For those who’re searching for the most effective issues to do in Naxos, you’ve come to the place. We knew we needed to make the journey to Naxos Island after spending an exquisite week close by on Paros. We had heard many issues about Naxos and knew it was time to discover it!
After visiting over 15 different Greek islands, together with Milos, Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos, I can confidently say that Naxos is one other of my favorites. Though, it’s really powerful to go unsuitable with any Greek island!
Naxos has every thing you can need from a visit to the Greek islands. Cycladic white and blue homes, implausible historical past, historical Greek structure, nice meals, stunning European seashores, wonderful sunsets, pleasant Greek folks? Examine, Examine, Examine! We had a full 5 days on Naxos, and it was powerful to do all of the wonderful issues on Naxos – however we tried!
Issues to do in Naxos – Prime Excursions
The place is Naxos Island?
Naxos is the most important and most fertile of all of the Cyclades Islands. It’s properly linked by ferry and aircraft. It’s solely 2 hours through catamaran from Santorini and simply over 5 hours through ferry from Athens. There’s additionally a small airport that runs a number of flights per week between Naxos and Athens.
Greatest Issues to do on Naxos Island!
Sundown Stroll on the Hora Waterfront
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Naxos, and sure the very first thing you’ll do when the solar goes down is stroll the streets of Hora. Hora is the capital and foremost port of Naxos Island and has tiny roads, alleys, and archways.
Alongside the primary seafront strip, you’ll discover bars, eating places, boutique outlets, and ice cream outlets. The world comes alive within the night simply earlier than the solar units and stays fairly energetic properly into the night time. Put in your greatest Greek outfit and stroll the city.
Stroll Round Chalkio
Chalkio, or Halki is a small village within the island’s heart. It’s a must-visit whereas on Naxos and the place one can simply spend a day strolling the attractive Greek streets.
There are quite a few artwork galleries, boutique outlets, small Greek tavernas, and dessert outlets. There’s quite a bit to do right here, or you are able to do completely nothing however absorb the sunshine and benefit from the Greek ambiance.
Discover the Deserted Lodge Ruins at Alyko
On Alyko Seashore lies and deserted resort complicated that has been overlooking the ocean for many years. I by no means bought the story on what truly occurred to the would-be resort with the million-dollar view, and why it was by no means completed.
Nonetheless, we managed a go to to see the great road murals which have accrued through the years. Close by is Alyko Seashore and Hawaii Seashore, two implausible locations to spend the day!
Eat Naxian Delicacies
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Naxos is eat Naxian delicacies. You can’t go away with out making an attempt a couple of staple dishes, although it could be arduous to go to a restaurant and keep away from the native delicacies anyway!
The island’s meals is closely influenced by its agricultural heritage, with a give attention to native substances resembling olives, grape vines, wheat, and sheep and goat merchandise.
Some standard Naxian dishes embrace:
“Xinotyro”, an area cheese comprised of sheep’s milk
“Lachanodolmades”, stuffed cabbage leaves crammed with rice and herbs
“Kolokithokeftedes”, zucchini fritters
“Moussaka”, a dish made with eggplants and floor meat
“Pasteli”, a candy made from sesame seeds and honey
Naxian wine can be a well-liked product, with the island being residence to many vineyards. The native wines are recognized for his or her distinctive style, which is claimed to be influenced by the island’s volcanic soil.
Discover the Churchs round Chalkio
For those who’re already in Chalkio you might as properly go and take a look at a few of the outdated church buildings within the space. Most of them are walkable from city. There’s the Church Agios Nikolaos, the Church of Panagia Rahidiotisa, and the outdated Byzantine church Taxiarhis Rahis to call a couple of.
Get pleasure from Filoti
After visiting Chalkio, hold going to a different small village close by. Filoti village is a cute cease in Naxos, and we discovered it to be tranquil in comparison with Chalkio (which was already very chill).
It’s in Filoti that you would be able to get pleasure from white-washed Cycladic buildings and picturesque “kafenio” (Greek cafes). One of the best factor to do is come right here and luxuriate in a Greek espresso or Ouzo and chat with a few of the locals.
You can even see the Church Panagia (Virgin Mary) Filotitissa, which is properly definitely worth the cease. Maintain driving up the street till you possibly can’t go any additional for excellent views over the village and to see the Church of Agia Irini.
