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 unspoilt pure magnificence. Uncover the very best issues to do in Naxos on this information.
I’ve hung out 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 so on.), however no much less gorgeous.
There are such a lot of locations to see in Naxos; it’s an ideal vacation spot to go to. Whether or not you intend to go to Naxos for a brief break, or an prolonged vacation, you’ll discover a wealth of sights, actions, and experiences to take pleasure in.
Listed below are the 15 finest issues to do in Naxos.
1. Hike to the Prime 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 encompassing islands. It is a prime place to go to in all of Greece.
Based on Greek mythology, Mount Zas is the place the god Zeus was born and raised.
There are a number of totally 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 finest tried both early within the morning, or afterward within the afternoon to keep away from the warmth of the day. That is very true in the course of the summer time when excessive temperatures and relentless solar could make the trek rather more arduous.
You should definitely convey loads of water, sunscreen and a hat. There isn’t a lot shade when you get out of the timber close to the beginning of the hike. The views from the highest are merely gorgeous although, and positively well worth the effort.
In case you’re eager on performing some bodily actions in Naxos, don’t miss this superb hike. I did it final 12 months and it’s positively 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 very best recognized 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 in the course of the day, sundown is the very best time to go to the Portara when it’s lit up with vibrant floodlights and the archway frames the setting solar – it’s probably the most superb sights within the Cyclades, and top-of-the-line free issues to do in Naxos.
The Portara is a simple 10 minute stroll from the centre of Naxos City, simply previous the harbour, through a little bit causeway.
3. Go to the Venetian Citadel in Naxos City
The Venetian Citadel is likely one of 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 this moment, the fort is open to the general public, and gives gorgeous views over the city and harbour. There are just a few small museums contained in the fort partitions explaining a number of the wealthy historical past of Naxos and its significance in native folklore and historic mythology.
Opening hours differ relying on the season, nevertheless it’s often open from 9am – 5pm.
4. Get pleasure from Naxos’ Beautiful Seashores
Naxos is well-known for its lovely seashores, and there are loads to select from.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna seashores are two of the preferred. Each are located on the west coast of the island, just a few kilometres south of Naxos City.
Agios Prokopios is a protracted sandy seashore with crystal clear waters, whereas Agia Anna is a smaller seashore with many cafes, bars, tavernas, and locations to remain.
Each seashores are simple to entry from Naxos City, both by leaping on a public bus, or hiring a automotive or bicycle.
A little bit additional south, Plaka Seashore is one other nice possibility. It’s pretty in style, nonetheless the seashore’s massive measurement means it’s often doable to stroll a little bit method alongside the seashore and discover a secluded spot.
In case 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 may help you organise all the things.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is likely one of the finest issues to do in Naxos, and there are various dive centres on the island providing classes and guided dives.
It is a enjoyable and thrilling technique 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.
In case you’ve by no means dived earlier than, don’t fear – most dive centres supply newbie classes. When you’ve accomplished just a few dives and are snug with the fundamentals, you can begin exploring a number of the extra superior dive websites.
Scuba diving is a superb exercise, and even in case you have non-divers in your group, they will nonetheless be a part of within the enjoyable by snorkelling.
Try this top-rated scuba diving faculty that provides guided dives for all talents.
6. Discover the Island’s Picturesque Villages
Naxos is dwelling to quite a lot of charming villages, every with its personal distinctive ambiance.
One of the vital in style locations to go to in Naxos is Apeiranthos, a village positioned 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 value 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 major villages in Naxos are related by native buses, so it’s pretty easy to achieve them even when you don’t have your individual automotive.
Alternatively, you possibly can 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 means of Stunning Countryside
Top-of-the-line methods to discover Naxos is by bicycle, and there are many nice biking routes to select from.
In case you’re on the lookout for a simple trip, head to the west coast of the island the place you’ll discover flat, coastal roads. For a tougher trip, 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 accommodations and guesthouses will have the ability to set up bike rental for you.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a guided bike tour. It is a nice possibility 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 ideas alongside the best way.
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 recent seafood.
Wandering the backstreets of Naxos City, day or night time, you’ll encounter an enormous vary of meals to attempt from folks providing recent native substances, 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 educate you extra concerning the historical past of the island and its delicacies. Click on right here to be taught extra.
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 someone else shoots some superb images to seize your time there. Even higher if that individual is an expert photographer.
This photoshoot tour can be good 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
A few of the finest locations to buy conventional handicrafts in Naxos are the villages of Apeiranthos, Filoti, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal collection of handicraft outlets, and also you’ll discover a wide range of totally different gadgets on the market together with pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
In case you’d wish to see a few of these gadgets being made, head to the Pottery Limpertas Manolis, in Damalas. Right here you possibly can watch the potters at work and buy a few of their creations.
Naxos is legendary for its historic marble quarries, and marble sculpting was one of many earliest recognized artisan actions in Naxos. Even immediately many handicrafts, sculptures, and different items of paintings function this lovely stone.
To attempt your hand on the historic talent of marble carving, try this tour run by a neighborhood sculptor.
