Highlights of Naxos, by Sofia
Food
Everyone knows about the delicious Greek recipes, such as moussakas, pastitsio, souvlaki, or stuffed vegetables, dishes, which have enchanted those who were lucky enough to try them. But Naxos has its own tradition in terms of food and being an autonomous island, which produces olive oil, wine, cheeses, vegetables and local cold cuts and meats, that can offer you an unforgettable dining experience. Let's take a detailed look at the best places to eat.
Rotonda restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy peace, amazing view and delicious food as well. Perfect stop before visiting Apeiranthos village
45 yerel halk öneriyor
Rotonda - Cafe Bar Restaurant in Naxos
Rotonda restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy peace, amazing view and delicious food as well. Perfect stop before visiting Apeiranthos village
If you are a meat-lover, then Basilarakiou tavern is just perfect for you. You can take great pleasure while trying local meat and beef cuts such as picanha steak, T-bone, strip-loin, rib-eye, etc.
16 yerel halk öneriyor
Στου Βασιλαρακιου
If you are a meat-lover, then Basilarakiou tavern is just perfect for you. You can take great pleasure while trying local meat and beef cuts such as picanha steak, T-bone, strip-loin, rib-eye, etc.
The tavern of Amorginos, which is located in Apeiranthos, is a topic of discussion for those who visit this village. He uses local, pure ingredients, which is what makes the food so special.
21 yerel halk öneriyor
Amorginos Tavern
ΑπειρανθοςThe tavern of Amorginos, which is located in Apeiranthos, is a topic of discussion for those who visit this village. He uses local, pure ingredients, which is what makes the food so special.
Taverna sources all its raw material from the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Naxos. There you will find not only the famous Greek dishes, such as pastitsio, moussaka, etc., but you will also find the most famous Naxos recipes, such as the Pork Roast, cooked with Naxos Graviera, Lamb Kleftiko, which is cooked in papilliote paper with seasonal vegetables and Naxos kefalotiri cheese, veal cooked with vegetables and Naxos cheese in clay, and many other delicacies. Also, there, you will find me serving you with great pleasure.
Taverna Naxos
Taverna sources all its raw material from the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Naxos. There you will find not only the famous Greek dishes, such as pastitsio, moussaka, etc., but you will also find the most famous Naxos recipes, such as the Pork Roast, cooked with Naxos Graviera, Lamb Kleftiko, which is cooked in papilliote paper with seasonal vegetables and Naxos kefalotiri cheese, veal cooked with vegetables and Naxos cheese in clay, and many other delicacies. Also, there, you will find me serving you with great pleasure.
Cocktails, drinks, Night life
Like Home Bar is definetely the one you have to visit, even if you are on Naxos just for a day. It usually opens at 7:00 in the afternoon, when you can enjoy the incomparable view, coffee, a variety of cocktails, hookah. Moreover, late at night, at 11:00-12:00, lights dim, music turns louder and people start to dance, drink and have fun. If you are going to have your drink at Like Home Bar, it is better to make a reservation in advance in the high season
27 yerel halk öneriyor
Like Home Bar - Naxos
Like Home Bar is definetely the one you have to visit, even if you are on Naxos just for a day. It usually opens at 7:00 in the afternoon, when you can enjoy the incomparable view, coffee, a variety of cocktails, hookah. Moreover, late at night, at 11:00-12:00, lights dim, music turns louder and people start to dance, drink and have fun. If you are going to have your drink at Like Home Bar, it is better to make a reservation in advance in the high season
club for dancing & drinking, cocktails, hookah, terrace with a view
15 yerel halk öneriyor
Toro Cocktail Bar
club for dancing & drinking, cocktails, hookah, terrace with a view
Swing Cocktail Bar Naxos
Protopapadakicocktails, music, terrace with a view, drinks
Γειτονιές
Naxos Town or Chora is where the heart of the island beats. It comprises the promenade that leads to the port and Portara, the Old Town, the Castle of Naxos, the Grotta area, the modern part of Naxos Town and Agios Georgios Beach.
44 yerel halk öneriyor
Naxos
Naxos Town or Chora is where the heart of the island beats. It comprises the promenade that leads to the port and Portara, the Old Town, the Castle of Naxos, the Grotta area, the modern part of Naxos Town and Agios Georgios Beach.