Go to the Fontaine d’Aria
For those who hold going up the street previous the Church of Agia Irini, you’ll discover a spring! Sure, proper on the foot of Mount Zas is a small shady oasis, a pure spring, and a quiet place to benefit from the view over the Greek mountains.
If you wish to get lively, convey your climbing footwear as there are a number of trails from the fountain starting from 1-3 hours!
Discover Portara
Most likely the most well-liked factor to do in Naxos is to go to Portara. Portara is solely a website that may’t be missed; actually, you possibly can’t miss it because it greets everybody coming out and in of Naxos by ferry. It’s a stunning landmark over the entire island and must be visited by all. We visited a number of occasions at totally different components of the day, however Portara at sundown is the most effective!
Portara is a monumental marble body standing 6 meters excessive. It’s half of what’s left of Historic Greece and the Temple of Apollo.
The construction is on the small islet of Palatia, only a five-minute stroll from the Naxos outdated city. Cautious crossing over the walkway in opposed situations, or you might get soaked!
Have Sundown Wine at Apollo Cafe Restaurant
For the most effective place to get pleasure from a glass of Greek wine on Naxos, head proper down from Portara and hold a proper earlier than you cross again over to Outdated City. The Apollo Cafe Restaurant is a small family-run Greek restaurant that provides insane views of Hora. We loved a €3 glass of white and rose wine right here a number of occasions. Sure the wine was low cost, however the views by no means get outdated!
Stroll round Naxos Outdated City
Like most Greek island cities, Naxos Outdated City, or Chora (Hora), is one to be explored. The outdated historic city is the primary harbor city of Naxos. For those who’re arriving by ferry, you’ll be passing via Hora.
It’s the place one might come and spend all the day strolling across the marble streets and admiring the white Cycladic homes. You’ll discover loads of scrumptious eating places, bars, tavernas, and memento outlets right here. I’d suggest combining Outdated City with a sundown cease at Portara.
Whereas all of Hora is walkable, be certain that to stroll round The Outdated Market, which has a few of the greatest buying within the space.
Go to The Fort (Kastro)
Overlooking Chora’s Outdated City is a Thirteenth-century citadel. The Fort of Naxos City as soon as served as a fortress and defend for Naxos constructed by the Venetian Duke in 1207.
The partitions and the Kastro are nonetheless properly preserved and supply a maze-like expertise of small alleyways, cobbled streets, and loads of ups and downs.
I completely cherished strolling across the Kastro and hopping into a couple of cute cafes and outlets. Top-of-the-line cafes on the island, 1739 Terrasse Cafe, has a shocking terrace overlooking the outdated city and beautiful Aegean. It’s one other nice sundown spot on Naxos.
Sunbathe at Agios Prokopios
Only a quick drive away from Chora is a implausible Blue Flag seaside that may be a whopping 1.5 kilometers in size (fairly lengthy by Mediterranean requirements).
Agios Prokopios is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Naxos and is probably the most visited and delightful seaside on the island. However how might you blame guests for heading straight to wonderful blue water and golden sand seashores?
Agios Prokopios is the proper place to return and spend a day at. Alongside the seaside are a number of eating places and tavernas, and within the summertime, you’ll discover loads of locations to rent out seaside chairs and umbrellas. Don’t neglect to convey your towel and different seaside necessities although!
It’s an ideal place to return for households because the water is calm and heat, however it’s also the place one can find teams as associates and {couples}, in addition to a couple of nudist beachgoers.
One in all my favourite issues to do right here at Agios Prokopiosis take a stroll alongside the entire stretch of sand!
Learn our information to the 12 BEST Seashores in Naxos
Plaka Seashore
Nonetheless questioning what to do in Naxos? Somewhat additional south from Agios Prokopios seaside is Plaka Seashore. Plaka Seashore was once a whole nudist seaside however now’s loved by all. Although you’ll doubtless nonetheless see a couple of bare our bodies lounging round.
Plaka Seashore extends for 4 kilometers, which means yow will discover some peace and quiet even within the busy Greek summers.
Temple of Demeter (Temple of Sangri)
The Temple of Demeter isn’t on the well-beaten Naxos vacationer path, however it’s properly value a cease. Close to Sangri, a small Greek village is the Temple of Demeter. The ruins listed here are imposing and are made from the best Naxian marble.
Hike to the Prime of Mount Zas
In accordance with Greek mythology, Mount Zas (additionally referred to as Mount Zeus) is the place Zeus spent most of his childhood. It’s additionally the best level in all of the Cyclades and is totally hikeable!
From Aghia Marina, the hike as much as Mount Zas is simply 7km with 300 meters of elevation. Though there’s a more difficult possibility from Aria Spring that’s 5km and 500 meters of achieve, should you go this manner, you’ll move the Cave of Zeus, so it might be value it to take the extra difficult route! We suggest heading up round sundown to get stunning colours over the entire island!
Strive Rooster With Pink Sauce
That is a type of issues to do in Naxos you gained’t discover on many different lists. There’s a restaurant within the village of Melanes recognized across the island for its scrumptious rooster dish in pink sauce, with do-it-yourself hilopites pasta, dusted with kefalotyri cheese.
It’s referred to as O Vasilis, and if what I simply described to you sounds good be certain that to go right here one night time. It’s unlikely you’ll be capable of discover a dish like this wherever else in Greece!
Boat Journey to Rina Cave
Rina Cave is a singular cave system and a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers and adventurers. Nestled subsequent to a pristine seaside boasting of lush inexperienced waters, this location will be discovered within the Kalandos area on the southern coast of the island.
To get there you’ll must embark on a crusing tour, bookable as a day journey. Take a dip in stunning swimming spots, snorkel to identify marine life, and relish a pleasant lunch with drinks whereas crusing on the Aegean Sea. That is simply probably the greatest issues to do in Naxos, and can make sure to create a memorable day in your Greece journey.
E book: Rina Cave and South of Naxos Cruise with Lunch
Kitesurf/Windsurf in Mikri Vigla
Naxos is a well-liked vacation spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing because of its newbie pleasant situations. The seaside at Mikri Vigla is the most well-liked place to go to get pleasure from this sea exercise.
Petros at KiteLife is true there to supply freshmen with classes or anybody with out their gear a rental arrange.
Take a Cooking Class at Basilikó Household Tavern
One in all my favourite issues to do in Greece is take a cooking class. There’s nothing higher than studying the fundamentals of Greek meals from an area. At Basiliko Household Tavern, you’ll study Naxian delicacies, and choose your personal herbs, veggies, and fruits of their household backyard.
On the finish of your cooking class, you’ll get to get pleasure from a scrumptious dinner paired with Greek wine. E book the expertise right here.
Day Journey to Paros
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Naxos take a day journey to a neighboring island, particularly if you’re spending longer than a couple of days on Naxos. You will be to Paros on a quick ferry in lower than an hour (verify Ferry Hopper for occasions and costs).
As soon as there, absorb the vibe in Naoussa or cliff leap at Ambelas Seashore. There may be a lot to do in Paros, you would possibly think about extending your journey.
How Lengthy Ought to You Spend on Naxos?
Naxos is the most important island within the Cyclades. Which means there may be loads to do and discover on the island. You may simply spend every week right here and by no means get bored. Nevertheless within the effort to get probably the most out of your trip to Greece, you might need to spend much less time so you possibly can go to a couple of totally different islands close by. Paros, Milos, and Tinos are usually not too distant by ferr.
On the very least, plan to spend two days and three nights in Naxos. This offers you a style of what the island has to supply and can make sure you get to a couple of the issues to do in Naxos talked about on this checklist.
What did we do? We had a full three weeks to spend within the Cyclades on this specific journey. We spent one full week in Paros, earlier than taking the ferry to Naxos for five days. After Naxos, we took the ferry to Milos the place we spent the rest of our time. We felt we divided our time up properly between the three islands as we felt there was extra of curiosity to us on each Paros and Milos.
We revisited Naxos once more this previous yr. This time we spent 4 days having fun with the seaside after our wedding ceremony Paros. After our few days on Naxos we continued onto Tinos through ferry.
How To Get to Naxos
Taking the ferry to Naxos
There are two methods to get to Naxos, by ferry or by aircraft (until you’re a superb swimmer)
Naxos is a well-liked vacation spot yr spherical, even for Greeks, so there are many ferries crusing to Naxos from Mykonos, Athens, Paros, and a lot of the islands within the Cyclades.
