Naxos — The All-rounder
Naxos (Greek: Νάξος) is the largest and most diverse Cycladic island (430 km²) — and the most underrated. While Santorini and Mykonos are in the spotlight, Naxos offers everything the other islands have individually, in one package: The longest sandy beaches in the Cyclades, a green hinterland with mountain villages and ancient marble quarries, Venetian towers, Byzantine churches, a lively capital — and all at prices 30–50% below Santorini.
In antiquity, Naxos was the richest Cycladic island: Naxian marble was the most coveted in the ancient world, and emery was an export hit. The Naxians built the lions of Delos (yes, they come from here!) and the colossal Kouros of Apollonas. Later, the Venetians ruled, building an imposing Kastro (fortress) above the harbor, which still stands today.
Naxos is the most family-friendly Cycladic island: Shallow, safe sandy beaches (no volcanic pebbles like on Santorini), good infrastructure, moderate prices, warm locals. But Naxos is also a hit for couples, hikers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts.
Plan for at least 4–5 nights — Naxos rewards slow travel. Explore the hinterland with a rental car (from €25/day) or scooter (from €15/day).
💡 Tipp
Naxos is the most family-friendly Cycladic island: shallow sandy beaches, affordable family hotels, safe waters. Plaka Beach has 4 km of shallow water — perfect for small children. And the taverna culture is so welcoming that children are always welcome in Greece.
Naxos Town (Chora)
The Chora of Naxos is the liveliest and most beautiful island capital of the Cyclades (in the opinion of many even more beautiful than Mykonos Town). The harbor with the colorful fishing boats, the Venetian old town with its alleys, the Kastro (castle) on the hill, and — the landmark — the Portara on the offshore islet of Palatia.
★★★ Portara (Temple Gate of Apollo)
The landmark of Naxos: A massive marble gate (6 m high, 3.5 m wide) standing alone on the small islet of Palatia at the harbor. It is the entrance to a never-completed Apollo temple that the tyrant Lygdamis began in the 6th century BC — he was overthrown before the temple was finished. Only the gate remained standing because the marble blocks were too heavy to transport away.
Today, the Portara is the most popular sunset spot on Naxos: You sit on the marble steps, look through the frame of the gate to the open sea, and the setting sun turns the marble golden. Freely accessible, 24/7, 5 min. walk from the harbor.
★★ Kastro (Venetian Castle)
Above the Chora towers the Venetian Kastro, built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo when he founded the Duchy of Naxos. A labyrinth of alleys, archways, and tower houses, today housing the Archaeological Museum (finds from Naxos and the Small Cyclades, excellent Mycenaean ceramics, 6€). Enter through the Trana-Porta (main gate) and let yourself be carried away — the atmosphere is like a time travel to the 13th century.
Bourgos (Old Town)
Below the Kastro: The former Greek Orthodox quarter, in contrast to the Catholic Kastro above. Today the most atmospheric district of the Chora: Narrow alleys, bougainvillea cascades, small tavernas with tables in the alley, cats on every step. In the evening, the most beautiful place to eat.
Harbor & Promenade
The waterfront promenade (Paralia) is the social heart: In the evening, locals and tourists stroll here, the fishing boats sway, the tavernas fill up. At the southern end is the new ferry port, at the northern end the Portara islet.
Beaches★★★
Naxos has the best beaches in the Cyclades — and that's no exaggeration. While most Cycladic islands offer only pebbles, volcanic sand, or tiny coves, Naxos has kilometers of gently sloping sandy beaches with crystal-clear, turquoise water. The entire west coast south of the Chora is one long beach parade.
★★★ Plaka Beach
The longest beach in the Cyclades: 4 kilometers of fine, golden sand that becomes increasingly empty towards the south. The water is shallow, warm, and crystal-clear. At the northern end, there are some beach bars and loungers (10€/set), the rest is natural and free — you can walk for hundreds of meters and have the beach almost to yourself. The southern end is clothing-optional.
Plaka is the dream beach for families: The water remains knee-deep for 50 meters, no sea urchin risk, wide sand strip for building castles. But it's also perfect for couples simply seeking peace and beauty.
Bus from Chora (20 min., 2€) or rental car. Parking at the northern access.
★★ Agios Prokopios
Regularly voted among the Top 10 beaches in Europe (TripAdvisor, Guardian): 1 km sheltered bay with fine sand, turquoise water, and good infrastructure. Hotels, tavernas, water sports — everything is there without feeling overcrowded. More popular than Plaka, but less crowded than comparable beaches on Mykonos or Crete.
3 km from Chora, bus every 30 min. Loungers 8–12€/set.
★★ Agia Anna
Between Agios Prokopios and Plaka: Small, cozy beach with a fishing harbor, good tavernas right on the sand, and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach itself is narrower than its neighbors, but the ambiance is unbeatable — lunch with your feet in the sand, fresh fish from 12€.
