a view of the main street in Naxos Chora, Greece

Best Places to See + Things to Do in Naxos, Greece (2026)

ByCaleb + Sarah

When most people start planning a trip to the Greek Islands, they default to Santorini, Corfu, Crete — but Naxos quietly offers more variety, better value, and just as much beauty.

We’ve been to Naxos multiple times and seen almost everything on the island. We’ve visited all of the beaches along the west coast, stayed in local boutiques, hiked Mount Zas, eaten at tiny village tavernas, and taken most of the island’s top tours.

And somehow, we still uncover even more things to see on each trip!

a view of the main street in Naxos Chora, Greece

With so many beaches, villages, and ancient sites to choose from, it’s tough to know where to begin, especially if you have limited time on the island.

So, we’re excited to share with you our ultimate list of the best places to see and things to do in Naxos, along with the best time to visit and our personal tips for making the most of your time.

Travel Tools We Use For Naxos

Affordable & Reliable Rental Cars: Check Prices With DiscoverCars

Where to Stay in Naxos: Read About the Island’s Top Neighborhoods

Easy Airport Transfers – We prefer using Welcome Pickups

Scooter / ATV Rental: Compare Prices with BikesBooking.com

Ferry Tickets: Check Timetables and Book Tickets with FerryScanner

Cheap Flights to Greece

Going

DailyDrop

#1 Boat Tour in Naxos

Full Day Cruise to Rina Cave & Koufonissi

1. Portara (Temple of Apollo)

If you only visit one historical site on Naxos, it’ll probably be the Portara.

The massive marble doorway is all that remains of a 6th-century BC temple to Apollo — and it’s the very first thing you’ll see if you’re arriving by ferry.

Portara or Temple of Apollo in Naxos, Greece. You can see Naxos Port and the ocean in the background

It’s also impossible to miss, sitting out on a small islet just off the harbor, and connected to town by a narrow causeway. We always make time for at least one sunset here each trip — it’s the best view on the island, and the golden light on the marble is unreal.

Caleb walking toward Portara or Temple of Apollo in Naxos, Greece around sunset.

2. Long, Sandy Beaches

If there’s one thing that caught us off guard the first time we visited Naxos, it was how good the beaches are. They’re so much better than what we experienced in Paros. We found quite a few long, sandy beaches, with clear water and a mix of undeveloped beaches with organized shorelines full of beach bars and resorts!

If you want something organized with loungers, umbrellas, and tavernas right on the water, head to Agios Prokopios, Maragkas Beach, or Agia Anna. These are 3 of the easiest beaches to reach from Chora, and they all have a relaxed, family-friendly feel.

Aerial view of a rugged coastal area at Agia Anna, Naxos, showing a mix of sandy beaches and rocky outcrops along the ocean. The landscape is interspersed with lush greenery and pathways.

If you want a little more space and don’t mind driving a bit further, Plaka Beach is where we like to go. This beach changes character depending on where you are — the areas to the north have some beach bars and music, while the south side is quieter (even in peak season).

Sarah standing in the sand in Plaka Beach, Naxos.
  • Price: Free (sunbeds range from €5–20 depending on the beach)
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning or late afternoon — beaches can get crowded midday
  • Best Way to Go Beach Hopping: Rent a Car in Naxos

3. Mount Zas

If you’re up for a challenge and wanna to earn an incredible, panoramic view, hike Mount Zas!

At 1,003 meters (3,290 feet), it’s the highest point in the island group and, according to mythology, the childhood home of Zeus himself. The trail is rocky and steep in parts, but the 360° views from the summit are worth it. The trail takes about 2 to 3 hours round-trip, depending on your route.

Route 1: Agia Marina Chapel – This is the easiest and most popular path, starting near the chapel of Agia Marina. It’s well-marked and offers a moderate ascent.

Route 2: Aria Spring Path – This path is steeper and more rugged but passes by the Cave of Zeus.

