The biggest island within the Cyclades, Naxos is thought for its diverse and mountainous surroundings, beautiful seashores, crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, wealthy historical historical past, and unspoiled pure magnificence. Uncover the very best issues to do in Naxos on this information.
I’ve hung out on most of the Greek islands, and Naxos is unquestionably certainly one of my favourites. It’s a lot much less touristy than among the different islands close by (learn: Mykonos, Santorini, and many others.), however no much less beautiful.
15 Finest Issues to Do in Naxos
There are such a lot of locations to see in Naxos; it’s an ideal vacation spot to go to. Whether or not you propose to go to Naxos for a brief break or an prolonged vacation, you’ll discover a wealth of sights, actions, and experiences to get pleasure from.
Listed here are the 15 finest issues to do in Naxos, primarily based on my private expertise exploring the island and discovering all that it has to supply.
1. Hike to the Prime of Mount Zas
Mount Zas is the tallest peak on Naxos and the best level within the Cyclades, providing unbelievable 360-degree views out over Naxos and the encircling islands. This can be a prime place to go to in all of Greece.
In keeping with Greek mythology, Mount Zas is the place the god Zeus was born and raised.
There are a number of totally different trails to the highest, however the one which’s the very best paved and best to comply with begins close to the village of Filoti, about half-hour from Naxos City by automobile. Enter “Saint Marina Holy Chapel” into Google Maps to find the beginning level.
The hike to the summit and again takes 3-4 hours, relying on how lengthy you spend on the prime. It’s finest tried both early within the morning or in a while within the afternoon to keep away from the warmth of the day. That is very true in the course of the summer time when excessive temperatures and relentless solar could make the trek way more arduous.
You’ll want to deliver loads of water, sunscreen and a hat. There isn’t a lot shade when you get out of the bushes close to the beginning of the hike. The views from the highest are merely beautiful although, and positively definitely worth the effort.
In the event you’re eager on performing some bodily actions in Naxos, don’t miss this superb hike. I did it final 12 months and it’s positively certainly one of my favorite issues to do in Naxos, Greece.
I solely noticed a handful of different individuals on the mountain, and shared the summit with a few eagles hovering overhead – a very unbelievable second.
2. Catch Sundown on the Portara (One of many Most Iconic Issues to Do in Naxos)
The traditional Portara, a colossal marble “gateway”, overlooks the port of Naxos. It’s the best-known landmark on the island, and is emblematic of Naxos. Constructed between 530-506 BC, the Portara is the one half that is still of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.
It’s a really particular landmark that options in a good quantity of Greek mythology because it was seen as a portal to the gods.
While it’s nonetheless spectacular in the course of the day, sundown is the very best time to go to the Portara when it’s lit up with vibrant floodlights and the archway frames the setting solar – it’s one of the crucial superb sights within the Cyclades, and among the best free issues to see in Naxos.
The Portara is a straightforward 10 minute stroll from the centre of Naxos City, simply previous the harbour, by way of a little bit causeway.
3. Go to the Venetian Fort in Naxos City
The Venetian Fort is without doubt one of the hottest points of interest in Naxos City. It was constructed by the Venetians within the thirteenth century, and was used as a fortress to guard the city from pirates and invaders.
At present, the citadel is open to the general public, and affords beautiful views over the city and harbour. There are just a few small museums contained in the citadel partitions explaining among the wealthy historical past of Naxos and its significance in native folklore and historical mythology.
Opening hours range relying on the season, however it’s often open from 9am – 5pm.
4. Take pleasure in Naxos’ Gorgeous Seashores
Naxos is well-known for its stunning seashores, and there are a lot to select from.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna seashores are two of the preferred. Each are located on the west coast of the island, just a few kilometres south of Naxos City.
Agios Prokopios is an extended sandy seaside with crystal clear waters, whereas Agia Anna is a smaller seaside with many cafes, bars, tavernas, and locations to remain. I like each and suppose they maintain up towards any of the very best Greek seashores.
