In this post about what to see in Naxos, as we did before with what we dedicated to what to see in Mykonos, we want to make a summary that includes those that we believe are the most important aspects to fully enjoy Naxos, which is for us one of the best Greek Islands and where We have spent some of the most unforgettable days of this trip to Greece in 32 days.
Having been in Naxos 4 full days plus the days of transfers and having devoted much of our time to rest and even work, we believe that doing a day to day, like those we usually do on other trips, does not make much sense, So we wanted to concentrate all the experience lived in Naxos in a summary of all the data that we hope will help you organize your trip and above all, enjoy one of the essential places to see in Greece.
What to see in Naxos
How to go to Naxos
Ferry: The best way to get to Naxos, if you do it from any other nearby island or from Athens, is without a doubt the ferry, just as we did taking a ferry from Mykonos to Naxos, which took us to the island in 40 minutes, for about 35 euros per person and 35 euros the rental car in Greece, in case you travel with this type of transport. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time you travel.
You can book your ferry to the Greek islands here
Ferry from Mykonos to Naxos
Plane: Another option is to choose to fly to Naxos, since the island has an airport, although there are usually no direct international flights, so you will have to make a stop in Athens, something that is interesting to assess, since for prices and times, It may be more interesting to fly to Athens directly and from there take the ferry or even fly to Mykonos and from there, take the ferry.
Ferry from Mykonos to Naxos
As we mentioned before, if your route reaches Naxos from Mykonos, according to our experience in Greece for free, the most comfortable and recommended option is to opt for a ferry through the Greek Islands.
You can find much more information about this specific transfer in the post we wrote about the ferry from Mykonos to Naxos.
Keep in mind that if you arrive in Naxos by ferry you will arrive at the port of Hora, located in the same capital, so if you do not have a rental car in Naxos, you can manage it is a problem directly in Hora.
Puerto de Hora in Naxos
Best time to travel to Naxos
Although as with the rest of the Greek Islands we could say that any time is good to meet them, according to our experience, we would choose to travel to Naxos in late spring or early autumn. If at this time you cannot travel, another good option is the month of June, which we could say has not yet started at all the high season and you can enjoy all the places to see in Naxos with peace of mind
It is important to know that in the winter months, many stores close and transport reduces many schedules, including ferries between islands.
Something to keep in mind is that in the months of July and August, being high season, there are usually more people, although not as much as in Mykonos or Santorini, so it is worth reserving accommodation in Naxos, in advance, at Like the ferry to Naxos and even the rental car, to avoid surprises once there.
Naxos
How many days are needed to get to know Naxos
After our experience on the island and dedicating several days to the places to see in Naxos, we would recommend a minimum of 2 days, preferably 3, to know Hora, its capital with tranquility and then dedicate a full day to know the surroundings, whether they are some of the towns, beaches or a combination of both.
If you have an extra day, you will not regret to know in a much more relaxed way Naxos, one of the most authentic islands of Greece.
Best hotel in Naxos. Where do i stay?
In Naxos, as in the other islands, there are several options to stay, which we believe depend a lot on the type of trip you want to take.
- Time: For us the best accommodation option in Naxos is without a doubt Hora, its capital.
Being a small city, staying in the area located around Kastro or Bourgos, will make you very close to the most beautiful area and in which you will surely spend several hours of the day, but at the same time far enough away to You can park your car in one of the free car parks or get close to Agios Giorgios, Hora beach, located south of the city.
Accommodation in Naxos
We stayed at the Athina Apartments Naxos Town, with an unbeatable location, next to Bourgos and Kastro for one direction and next to Agios Giorgios by the south, in addition to and having only 50 meters, one of the free parkings of the city.
- Naxos Beaches: Another option, if looking for a location closer to the beach, would be to choose one of its beaches, which are also much more relaxed than those of Mykonos. This option we would choose if you are going to be on the island for many days, in case of being 2 or 3 days, being very short distances, we would stay in Hora and go to the beach by car.
Accommodation in Naxos beaches
Naxos Beaches
Another option is to choose to stay in an AirBnb apartment, where you have a discount of 35 euros through this link.
Car rental in Naxos
In our experience, have a means of transport on the island, if you want to know the places to see in Naxos, is practically essential. Although there is public transport, having a rental car will allow you to move in a much more comfortable way, as well as with total freedom of schedules, something that is appreciated and much.
Another option, as in the rest of the islands, is to choose to rent a quad or a motorcycle, something you can do directly at Hora, in any of the premises.