11. Take a Day Journey to One of many Neighboring Islands
Naxos is surrounded by quite a lot of lovely neighboring islands, all of that are value exploring.
A few of the finest recognized islands embody Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. Mykonos is understood for its full of life nightlife, and Santorini for its dramatic volcanic surroundings and gorgeous whitewashed buildings clinging to the facet of volcanic cliffs. In case you’re on the lookout for some tradition, Paros is dwelling to quite a lot of historic Greek temples.
Lots of the different islands round Naxos are equally as lovely, and considerably much less crowded, (and cheaper). My favorite is Ano Koufonisi, which is each small and splendidly undeveloped.
One of the simplest ways to discover these neighbouring islands is by boat, and there are various totally different journeys accessible. For instance, this full-day crusing cruise will take you to discover a number of the Small Cyclades islands.
12. Go to the Historic Ruins of Delos
The traditional ruins of Delos are a must-see for historical past buffs visiting Naxos. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is dwelling to quite a lot of historic ruins, together with the Temple of Apollo, and the Home of Dionysus.
To get to Delos, you’ll must 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. You should definitely put on snug sneakers, 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 Historic Greek tradition.
It’s additionally doable 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 take pleasure in windsurfing or crusing, together with the western seashores of Plaka, Agios Georgios, and Mikri Vigla.
The most effective time to go windsurfing or crusing is in the course of the summer time months when the climate is heat and sunny. Pack loads of water and sunscreen although as you’ll be spending a variety of time within the solar.
You may rent windsurfing gear and little crusing dinghies from both Naxos City or the above-mentioned seashores.
Alternatively, e-book a spot on one of many many crusing cruises that run all through the vacationer season – roughly Could to September. Click on right here to be taught extra.
14. Go to a Vineyard
Exterior of Greece, it may be tough 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 dwelling to a couple totally different wineries that make wonderful wine. Most additionally supply wine tasting and excursions too.
These excursions take you on a journey by way of the vineyard’s historical past; from the planting of vines, all the best way 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 various kinds of grapes which can be used.
And on the finish, you possibly can style and purchase a spread of various native wines, most of that are wonderful. General, this can be a nice technique to find out about wine making and pattern some native wines. In case you like wine, it’s top-of-the-line 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 finest wines produced on the island – their dessert wines are notably scrumptious!
In case you’re not into wine, try this distillery expertise the place you’ll pattern native liquors and luxuriate in native snacks as properly.
15. Rent a Automobile and go on a Highway Journey
One of the simplest ways to expertise all that Naxos has to supply is by doing a street journey. The fascinating coastal street is an effective way to see the island, and there are various totally different villages and seashores to discover.
My favorite round route, (and one which I positively suggest as top-of-the-line Naxos actions), is: Naxos City > Filoti > Apollonas > Kampos > Naxos City. The surroundings, notably across the northern and north-west 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 at all times a barrier between the sting of the street, and a steep drop, so take it simple!
There are a number of automotive rental companies on the island, and most of them supply aggressive charges. I often examine costs utilizing an aggregator to search out the very best worth on supply.
FAQs About Naxos
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Naxos.
Is Naxos value visiting?
Sure. Naxos is a ravishing island with so much to supply guests. From its dramatic cliffs to its sandy seashores, there’s one thing for everybody in Naxos.
In case you’re on the lookout for an incredible Greek island getaway, with out the crowds that swarm to a number of the extra in style locations, Naxos is certainly value visiting.
What number of days do you want in Naxos?
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.
In case you’re trying to see as a lot of the island as doable, then 5 days or extra could also be finest for you. Nevertheless, when you simply wish to loosen up on the seashore and see a few of Naxos City, then 2 – 3 days ought to be loads.
Personally, I might spend weeks there.
The place to remain in Naxos?
In case you’re on the lookout for a quiet and stress-free vacation, then I’d suggest staying in one of many villages exterior of Naxos City. If you wish to be nearer to the motion, Naxos City is the very best place to remain.
Whichever a part of the island you go to, you’ll discover a vary of various lodging choices accessible, together with residences, villas, and accommodations to go well with all budgets.
A few good Airbnbs are:
- Funds: This house with an incredible view within the village of Koronos
- Mid-Vary: This lovely house in Naxos City
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Airbnbs in Naxos, Greece
Learn how to get to Naxos?
There are just a few totally different ferry firms that supply companies to Naxos, together with Aegean Velocity Traces, Blue Star Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways. The journey from Athens to Naxos takes round 5 hours.
In case you’re travelling from one other island in Greece, there are various 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 likely to be a very good possibility in case you are very pressed for time. However personally, I at all times favor to take the ferry because it’s rather more stress-free and you’ll sit out on the deck and take within the attractive surroundings on the best way.
Now You Know What to Do in Naxos
Naxos is a stunningly lovely island with one thing for everybody.
There are such a lot of issues to do on the island; from seashores to wine tastings, historic ruins to street journeys. It doesn’t matter what your price range, or necessities are, there’s positive to be one thing that fits you in Naxos.
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