Naxos

Naxos is unpretentious, full of contrasts, warm-hearted, and as humble as beautiful – and the potatoes are famous!

As you travel to Naxos, here are some recommendations about amazing places in Naxos, and the surrounding islands.

 

In case of emergency, the Naxos General Hospital is open 24 hours, +30 228 5360500

You’ll find plenty of pharmacies in Naxos Town. Be aware that some pharmacies are closing after 2 PM. The ones close to the hospital, on the main road (Sokratous Papavasiliou), and the port promenade are open through the day till late in the evening. Closer to Mikri Vigla, Plaka, and Kastraki, there is a pharmacy in Agios Prokopios and one in the village of Vivlos.

The few pediatricians are all in Naxos Town. We recommend Dr. Fragkiskos, +30 697 6394949.

Basics

The main supermarkets are easy to find in Naxos Town. We recommend Koutelieris, situated at the exit of the city, on your way to the airport. Larger supermarkets are also in Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, in the villages of Vivlos and Halki. Smaller and nearer supermarkets are situated in Plaka (Maragas), Mikri Vigla (Verykokkos), and Kastraki/Glifada (Campos, Gratsias).

You’ll find plenty of mini-supermarkets everywhere – but pay attention to the prices!

The main taxi stand on Naxos is located just outside the island’s main port, next to the main bus terminal, and at the airport. +30 22850 22444.

You can find ATMs on the port promenade in town (Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank), two in Agia Anna (Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank), two in Plaka (Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank), one in Mikri Vigla (Piraeus Bank), one in Kastraki (Alpha Bank), but you can pay with your phone, credit or bank card everywhere.

Naxos Town

In the summer season, Chora (Naxos Town) is packed with locals running their businesses and tourists going for a stroll. Parking is a challenge, even if the municipality provides big free parking lots (south, center, east, north). There are a few valet-parking options in the center as well. Visitors are not allowed to park at the port. We recommend going to town early evenings, you’ll get a better chance to find a spot to park your car. Warning: in town, the police issue fines and penalty notices!

Chora is a vibrant place, with a busy port promenade, a charming old town, and a castle surrounded by narrow and mazy streets. You’ll discover plenty of shops, nice cafés, restaurants and bars and clubs open till late.

Our favorites:

  • Directly on the port, watching arriving and departing ferries, with a breathtaking view of the sunset through the Temple of Apollo (the most Instagrammable attraction of the island), the Naxos Apothecary is serving delicious local food (with a modern twist), good wines and refreshing cocktails. You can also taste and buy their cosmetic products. It is a dependence of the Naxos Apothecary in Athens.

  • Kastro, a traditional Taverna overlooking the harbor at the top of the old town.

  • Right below Kastro, the Typografio restaurant is a classic.

  • Lithos, tiny modern Greek restaurant, hidden in the tortuous streets of the old town.

  • Antamoma DeliCuisine, fine cuisine with local products.

  • Don’t forget to buy Greek spices and local products before you leave Kiriakos Tziblakis. The traditional shop is like a museum – enjoy the flavors of the Cyclades.

  • Don’t leave without trying the Naxos Cheese.

  • Discover amazing and surprising Greek wines in a nice atmosphere at Oinochoros.

  • The only “serious” Surf Shop in town, with a minimal but good selection of products – also for kids.

  • Movie night at the open-air cinéma.

Aqua Fun Water Park – For Kids (and Grown-Ups)

The humble but nice and clean Aqua Fun Water Park is situated between Naxos Town and Agios Prokopios, not far from Plaka. The pool offers three water slides, one small-children waterslide an adult pool, and a children's pool. Lifeguards are checking the facilities. There is a simple but friendly restaurant. Admission fee only for those who use the facilities (water slides, pools, beach umbrellas). Children under three are free.

The Coast

Plaka Beach

Enjoy the family-friendly beach with turquoise and shallow water, and chill out at the cozy bars and restaurants. Spend time with your kids at the two popular pool bars (Plakafe and Aegean) right next to the beach, or book a windsurfing lesson, a pedalo, a water ski, or a banana ride at Plaka watersports.

Further recommendations at Plaka:

At the very end of Plaka Beach, you’ll find a stripe of white sand and shallow water (perfect for small kids) with some umbrellas for rent at Mandala.