Each seashores are straightforward to entry from Naxos City, both by leaping on a public bus, or hiring a automobile or bicycle.
A little bit additional south, Plaka Seashore is one other nice choice. It’s pretty widespread, nonetheless the seaside’s giant measurement means it’s often potential to stroll a little bit manner alongside the seaside and discover a secluded spot.
In the event you’d like to go to a number of of those seashores as a part of a guided/self-guided e-bike tour, this extremely rated firm may also help you organise every thing.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Naxos, and there are lots of dive centres on the island providing classes and guided dives.
This can be a enjoyable and thrilling technique to discover the underwater world, and with over 50 dive websites round Naxos, there’s a lot to see. There are reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and a wealth of marine life all ready to be found.
In the event you’ve by no means dived earlier than, don’t fear – most dive centres supply newbie classes. When you’ve accomplished just a few dives and are comfy with the fundamentals, you can begin exploring among the extra superior dive websites.
Scuba diving is a good exercise, and even if in case you have non-divers in your group, they’ll nonetheless be part of within the enjoyable by snorkeling. Take a look at this top-rated scuba diving faculty that gives guided dives for all skills.
6. Discover the Island’s Picturesque Villages
Naxos is residence to a lot of charming villages, every with its personal distinctive environment.
One in every of my favorite locations to go to in Naxos is Apeiranthos, a village positioned within the mountains close to the centre of the island. This conventional Greek village is thought for its picturesque whitewashed homes, winding streets, and beautiful views.
Different villages price exploring embody Filoti, Apollonas, Koronos, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal character, and visiting them makes for an excellent day journey from Naxos City.
A lot of the major villages in Naxos are linked by native buses, so it’s pretty simple to achieve them even for those who don’t have your personal automobile.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a small-group tour of among the island’s smaller villages off-the-beaten-track. Click on right here for extra info.
7. Cycle Via Stunning Countryside
The most effective methods to discover Naxos is by bicycle, and there are many nice biking routes to select from.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a straightforward journey, head to the west coast of the island the place you’ll discover flat, coastal roads. For a more difficult journey, strive one of many biking trails within the mountainous inside of the island.
There are a lot of locations to rent bicycles on the island, and most lodges and guesthouses will be capable of manage bike rental for you.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a guided bike tour. This can be a nice choice for those who’re not as assured biking in unfamiliar locations, or for those who can’t determine what to see in Naxos. The tour chief will know the very best routes and might supply helpful ideas alongside the best way.
8. Pattern the Scrumptious Native Delicacies
Naxos is thought for its scrumptious meals, and there are many nice locations to eat on the island.
For a conventional Naxian meal, head to a taverna, both in Naxos City or in one of many villages. Right here you’ll discover loads of native specialities, together with stuffed zucchini blossoms, rooster stew, cheese pie, and unbelievable contemporary seafood.
Wandering the backstreets of Naxos City, day or night time, you’ll encounter an enormous vary of meals to strive from individuals providing contemporary native components, and ready delicacies from little stalls. Come hungry – it’s an incredible expertise.
You may as well be part of a guided meals tour, which is able to train you extra concerning the historical past of the island and its delicacies. Click on right here to be taught extra. Or, for those who’d somewhat discover ways to make tasty Greek meals, be part of this enjoyable cooking class at a household taverna. This highly-rated expertise is a must-do in Naxos for foodies!
9. Do a Skilled Photoshoot
Naxos City is extremely picturesque. With its conventional whitewashed structure, atmospheric backstreets, fountains, polished steps, and vibrant flowers, it’s a photographer’s dream.
However generally it’s good simply to discover and revel in being within the current, while someone else shoots some superb photographs to seize your time there. Even higher if that particular person is knowledgeable photographer.
This photoshoot tour is ideal for solo travellers, households, or {couples} who wish to be all collectively in a few of their favorite vacation snaps.
