Things to Do in Naxos: 15 Unforgettable Experiences

Naxos is the largest and one of the greenest of the Cyclades, and it blends sandy beaches, mountain villages, ancient marble ruins, and excellent food. It feels more local and relaxed than Santorini or Mykonos, and it suits couples, families, and independent travelers alike. This guide covers the best things to do in Naxos, with practical tips to help you plan.

1. Walk Under the Portara

The giant marble doorway on the islet of Palatia is all that remains of an unfinished temple to Apollo from the 6th century BC. It’s a short walk from Naxos Town along a causeway, and it’s most popular at sunset. Go a little earlier to find a good spot.

2. Explore Naxos Town (Chora)

Wander the maze-like lanes of the old town, with whitewashed houses, shops, cafés, and tavernas. Highlights include the Venetian Kastro at the top of the hill, the Archaeological Museum, and the lively waterfront promenade.

3. Relax on Naxos’s Beaches

Naxos has some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, many with long stretches of soft sand and clear water:

• Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna: popular, well-equipped, and close to town
• Plaka: a long, quieter beach with golden sand and dunes
• Mikri Vigla: known for wind and kitesurfing
• Aliko: a wild, protected beach with juniper trees and dunes
• Orkos: a calm, family-friendly bay

4. Try Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Steady summer winds make Naxos a top watersports spot. Schools around Mikri Vigla and Laguna Beach offer lessons for beginners and rentals for experienced riders.

5. Visit the Temple of Demeter.

Near the village of Sangri, this beautifully restored 6th-century BC Ionic temple sits in a quiet rural setting. A small museum on site adds context, and it’s easy to pair with a visit to Sangri’s countryside.

6. See the Kouros Statues.

Naxos is famous for its ancient marble. Unfinished kouros statues lie in the quarry areas near Apollonas and Melanes. Apollonas has the largest, a huge figure still resting where it was carved.

7. Wander the Mountain Villages

Inland Naxos is where the island’s character really shows. Highlights include:

• Halki: a charming village with neoclassical mansions, art shops, and a famous citron distillery
• Apeiranthos: a marble-paved village with museums and stone houses
• Filoti: a large village on the slopes of Mount Zas, with tavernas and views
• Koronos: a quiet village in the mountains known for its traditional feel

8. Hike Mount Zas

At around 1,000 meters, Mount Zas is the highest peak in the Cyclades. The trail from Filoti takes a few hours round trip and ends at a cave sacred in ancient times, with wide views over the island. Start early and bring water.

9. Visit the Venetian Towers

Naxos has many Venetian-era tower houses scattered across the countryside. Bazeos Tower, which hosts exhibitions and concerts in summer, and the Tower of Agia are especially photogenic.

10. Taste Kitron in Halki

Kitron is a local liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree, and it’s a Naxian specialty. Visit the Vallindras Distillery in Halki to see how it’s made and try a tasting.

11. Eat Like a Local

Naxos is known for excellent produce thanks to its fertile land. Try:

• Naxos potatoes, often served fried or in stews
• Local cheeses such as graviera and arseniko
• Rooster or rabbit stifado, slow-cooked in tomato and spices
• Fresh seafood at seaside tavernas in places like Mikri Vigla and Agios Georgios

12. Visit a Traditional Dairy or Farm

Some farms offer tours, cheese tastings, and meals made from their own produce. It’s a good activity for families and food lovers and a good way to see the island’s rural side.

13. Take a Boat Trip to the Small Cyclades

A day trip can take you to the tiny islands of Koufonisia, Schinoussa, and Iraklia, with turquoise water and quiet beaches. Boats run in summer, so check the schedule.

14. Take a day trip to Paros, Mykonos, or Santorini.

Naxos is a central ferry hub in the Cyclades, so island hopping is easy. Paros is the closest, while Mykonos and Santorini are possible with longer ferry rides. Check schedules carefully if you plan a same-day return.

15. Enjoy the Nightlife and Sunsets

Naxos Town has relaxed bars and waterfront cafés, with live music in summer. Many travelers end the day watching the sun set from the Portara or the Grotta area.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Naxos?

May to early July and September to October offer the best balance of warm weather, swimmable seas, and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest and hottest, with strong winds known as the meltemi. Many businesses close between November and March.

How Many Days Do You Need in Naxos?

Three days covers Naxos Town, a few beaches, and a loop through the mountain villages. Five to seven days lets you add hiking, watersports, and boat trips at an easier pace.

How to Get Around Naxos

• Rental car or ATV: the best way to reach villages and beaches
• Public buses: run between Naxos Town, the main beaches, and some villages, but less often inland
• Taxis: useful for short trips
• Walking: ideal in Naxos Town and between nearby beaches like Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios