Things to do in Naxos, Greece

Naxos is the gem of Greece, a happy and delightful jewel shining on the waters of Aegean Sea. Being the biggest and greenest island in the Cyclades, Naxos is infused with lively villages, proud historical monuments and sandy beaches. Therefore, there are so many things to do in Naxos, from exploring the characteristic villages to trying out invigorating sports, Naxos has got you covered. Here are top 6 things to do in Naxos that you would not want to miss.

Things to do during your vacation in Naxos

Visit Portara

If you are visiting Naxos, a trip to Portara is necessary to soak in the gorgeous view and absorb the vibrant energy. Portara (the great door) is a name that the residents have allocated to a marvellous marble doorway. This monument is a short walk from the Naxos town harbour, standing proudly on a small island.

This ramrod landmark, which is 2,500 years old, marks a doorway that “leads nowhere” and was once a temple devoted to the god Apollo. The temple was constructed when Lygdamis was reigning, and Naxos was a prominent cultural centre.

The vivacity of this monument is mostly because of the palpable spiritual energy around it, often described as “magical”, especially at sunset.

Visit Chora and the Castle

The Chora Castle, a medieval monument, is another essential stop during your visit to Naxos. The two entrances of the castle are Trani Porta (Great Gate) and Paraporti (wicket), to the north and left respectively. The interiors of the castle house many astonishing historical monuments such as the Boarding School of Ursulines, School of Commerce founded by Jesuit monks, the KapelaKazatza, a chapel of the Duke, the Catholic Cathedral and the Tower of Krispi or Glezos.

You can also pay a visit to the surrounding cute shops, cafes, restaurants, art spaces and museums and walk the winding alleyways.

Surf the Wind

If after the cultural and spiritual exploration of the historical monuments a strong craving for adrenaline kicks in, windsurfing is the ultimate solution.

Naxos is ideal for windsurfing because of the shallow lagoons, gentle blue waves and great wind conditions that will move you towards excitement. In fact, Naxos is among the most popular windsurfing spots in Greece, especially during the summer when the northern winds hit the blue waves that engulf the island. To be specific, the best places to windsurf in Naxos are Laguna, Agios Georgios, AgiosProkopios and Plaka.

For the strongest winds, hit the waters in the early afternoon.

Explore the Beaches

Naxos has an abundance of scenic beaches, perfect for unwinding under the warm rays of sunshine. There are various beaches outlining the alluring island of Naxos, so the diversity of choices always impress visitors. Here are three of the best beaches in Naxos for sandy toes and sun-kissed skins:

AgiosProkopios; located on the west of Naxos, AgiosProkopios is the most desired and beautiful beach on the island- and one of the best in Europe. The soft sand stretches for 1.2 km, with golden streams of sun and gentle winds.

Agia Anna; this beach joins AgiosProkopios on the south-west. On this velvety beach, you can lounge on provided sunbeds under the shadow of umbrellas and sip on refreshing cocktails at the nearby bars.

Palaka; this sandy paradise is in the south-west of the island, and a prime area for sea sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Discover the Mountainous Villages

Naxos is blessed with 41 splendid villages, each of them possessing unique beauty and charm.  These villages glow with ancient tradition and spectacular architecture. Here are three of the many villages that are worth paying a visit:

Naxos town; Naxos is the main village of the island and should be the main event of your visit. There is plenty to explore in this lovely village, from the authentic structure to beautiful landscape and stroll-worthy waterfront, with countless bars, cafes and restaurants.

Halki; this picture-perfect village is in the north of the island, with Venetian towers and Byzantine churches that exhibit its rich history.

Koronos; nested on the northeast of the island, Koronos is surrounded by an astonishing vineyard valley. Koronos is famous for its tasty wine that is very high in quality. Most parts of the village are built facing a green valley that only adds to its beauty and charm.

Where to stay in Naxos, Greece

HotelsCombined is a great website to check out to find the most cost-effective accommodation option for you in Naxos. It will tell you which hotel booking site has the best price. Here are my picks for the best accommodations in Naxos, Greece:

• Perfectly located 1 minute away from sandy St George beach and within walking distance from Naxos town, Alkyoni Beach Hotel is a great accommodation option offering spacious rooms with sea or garden view, a swimming pool, a restaurant and free wi-fi. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

• Another great option for your stay in Naxos is Hotel Spiros, a family run hotel located 1 minute away from St George beach and within walking distance from Naxos town, offers studios equipped with a kitchenette, mini fridge satellite TV, a swimming pool, free Wi-FI and free airport shuttle. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

• For a budget friendly option near St. George Beach and 10 minutes away from Naxos town, I recommend Golden Beach self-catering studios that offer simply furnished air-conditioning rooms with a balcony and free on-site parking. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.
• Nikoletta studios in Agios Prokopios beach is a budget friendly options just 3 minutes away from the beach and with a bus connection to Naxos Town. It offers simple air-conditioned rooms with balcony, free wi-fi, a swimming pool and a sun terrace. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

• Agios Prokopios hotel is located 2 minutes away from the homonym sandy beach. It offers rooms, self-catering studios, apartments, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground for children and free wi-fi. Naxos town is easily accessible by bus. It is a great option for families. Check here for the latest prices and more details or check out Tripadvisor Reviews.

How to get to Naxos, Greece

By Plane:

Naxos has an international airport with direct flights from Athens (35 mins) and charter flights from many European cities.

By Ferry:

Ferries to Naxos run daily both from Rafina port and Piraeus port in Athens. There are two option available the regular ferry that takes 5 hours and 30 minutes to get to Naxos (prices are around 20 € one way) and the speed boats that need 3 hours and 15 minutes to get to Naxos ( around 60 € one way). Prices and journey times depend on the ferry company.

Naxos is also connected with other islands like Paros, Santorini, Syros, Amorgos, Donousa, Shinoussa, Koufonisi, Iraklia, Astypalea etc.

For more details about the ferry schedule, you can check here: http://travel.viva.gr/en/ferries

If you are seeking a travel destination to experience fun, excitement, relaxation mingled with cultural activities and historical sites, then Naxos is the right choice. Here you will skip the crowds and high prices of nearby Mykonos and Santorini and you will have a more authentic Greek experience.   There are various things to do in Naxos because this one-of-a-kind island embraces amazing ancient monuments, lively beaches, exciting sea sports and scenic views.

Another great option from Naxos is the small island of Donousa. Check my post: Things to do in Donousa for more inspiration.

Have you been to Naxos island? Do you have other things to do in Naxos to add on the list?

Did you like this post? Pin it >>>>>>>>

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. It costs nothing extra to you but helps keep my site running. Thank you for supporting me in this way.