Apeiranthos is a village of the mountainous region of Naxos. Because of the similarities in the culture, dialect and accent, traditions, poetry and music with the people of Crete, it is presumed that the inhabitants of Apeiranthos are originated from Crete. Apeiranthos is a must-visit traditional settlement, where you can enjoy local products and food made of passion, you can visit its museums, such as Archaelogical museum of Apeiranthos, Museum of Natural History, Folklore museum etc. Take the chance to buy some gifts and souvenirs for your beloved ones from Yperwon, which is not only a shop, but also a gallery of art.
115 yerel halk öneriyor
Apeíranthos
897 Eparchiaki Odos Apiranthou-Ormou ApollonaApeiranthos is a village of the mountainous region of Naxos. Because of the similarities in the culture, dialect and accent, traditions, poetry and music with the people of Crete, it is presumed that the inhabitants of Apeiranthos are originated from Crete. Apeiranthos is a must-visit traditional settlement, where you can enjoy local products and food made of passion, you can visit its museums, such as Archaelogical museum of Apeiranthos, Museum of Natural History, Folklore museum etc. Take the chance to buy some gifts and souvenirs for your beloved ones from Yperwon, which is not only a shop, but also a gallery of art.
Chalki (Chalki) village used to be the capital of the island as well as its main administrative and trade centre. It is located in the centre of Naxos, 16 km from Hora, or Naxos Town in the central area of the valley of Tragea.
Halki has a long history and the numerous neoclassical houses and buildings are testimony to the wealth and power the village once exerted in the surrounding area. Apart from the lovely old mansions and the picturesque churches, the village itself has colorful alleys that give visitors the sense that they have somehow gone back in time. Many well preserved houses, Venetian Towers and fine Byzantine churches can be found in the area. One of these is amongst Naxos’ oldest churches, the Church of Panagia (the Virgin), dating from the 9th century with some beautiful Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes.
If you are going to visit Chalki, it seems like a good option to devote a day to all three villages: Chalki, Filoti and Apeiranthos, as they are in the same road.
Eparchiaki Odos Naxou-Chalkiou
Eparchiaki Odos Naxou-ChalkiouChalki (Chalki) village used to be the capital of the island as well as its main administrative and trade centre. It is located in the centre of Naxos, 16 km from Hora, or Naxos Town in the central area of the valley of Tragea.
Halki has a long history and the numerous neoclassical houses and buildings are testimony to the wealth and power the village once exerted in the surrounding area. Apart from the lovely old mansions and the picturesque churches, the village itself has colorful alleys that give visitors the sense that they have somehow gone back in time. Many well preserved houses, Venetian Towers and fine Byzantine churches can be found in the area. One of these is amongst Naxos’ oldest churches, the Church of Panagia (the Virgin), dating from the 9th century with some beautiful Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes.
If you are going to visit Chalki, it seems like a good option to devote a day to all three villages: Chalki, Filoti and Apeiranthos, as they are in the same road.
One of the most famous and beautiful villages of the island is Filoti in the Tragea region, which is well-known for its olive groves and little Byzantine churches, both of which are also found in the village.
Take the chance to taste the local products and food!
49 yerel halk öneriyor
Filoti
One of the most famous and beautiful villages of the island is Filoti in the Tragea region, which is well-known for its olive groves and little Byzantine churches, both of which are also found in the village.
Take the chance to taste the local products and food!
Αξιοθέατα
Perhaps the most famous landmark of Naxos, the ruins of the Apollo Temple sit on a small islet that connects to the larger island via a narrow strip of land. All that remains of the 500s BC marble temple is a single gate that looks like an oversized doorway or window open in the middle.
Though the main attraction is roped off, you can still capture stunning images of the gate framing the city skyline of Chora. Watching the sunset from the peninsula is one of the top things to do on Naxos.
Prefer to visit Apollo temple in the afternoon, so as to enjoy the amazing view and magical sunsets of Naxos
202 yerel halk öneriyor
Apollon Tapınağı - Portara
Perhaps the most famous landmark of Naxos, the ruins of the Apollo Temple sit on a small islet that connects to the larger island via a narrow strip of land. All that remains of the 500s BC marble temple is a single gate that looks like an oversized doorway or window open in the middle.