Mikri Vigla

During the summer, the Meltemi, the prevailing north wind in the Aegean Sea, brings a refreshing breeze. Mikri Vigla's beaches, being wonderfully exposed to these winds, transform into one of Greece's premier kitesurfing destinations. Embracing the thrill, it has become renowned as both a challenging and celebrated spot. Since the 70’s, Windsurfers have been coming here because of the exceptional wind conditions. Notably, three outstanding kite schools have chosen this vibrant location as their base. Kites can be seen from afar, from early morning till late evenings.

If you want to learn how to kitesurf, three kite schools are on the spot. Book your lessons in advance, the demand is high in July and August!

But even if you are not a Kitesurfer, Mikri Vigla is worth the visit. Particularly on windless days, Orkos and Paralia beaches are stunning. The sunsets here are breathtaking. Kontos Taverna has direct access to the beach.

Mikri Vigla Beach is the best spot for windy and not windy days. The creek has crystal-clear blue water, and is surrounded by rocks – and therefore not exposed to winds. One of the best authentic Tavernas is directly on the beach – ideal for families with kids. The long white-sand beach reaches Glyfada in the south.

You’ll find the perfect snack or breakfast at the Mikri Vigla Bakery.

Kastraki

The widespread and calm village of holiday villas lies along the bay of Glifada. Here you’ll find two notable taverns:

  • Axiotissa, the best tavern on the island – and our favorite. Book your table in advance, there is no chance to find a table spontaneously in summer.

  • Paradise is beautifully situated on the coast of Kastraki, a few meters from the beach. Enjoy the exquisite traditional food of the family-run taverna on the terrace at sunset.

Glifada

At the very south of the bay, the Faros Taverna is a must. Don’t miss the Grandmother’s meatballs, the eggplant Seganaki and the grilled mushrooms!

Alyko

After Glifada, at the end of the tarred road, you’ll find the hotel ruins of Alyko. Just before, on the right-hand side, a few meters away from the road, behind the bushes lays Hawaii Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island – best on windless days. Be careful with kids: the access to the beach is from the top, along a thin path down the chalk cliffs. If the wind is blowing try the other side of the islet (left side). At the south end of the cove, you’ll find Alyko Beach, a wonderful sandy shallow beach protected from the wind, with crystal clear water.

On that part of the island, there is no restaurant or taverna around. But in Summer, the FBI Food Truck comes every day, between 11AM and 7PM. They have the most delicious fusion street food, as well as unforgettable stir-fried ice creams.

Pyrgaki

If you continue the sandy road, down towards the southern part of the island, you can jump in the water and dive at the cliffs of Pyrgaki. There are different heights, between 1 and 10 meters. A rope is installed at the end of the small fjord to climb back up the cliff. Have fun!

The Countryside

Naxos’ countryside is full of treasures and hidden beauties. We highly recommend taking a day, or at least an afternoon, to visit the interior of the island. There are picturesque little villages scattered high up in the mountains or down in the valleys, with an abundant supply of water and lush vegetation, olive, quince, and fig trees, Venetian towers, Byzantine monasteries, and churches.

While hiking on Naxos you will traverse marbled paths, admire abundant gardens, climb dramatic hills, discover abandoned villages, and drink from freshwater sources, whilst admiring ancient sites tucked between quaint little villages. Enjoy the spectacular views on the valleys, the surrounding islands and the Aegean see.

The villages

Halki

Halki (Chalki) used to be the capital of the island. The region is the principal olive cultivation area of the Cyclades. Halki has a long history numerous neoclassical houses, and many well-preserved churches. One of these is among Naxos’ oldest churches, the Church of Panagia, dating from the 9th century.

We recommend a short, easy, and kids-friendly hike (about 15 min.) from the center of Halki to the Church of Saint George Diasoritis (11th century.). You'll walk along beautiful orchards and pick some fruits at the sound of crickets and cicadas. It is a very fertile area of Naxos and in conjunction with the olive groves, the “Citron” tree from which the famous Naxian liqueur is produced, is everywhere to be seen.

Take a coffee at Caffee Greco, eat a “Kotosoufli” from the BBQ at Giannis Tavern, enjoy a homemade ice cream at Four Tastes, or a piece of cake at Dolce Vita.

Filoti

One of the most famous and beautiful villages on the island is Filoti. It is the largest village in Naxos and the Cyclades in general. The main street is the center of village life. The little paved square is surrounded by Greek traditional cafés also serving ouzo – all shadowed by a huge, majestic plane tree allowing for a cool breeze.

