Exploring Naxos in a couple of days
Neighbourhoods
Explore Naxos like a local and get the most out of your days on the island.
Also, if you feel exploring the old town/castle area during the morning, you can always go up the alleys (that are just behind the apartment) and walk your way up to the archaeological museum (small and interesting, you will certainly enjoy the shade and the views). You can see Cycladitic figurines and an amazing mosaic amongst other artifacts from thousands of years ago. You wont spend much time here. The good thing about this small museum is actually the cafe next to it (called Avaton 1739) where you can enjoy brunch too! The building that has the coffee place used to be a monastery and this year is the first year that the coffee place will have exhibitions about the monastery. The ambience and views are amazing. You can always walk through the castle area to help digest the food you had and end up on the other side of the port while enjoying the typical and scenic alleys with houses and small shops.
29 yerel halk öneriyor
Chora
Also, if you feel exploring the old town/castle area during the morning, you can always go up the alleys (that are just behind the apartment) and walk your way up to the archaeological museum (small and interesting, you will certainly enjoy the shade and the views). You can see Cycladitic figurines and an amazing mosaic amongst other artifacts from thousands of years ago. You wont spend much time here. The good thing about this small museum is actually the cafe next to it (called Avaton 1739) where you can enjoy brunch too! The building that has the coffee place used to be a monastery and this year is the first year that the coffee place will have exhibitions about the monastery. The ambience and views are amazing. You can always walk through the castle area to help digest the food you had and end up on the other side of the port while enjoying the typical and scenic alleys with houses and small shops.
Another thing worth going to and combining it with a great beach is the Aliko area. There is a half completed abandon hotel there and an artist did some cool graffiti a few years ago, check it out. The beach over there is amazing. You can see it from the abandoned hotel, there are actually two of them (small Alyko on your right, big Alyko on your left). There is one more “secret” beach along that stretch, called “Hawaii” which is really good. There is no signage to get there but Most of the days there is a food truck (canteen with good food and beers) and people park their cars on the road. Just park your car and follow or ask the people. Note, the Hawaii beach is just before the Alyko abandoned hotel (walking distance 150m). Better check out the views from the hotel before choosing your beach ;)
Aliko
Another thing worth going to and combining it with a great beach is the Aliko area. There is a half completed abandon hotel there and an artist did some cool graffiti a few years ago, check it out. The beach over there is amazing. You can see it from the abandoned hotel, there are actually two of them (small Alyko on your right, big Alyko on your left). There is one more “secret” beach along that stretch, called “Hawaii” which is really good. There is no signage to get there but Most of the days there is a food truck (canteen with good food and beers) and people park their cars on the road. Just park your car and follow or ask the people. Note, the Hawaii beach is just before the Alyko abandoned hotel (walking distance 150m). Better check out the views from the hotel before choosing your beach ;)
Sightseeing
The Temple of Apollo or as the locals call it: The Portara (the big door)!
Its Naxos trademark and has been sitting there as a gate to the island for thousands of years. Stroll your way to the small island that is nowadays connected to the main island of Naxos and enjoy the views. Sunset is a must. Entrance is free
202 yerel halk öneriyor
Apollon Tapınağı - Portara
The Temple of Apollo or as the locals call it: The Portara (the big door)!
Its Naxos trademark and has been sitting there as a gate to the island for thousands of years. Stroll your way to the small island that is nowadays connected to the main island of Naxos and enjoy the views. Sunset is a must. Entrance is free
Some other things you might want to explore are the temple of Demetra, which is older than the Parthenon. It is said that the Parthenon was built using the technique from this temple. The temple is half ruined but its worth a visit as you can visit the small museum next to it and see some cool stuff (like the thin marble roof tiles which let the sunlight pass through the marble providing light inside the temple). Opening hours are Wednesday to Monday 8:30 - 16:00, Tuesdays are closed. Ticket 4€. The landscape of that particular area is really nice as its located in the middle of a valley on a small hill. Demetra was the goddess of crops/farming and you will realize why this location was chosen.