Though the main attraction is roped off, you can still capture stunning images of the gate framing the city skyline of Chora. Watching the sunset from the peninsula is one of the top things to do on Naxos.
Prefer to visit Apollo temple in the afternoon, so as to enjoy the amazing view and magical sunsets of Naxos
Although the Castle of Naxos is part of Chora, it deserves its very own place on our list of the best things to see in Naxos. The Venetian Marco Sanudo built the Castle of Naxos in 1207. The fortified settlement has never stopped being inhabited ever since. Just taking in all this medieval beauty while wandering around the Castle and admiring glorious mansions and enchanting courtyards would suffice.
You will find yourself admiring the Roman Cathedral, a gorgeous marble church that stands at the Castle’s main square, the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, the Della Rocca Barozzi Venetian Museum and the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, probably the oldest building inside the Castle of Naxos.
Yet what dominates the Castle of Naxos is the former complex of the Ursuline Nuns School. It comprises many buildings, most of which are now renovated and used as cultural and educational centres.
To get the most of your visit to the Castle of Naxos, it is highly recommended to join a walking tour run by a knowledgeable guide who will let you in on the secrets of the island’s past.
10 yerel halk öneriyor
Castle
Although the Castle of Naxos is part of Chora, it deserves its very own place on our list of the best things to see in Naxos. The Venetian Marco Sanudo built the Castle of Naxos in 1207. The fortified settlement has never stopped being inhabited ever since. Just taking in all this medieval beauty while wandering around the Castle and admiring glorious mansions and enchanting courtyards would suffice.
You will find yourself admiring the Roman Cathedral, a gorgeous marble church that stands at the Castle’s main square, the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, the Della Rocca Barozzi Venetian Museum and the Church of Panagia Theoskepasti, probably the oldest building inside the Castle of Naxos.
Yet what dominates the Castle of Naxos is the former complex of the Ursuline Nuns School. It comprises many buildings, most of which are now renovated and used as cultural and educational centres.
To get the most of your visit to the Castle of Naxos, it is highly recommended to join a walking tour run by a knowledgeable guide who will let you in on the secrets of the island’s past.
Throughout its long history, Naxos Island has been known for its excellent marble quarries. Nowadays, the island’s shiny and durable marble is extracted at the modern quarries near Kinidaros Village.
Kouros is the Ancient Greek word for the statue of a standing, often naked, young man. There are three Kouros statues scattered across Naxos. Two of them are in the greater area of Flerio, near Melanes Village and the other one is in Apollonas village.
76 yerel halk öneriyor
Kouros at Melanes
Throughout its long history, Naxos Island has been known for its excellent marble quarries. Nowadays, the island’s shiny and durable marble is extracted at the modern quarries near Kinidaros Village.
Kouros is the Ancient Greek word for the statue of a standing, often naked, young man. There are three Kouros statues scattered across Naxos. Two of them are in the greater area of Flerio, near Melanes Village and the other one is in Apollonas village.
Places to Visit
More than 3,000-feet high, Mount Zas is the tallest peak in the Cyclades. Legend also says Zeus was born in a cave on the slopes.
Zas is the highest mountain in the Cyclades and when the atmosphere is clear, it has amazing views and they even say that from there you can see Asia Minor. The bottom of the mountain is in the village of ¨Filoti¨ and it is a fairly easy route of about 40 minutes. I would advise if you choose this activity, to go either very early in the morning to see the sunrise, or just before sunset to enjoy the view. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and suitable walking shoes, take water with you and wear sunscreen
Hikers on a mission to find the best views on the island should head straight for the top of this mountain. Two paths wind up, but the more strenuous one passes by the famous Zeus cave, which you can enter. It’s a 3-mile round-trip trek, but it only takes about 30 minutes to reach the cave — even from there the panoramas of rolling hills fading into the sea will take your breath away.
Get an early start if you visit in summer, as hiking midday under the beating sun of the Greek Islands is miserable. The trailhead at Fontaine d’Aria (an old stone spring-water fountain) is about 30 minutes or so from Naxos town. The other hike up starts at the Agia Marina church a couple of miles past Filoti and about 15 from Chora.