10. Store for Conventional Handicrafts
A number of the finest locations to buy conventional handicrafts in Naxos are the villages of Apeiranthos, Filoti, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal choice of handicraft retailers, and also you’ll discover a wide range of totally different gadgets on the market together with pottery, jewelery, and textiles.
In the event you’d prefer to see a few of these gadgets being made, head to the Pottery Limpertas Manolis in Damalas. Right here you possibly can watch the potters at work and buy a few of their creations. I loved having the ability to be taught concerning the artistic course of for every bit earlier than I lastly selected which memento to purchase.
Naxos is legendary for its historical marble quarries, and marble sculpting was one of many earliest recognized artisan actions in Naxos. Even at the moment many handicrafts, sculptures, and different items of art work function this stunning stone.
11. Take a Day Journey to One of many Neighboring Islands
Naxos is surrounded by a lot of stunning neighboring islands, all of that are price exploring.
A number of the finest recognized islands embody Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. Mykonos is thought for its energetic nightlife, and Santorini for its dramatic volcanic surroundings and beautiful whitewashed buildings clinging to the facet of volcanic cliffs. In the event you’re on the lookout for some tradition, Paros is residence to a lot of historical Greek temples.
Lots of the different islands round Naxos are equally as stunning, and considerably much less crowded, (and cheaper). My favorite is Ano Koufonisi, which is each small and splendidly undeveloped.
One of the best ways to discover these neighbouring islands is by boat, and there are lots of totally different journeys out there. For instance, this full-day crusing cruise will take you to discover among the Small Cyclades islands. This enjoyable journey takes you to Rina Cave and two different islands, plus it consists of lunch, wine, and snorkel gear. Discover out extra and guide right here.
12. Go to the Historic Ruins of Delos
The traditional ruins of Delos are a must-see for historical past buffs visiting Naxos. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is residence to a lot of historical ruins, together with the Temple of Apollo and the Home of Dionysus.
To get to Delos, you’ll have to take a ferry from the port of Naxos City. There are a variety of ferries that run all through the day and the journey takes round half-hour.
When you arrive on the island, you’ll want round 4 hours to discover the ruins. (I spent about 5, however I think about 4 to be the minimal.) You’ll want to put on comfy footwear, as there’s a good quantity of strolling concerned.
General, Delos is an fascinating website to go to and supplies an interesting glimpse into Historic Greek tradition. It’s additionally potential to go to Delos as a part of an organized group tour from Naxos. Click on right here for extra details about the tour.
13. Go Windsurfing or Crusing
Naxos is the proper place to go windsurfing or crusing, with its breezy shoreline, calm waters and beautiful surroundings.
There are a variety of various locations to get pleasure from windsurfing or crusing, together with the western seashores of Plaka, Agios Georgios, and Mikri Vigla.
The perfect time to go windsurfing or crusing is in the course of the summer time months when the climate is heat and sunny. Pack loads of water and sunscreen although as you’ll be spending lots of time within the solar.
You possibly can rent windsurfing gear and little crusing dinghies from both Naxos City or the above-mentioned seashores.
Alternatively, guide a spot on one of many many enjoyable crusing cruises that run all through the vacationer season – roughly Could to September. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the crusing journeys out there.
14. Go to a Vineyard
Outdoors of Greece, it may be tough to seek out good high quality, cheap Greek wine. Fortunately although, on Naxos this isn’t an issue.
Though the island doesn’t produce as a lot wine as neighbouring Paros, Naxos is residence to a couple totally different wineries that make wonderful wine. Most additionally supply wine tasting and excursions too.
These excursions take you on a journey by means of the vineyard’s historical past, from the planting of vines all the best way to the bottling of the ultimate product. You’ll have an opportunity to see the wine-making course of up shut, and be taught concerning the several types of grapes which can be used.
And on the finish, you possibly can style and purchase a variety of various native wines, most of that are wonderful. General, it is a nice technique to study winemaking and pattern some native wines. In the event you like wine, it’s among the best issues in Naxos to do.
