Naxos Greece: Travel Guide 2026

EXPLORE NAXOS ISLAND!

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful Greek islands!

In our travel guide, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip to Naxos, Greece.
Start by exploring our complete list of the best things to do, including some of our personal favorites. Then browse our handpicked collections of must-see sights, stunning beaches, authentic villages, recommended hotels and restaurants, a gallery of breathtaking photos and a lot more.
The island is easily reachable by plane from Athens and by ferry from Piraeus Port and many islands of the Aegean, including Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and many more.

How to Get There?

Where to Stay?(50+)

What to See?(40+)

Where to Swim?(20+)

Guided Tours & Experiences(20+)

Where to Eat & Drink?(30+)

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN NAXOS

Plan your trip to Naxos with Greeka, the Greek Islands specialists! Every year, we help thousands of travelers design unforgettable, stress-free holidays.
You can independently book your ferry tickets, car rentals and tours & experiences through our online booking engines, or let us organize your vacation with our island-hopping packages and tailor-made tours. We provide everything you need for a smooth and memorable experience in Naxos.
Start planning your trip and send us a request!

Our travel services are loved by our customers who rate us and have earned us the Silver Award at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece.
Learn about us and read our customer reviews →

ABOUT NAXOS GREECE

Despite being relatively low-profile, compared to the neighboring Cycladic islands, Naxos is one of the most enticing destinations in Greece!
It sits in the center of the Cyclades islands group, in the heart of the Aegean sea, and is also the biggest of them
Its glorious ancient past and the strong influences of the Venetians and the Franks are responsible for the abundance of ancient sites.
The most iconic of them -and the trademark of Naxos- is Portara, the remaining gate of an ancient temple dedicated to the Olympian god Apollo.
Apart from its impressive monuments, though, the island boasts a beautiful natural landscape, as it is the greenest of the Cyclades. Imposing mountains, green valleys, beautiful beaches, and rural villages will exalt every nature lover’s spirit!

Chora, the main town, is a wonderful mixture of Venetian and traditional Cycladic architecture. Above the Cycladic whitewashed houses of Chora stands the imposing Venetian castle, oozing a medieval charm!

Are you a thrill-seeker? A heap of amazing things to do in Naxos’ nature is available! Visit enchanting mountain villages, explore Mount Zas, test your skills in water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, hike in the verdant nature… Naxos holiday is a never-ending adventure!

As for the beaches, they are considered some of the best of the Cyclades islands! The coastline of Naxos is fringed with small coves, creating an array of beautiful sandy- and uncrowded- beaches with cobalt waters. Don’t skip swimming at Aliko, Plaka and Agios Prokopios beaches.

Naxos island is the ultimate unpretentious summer escape! Are you ready to explore it?

• Map • Weather • Best time to visit • History • Geography

More info

PHOTOS OF NAXOS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Naxos island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community.
Upload your photos or share your experience with us #greekacom.

View more Photos

WHERE TO STAY

Naxos has managed to avoid getting touristy and its accommodation facilities have a strictly Cycladic style in order to ensure an unparalleled experience. Whitewashed hotels, peaceful villas, fully equipped studios or apartments, and many other lodgings will introduce you to the charming architecture of the Cyclades! You may find them close to the beach, in Town (Chora), or at numerous other locations around the island.

Accommodation facilities are suitable for all kinds of visitors, from budget travelers and families to those seeking an environment with a luxurious touch. No matter what your preferences are, you will not be disappointed!

Some of the most popular hotels are:
• Ayiopetra • 18 Grapes • Naxian Collection • Ploes

View all Hotels

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

The most popular way to reach Naxos is by ferry from Athens (Piraeus) but the island can also be reached by plane.
You can also include Naxos in an island-hopping itinerary as the island is well connected with Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, and more destinations.

Ferry tickets!

Discover more about the different ways to get to Naxos & how to move around.

• Ferry • Flights • Island-hopping • Move around

Travel there

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the island’s highlights — from iconic sights to memorable experiences. Get inspired with our top picks, or explore the full list on our section with All Things to Do in Naxos

Plaka, the long sandy beach
Plaka beach is large in size and has crystal waters. Some accommodations, fish taverns and water sports centres line up this beach, while it also has room for privacy.
Sunset from Portara
The Portara, or the Great Door, is essentially a massive marble doorway, that stands proudly as the jewel of Naxos. It lies close to the port, on the islet of Palatia
Walk in the Kastro (castle)
Kastro is the oldest and most picturesque quarter in the Town. Surrounded by large Venetian walls, this quarter has few boutique hotels and narrow streets to walk around.
Agios Prokopios beach
Agios Prokopios is among the most beautiful beaches in Naxos, with clean waters and soft sand. Due to its proximity to the town, this is a convenient place to stay during holidays in Naxos.
Aliko beach
Discover the remote area of Aliko and its many beaches and coves. Some of the beaches are protected from the strong winds.
Kitesurfing in Mikri Vigla
Take a kitesurfing lesson! Naxos is one of the most popular destinations in Greece for kitesurfing.
Day Cruise to Koufonisia island
Discover the beauty of Koufonisia island with a day cruise from Naxos!
Apiranthos, the mountainous village
Located in the northern side of the island, Apiranthos is a beautiful village with traditional architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery, the region around Apiranthos is nice for hiking.
The Temple of Demeter
The ancient temple of Demeter is located in a short walk from Ano Sangri, an inland village. It dates from the 6th century BC and was dedicated to the goddess of grain.
Halki, the cosmopolitan village
The village of Halki has traditional architecture with Cycladic and Venetian elements. In summer, the International Axia Festival is organized in the square of Halki.
Ancient Kouros of Melanes
In the countryside of the island, there are two statues of Kouros: one in Melanes and the other in Apollonas. Both these large statues are left on the exact site where they were excavated.
Hike along Potamia river
The village of Potamia actually consists of three settlements: Ano, Mesi and Kato Potamia. Hiking from one settlement to the other is a unique experience.
Monastery of Kalamitsia
Kalamitsia is a deserted Jesuit Monastery of extreme beauty that worth to be visited.
Hike to Zas mountain
Mount Zas is the tallest mountain of Naxos island and also the tallest mountain of the Cyclades. Located 18 km from Naxos Town, it is strongly connected to the history and geography of the island.
Kouros of Apollonas
The statue in Apollonas, also known as the Kouros of Apollonas is exceeding 10 meters in height. The archaeologists haven't actually decided on whether the statue depicts the god Apollo or the god Dionysus.
Byzantine church of Drossiani
Near the village of Moni is the interesting church of Panagia Drossiani. This church was constructed in the 6th century AD and the interior has valuable wall paintings.
Moutsouna little harbor
The fishing port of Moutsouna is located on the eastern side of the island. This is a lovely place with a small beach in front of the settlement and few fish taverns along the port.
Monastery of Fotodotis
The architecture of this monastery looks intensively like a fortress. Originally the monastery was founded in the 6th century AD and tradition says that it was constructed by a Byzantine princess