67 yerel halk öneriyor
Mount Zas
More than 3,000-feet high, Mount Zas is the tallest peak in the Cyclades. Legend also says Zeus was born in a cave on the slopes.
Zas is the highest mountain in the Cyclades and when the atmosphere is clear, it has amazing views and they even say that from there you can see Asia Minor. The bottom of the mountain is in the village of ¨Filoti¨ and it is a fairly easy route of about 40 minutes. I would advise if you choose this activity, to go either very early in the morning to see the sunrise, or just before sunset to enjoy the view. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and suitable walking shoes, take water with you and wear sunscreen
Hikers on a mission to find the best views on the island should head straight for the top of this mountain. Two paths wind up, but the more strenuous one passes by the famous Zeus cave, which you can enter. It’s a 3-mile round-trip trek, but it only takes about 30 minutes to reach the cave — even from there the panoramas of rolling hills fading into the sea will take your breath away.
Get an early start if you visit in summer, as hiking midday under the beating sun of the Greek Islands is miserable. The trailhead at Fontaine d’Aria (an old stone spring-water fountain) is about 30 minutes or so from Naxos town. The other hike up starts at the Agia Marina church a couple of miles past Filoti and about 15 from Chora.
Beaches of Naxos
Agios Prokopios lies approximately 5.7 kilometres from Naxos Town, which is why many people choose to take a leisurely walk there or get there by bike. Awarded for its quality waters on both a Greek and international level, the beach of Agios Prokopios is truly magnificent. It is 10 minutes away from the centre by car. Many are those who opt for going on a bike so as to add some work-out in the plan.
21 yerel halk öneriyor
Paralia Agios Prokopios
Agios Prokopios lies approximately 5.7 kilometres from Naxos Town, which is why many people choose to take a leisurely walk there or get there by bike. Awarded for its quality waters on both a Greek and international level, the beach of Agios Prokopios is truly magnificent. It is 10 minutes away from the centre by car. Many are those who opt for going on a bike so as to add some work-out in the plan.
Saint George beach is and has always been the most popular beach in Naxos. It lays south-west of Naxos Town, and is easily accessible on foot from almost every part of the centre
Saint George beach is a favourite and convenient spot for teenagers, young people but also locals of every age who go there every day from middle spring till late autumn since it is only a few steps away from their accommodation.
It is rather popular to families because of its extra shallow waters and the lack of dangerous. It is a fact that make parents able to enjoy their coffee while they are with their infants.
24 yerel halk öneriyor
Agios Georgios Plajı
Saint George beach is and has always been the most popular beach in Naxos. It lays south-west of Naxos Town, and is easily accessible on foot from almost every part of the centre
Saint George beach is a favourite and convenient spot for teenagers, young people but also locals of every age who go there every day from middle spring till late autumn since it is only a few steps away from their accommodation.
It is rather popular to families because of its extra shallow waters and the lack of dangerous. It is a fact that make parents able to enjoy their coffee while they are with their infants.
Agia Anna is one of the busiest beaches of Naxos and is actually a continuation of the beach of Agios Prokopios. The long secluded sandy beach with the small picturesque port that now only hosts fishing boats and provides the wonderful view which has been a centre of attraction for tourists for decades.
39 yerel halk öneriyor
Agia Anna
Agia Anna is one of the busiest beaches of Naxos and is actually a continuation of the beach of Agios Prokopios. The long secluded sandy beach with the small picturesque port that now only hosts fishing boats and provides the wonderful view which has been a centre of attraction for tourists for decades.
The beach of Plaka extends for approximately 4 kilometres making it a very long beach. Only parts of it are organised so there are umbrellas and sun-beds along its considerable length. During high season it is quite busy but still quitter than Agios Prokopios or Saint George beach.
Plaka can be accessed via the route that connects it with Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna beaches. It is asphalt road till you get to Agia Anna and a coastal dirt road of very good condition after that.
43 yerel halk öneriyor
Plaka Plajı
The beach of Plaka extends for approximately 4 kilometres making it a very long beach. Only parts of it are organised so there are umbrellas and sun-beds along its considerable length. During high season it is quite busy but still quitter than Agios Prokopios or Saint George beach.
Plaka can be accessed via the route that connects it with Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna beaches. It is asphalt road till you get to Agia Anna and a coastal dirt road of very good condition after that.