The views from the top are unbelievable — on a clear day, you can see Paros, Amorgos, and even as far as Ios. Just make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and proper shoes — there’s no shade along the trail, and it gets hot fast.

  • Price: Free (self-guided); Guided tours typically range from €85 to €150 per person.​
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 9:00 AM), especially during summer months.​
  • Guided Tour Recommendation: Hike to the Top of the Cyclades – Mount Zas​

4. Chora (Naxos Town)

Chora is the main town and port of Naxos, and it’s probably where we remember spending the majority of our time during our first trip to Naxos. It’s walkable, packed with restaurants and shops, and still manages to feel like a real town, not just a tourist stop.

local boats docked at the port in Naxos Town (Chora)

The Old Town area is a maze of alleyways and staircases that twist their way up to the Venetian Kastro (Castle), where you can grab coffee at a rooftop café or shop for local artisan goods.

Then, the promenade down by the water is a great place to be around sunset, with lots of great dinner spots, and you’ll have an epic view of the Temple of Apollo.

We love staying here when we want everything — beach, port, and dining — all within walking distance.

5. Temple of Demeter

This is a place that surprises people, simply because it’s not that grand. Yet, it still holds a ton of history, and we loved visiting the Temple of Demeter.

Built around 530 BC, the temple is dedicated to the goddess of agriculture and tucked into a valley near the village of Sangri.

You don’t need more than 30–45 minutes here, but it’s well worth the trip at just 25 minutes from Chora — especially if you’re into history or architecture. We usually pair this stop with a visit to Chalki, since it’s not that far out of the way.

a part of the temple in the mountains of Naxos, Greece. There are many ruins surrounding the building

6. Mountain Villages of Naxos

If you want to see the side of Naxos that hasn’t been polished for tourists, head inland. The mountain villages here feel like they’re operating on their own time, and that’s exactly why we love visiting.

Here are some of the top villages to visit on the island.

Halki is the most famous village in Naxos, and it’s a great place to start, just 20 minutes from Naxos Chora. The village is honestly enchanting, with flower-filled alleys, neoclassical mansions, and a handful of art shops and cafés. You can also visit the historic Vallindras Kitron Distillery right in the center of town, which still produces a local citrus liqueur.

walking down the street in Chalki, Naxos, Greece. There is a sign for a local cafe and outdoor seating

Apiranthos is another one of the most photogenic villages on the island, built into the mountainside with marble-paved streets and five small museums here (yes, five). Even just wandering the streets and grabbing lunch at a local taverna is worth the trip.

Other villages, like Filoti, Damalas, and Sangri, are also worth visiting if you have time. Each has its own character, but they all share that authentic, lived-in feel that’s getting harder to find on the islands.

7. Local Cuisine

Naxos is also an incredible foodie destination! It’s not much different from the rest of the Greek Islands, but the island’s fertile land and rich agricultural heritage have given rise to some of the freshest dishes in the country!

Start with the Naxian potatoes — renowned across Greece for their exceptional flavor and texture. You’ll find them served with so many meals, whether fried, baked, or grilled.

Caleb spreading traditional greek tzatziki spread with olive oil and freshly baked bread.

Patoudo is a lamb dish stuffed with rice, herbs, and liver. Salatouri is the most famous local seafood dish, and the island also produces a variety of cheeses, with Graviera being the most famous!

For dessert, try Melachrino, a walnut cake often served with a scoop of ice cream.

8. Hiking (apart from Mount Zas)

If you want to go hiking on your trip to Greece, it’s hard to find a better island than Naxos (only Crete has better hikes in our opinion).

This is a great way to get to see a more traditional side of Naxos. Some of these trails have been around for centuries, connecting mountain villages, passing crumbling stone churches, and winding through olive groves and citrus trees.

If you want a less strenuous walk, the path from Melanes to the Kouros at the ravine is a good option. It’s mostly shaded, low-effort, and you get to see some of the oldest marble sculptures on the island.