Car rental in Naxos
More practical information to prepare your trip to Greece
- 10 essential places to see in Greece
- The best tips for traveling to Greece
- The 10 best Greek Islands
- 10 tips for traveling to the Greek Islands
What to see in Naxos
Although later we will detail several routes recommended by Naxos, according to the days you have to know the island, before we want to leave you a selection of things to see and do in Naxos.
Hora, the capital of Naxos
Without a doubt, Hora is one of the places to see in Naxos most essential, to devote a minimum, a day or failing that, much of it to see all the most prominent places, in addition to being able to walk through its historic center without prose, solely for the enormous pleasure of enjoying one of the most beautiful corners of the island.
Bourgos
This neighborhood of Hora is one of the most interesting in the city and to reach it you only have to follow the narrow and labyrinthine alleys that are in the northern part of Paralia.
Bourgos in Hora
Kastro
Without a doubt, Kastro is probably the unforgettable image you will take from Naxos. It was here the place where Marco Sanudo imposed the capital of his duchy in 1207 and today, walking through its narrow streets, you can still see some of the houses that remain of the time.
Kastro
As we have commented on several occasions, in Kastro we advise you to forget the map and get lost in the alleys, with the senses alert, so as not to miss anything, since although it does not seem like it, all the details are part of this beautiful neighborhood, in which The streets that make up the handicraft market stand out, one of the most interesting areas of the neighborhood next to Kastro Castle, located in the highest part.
Kastro
Keep in mind that as you go up, as usually happens in these types of locations, you will begin to find the most authentic Greece, which tourists practically do not reach and that at least for us, is one of the most recommended and interesting to know, besides being part of the list of places to see in Naxos more essential
On your walk through Naxos you can also enjoy the Archaeological Museum, the Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum and the Cathedral, three places worth spending a few minutes.
Kastro in Time
Naxos Port
Although we could say that it has nothing relevant as such, the area of Puerto de Naxos, especially the promenade known as Paralia, is one of the places to see in Naxos that you can not miss, since the atmosphere is usually concentrated in this area of the city, in addition to being a perfect place to watch the sunset and take a walk at any time of the day. In addition it is also the place where many of the most recommended restaurants in the city are concentrated.
Port of Time
Apollo Temple
Located on the Palatia islet is the Temple of Apollo, one of the places to see Naxos and the quintessential point of the city in which to see the sunset. Today, only the Portara gate can be seen from the temple, although this is a symbol of the city, besides being visible from virtually any point.
We advise you to come about 45 minutes before sunset and stay for 30 more minutes, to enjoy the incredible spectacle that causes the change of colors of the sky at sunset.
Apollo Temple
Sunset from the Temple of Apollo
Villages and places to see in Naxos
In addition to Hora, the capital, the island of Naxos has many places to see inside, among which several towns and churches stand out, which we recommend you not to miss to get to know another part of the island, not so visited by tourists , that we are sure, you will love it and it will help you to get closer to the most authentic Greece.
Kouros of Flerio
East kouros, dated from 570 BC, is in the Flerio area and is a very interesting visit if you are going to make a route through the interior of Naxos, since in addition, the road will take you through some areas with wonderful views.
Keep in mind that to reach the Kouros de Flerio from Naxos, you must travel about 10 kilometers, through a mountain road, which although somewhat narrower than the main roads, is completely safe and suitable for tourism.
Once there, you must leave the car in the free parking enabled and follow a perfectly marked path, no more than 200 meters until you reach the kouros.
Also keep in mind that on the road between Naxos and Kouros there is a point where the marble quarry is perfectly visible and there are a couple of wide sections on the shoulder where you can stop to take a picture or see it more closely .
Kouros of Flerio
Marble quarry. Kinidaros
One of the points to see in Naxos if you make a route through the interior of the island is its marble quarry. This can be seen from several points across the road that connects Hora in Naxos with the Kouros de Flerio. If you want to make a stop to be able to see it more closely, it is interesting to put the "Kinidaros" point on the GPS, since there are good views from there.
Marble quarry
Panagia Drosiani
Panagia Drosiani is one of the most famous and ancient churches in Greece, as well as one of the most recommended places to see in Naxos. Being located at the foot of the road does not have parking, so to make the visit, you must leave the car on the shoulder, in one of the largest areas.
Although the schedule indicates that they open at 10 in the morning, this is sometimes not the case, so we cannot assure you that you can visit inside, just as it happened to us.
Panagia Drosiani
Halki
This small village is perfect to spend an hour walking through its charming little streets in which tradition, together with bugamvillas and whitewashed houses, make it one of the places to see in Naxos.