Mikri Vigla
Naxos' windsurfing and kitesurfing mecca: The Meltemi blows here reliably and strongly (June–September). The Flisvos surf station rents equipment and offers courses (windsurfing course from 70€/2 hours). Two sides: windsurfing side (south) and sheltered swimming side (north). Also popular with non-surfers for the view of Paros.
Kastraki Beach
South of Mikri Vigla: Quiet, unspoiled beach with a view of the Temple of Gyroulas. Little infrastructure, plenty of space. Perfect for those who want to avoid crowds.
The Hinterland
Naxos' secret weapon is its hinterland: Unlike most Cycladic islands (barren, dry, rocky), Naxos is green and fertile. Mount Zas (1,004 m, the highest mountain in the Cyclades) captures the clouds and feeds streams that water orchards, olive groves, and potato fields. In the mountain villages, life is still like 50 years ago: goats on the road, old men in the kafenio, bread from the wood oven.
★★ Halki (Chalki)
The most beautiful mountain village of Naxos: Former capital (Venetian era) with neoclassical mansions, tower houses, and the remarkable Byzantine church Panagia Protothroni (9th century, frescoes inside). Today a culinary center: The distillery Vallindras (free, daily tours) has been producing the famous Kitron liqueur from lemon tree leaves since 1896 — THE Naxos souvenir. The café 1739 in a Venetian mansion serves the best coffee on the island.
16 km from Chora, 25 min. by car. Bus 3x daily.
★★ Apiranthos (Apeiranthos)
The most idiosyncratic village in the Cyclades: Completely built of gray marble (streets, houses, stairs — all marble), located at 650 m altitude in the mountains, founded by Cretan refugees in the 17th century. The inhabitants speak their own dialect and are considered the most stubborn on Naxos (which says a lot). Four small museums (natural history, archaeology, geology, folk art — each 2€), an atmospheric main alley, woven carpets as local handicraft.
30 km from Chora, 40 min. by car. The road is winding but paved.
Zeus Cave (Zas Cave)
According to mythology, Zeus was raised in this cave on Mount Zas (1,004 m). The hike to the cave entrance (from Filoti, 45 min., moderate difficulty) offers spectacular views. The cave itself is dark and rudimentary (bring a flashlight!) — the journey is the reward. For those who want to continue to the summit: another 1.5 hours, steep, but with the best 360° panorama of the Cyclades as a reward.
From Filoti (17 km from Chora). Start early (heat!), bring water, sturdy shoes.
Kouros of Apollonas
In the north of the island lies in an ancient quarry a 10.5 m tall, unfinished marble Kouros from the 7th century BC — probably Dionysus. The giant still lies half in the rock, abandoned because the marble cracked during carving. A fascinating testament to ancient sculpting technique. Freely accessible.
36 km from Chora, 50 min. Combine with Apollonas village (pretty, fish tavernas at the harbor).
Eating & Drinking on Naxos
Naxos is the culinary capital of the Cyclades — and has the best local products: Naxos potatoes (famous throughout Greece, protected origin), Graviera cheese (semi-hard hard cheese, aged 12 months), Kitron liqueur (made from lemon leaves, available sweet/green, semi-dry/yellow, and dry/clear), the meat of free-range goats and lambs, and of course fresh fish.
€ Budget
Meze 2 · Chora, at the harbor
Tiny shop, huge portions: Naxos potatoes with Graviera gratin 6€, Greek salad 5€, souvlaki platter 8€. Locals eat here after going out.
5–10€ · Daily 11–1
To Elliniko · Chora, Bourgos
Authentic meze bar in the old town: Small plates to share (Feta Saganaki 5€, Imam eggplant 5€, grilled sardines 7€), plus cheap house wine (1 liter from 6€). Sit outside in the alley and watch the cats.
5–10€ · Evenings from 18
€€ Mid-range
To Kastro (Castle Restaurant) · Chora, in the Kastro
In the walls of the Venetian castle: Most romantic dinner spot on the island. Naxos lamb in a clay pot 16€, octopus with fava 14€, Graviera Saganaki 8€. View over the town and harbor.
12–22€ · Evenings 18:30–23:30, reservation recommended
Apostolis · Chora, at the harbor
Fish taverna right by the water, since 1965. The daily fish is presented on ice — choose for yourself. Grilled sea bream from 14€, lobster spaghetti 24€, mixed seafood platter 30€ for 2 people.
12–25€ · Daily 12–23
Taverna Axiotissa · Agia Anna Beach
Legendary beach taverna: Feet in the sand, fresh fish, carafe of white wine, sound of waves. This is how Greece should feel. Octopus stifado 13€, fried zucchini balls 7€.
10–18€ · Lunch & evening