The most important island within the Cyclades, Naxos is understood for its various and mountainous surroundings, gorgeous seashores, crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, wealthy historic historical past, and unspoiled pure magnificence. Uncover the very best issues to do in Naxos on this information.
I’ve frolicked on lots of the Greek islands, and Naxos is certainly one among my favourites. It’s a lot much less touristy than a number of the different islands close by (learn: Mykonos, Santorini, and many others.), however no much less gorgeous.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Naxos
There are such a lot of locations to see in Naxos; it’s an ideal vacation spot to go to. Whether or not you propose to go to Naxos for a brief break or an prolonged vacation, you’ll discover a wealth of sights, actions, and experiences to get pleasure from.
Listed here are the 15 greatest issues to do in Naxos, based mostly on my private expertise exploring the island and discovering all that it has to supply.
1. Hike to the High of Mount Zas
Mount Zas is the tallest peak on Naxos and the best level within the Cyclades, providing unbelievable 360-degree views out over Naxos and the encircling islands. This can be a prime place to go to in all of Greece.
In response to Greek mythology, Mount Zas is the place the god Zeus was born and raised.
There are a number of completely different trails to the highest, however the one which’s the very best paved and best to observe begins close to the village of Filoti, about half-hour from Naxos City by automotive. Enter “Saint Marina Holy Chapel” into Google Maps to find the beginning level.
The hike to the summit and again takes 3-4 hours, relying on how lengthy you spend on the prime. It’s greatest tried both early within the morning or afterward within the afternoon to keep away from the warmth of the day. That is very true through the summer season when excessive temperatures and relentless solar could make the trek way more arduous.
Remember to convey loads of water, sunscreen and a hat. There isn’t a lot shade when you get out of the bushes close to the beginning of the hike. The views from the highest are merely gorgeous although, and undoubtedly definitely worth the effort.
Should you’re eager on performing some bodily actions in Naxos, don’t miss this wonderful hike. I did it final yr and it’s undoubtedly one among my favorite issues to do in Naxos, Greece.
I solely noticed a handful of different folks on the mountain, and shared the summit with a few eagles hovering overhead – a extremely unbelievable second.
2. Catch Sundown on the Portara (One of many Most Iconic Issues to Do in Naxos)
The traditional Portara, a colossal marble “gateway”, overlooks the port of Naxos. It’s the best-known landmark on the island, and is emblematic of Naxos. Constructed between 530-506 BC, the Portara is the one half that continues to be of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.
It’s a really particular landmark that options in a good quantity of Greek mythology because it was seen as a portal to the gods.
While it’s nonetheless spectacular through the day, sundown is the very best time to go to the Portara when it’s lit up with shiny floodlights and the archway frames the setting solar – it’s some of the wonderful sights within the Cyclades, and probably the greatest free issues to see in Naxos.
The Portara is a simple 10 minute stroll from the centre of Naxos City, simply previous the harbour, by way of a bit of causeway.
3. Go to the Venetian Fort in Naxos City
The Venetian Fort is among the hottest sights in Naxos City. It was constructed by the Venetians within the thirteenth century, and was used as a fortress to guard the city from pirates and invaders.
Right now, the fortress is open to the general public, and gives gorgeous views over the city and harbour. There are a couple of small museums contained in the fortress partitions explaining a number of the wealthy historical past of Naxos and its significance in native folklore and historic mythology.
Opening hours fluctuate relying on the season, but it surely’s normally open from 9am – 5pm.
4. Get pleasure from Naxos’ Gorgeous Seashores
Naxos is well-known for its stunning seashores, and there are loads to select from.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna seashores are two of the most well-liked. Each are located on the west coast of the island, a couple of kilometres south of Naxos City.
Agios Prokopios is a protracted sandy seaside with crystal clear waters, whereas Agia Anna is a smaller seaside with many cafes, bars, tavernas, and locations to remain. I like each and suppose they maintain up towards any of the very best Greek seashores.