Naxos additionally has a small airport, Naxos Airport Apollon, close to Agios Prokopios has a number of scheduled flights to Athens a day.
The best way to Get Round Naxos?
There are three choices for getting round Naxos. Rental Automotive, Moped, or 4×4.
Moped
A moped is the most affordable possibility, however in Greece, you want a bike license so as to hire one. Many rental businesses in Greece will allow you to slide and hire a moped with out this, however we couldn’t discover anybody in Naxos to hire us a moped on simply a normal license.
4×4
A 4×4 is probably the most enjoyable choice to get round Naxos in. Nevertheless at round €40 a day it’s an costly one. Additionally throughout the excessive season, you’ll want a sophisticated reservation to hire one among these unhealthy boys. I favor to not hire mopeds or 4x4s as I admire my shade and AC whereas getting round Naxos. It’s an enormous island, and a 4×4 can solely go so quick. For those who plan on hanging out in a single space and never exploring the island a lot, a 4×4 could also be possibility for you.
Rental Automotive
The final possibility is a rental automobile. To hire a automobile in Greece you want a normal Worldwide driver’s license (A legitimate US license works). In case your license just isn’t in English or Greek, have a translation simply in case. You additionally must be ready at hand over your passport. Additionally relying on the place you making an attempt to hire an Worldwide Drivers Allow could also be obligatory for should you get pulled over. It could be powerful to discover a rental company to hire to you with out an IDP on Naxos.
We’ve rented a automobile in Greece with out an IDP and had locations in Greece require that now we have an IDP. In case you are from North America, Australia, or outdoors the EU it’s greatest that you just arrive to Greece with an IDP simply to be secure. You may get one right here should you’re in a rush. For those who get in an accident or our fulled over with out an IDP you might be topic to a steep advantageous within the EU.
Most automobile rental corporations in Greece would require you to be 21 and to have held a license in your house nation for a yr. In case you are underneath 25 you might face extra prices.
Search and Evaluate Costs for Rental Vehicles
DiscoverCars.com – We personally use them to look and evaluate rental automobile costs across the globe. Auto Europe – Compares the most effective charges!
The Greatest Eating places in Naxos
Arolithos Restaurant: Conventional Greek restaurant in Melanes with rave opinions. Strive the tzatziki!
Irini’s Restaurant: Greek household restaurant with scrumptious Greek meals, pleasant employees and good ambiance in Hora.
BOULAMATSISL: Can’t go unsuitable with this one in Chora. Head right here for sundown and sit outdoors for probably the most wonderful views.
The place to Keep in Naxos?
There are such a lot of choices for lodging round Naxos it might make your head spin when reserving. Listed below are a couple of nice Naxos lodging choices.
That is the place we stayed on Naxos and completely cherished our time there! It’s family-run, clear, and tremendous fashionable (which could be a uncommon discover in Greece).
Simply 5 km from Naxos City and Port, Seven Suites provides stunning views. It’s one other tremendous snug place to remain in Naxos!
We keep in so many Airbnb’s world wide. They allow us to dwell in somebody’s residence and expertise a extra native lifestyle. They’re nice for people who need their very own kitchen too! Take a look at a couple of of our Airbnb suggestions earlier than reserving.
What to Pack for Greece?
Spending a summer time on one of many many Greek islands? Fortunate you. You might be questioning simply what to pack for Greece. The islands are stunning, swarming with historical past, and are populated with a few of the friendliest folks on the earth.
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on issues to do in Naxos! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed below are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Assets
‘Hey’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”Forex: Euro – (EUR) – €Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival without cost. Examine along with your embassy to see if that’s you.Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are delicate and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t neglect pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.Finances: For those who’re within the preliminary levels of planning, take a look at our superior submit that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.Lease a Automotive: We recommend most guests think about renting a automobile for the most effective journey doable. Strive Uncover Vehicles to check quotes from totally different rental businesses. Examine Value Right here!Shield Your Journey: Don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage! We all the time carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from harm, theft, or a canceled journey. We use HeyMondo for our insurance coverage wants.Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our checklist of the most effective excursions you possibly can get pleasure from in Greece!Journey Adapter: Be sure you discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, you might be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.