If you arrive here by rental car, you can leave it in the parking lot at the entrance of the town, right next to the school and only on the banks of the road, although it is more advisable to do it in the parking lot.
Halki in Naxos
Agia Apostoli
After visiting Halki, if you feel like stretching your legs and taking a walk around, it is highly recommended to travel the path of just over a kilometer that will take you between olive fields to Agia Apostoli, a charming little church.
Agia Apostoli
Filoti
This small village, located very close to Halki, is another of the most recommended visits in Naxos. Although we cannot say that there is anything remarkable to see, such as an important church or a museum, it is the whole of Filoti that makes it special and perfect to spend a few minutes walking.
Keep in mind that on the access road there are several points on the wider shoulder where you can park to have really nice views of the village and that deserve a photograph.
Filoti in Naxos
Aphirantos
Aphirantos is undoubtedly another of the most impressive places to see in Naxos. This small mountain village is characterized by its whitewashed houses and traditional marble stairs, present in many areas of the town, as well as the marked character of its inhabitants who arrived here after fleeing the Turkish repression in Crete.
Aphirantos, one of the places to see in Naxos
In addition to the village as such, if you are interested in history you cannot miss the visit to the Natural History Museum, the Archeology Museum and the Geology Museum, all located on the main street of the town.
As you approach Aphirantos, along the main road that runs from Hora to Apollonas, you will see that there are several viewpoints where you can stop to see the village from a distance and from a fantastic perspective, where you can see the village on the slope of Mount Fanari.
Aphirantos, one of the places to see in Naxos
As you go along the road, for many cars you see parked on the shoulder, you must continue until you reach the main car park, from where you can directly access the main street of the village, where the restaurant, shops and an ATM are located automatic and from where you can start to walk the little streets parallel to it and go up and down the traditional marble stairs by which Aphirantos is known.
If you are making a route through the interior of Naxos, this village can be a great option to eat, as there are several recommended places.
Aphirantos
Moutsouna
This small coastal town, located a few kilometers from Aphirantos, is one of the most named villages in Naxos, although we have to confess that we have not found it a great attraction.
Despite this, by location, we believe that it can be a good end point to a route through the interior of Naxos, since there are a couple of quiet and beautiful beaches, in addition to a couple of recommended restaurants, in which to finish the route through the interior of the island and the places to see in Naxos.
Moutsouna
Demeter Temple
The Temple of Demeter is together with the Temple of Apollo in Hora, the most famous archaeological site on the island and another of the places to see in Naxos. According to our experience, it is advisable to visit it first thing in the morning at the end of the afternoon, although in the schedule it says that they open from 8:30 to 3 in the afternoon, since we arrived at 16:30 and we found it open, being an enclosure without a gateway and free.
Demeter Temple
Beaches
Another of the great attractions of the island are the beaches, besides being essential places to see in Naxos. Although we visit enough throughout a couple of days, which we combine with visits to several villages, we advise you to select a pair that fits within your preferences and focus on them, since they are all very similar and unless you want to know this part of the island, touring them all will take you much of the day on the road.
Pyrgaki
Located 18 kilometers from Naxos by the inland road, Pyrgaki is the first beach that we recommend to visit if you make a route along the beaches of this coast of the island.
We recommend you start the route along this beach, the furthest from Hora and get there on the inner road, so after the return you can do it along the coast road, stopping at the different beaches along it.
Keep in mind that the last kilometer before reaching the free parking, you must travel through a dirt track, but even if you go with a normal tourism, you can access perfectly by going slowly and carefully.
Although we have seen that there are several resorts in the area, we have not seen any restaurant nearby, so it is advisable to bring water and food if you want to spend the day at this beach.
Pyrgaki
Aliko
A little less than 2 kilometers from Pyrgaki is Aliko, a small cove with perhaps more influx of people than the previous one, in which you must leave the car or motorcycle in a parking lot enabled for it, at one end of the road Then go along a sandy path until you reach the beach.
As in the previous one there is no type of service, so it is advisable to bring water, food, sunscreen and a hat if you want to spend the day here, taking into account that in most Greek beaches there are usually not many places of shade.
Aliko
Hawaii beach
Right next to Aliko, but following the parallel path, along which you will skirt as a kind of breakwater, you have several sandy paths that reach Hawaii Beach, about 200 meters, a virgin beach, with really spectacular waters, where practically no There is no one, since access is through the side slope and that has undoubtedly become our favorite beach in Naxos.