Each seashores are straightforward to entry from Naxos City, both by leaping on a public bus, or hiring a automotive or bicycle.
Just a little additional south, Plaka Seashore is one other nice choice. It’s pretty fashionable, nonetheless the seaside’s giant dimension means it’s normally potential to stroll a bit of method alongside the seaside and discover a secluded spot.
Should you’d like to go to a number of of those seashores as a part of a guided/self-guided e-bike tour, this extremely rated firm will help you organise the whole lot.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is among the greatest issues to do in Naxos, and there are lots of dive centres on the island providing classes and guided dives.
This can be a enjoyable and thrilling option to discover the underwater world, and with over 50 dive websites round Naxos, there’s loads to see. There are reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and a wealth of marine life all ready to be found.
Should you’ve by no means dived earlier than, don’t fear – most dive centres supply newbie classes. When you’ve accomplished a couple of dives and are snug with the fundamentals, you can begin exploring a number of the extra superior dive websites.
Scuba diving is a good exercise, and even if in case you have non-divers in your group, they will nonetheless be a part of within the enjoyable by snorkeling. Take a look at this top-rated scuba diving college that gives guided dives for all talents.
6. Discover the Island’s Picturesque Villages
Naxos is house to numerous charming villages, every with its personal distinctive environment.
Certainly one of my favorite locations to go to in Naxos is Apeiranthos, a village situated within the mountains close to the centre of the island. This conventional Greek village is understood for its picturesque whitewashed homes, winding streets, and gorgeous views.
Different villages price exploring embody Filoti, Apollonas, Koronos, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal character, and visiting them makes for an incredible day journey from Naxos City.
Many of the fundamental villages in Naxos are linked by native buses, so it’s pretty simple to succeed in them even when you don’t have your individual automotive.
Alternatively, you may take a small-group tour of a number of the island’s smaller villages off-the-beaten-track. Click on right here for extra data.
7. Cycle By way of Lovely Countryside
The most effective methods to discover Naxos is by bicycle, and there are many nice biking routes to select from.
Should you’re on the lookout for a simple experience, head to the west coast of the island the place you’ll discover flat, coastal roads. For a more difficult experience, attempt one of many biking trails within the mountainous inside of the island.
There are numerous locations to rent bicycles on the island, and most inns and guesthouses will have the ability to set up bike rental for you.
Alternatively, you may take a guided bike tour. This can be a nice choice when you’re not as assured biking in unfamiliar locations, or when you can’t determine what to see in Naxos. The tour chief will know the very best routes and may supply helpful suggestions alongside the way in which.
8. Pattern the Scrumptious Native Delicacies
Naxos is understood for its scrumptious meals, and there are many nice locations to eat on the island.
For a standard Naxian meal, head to a taverna, both in Naxos City or in one of many villages. Right here you’ll discover loads of native specialities, together with stuffed zucchini blossoms, rooster stew, cheese pie, and unbelievable contemporary seafood.
Wandering the backstreets of Naxos City, day or evening, you’ll encounter an enormous vary of meals to attempt from folks providing contemporary native components, and ready delicacies from little stalls. Come hungry – it’s an incredible expertise.
You may also be a part of a guided meals tour, which can train you extra concerning the historical past of the island and its delicacies. Click on right here to be taught extra. Or, when you’d quite learn to make tasty Greek meals, be a part of this enjoyable cooking class at a household taverna. This highly-rated expertise is a must-do in Naxos for foodies!
9. Do a Skilled Photoshoot
Naxos City is extremely picturesque. With its conventional whitewashed structure, atmospheric backstreets, fountains, polished steps, and vibrant flowers, it’s a photographer’s dream.
However generally it’s good simply to discover and luxuriate in being within the current, while anyone else shoots some wonderful photographs to seize your time there. Even higher if that particular person is knowledgeable photographer.
This photoshoot tour is ideal for solo travellers, households, or {couples} who wish to be all collectively in a few of their favorite vacation snaps.
