What to do on Naxos Island?
15 & 3 top places to visit on Naxos!
Welcome to our island! An island that activates your senses!
Taste the unique local products.
Hear the relaxing sound of the sea.
Watch the sun getting lost in the endless blue.
Touch the pure sand of the island’s countless beaches.
Smell the Aegean summer breeze.
Naxos, the biggest island of Cyclades, is the destination offering vacations for every taste. It combines high mountains and beautiful beaches. It offers a countless range of activities: from hiking to Zas – the biggest mountain of Cyclades- to scuba-diving, horse-riding, wind-surfing, cooking lessons etc. Our villages are must-see destinations; you can observe the local architecture, taste the traditional Greek cuisine and collect a great number of memories to accompany you on your trip back.
First of all, start visiting Portara Gate at Naxos’ port, also called the Temple of Apollo, the most famous landmark. “Portara”, meaning ‘large door’, was an ancient Greek temple in Naxos, dedicated to the god Apollo. The temple was constructed in the 6th century BC by the tyrant Lygdamis. It is located on the islet Palatia at the northern end of Naxos’ harbor. This islet is commonly thought to correspond to the place where, in Greek Mythology, Theseus abandoned Ariadne, who was then abducted by Dionysus and his entourage.
Then, just go around the alleys of the Castle! Naxos Castle (Kastro) is the old Venetian Town of Naxos. It served as a protective shield to the impregnable fortress of Sanudo in Chora. It was built under the supervision of Marco Sanudo (the Venetian conqueror after whom it was named), who came along with the establishment of Venetian sovereignty over the Aegean Sea in 1207.
Materials from a preexisting ancient acropolis were used for its construction as long as some marble columns and blocks from the Portara. It has three gates, the biggest being Trani Porta (“Great Gate”). The Glezos Tower stands like a sentinel in proximity to the northwestern gate. As for its use, in addition to fortification purposes, it played a huge role in local politics, education and religion during the Venetian period, housing several buildings still open to the public, such as the Catholic Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, and the Ursulines School
Temple of Dimitra in Sagkri is the first place that you can see, when you start to explore the island. It is a Late Archaic Greek temple on the Cycladic island of Naxos in the area of Gyroulas, about 1.5 km south of Ano Sangri. The temple was built around 530 BC and is one of the earliest Ionic temples. It was built completely from Naxian marble. The temple was built around 530 BC. Based on the finds, the sanctuary was probably dedicated to Demeter or perhaps Kore. For this reason and because of its unusual shape, the temple is often referred to as a telesterion.
There are also indications of a cult to Apollo on the site. If still in use by the 4th century AD, the temple would have been closed during the persecution of pagans under the Christian emperors. In the 6th century AD, the temple was largely demolished and a three-naved Christian basilica was built from the same stone on the same site.
Then, you can continue visiting our old and traditional villages: Chalki, Filoti and Apiranthos.
The village of Chalki is located in the central area of the region of Tragea, the largest olive cultivation area of the Cyclades, 16 km from Naxos Town. Halki has a long history and was once the capital of Naxos, as well as its main administrative and trade center. The numerous neoclassical houses and buildings testify about the past wealth and power of the village. You can enjoy your lunch, dinner, cocktail or taste our traditional citron.
Next destination is Filoti village. Near the village there is the Cave of Zas, where from the finds of excavations in the years 1985-6 and 1994 appears the cave to have a continuous human presence from the newer Neolithic period (4300-3200 BC). Hike to the top of Mount Zas for panoramic views over Naxos and for bragging rights that you stood on the highest point in the Cyclades. The first image of the visitor approaching the village from the main motorway is impressive because it is built amphitheatrically on two hills.
Apiranthos is the next village you will meet. It is a mountainous village on the island of Naxos in Greece. It is located 28 km (17 mi) north-east of the capital of the island, built on the foothill of mountain Fanari, on an altitude between 650 and 700 m. The similarities of the local dialect and traditions to those of mountainous Cretan villages has led some historians to the conclusion that Apeiranthos was built by Cretans during the 10th century. The village has four museums: the Archaeological Museum of Apeiranthos, the Museum of Folk Art, the Geological Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.
At the south part of the island you can easily find Kalados, a beach 2 hours far away from Naxos Town. It is located 42 km from Naxos Town, in a small bay that perfectly cuts off the strong winds of the Aegean. It is very secluded, making it ideal for those who want some peace and quiet during their vacation while enjoying the warm sand and crystal-clear waters. This beach is not organized, so visitors will not find sunbeds and umbrellas to rent or any other amenities. There is a small tavern near the beach, however, where guests can grab a bite or have a refreshing beverage. On the way to this beach, guests may encounter animals, like goats.
Then, you can drive to Moutsouna, a beach at the east side of the island. It is a small seaside village on the eastern coast of the island of Naxos. It has a relatively open bay and limited port facilities. It is located approximately 39 km from the capital of the island, and 11 km from the village of Apiranthos. Until the early 1980s, Moutsouna was the port from which emery (used as an abrasive) was loaded in boats and exported. The emery is mined up the mountain and was transported to the port by an aerial cableway. The cableway and the remains of the transfer station in Moutsouna can still be seen today.