For a conventional Naxian wine-tasting expertise, take a look at this tour which takes place on the Saint Anna Vineyard and showcases among the finest wines produced on the island – their dessert wines are notably scrumptious! In the event you’re not into wine, take a look at this distillery expertise the place you’ll pattern native liquors and revel in native snacks as properly.
15. Rent a Automobile and Go on a Street Journey
One of the best ways to expertise all that Naxos has to supply is by doing a highway journey. The charming coastal highway is an effective way to see the island, and there are lots of totally different villages and seashores to discover.
My favorite round route (and one which I positively advocate as among the best Naxos actions) is: Naxos City > Filoti > Apollonas > Kampos > Naxos City. The surroundings, notably across the northern and northwest coasts of the island, is just jaw-dropping.
The island’s main roads are usually well-maintained and simple to drive on. Nevertheless, among the smaller mountain roads within the inside are very steep and winding, and there isn’t all the time a barrier between the sting of the highway, and a steep drop, so take it straightforward!
There are a number of automobile rental companies on the island, and most of them supply aggressive charges. I often evaluate costs utilizing an aggregator to seek out the very best worth on supply.
Locations to Keep in Naxos
Whichever a part of the island you go to, you’ll discover a vary of various lodging choices out there, together with flats, villas, and lodges to go well with all budgets. Click on right here to seek for villas, guesthouses, flats and lodges in Naxos.
A few good residence choices are:
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Airbnbs in Naxos, Greece
Transportation to and from Naxos
There are just a few totally different ferry firms that supply companies to Naxos, together with Aegean Velocity Traces, Blue Star Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways. The journey from Athens to Naxos takes round 5 hours.
In the event you’re touring from one other island in Greece, there are lots of ferry routes that join Naxos with the opposite islands. It’s pretty frequent to go to Naxos as a part of a wider journey exploring the Cyclades.
I like to recommend utilizing Ferry Hopper to seek for low-cost fares for journeys to and from Naxos.
The island does even have a tiny airport with day by day flights to Athens. This could be a superb choice if you’re very pressed for time. However personally, I all the time want to take the ferry because it’s way more stress-free and you’ll sit out on the deck and take within the attractive surroundings on the best way.
FAQs About What to Do in Naxos
Nonetheless questioning about what to do in Naxos? Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Naxos.
Sure. Naxos is a gorgeous island with so much to supply guests. From its dramatic cliffs to its sandy seashores, there are lots of nice locations to go to in Naxos. In the event you’re on the lookout for an incredible Greek island getaway with out the crowds that swarm among the extra widespread locations, Naxos is unquestionably price visiting.
The Portara, an historical marble gateway overlooking the ocean, is without doubt one of the most well-known Naxos points of interest. A number of the different hottest locations to go to in Naxos are the island’s picturesque seashores and villages.
3-4 days is an effective period of time to discover Naxos, though it relies upon largely on what you wish to do throughout your keep. In the event you’re trying to see as a lot of the island as potential, then 5 days or extra could also be finest for you. Nevertheless, for those who simply wish to chill out on the seaside and see a few of Naxos City, then 2-3 days must be a lot. Personally, I might spend weeks there.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a quiet and stress-free vacation, then I’d advocate staying in one of many villages exterior of Naxos City. If you wish to be nearer to the motion, Naxos City is the very best place to remain.
Naxos City definitely will get its fair proportion of vacationers. The remainder of the island is way quieter, and as a complete Naxos receives far fewer vacationers than different widespread Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos.
Now You Know What to Do in Naxos
Naxos is a stunningly stunning island with one thing for everybody. Throughout my fun-filled journey there, it quickly grew to become certainly one of my favorite locations in all of Greece.
There are such a lot of issues to do on the island, from seashores to wine tastings, historical ruins to highway journeys. It doesn’t matter what your funds or necessities are, there’s positive to be one thing that fits you in Naxos.
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