10. Store for Conventional Handicrafts
Among the greatest locations to buy conventional handicrafts in Naxos are the villages of Apeiranthos, Filoti, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal choice of handicraft outlets, and also you’ll discover a wide range of completely different gadgets on the market together with pottery, jewelery, and textiles.
Should you’d wish to see a few of these gadgets being made, head to the Pottery Limpertas Manolis in Damalas. Right here you may watch the potters at work and buy a few of their creations. I loved having the ability to be taught concerning the inventive course of for each bit earlier than I lastly selected which memento to purchase.
Naxos is legendary for its historic marble quarries, and marble sculpting was one of many earliest recognized artisan actions in Naxos. Even in the present day many handicrafts, sculptures, and different items of art work characteristic this stunning stone.
11. Take a Day Journey to One of many Neighboring Islands
Naxos is surrounded by numerous stunning neighboring islands, all of that are price exploring.
Among the greatest recognized islands embody Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. Mykonos is understood for its vigorous nightlife, and Santorini for its dramatic volcanic surroundings and gorgeous whitewashed buildings clinging to the facet of volcanic cliffs. Should you’re on the lookout for some tradition, Paros is house to numerous historic Greek temples.
Most of the different islands round Naxos are equally as stunning, and considerably much less crowded, (and cheaper). My favorite is Ano Koufonisi, which is each small and splendidly undeveloped.
One of the best ways to discover these neighbouring islands is by boat, and there are lots of completely different journeys obtainable. For instance, this full-day crusing cruise will take you to discover a number of the Small Cyclades islands. This enjoyable journey takes you to Rina Cave and two different islands, plus it contains lunch, wine, and snorkel gear. Discover out extra and guide right here.
12. Go to the Historical Ruins of Delos
The traditional ruins of Delos are a must-see for historical past buffs visiting Naxos. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is house to numerous historic ruins, together with the Temple of Apollo and the Home of Dionysus.
To get to Delos, you’ll have to take a ferry from the port of Naxos City. There are a variety of ferries that run all through the day and the journey takes round half-hour.
When you arrive on the island, you’ll want round 4 hours to discover the ruins. (I spent about 5, however I take into account 4 to be the minimal.) Remember to put on snug footwear, as there’s a good quantity of strolling concerned.
General, Delos is an attention-grabbing web site to go to and gives a captivating glimpse into Historical Greek tradition. It’s additionally potential to go to Delos as a part of an organized group tour from Naxos. Click on right here for extra details about the tour.
13. Go Windsurfing or Crusing
Naxos is the right place to go windsurfing or crusing, with its breezy shoreline, calm waters and gorgeous surroundings.
There are a variety of various locations to get pleasure from windsurfing or crusing, together with the western seashores of Plaka, Agios Georgios, and Mikri Vigla.
The very best time to go windsurfing or crusing is through the summer season months when the climate is heat and sunny. Pack loads of water and sunscreen although as you’ll be spending numerous time within the solar.
You’ll be able to rent windsurfing gear and little crusing dinghies from both Naxos City or the above-mentioned seashores.
Alternatively, guide a spot on one of many many enjoyable crusing cruises that run all through the vacationer season – roughly Could to September. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the crusing journeys obtainable.
14. Go to a Vineyard
Exterior of Greece, it may be troublesome to search out good high quality, cheap Greek wine. Fortunately although, on Naxos this isn’t an issue.
Though the island doesn’t produce as a lot wine as neighbouring Paros, Naxos is house to a couple completely different wineries that make glorious wine. Most additionally supply wine tasting and excursions too.
These excursions take you on a journey by the vineyard’s historical past, from the planting of vines all the way in which to the bottling of the ultimate product. You’ll have an opportunity to see the wine-making course of up shut, and be taught concerning the several types of grapes which can be used.
And on the finish, you may style and purchase a variety of various native wines, most of that are glorious. General, this can be a nice option to study winemaking and pattern some native wines. Should you like wine, it’s probably the greatest issues in Naxos to do.
