Should You Travel to Naxos, Greece?: A Guide

Located almost perfectly between Mainland Greece and Turkey, Naxos is a lush island that sees fewer tourists than places like Mykonos or Santorini.

The largest island in the Cyclades (a group of Greek islands), Naxos is known for its beautiful sunsets, historical sites, and winding streets. It's a true gem.

Should Naxos be added to your itinerary for your next trip abroad?

Let's take a look at all Naxos has to offer, from exciting things like what to do and where to go, to more logistical things like how to get there.

Who should visit Naxos?

Naxos has a little bit of everything that you'd expect to see on a trip to Greece.

Ancient ruins, white-washed buildings, olive groves, and sandy beaches with bright blue waves, to name a few. There are even mountains!

Naxos is a great destination for travelers who want an authentic Grecian experience without the crowds of more popular cities.

That said, it is off the beaten path, meaning it takes a little bit more planning to get to. Unlike many other popular destinations, Naxos doesn't have any cruise ships that go it!

If you're the type of traveler looking for Grecian vibes, a mix of sandy beaches and ancient sites, and something a bit more secluded, Naxos might be exactly what you're looking for.

How to get to Naxos

Because Naxos is an island, it isn't as simple as just flying to Athens. That said, it is very simple to get to Naxos!

There are a couple of ways you can get there.

First, Naxos does have a small domestic airport and there are regular flights to and from Athens (Greece's capital on the Mainland). This is a popular way to get to the island, as Athens is an international airport with arrivals from all over the world. The flight is short, around 40 minutes.

Second, by ferry! Depending on your itinerary, there are several different ferry options from different islands in Greece.

If you aren't planning to go to other islands, there is also a ferry that goes directly from Athens to Naxos. Depending on the ferry you choose, the ride can be anywhere from around three hours to just over five.

Things to do in Naxos

While it looks small on the map, Naxos is a pretty large island at 166 square miles (or 430 square kilometers).

This gives you a large playground, if you will.

The beaches

Naxos is filled with beautiful beaches - after all, it is an island. Whether you want to feel the waves under your feet and the sand in your toes, or prefer to close your eyes and let the sun do its Grecian bronze magic, there's a spot.

Popular beaches include:

• Agios Prokopios. It's on the Western part of the island, not far from a couple of different ancient ruins. This beach is long and sandy and has little restaurants and places to lounge.
• Mikri Vigla. If you're looking for something a little more active, Mikri Vigla is just south of Agios Prokopios and is a popular spot for windsurfing and water activities.
• Alyko beach. This one is great for nature lovers as it's a bit more secluded and surrounded by native trees and other plants. It's on the southwestern coast of the island.
• Plaka beach. Plaka beach is one of the most popular beaches in Naxos. If you're hoping to book a tourist excursion or activity, there are options here like e-bike riding and kitesurfing.
• Aggia Anna. Not far from Plaka beach (on the west side of the island), Aggia Anna has calm, crystal blue waters.

Activities in Naxos

There are plenty of things to do, it just depends on what type of activities you are looking for.

Some of the most popular things to do in Naxos include:

• Hiking. The island is stunning and the weather is great. There are several trails around the island for hikers of different expertise.
• Cooking classes/cultural workshops. Bookable online through a variety of different sites, there are cultural classes you can take on the island.
• Windsurfing. You can find excursions/rentals on various beaches on the island.
• Tastings. It's possible to find wine, cheese, and olive oil tastings on Naxos.
• History tours.
• Bus tours.
• Castle and temple tours.
• Catamaran, boat, and kayak excursions.

Ancient sites in Naxos

One of the best parts about visiting Greece, in our opinion, is seeing the ancient sites. Naxos has several historical relics you can visit, taking you back in time, where, for a moment, you can almost imagine you're living in Ancient Greece.

The ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and Demeter

Built in the late 6th century, you can still see some columns and remnants of this temple dedicated to Apollo, Demeter, and Kore.

The ancient statue of Dionysus... or Apollo?

Naxos is home to an unfinished statue of either Dionysus or Apollo (archaeologists have differing opinions). Carved out of marble, this statue is huge - 36 feet (or 11 meters) tall!

The ancient site of Grotta

While very much ruins today, you can visit what was once Naxos's capital, which dates back to 1300 BCE.

The ancient Sanctuary of Dionysus

Built between the 13th century BCE and the Roman period, this is one of the most important historical sites on the island.

Now, it is simply a foundation and the remnants of columns, but it's a glimpse at an incredible bygone era.

Ancient tombs

The island is home to ancient tombs from the Mycenaean era (1300 BCE).

The Temple of Apollo

Perhaps the most famous ancient site on the island, the Temple of Apollo, can't be missed. Its silhouette in a sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

What stands today is the large marble gate to the temple, which was never finished.

And even more!

These aren't the only ancient sites on Naxos, but they are some of the favorites among travelers.

Other sites include aqueducts, a tower, a prehistoric acropolis, a sanctuary at a natural spring, and more.

When to visit Naxos

In general, the best months to visit Greece are from April to October, with the summer months being the busiest (and hottest).

May through September are great choices as they will have fewer tourists, but the weather will still likely be warm.

Naxos, Greece FAQs

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