Panermos, this is the beach of the homonymous village, the most distant beach from Chora (about 50km) and the favorite one among visitors who reach the island by boat, since the enclosed bay offers protection from bad weather conditions. It has sand and a few pebbles. It is considered ideal for snorkeling. The hill above the beach features the remains of the prehistoric acropolis (fortified citadel) of Amygdalies, considered to be the most ancient spot in the Apiranthos area. Beginning from the beach, a track with signs reaches this spot, from where the view of the neighboring Koufonissia islands is superb.
Kouros of Melanes is a must-see ancient statue inside a peaceful garden! The kouros lies in the shade of a rural garden. The figure is unfinished and had been roughly worked with chisels by ancient stonemasons. This is clear from the many dents, which cover the entire statue. Only the rough outline of the figure is visible. Its arms are at its sides and the lower right leg has broken off – though it still rests next to the kouros. The feet are entirely missing and it is assumed that they have broken off and that as a result the statue was abandoned in transit.
Do not miss Stavros of Keramoti, a small church on the main street. Stop there for a couple of minutes and enjoy the view of the sea from the both sides of the island! The Stavros Keramoti Viewpoint is just uphill from the village of Keramoti on the road from Apeiranthos to Melanes. In actual fact, it is a road junction where there are a number of road signs and a church. However, what makes this road junction special is, and worth pulling over to stop for a few minutes, are the spectacular views and the fact that it is the only place where both sides of the island can be seen at the same time.
Koronos is a small traditional village that you have to visit and taste the authentic Greek food! It is one of our mountainous villages. Situated in the northeast part of the island, Koronos lies on the northeast slopes of the Koronion Oros, the second tallest mountain on the island and has the second highest altitude of the villages at 630 meters above sea level. Koronos belongs to the Smiridohoria or the emery-producing villages of Naxos.
After that, go straight to Apollonas – a 2-hour-ride by car from Naxos Town. There you can find our biggest Kouros and a small wonderful beach! It is a lovely fishing village located on the northeastern side of the island, 36 km from the island’s capital. It is named after Apollo, the Olympian god of light and music, and is inhabited since ancient times. In particular, Apollonas’ port was utilized to export fine marble from the regional quarry to other places. There you will have the chance to see our biggest Kouros, a half-finished statue of 10.5 meters in a supine position, dating back to the 6th century BC.
Small museums are almost everywhere making you feel the naxian spirit! We will suggest you at our first meeting the best destinations according to the rental period!
Finally, the best part of our island is at the west side full of countless beaches (Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Mikri Vigla and Kastraki) for every taste: a lot of taverns, restaurants, cafés or bars to spend your time as you wish from evening till the sun rises. Whether you choose to pass your vacation with your partner or with your friends or family, Naxos provides activities for both: either romantic sunsets and dinners, or dancing and enjoying the nightlife with your pals. Either way, Naxos’ nightlife combines both.
“If paradise was on earth, it would be in Naxos”
Nikos Kazantzakis
Where to park on Naxos Island?
Is a problem on Naxos Island parking your rental car?
On Naxos Island having problem with parking your rental car, there is only if you do not have the proper suggestions. At our first meeting we always give you on our road map the best options for parking your rental car easily in Naxos Town, at the beaches or in the villages even during the high season. In that way, you will avoid any fines by parking on the streets. Our parking areas on Naxos are open every day and night without any cost. Of course, there are private parking areas, too.
Best parking areas in Naxos Town:
Here you can easily check the free and safe parking areas in Naxos Town. We are going to suggest you the best according to the period that you visit our island!
Best parking areas in beaches of Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka and Mikri Vigla:
You can easily find the parking areas on the beaches. Do not park on the main streets as accidents may happen because of the narrow roads and as the police gives tickets. Also, do not park at the dry lakes or on the soft sand in order to avoid any damage on the environment, your rental car to get stuck or to get expensive tickets.
Best parking areas in the villages of Chalki, Filoti and Apeiranthos:
Finding the free parking areas in the villages in a piece of cake! They are on the main streets of the villages. The blue sign with the white “P” is obvious from the main road. There is no need to walk a lot in order to arrive to your destination. Parking on the main streets is not a good idea as accidents may happen because of the narrow roads and you will have a ticket from the police as well. Avoiding the traffic jam on these streets are the big challenge for the community of the villages. Do you want to climb Mount Zas? With an easy parking area in Saint Marina Church, it is needed only 1,5 hour to the top on foot!
Best parking areas in other locations!
If you arrive to your next destination, but there is no designates parking lot, then try to park your rental car somewhere with safety (for example, check not to block another car or door or small road or not to be any “No parking” sign).
Tip: Some restaurants, cafes, hotels, Airbnb or other touristic businesses may have their own parking areas. You can ask before parking if it allowed or if there is an extra cost.