Hawaii beach
Hawaii beach
Kastraki
A few meters from Aliko is Kastraki, which is one of the longest island beaches and one of the best known places to see in Naxos.
As the rest does not have services on the beach itself, although it is also true that we had read that there was no gas station or supermarket in the surroundings and in this case for example, the road that leads here is a small supermarket where you can Buy anything that is necessary and even beach items.
In this beach there is no parking as such, but being so long, along it you have different access points where you can also leave the car. After being here for a while, we see that it is a fairly familiar beach, although being so extensive, you can always find somewhere to be quiet.
Kastraki
Mikri Vigla
About 5 kilometers from Kastraki is Mikri Vigla, another of the most recommended beaches in this area of the island and another of the places to see in Naxos.
Here you can also park practically next to the beach, on the side of the road, although at certain times of the day it is usually more crowded, as there are several restaurants, a surf school and a hammock and umbrella service.
If you want to come to this beach, but you are looking for something less crowded, you just have to walk a few meters, to the right side and you will find an area where there is no longer any service and that is usually very quiet.
Mikri Vigla
Orks
A few meters ahead of Mikri Vigla, we find the beach of Orkos, much smaller than the previous one, but that connect directly walking through the sand and that without having any type of services, it is much quieter, in addition to having incredibly waters transparent.
You can directly access it through the dirt road or if you come by car, park right next to the beach.
Something to keep in mind is that you can walk from Mikri Vigla to here, passing through Orkos and continue to Plaka beach. If you choose to make this way swimming, you will find multiple shortcuts to the beach and small coves that are more private and spectacular.
Orks
Plaka
We would dare to say that Plaka beach is the largest in length we have seen in Naxos, connecting directly with the previous beaches, so you can come even walking through a sandy path.
Although there are no infrastructures throughout the beach, you can find restaurants and even sun loungers and parasols in several areas. There is also a small supermarket where you can stock up and an ATM.
Plaka
Although there are many services, we believe it is one of the most charming beaches in Naxos since it is not crowded at all and the environment is respected, being an ideal option if you are looking for a lively place, but at the same time quiet. It would be the beach that we would compare with the busiest beaches in Mykonos, which we talked about in the post of things to see in Mykonos, but without having that festive atmosphere that characterizes the island.
Agia Anna
We could say that this beach is an extension of Plaka, since it is on the same road and together practically. It also has all the services, including supermarkets, restaurants and ATMs, but it seems a little less graceful than Plaka, so if we are given the choice, we are left with the first one, although we have read that it is better considered.
Agia Anna
Agia Propokiou
Right next to the Agia Anna we find this beach that we include is basically the same classification as the previous one, standing out for being the location of numerous apartments, supermarkets and coffee shops, so if it is the beach style you are looking for, this could be one of the best options in this area of the coast.
Agios George in Hora
This Naxos beach, located in Hora, without being the prettiest of those we have seen, is incredibly quiet so it can be a good option if you do not want to get away from Hora a lot and enjoy its proximity as one of the places to see in Naxos.
Agia George
In general, what we have detected on the beaches of Naxos is that the further you move away from Hora, the better the beaches and more virgins, while also having much less services. Taking into account that the most remote beach of Hora in this area of the coast is about 18 kilometers away, we believe that it is very short distance to travel if it is the type of beach you like.
Routes through Naxos
The most important thing to organize a route through Naxos, is to know how many days are necessary or would be adequate to enjoy the places to see in Naxos, in a relaxed way. As we mentioned earlier, according to our experience, we would recommend 3 days, to combine a cultural and also relaxing route, in which to intersperse some visit to inland villages, with some day at the beach.
If it is not possible to have 3 days, with two days you can also see the most important and interesting of the island, in addition to taking some quieter hours on one of the beaches.
1 day route in Naxos
If you only have one day in Naxos, we imagine that you will not have a rental car, so it is best to focus on Hora, its capital that is also one of the most beautiful places in Greece and in the afternoon, if you want to enjoy After a few hours of beach, approach Agios George, where you can spend a relaxing time.
2-day route in Naxos
If you have two days to get to know Naxos, we would focus on the first day to know Time and in the afternoon, approach the beach and then enjoy a sunset from the Temple of Apollo.
The second day would be dedicated to making a route through the interior of the island of Naxos, visiting Panagia Drosiani, Halki, Filoti, Aphirantos and the Temple of Demeter. If you want to combine this route with a beach, we recommend you look at the following route and intersperse visits with the beach that most attracts your attention or fits your preferences.