Enjoy an ouzo or “Frappé” (greek sweet and iced coffee) at Platanos. Right next door, their dependence Ambrosia, also delicious pizzas (perfect for the kids) and local Greek dishes.

Apeiranthos

The village is by many considered the crown jewel of Naxos. Much of this belief is because over the centuries it has managed to retain its unique authenticity. The altitude offers extraordinary views from its various restaurants serving the local produce, most of which overlook the surrounding peaks and valleys. But its most impressive feature is its architecture and the marble-paved alleys.

If you’re in Apeiranthos for dinner, we highly recommend the Lefteris Tavern (admire the terrazzo floor upstairs). Excellent traditional food on a beautiful shadowed terrace. Reservation necessary!

Moutsouna

You can reach Moutsouna from Apeiranthos, an asphalted, winding, downhill road that leads to it. Views on the Aegean Sea, the islands of Koufonisia, and Naxos' eastern coast are spectacular. In the high touristic season, Moutsouna is the perfect escape from the crowds.

The former mining town is now a small fishing village. Naxians go there to eat the best fresh fish on the island. The cove features two lovely beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear shallow waters, ideal for families with young children. The southbound coastal road leads to the smaller hamlets, each with their beautiful beaches.

The old Emery Works cable installations are still present, creating a throwback picture to the 50’s. The emery came via these installations to the sea to be loaded onto ships from the mines of Koronos up until the 1970s when emery was replaced by other abrasives.

In Moutsouna, you'll find only 2 taverns (directly on the beach), one Café and one mini-market.

The Historic Sites

The Bazeos Tower is one of the most prominent sights in Naxos, located on the main road that connects Naxos Town with the villages of Halki and Filoti. Dating back to the 17th century, the castle was built in this peculiar location in an attempt to provide safety to its residents from the frequent pirate attacks that used to take place. Every summer, the Naxos Festival at Bazeos Tower takes place, hosting contemporary works of art and cultural happenings.

The Temple of Demeter (goddess of agriculture) is located near the village of Sangri. This magnificent temple has been made exclusively of the finest quality Naxos marble and dates back to the 6th century BC. Authentic parts of the temple that were not used during the restoration process are currently housed in a small museum located near the archeological site that is open to the public.

The astonishing Kouros statues can be seen near the villages of Melanes and Apollonas. The statues are exceeding 10 meters in height. They date back to the 8th century and lie on the ground, at the exact position as the historians found them. Archeologists believe that these statues were predestined to hold on to a temple roof but they were decidedly abandoned by the ancient sculptors due to faults in the marble and stone that were constructed of.

The Temple of Apollo (Portata), is a huge marble gate standing on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor. The single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC, is the island’s emblem and main landmark. The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece… and is probably the most instagrammed site of Naxos.

The surrounding islands

Koufonisia

The islands of Pano (upper) and Kato (lower) Koufonisi, are known as Koufonisia. Iraklia, Donousa, and Schinoussa make up the archipelago of the Small Cyclades.

Koufonisia has stunning clear and shallow water, with endless hues of blue, green, and turquoise, sand that glistens like fairy dust, and caves for outlawed pirates. There are plenty of secret places for peace, tranquility, and complete relaxation.

Water taxis take you from the main harbor or Hora (town) to the numerous marvelous creeks around the islands. Finikas, Fanos, Italida, Pori, there’s even a beach called The Pool (Pisinia), true to its name.

Pano Koufonisi (the inhabited of the two Koufonisia islands) may not have the luxuries of some of the other islands of the Cyclades, but it has all the necessary comforts and – more importantly – provides unspoiled natural beauty.

From Naxos, you can reach Koufonisia several times a day, with speed boats, regular ferries, or with the small cyclades lines company. You can book day trips from Naxos Agia Anna harbour with sailing boats.

Amorgos

Luc Besson’s movie “The Big Blue” – the story about the friendship and sporting rivalry between two free-diving champions – was shot on Amorgos island and made it famous worldwide.

Parts of the island reach a considerable height above sea level, offering superb views of the sea. Amorgos is one of the most impressive Cycladic islands, with marvellous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays and ancient footpaths leading through its steep rocky terrain.

From Naxos, Amorgos can be reached in 1h 20min by boat.