124 yerel halk öneriyor
Demeter Tapınağı
Some other things you might want to explore are the temple of Demetra, which is older than the Parthenon. It is said that the Parthenon was built using the technique from this temple. The temple is half ruined but its worth a visit as you can visit the small museum next to it and see some cool stuff (like the thin marble roof tiles which let the sunlight pass through the marble providing light inside the temple). Opening hours are Wednesday to Monday 8:30 - 16:00, Tuesdays are closed. Ticket 4€. The landscape of that particular area is really nice as its located in the middle of a valley on a small hill. Demetra was the goddess of crops/farming and you will realize why this location was chosen.
Villages of Naxos
I know that when you visit an island you want to go to the beach and we have gorgeous beaches which I will mention later. However, its worth going to some of the villages, (like a day activity thing) its a totally different architecture and landscape up on the mountain. Naxos has the privilege to have both amazing beaches and great mountain landscape.
I know that when you visit an island you want to go to the beach and we have gorgeous beaches which I will mention later. However, its worth going to some of the villages, (like a day activity thing) its a totally different architecture and landscape up on the mountain. Naxos has the privilege to have both amazing beaches and great mountain landscape. Greek islands are known for the white and blue houses but the mountain houses in Naxos are built from local marble and stone and they have a different architecture if you are interested to see something different.
Apiranthos is a picturesque village made almost entirely of marble and stone. The small alleys are amazing, the ambience and the feel of such aa beautiful traditional village are definitely worth the ride up the mountain of Naxos. The food is great too and if you are longing to experience how people in Greece enjoy life in a simple yet quality way, then just spend a few hours at this village.
115 yerel halk öneriyor
Apeíranthos
897 Eparchiaki Odos Apiranthou-Ormou ApollonaI know that when you visit an island you want to go to the beach and we have gorgeous beaches which I will mention later. However, its worth going to some of the villages, (like a day activity thing) its a totally different architecture and landscape up on the mountain. Naxos has the privilege to have both amazing beaches and great mountain landscape. Greek islands are known for the white and blue houses but the mountain houses in Naxos are built from local marble and stone and they have a different architecture if you are interested to see something different.
Apiranthos is a picturesque village made almost entirely of marble and stone. The small alleys are amazing, the ambience and the feel of such aa beautiful traditional village are definitely worth the ride up the mountain of Naxos. The food is great too and if you are longing to experience how people in Greece enjoy life in a simple yet quality way, then just spend a few hours at this village.
Chalki is a really small village which used to be the capital, so it has nice traditional houses and alleys with small coffee shops. Stop by and just walk around, its only a 5-10 minute walk but totally worth it. Perhaps pass by the old Citron distillery and have a sip of the traditional aperitif of Naxos. There is a nice ice-cream shop next door too.
13 yerel halk öneriyor
Chalkio, Naxos, Yunanistan
Eparchiaki Odos Naxou-ApiranthouChalki is a really small village which used to be the capital, so it has nice traditional houses and alleys with small coffee shops. Stop by and just walk around, its only a 5-10 minute walk but totally worth it. Perhaps pass by the old Citron distillery and have a sip of the traditional aperitif of Naxos. There is a nice ice-cream shop next door too.
Beaches in Naxos
Here are Naxos best beaches to swim and sunbathe and with some tips and recommendations on where to eat, drink and chill
Plaka is very long beach, sand dunes style and has restaurants at the back but very quiet and chilled. The road is a dirt road so it’s quite unique. If you guys decide to go there at Plaka beach (its a long beach-around 4km) aim for the stretch close to “Petrino restaurant”. Thats a good restaurant to go to if you feel hungry later, great authentic Naxos dishes with local products and reasonable prices. The “chill out place/lounge vibes area” in Plaka would be the stretch left and right of a beach bar called “Yazoo”. There are a few beach bars/restaurants next to each other at that area (places like “Tohu”, a mexican place called “Iguana”, and a few more next to each other) easy going, not with loud music and good food too. Most of them are open until late at night for a chilled cocktail and/or food. Nice place to spend the later time of the day due to the great sunset views.