For a standard Naxian wine-tasting expertise, try this tour which takes place on the Saint Anna Vineyard and showcases a number of the greatest wines produced on the island – their dessert wines are notably scrumptious! Should you’re not into wine, try this distillery expertise the place you’ll pattern native liquors and luxuriate in native snacks as nicely.
15. Rent a Automotive and Go on a Highway Journey
One of the best ways to expertise all that Naxos has to supply is by doing a highway journey. The fascinating coastal highway is a good way to see the island, and there are lots of completely different villages and seashores to discover.
My favorite round route (and one which I undoubtedly advocate as probably the greatest Naxos actions) is: Naxos City > Filoti > Apollonas > Kampos > Naxos City. The surroundings, notably across the northern and northwest coasts of the island, is solely jaw-dropping.
The island’s main roads are typically well-maintained and simple to drive on. Nevertheless, a number of the smaller mountain roads within the inside are very steep and winding, and there isn’t all the time a barrier between the sting of the highway, and a steep drop, so take it straightforward!
There are a number of automotive rental companies on the island, and most of them supply aggressive charges. I normally evaluate costs utilizing an aggregator to search out the very best worth on supply.
Locations to Keep in Naxos
Whichever a part of the island you go to, you’ll discover a vary of various lodging choices obtainable, together with residences, villas, and inns to swimsuit all budgets. Click on right here to seek for villas, guesthouses, residences and inns in Naxos.
A few good condominium choices are:
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Airbnbs in Naxos, Greece
Transportation to and from Naxos
There are a couple of completely different ferry corporations that supply providers to Naxos, together with Aegean Pace Traces, Blue Star Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways. The journey from Athens to Naxos takes round 5 hours.
Should you’re touring from one other island in Greece, there are lots of ferry routes that join Naxos with the opposite islands. It’s pretty frequent to go to Naxos as a part of a wider journey exploring the Cyclades.
I like to recommend utilizing Ferry Hopper to seek for low-cost fares for journeys to and from Naxos.
The island does even have a tiny airport with every day flights to Athens. This is perhaps choice in case you are very pressed for time. However personally, I all the time choose to take the ferry because it’s way more enjoyable and you may sit out on the deck and take within the attractive surroundings on the way in which.
FAQs About What to Do in Naxos
Nonetheless questioning about what to do in Naxos? Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Naxos.
Sure. Naxos is a fantastic island with quite a bit to supply guests. From its dramatic cliffs to its sandy seashores, there are lots of nice locations to go to in Naxos. Should you’re on the lookout for an incredible Greek island getaway with out the crowds that swarm a number of the extra fashionable locations, Naxos is certainly price visiting.
The Portara, an historic marble gateway overlooking the ocean, is among the most well-known Naxos sights. Among the different hottest locations to go to in Naxos are the island’s picturesque seashores and villages.
3-4 days is an efficient period of time to discover Naxos, though it relies upon largely on what you wish to do throughout your keep. Should you’re trying to see as a lot of the island as potential, then 5 days or extra could also be greatest for you. Nevertheless, when you simply wish to chill out on the seaside and see a few of Naxos City, then 2-3 days must be loads. Personally, I might spend weeks there.
Should you’re on the lookout for a quiet and enjoyable vacation, then I’d advocate staying in one of many villages outdoors of Naxos City. If you wish to be nearer to the motion, Naxos City is the very best place to remain.
Naxos City definitely will get its justifiable share of vacationers. The remainder of the island is way quieter, and as an entire Naxos receives far fewer vacationers than different fashionable Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos.
Now You Know What to Do in Naxos
Naxos is a stunningly stunning island with one thing for everybody. Throughout my fun-filled journey there, it quickly turned one among my favorite locations in all of Greece.
There are such a lot of issues to do on the island, from seashores to wine tastings, historic ruins to highway journeys. It doesn’t matter what your finances or necessities are, there’s certain to be one thing that fits you in Naxos.
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