3-day route in Naxos
If you have 3 days on the island of Naxos, we would choose to make a first day in Hora, the second make a route through the interior of the island, following the route recommended above and dedicate the next day to make a route through some of the beaches that attract your attention the most, which in our case were Hawaii Beach and Plaka.
Another option would be to combine the second and third day with visits to inland villages in the morning and go in the afternoon to a nearby beach.
4-day Naxos route
If you have this extra day, a perfect combination would be to follow the previous routes and the fourth day to dedicate it to enjoying Hora and some of the beaches that you liked the most, mixing a bit the most cultural and travel part, with vacations and relaxing, making a perfect itinerary in which to include the places to see in Naxos essential.
Naxos time
Best tours / excursions from Naxos Island
Although you can reach and explore Naxos and the surrounding area perfectly for free, if you want to know more in depth some of the most tourist islands we recommend this Excursion to Santorini, this Excursion to Paros or this Excursion to Delos and Mykonos.
Tips for traveling to Naxos
- As we said in Mykonos, we believe that one of the most important things when you decide to travel to Naxos, is to be clear about what you want to do on the island, since that way you can at least plan what to see in Naxos and based on that, determine how many days are needed on the island to enjoy it to the fullest.
- Whenever you can, we advise you to stay in Hora, since in addition to being the capital it is a town with an impressive center, which we are sure of, more than one day you will have to leave.
- If you are going to drive a rental car, keep in mind that although the roads are quite good, those on the interior of the island are usually narrow and sometimes quite steep. It is important to drive with caution to avoid setbacks.
- Although there are gas stations in the main towns, there are none on the inland roads and although the distances are short, it is better to take the full tank so as not to bring you an unpleasant surprise.
Time
- As we also mentioned before, the best beaches in Naxos are a short drive away from Hora, so you can choose to combine routes through inland villages with a visit to a beach on the same day.
- In Hora, right at the port, in the part closest to Agios Georgios, there is a free parking, where you can leave the car throughout the day without any problem.
Kastro
Recommended restaurants in Naxos
- Boulamatsis Oinomageirion: This restaurant in the center of Hora is one of the most recommended on the island. Located on a street parallel to the port, where it has the entrance, it has a terrace overlooking the sea, where you can enjoy one of the best moussakas in Greece.
In our case we ordered an entree plus two moussakas, a glass of wine, soda and two coffees for 26 euros.
Boulamatsis Oinomageirion
- To Kati Allo: This small traditional place, also located in the center of Hora, in addition to being one of the most recommended, serves one of the best meals in the town. Being normally full, it is worth it to come half an hour before your usual dinner or meal time, so you don't have to wait long.
We ordered a crab salad, eggplant salad and a grilled feta, plus fried squid, beer and water for 26 euros.
Dinner at To Kati Allo
- 520 Bar: This Terrace-Restaurant in the historic center of Hora is perfect if you want to see the sunset, since it is right in front of the port. In addition to the terrace they also have restaurant service, which can be a good option if you want to dine in this area of the city.
The price of cocktails is eight euros without alcohol and about nine euros with alcohol.
520 Bar
- La Vigne: Located in the historic center of Hora, this small restaurant is one of the most recommended in the town. It is usually complete, so it is worth reserving with time or coming very soon, since it also has very few tables.
We ordered tapenade, salmon and tuna, plus wine and water for 37 euros.
- Chocolat Café Creperie: This place a little away from the center of Hora is perfect for breakfast, since it has a very wide menu with different breakfast combinations, all for about 7-8 euros the most complete and 4.50 euros the most basic , which include orange juice, coffee or tea and crepe.
Chocolat Café Creperie
- Su e Giu: Italian restaurant in the area of the port of Hora, which is another of the most recommended in the town. They have a charming terrace and the service is very attentive.
We ordered a medium pizza plus pasta with truffle sauce, water and beer for 30 euros.
Su e Giu
- Nissaki: This restaurant located next to the Saint George beach is perfect for both eating and drinking, as it also has sun loungers and parasols on the beach.
We ordered a grilled cheese, squid and octopus, water and two express for 47 euros.
Nissaki
- Yasouvlaki: Restaurant on the promenade of Hora, where they are specialists in both souvlaki and gyros, which we have to say; They are really spectacular!
Really great !!
They have a menu with multiple options, but you can take a gyro in pita for two and a half euros that is spectacular and full enough or order the gyro on plate, for seven and a half euros that takes a little more quantity.
Yasouvlaki
Day 22: Ferry from Naxos to Paros