20 yerel halk öneriyor
PETRINO
Plaka is very long beach, sand dunes style and has restaurants at the back but very quiet and chilled. The road is a dirt road so it’s quite unique. If you guys decide to go there at Plaka beach (its a long beach-around 4km) aim for the stretch close to “Petrino restaurant”. Thats a good restaurant to go to if you feel hungry later, great authentic Naxos dishes with local products and reasonable prices. The “chill out place/lounge vibes area” in Plaka would be the stretch left and right of a beach bar called “Yazoo”. There are a few beach bars/restaurants next to each other at that area (places like “Tohu”, a mexican place called “Iguana”, and a few more next to each other) easy going, not with loud music and good food too. Most of them are open until late at night for a chilled cocktail and/or food. Nice place to spend the later time of the day due to the great sunset views.
Mikri Vigla
Great beach with turquoise waters
Day tour on a boat
If you feel like exploring one more small island around Naxos while you are in the region then perhaps you can check out Koufonisi
Imagine small islands, shades of blue and turquoise, golden beaches, cliffs, sand dunes, small boats and crystal clear waters.
There are almost no cars on Koufonisi. You either walk or hop on a local small boat which serves as a taxi/bus (costs like 10euros and you can have unlimited rides). The stops are basically the 4 beaches located on the southern part of the island.
Take the noon ferry (check timetables) and reach there in an hour.
As soon as you reach the port and disembark, hop on a small boat and head to the last beach, called Pori. Spend an hour or so there and then walk back to the next beach “Italida”. Take some photos on the way and admire pure untouched island beauty. Walking from one beach to another is like 7-10min. There is a small beach bar at the 3rd beach on your way back, grab a beer and thank me for this suggestion. End your walk back at the port and have a meal.
Get the 8pm ferry back to Naxos and go on the deck. The sunset views are amazing, I guarantee you will be mesmerized. Arrival back at Naxos around 22:00. Best time to visit Koufonisi is June/ mid July and then in September. August it gets really crowded.
Ps. There are no organized beaches with parasols there, so you either bring your own OR wear a hat and put plenty of sunscreen 😎
13 yerel halk öneriyor
Koufonisi
Imagine small islands, shades of blue and turquoise, golden beaches, cliffs, sand dunes, small boats and crystal clear waters.
There are almost no cars on Koufonisi. You either walk or hop on a local small boat which serves as a taxi/bus (costs like 10euros and you can have unlimited rides). The stops are basically the 4 beaches located on the southern part of the island.
Take the noon ferry (check timetables) and reach there in an hour.
As soon as you reach the port and disembark, hop on a small boat and head to the last beach, called Pori. Spend an hour or so there and then walk back to the next beach “Italida”. Take some photos on the way and admire pure untouched island beauty. Walking from one beach to another is like 7-10min. There is a small beach bar at the 3rd beach on your way back, grab a beer and thank me for this suggestion. End your walk back at the port and have a meal.
Get the 8pm ferry back to Naxos and go on the deck. The sunset views are amazing, I guarantee you will be mesmerized. Arrival back at Naxos around 22:00. Best time to visit Koufonisi is June/ mid July and then in September. August it gets really crowded.
Ps. There are no organized beaches with parasols there, so you either bring your own OR wear a hat and put plenty of sunscreen 😎
Food scene
Places to eat
My personal favorite for homemade brunch (homemade as in homemade) with local marmelades go to Melimilon which is 2minutes away on foot towards Saint George beach. These people specialize on marmalades and they are known nation-wide! Marmalades? Yes! And they serve them with your eggs and toasts and sandwiches and sweet pancakes and whatever else they do! (Slurp) These girls have managed to combine sweet and sour with such a delicate way. Check it out on trip advisor or google. You can buy marmalades for gifts too. Great options with eggs, local ham and fresh veggies washed down with amazing fresh juices like our grandma used to do (personal favorite the sour cherry/morello with mint).
7 yerel halk öneriyor
Melimilon Pantry
My personal favorite for homemade brunch (homemade as in homemade) with local marmelades go to Melimilon which is 2minutes away on foot towards Saint George beach. These people specialize on marmalades and they are known nation-wide! Marmalades? Yes! And they serve them with your eggs and toasts and sandwiches and sweet pancakes and whatever else they do! (Slurp) These girls have managed to combine sweet and sour with such a delicate way. Check it out on trip advisor or google. You can buy marmalades for gifts too. Great options with eggs, local ham and fresh veggies washed down with amazing fresh juices like our grandma used to do (personal favorite the sour cherry/morello with mint).