9. Sailing/Catamaran Tours

One of the best ways to spend a day in Naxos is out on the water. The whole southeast coastline is full of coves, sea caves, and beaches you can’t get to by car.

If you have the budget, a luxurious catamaran is the best way to get there. Most full-day tours include 3–4 swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a buffet Greek lunch onboard.

Naxos ferry docked at the port of Naxos town in Greece

Here are a few we’ve either taken ourselves or have saved for our next trip:

1. Naxos Day Cruise on a Catamaran with Lunch: This is one of the most popular day tours, making it an excellent option for first-time visitors. The crew picks the route based on the weather, but it usually includes swim stops near Rina Cave or around the Small Cyclades.

2. Luxury Catamaran Day Trip from Naxos: A little more expensive, but the boat is newer and the group size is usually smaller, which is great if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale.

White ferry named 'Naxos Star' docked at a port, with 'Panteleos Cruises S.C.' and 'One Day Cruises' written on the side, under a partly cloudy sky.

3. All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise: This one is all about the experience. You’ll have time to soak up the sun on the deck, a buffet lunch prepared by the crew, and a cruise to secluded coves around Naxos.

  • Price: Usually €150–€180 per person for full-day tours
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer mornings — most trips leave around 9 AM and return around 5 PM

10. Rina Cave

You’ll only get to Rina Cave by boat — and honestly, that’s part of what makes it feel like such an adventure. The sea cave is hidden in the southern coastline of Naxos, far from the beach towns and tourist spots.

There are no roads, no signage, and usually no crowds.

Most catamaran or sailing tours that loop around the island will include a stop here. You jump off the boat into this ridiculously clear water and swim right into the cave. Other tours stop at a nearby beach and kayak into the cave. Either way, it’s one of those moments that sticks with you for a long time!

  • Price: €60–€100 depending on the boat and route
  • Best Time to Visit: Late morning when the water is warm and light hits the cave just right
  • Guided Tour Recommendation: Agia Anna to Rina Cave & Koufonisi Cruise

11. Kastro (Castle of Naxos)

If you’re staying in Chora (the main neighborhood in Naxos), you should make time to climb up to Kastro — the old fortified neighborhood that sits just above Chora, and it’s one of the coolest areas to wander through in the evening.

Built by the Venetians in the 1200s, it still feels like you’ve stepped into an ancient era, with stone archways, hidden courtyards, and rooftops with killer views of the port. There isn’t much of a “castle” to walk into anymore, but the walled upper section is still worth seeing, with an old Catholic cathedral and ancient walls that resemble local homes.

  • Price: Free to explore
  • Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon into golden hour (rooftop terraces with food & drink)

12. Cave of Zas

The Cave of Zas is tied to the myth that Zeus was raised here in secret to escape his father, Cronus.

This spot tends to get overshadowed by Mount Zas’s summit, and it’s not massive. It’s really just a small, damp chamber with stalactites and low ceilings. But it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re willing to hike the long way to the summit.

The Cave of Zas is tied to the myth that Zeus was raised here in secret to escape his father.

13. Koronos Village

Koronos is a mountain village on the northeast side of Naxos, which honestly feels like a completely different country. The village is built into a ravine, with staircases and stone paths connecting houses on both sides of the valley.

It’s one of the most remote villages on the island of Naxos. You won’t find boutique shops or curated cafés — just quiet streets, old-school kafeneia, and some of the most authentic village life we’ve seen on the island.

This area used to be a hub for emery mining, and you can still see parts of the old infrastructure if you look for it.

  • Price: Free to explore
  • Best Time to Visit: Anytime!

14. Cooking Classes

If you’re looking to get hands-on with Naxian cuisine, a cooking class offers more than just recipes—they provide a genuine taste of local life, and it’s one of the coolest things to do in Naxos!

Most Naxos cooking classes are run by families who have been making the same recipes for generations.

One of the top-rated options in Naxos is The Basiliko Family Tavern in Potamia. It’s a half-day cooking class where you’ll learn traditional Naxian recipes, followed by a garden tour, a cheese-making demonstration, and a communal meal with local wine and music.