Hawaii is a wonderful beach on the south western side of Naxos Cyclades. Located only 18 km south of Naxos Town and just after the beaches of Kastraki and Glyfada, Hawaii is lovely place to relax away from the crowded resorts of the island.
17 yerel halk öneriyor
Paralia Havaí
Hawaii is a wonderful beach on the south western side of Naxos Cyclades. Located only 18 km south of Naxos Town and just after the beaches of Kastraki and Glyfada, Hawaii is lovely place to relax away from the crowded resorts of the island.
The incredibly beautiful beach of Mikri Vigla on Naxos island is located 12 kilometres away from the capital and consists in two wonderful sandy beaches separated by an impressive hill.
The northern beach of Mikri Vigla beach is wonderful, with soft golden sand and crystalline turquoise waters and is blessed by the meltemi (north winds specific to the Cyclades) which make it an ideal place for wind/kitesurfing. For that reason, the beach is an internationally famous kitesurfing and windsurfing spot and has 2 good clubs for renting high quality material and take courses.
6 yerel halk öneriyor
Paralia Mikri Vigla
The incredibly beautiful beach of Mikri Vigla on Naxos island is located 12 kilometres away from the capital and consists in two wonderful sandy beaches separated by an impressive hill.
The northern beach of Mikri Vigla beach is wonderful, with soft golden sand and crystalline turquoise waters and is blessed by the meltemi (north winds specific to the Cyclades) which make it an ideal place for wind/kitesurfing. For that reason, the beach is an internationally famous kitesurfing and windsurfing spot and has 2 good clubs for renting high quality material and take courses.
Şehir tavsiyesi
Gezinme
Hiring a car is highly recommended
Wander on foot in the centre of Naxos, so as to be able to visit and see all those considered "must-visit".
Naxos is the biggest island of the Cyclades some days are demanded to tour around. It is highly recommended to hire a car, in order to get out, explore and visit some of its mountainous villages and beaches that are off-the-beaten-track, which are going to captivate your attention. Buses can be really challenging, especially during the high season.
If you like to rent a car, I can recommend you some of the most value for money companies, do not hesitate to text me.
Yanınızda getirmeniz gerekenler
Pack beach gear
While there are many Naxos things to do beyond the beach, you’ll definitely want to set aside some time for splashing in the waves and enjoying the bright sun. When you’re packing for Greece, make sure to include your swimsuit, some sunscreen, and a travel towel (unless your hotel provides them or you don’t mind renting). Some of the resort towns will have beach gear shops for anything you forget at home.
It is definitely necessary to carry your sunscreen and a hat with you, beacause sun that beats in the summer is strong enough and you do not want to get a sunburn in your vacations.
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Island Hopping
Taking a boat tour is an absolutely nice option as there are many islands (Koufonisi, Paros, Irakleia etc) that are just a few minutes away from Naxos. : On the main road of Naxos, on the beach, you will find a number of catamarans and boats and that is the best place to arrange your price, date and time
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Taste local products
Naxos is considered to be an autonomous island, as it produces a variety of products, such as grapes and potatoes. Naxos has even its on Celebration of Potato, because of the large production.
It is also popular for liquer Citron, gravgiere and arseniko cheese, goat cheese and "xinomizithra", which is a sour cream cheese, house wine, raki, syrup desserts made from fruits etc.
You will be thrilled by the local products and recipes of food, such as
Sefoukloti, a pie with greens, chard, fennel and other herbs,
Rosto, a dish with pork
Batoudo, which is staffed goat meat with rice and herbs etc.
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Diving
you can have some diving lessons and experience at Blue Fin Divers at St. Prokopios Beach. It is totally safe also for your kids
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Kite Surfing & Windsurfing
At Flisvos Kite Center which is 20 minutes walk from Melitoma Home and 4 minutes by car, but also at Plaka Watersports, located on the beach of Plaka, you can not only rent the equipment for water sports, but if you don't have the experience, the teachers there will give you as many lessons as you need.
Kaçırmayın
Visit to the Citron Distillery - Bottling
: In one of the central alleys of Chalki, outside an elegant door on the ground floor of a neoclassical building since 1870, we read the sign: Kitron Naxos Vallindras, Distillery - Bottling.