Milkato gelateria
Great ice cream place! Made from local daily produced milk!
Another good option is “Antamoma” which is an excellent choice just around the corner (behind the bakery) in Chora - close to the parking facing the sea front. It has mostly fish dishes but also some meat options (fantastic ribs). The chef there is amazing, he has combined greek flavors in a very mouthwatering way and they have also recently opened a cafe/bar on top of the restaurant (worthwhile visiting it).
16 yerel halk öneriyor
Antamoma Cuisine Deli Store
& AriadnisAnother good option is “Antamoma” which is an excellent choice just around the corner (behind the bakery) in Chora - close to the parking facing the sea front. It has mostly fish dishes but also some meat options (fantastic ribs). The chef there is amazing, he has combined greek flavors in a very mouthwatering way and they have also recently opened a cafe/bar on top of the restaurant (worthwhile visiting it).
Şehir tavsiyesi
Tasarruf etmenin yolları
Pick your own umbrella when going to the beaches
Most of the beaches in Naxos have umbrellas and sun-beds but this might be an expense when you want to spend time on a certain beach or you want to do beach hoping. Take your own umbrella and spare the cost of getting one on the beach.
Gezinme
Rent a car or motorcycle
Getting around in Naxos can get a bit annoying especially during the peak months of July-August. Renting your own vehicle will save time eventually and you can plan your own trip as you go instead of relying on the bus service. Parking might be a bit tricky, especially at Hora area but there are a lot of free parking around the town.
Kaçırmayın
Don’t miss the sunset views from Chora - port area
The sunset views are mesmerizing in the west coast of the island. The port at Chora has some amazing view during sunset with the boats moving in the marina at that time. Just walk along the promenade towards the Apollo gate (Portara) and you will get a lot of chances for great photos
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Naxos essentials in May/June
For those traveling to Naxos in May-June, the weather will be cozy and warmish but not that warm. Bring a jacket with you to wrap it around your shoulders at night. In May there might be some light rainfalls, the last ones until September. Closed shoes are necessary at this time of the year. Other than that, of course bring along your swimming suits and flip flops, high heels are not the easiest shoe option for the ladies, especially if you want to explore the castle area and Chora (central place of the island).
Gezinme
Parking at Chora in August
During the peak season (August) parking at Chora is a nightmare. You should take that into consideration when planning your daily itinerary. Although most of the action is in Chora (good restaurants, bars, cocktail places and site seeing) the parking issue in combination with the high season flock of people can get annoying. There are a few free car parking areas around the Chora Castle area (port) but they are obviously not enough. If you were to find a slot in these car parks you should be back from your day activities at the car park around 6pm.
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What to pack before visiting in late September/October
Although September is considered one of the best months to visit Naxos it might get some random rainfalls. During the last two years (2020 and 2021) we didn’t have any rainfalls during September but some strong winds brought the temperatures down to 25-27 C degrees. In October the weather is still good but perhaps not so warm for swimming. Temperatures are between 22-27 C as the day becomes shorter (gets dark around 7pm at the end of October. Don’t forget to bring along closed shoes and also a light jacket or a sweater for evening strolling
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Naxos essentials for July/August
July and August is the peak season. The weather is always sunny and rather hot with temperatures anywhere between 28-35oC. Some days in late July or early August could be more but the local “meltemia” aka strong winds cool you down lost of the times. Of course bring along your swimming suits and flip flops, high heels are not the easiest shoe option for the ladies, especially if you want to explore the castle area and Chora (central place of the island) and get your linen shirts and summery dresses packed and ready. Open shoes for the ladies and shorts for the guys is a must
Gezinme
Planning a day-tour on a boat
Due to the local winds on the greek islands (meltemia) which are rather difficult to predict before you arrive, I would suggest you play by ear your day-tour boat cruises. It’s better to plan once you are here, like a day or two before the day-tour just to have an idea of how strong the wind will be. Sometimes it might be minimal or even not windy at all but if it is a bit windy you don’t want to risk your day and then feel sick or nauseous. There are many small boat available, just walk along the promenade and you can check their offers and prices