  • Price: Typically ranges from €60-100 per person (which includes the meal afterwards)
  • Best Time to Visit: Dinnertime

15. Stay in a Beachfront Hotel

If you’re coming to Naxos to unwind, there’s nothing quite like waking up with the Aegean just steps from your door.

Whether you’re into boutique luxury, laid-back beach vibes, or something in between, the island has plenty of beachfront hotels that put you right on the sand.​

A luxurious private villa with a stone facade, a shaded wooden pergola, and a sparkling turquoise pool. A mix of sun loungers and a cozy dining setup create an inviting outdoor relaxation space. Olive trees and Mediterranean plants surround the villa, enhancing its tranquil setting.

We’ve actually rounded up the best beachfront hotels in Naxos here, but here are our favorites.

  • Nissaki Beach Hotel – Right on Agios Georgios Beach and a short walk to Chora, this is a great boutique spot with a fantastic breakfast and a peaceful vibe.
  • Glaronissi Hotel – Located on Plaka Beach, this hotel combines Cycladic charm with modern comfort. Great for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
  • Naxian on the Beach – Also set on Plaka Beach, this resort offers a more secluded experience with lush gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path Areas

Naxos has so many things to see on the island that we couldn’t stop at just 15. There are a couple more things to do and see on the island!

16. Local Wineries/Distilleries

Naxos might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Greek wine, but the island has a few small, family-run wineries and distilleries worth checking out, like the Saint Anna Winery in Potamia and Vallindras Distillery in Chalki, which has been producing the local citron liqueur, Kitron, since 1896 and functions as a small museum.

17. Panermos Beach

This is about as far off the grid as Naxos gets. Panermos Beach is on the far southeastern tip of the island, and getting here takes a bit of time. But if you’re up for the drive (or boat ride), it’s a beautiful and peaceful place to land for a few hours. No beach clubs, no sunbeds, just calm, shallow water and a quiet bay with a tiny café.

18. Kouros of Apollonas

This massive, half-carved statue is just outside the village of Apollonas and is one of the most unique historical sites on the island. The Kouros of Apollonas has been lying in the same spot since the 6th century BC — still attached to the rock from which it was carved.

19. Routsouna Waterfall

Routsouna Waterfall is one of those hidden spots that’s worth adding to your itinerary. It’s tucked away near the mountain village of Keramoti, and while the drive out here is scenic, and the waterfall isn’t huge, it’s the short walk through olive groves and shaded trails that makes this a refreshing change of pace from the beach scene.

20. Kitesurfing in Mikri Vigla

This beach is famous for the wind, and if you’re into kitesurfing (or want to try it for the first time), Mikri Vigla is one of the best places in Greece to do it (outside of Golden Beach in Paros) The beach is wide and sandy, and the winds consistent during summer. There are also a few kitesurfing schools right on the beach that offer lessons and gear rentals.

21. Alyko

We touched on beaches earlier, but Alyko Beach deserves its own spot on the list. This stretch of coastline is actually made up of a few different beaches — Alyko, Hawaii Beach, and Pyrgaki — and none of them are developed. So, you won’t find beach clubs or loungers, just open stretches of sand and dunes backed by a cedar forest and an abandoned hotel here that’s been covered in street art.

Caleb standing on a rock in the ocean at Alyko Beach, Naxos. The water is incredibly clear and blue

Closing Thoughts

Whether you’re coming for the beaches, the food, the history, or just a slower pace after a few days in Paros, Naxos does deliver more than most people expect.

We’ve been here multiple times and still find new corners of the island to explore each trip. It’s the variety that makes Naxos special, and we also love the fact that it still feels lived-in and less touristy than other islands around Greece.

If this makes you feel inspired to start nailing down a plan for your trip, check out our 4-Day Naxos Itinerary to see how you can fit some of these things to do into a schedule!

Similar Posts