famous for its early Cycladic collection, while the Temple of Demeter Museum in Gyroulas lets you walk among ruins that date back to the sixth century BC. For something different, learn about the island’s olive oil industry at the Eggares Olive Press Museum.
Beaches
Plaka Beach is one of the best beaches on Naxos. Head to the north side to rent a sun lounger and umbrella, or go south for a quieter shoreside experience. Pristine Agios Georgios Beach is steps from the shops and restaurants in Chora, while the trek to Alyko Beach is worth making for snorkelling and solitude.
Nightlife
The best nightlife on Naxos can be found in Chora and near the popular beaches like Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, and Plaka. You’ll hear live jazz and greek music pouring from cocktail bars and beach bars. In June, several local bars will host beach parties on the sand. For a quieter night, head to seaside restaurants and taverns.
Family friendly things to do
If you’re travelling in Naxos with kids, the biggest draw will be the beaches — play in the shallow surf of Agios Prokopios Beach or windsurf with older kids on Plaka Beach. Aqua Fun Water Park has something for everyone, with swimming pools and waterslides for all ages. Hike to the Temple of Apollo, or watch a movie under the stars at Cine Naxos open-air cinema.
Get ready for Naxos
Budget
If you’re looking for an affordable Greek island adventure, a cheap trip to Naxos is a great option — especially if you consider travelling during the shoulder season. A cosy meal at a taverna will cost around 15 euros (€), while a cold local beer is about €5. If you’re looking to explore the island via taxi, expect to pay close to €9 for a short ride.
Day Trips from Naxos
Exploring the Cyclades from Naxos is easy with ferries and boat tours. Paros, Mykonos and Santorini are all within a two-hour sail. Closer to home, visit the ancient Kouros statue near Apollonas or take in the breathtaking views from Agios Sozon, a whitewashed chapel perched above the turquoise waters of Agiassos Bay.
Getting Around Naxos
KTEL buses are the main public transport on Naxos, with routes covering major attractions, villages and beaches. Tickets can be purchased at the Chora bus station. Many tours provide transport, but hiring a car gives you more freedom, especially if you plan to explore remote areas or venture beyond the usual tourist spots.
