The endless beaches, the remarkable sights, the gem-villages, the local cuisine and everything that makes Naxos one of the Aegean's most popular destinations.
Naxos is an island that combines everything and that's why it wins over every kind of traveler. The largest island in the Cyclades stands out for its endless sandy beaches, picturesque mountain villages, important monuments, and its gastronomic tradition.
From lively Naxos Town with its Venetian castle and narrow alleys to golden beaches and trails that lead to the island's summits and hidden landscapes, Naxos offers countless moments of relaxation and exploration. No matter how many times you visit, there will always be hidden corners to discover, beaches you haven't swum in, villages and sights that will reveal a few more secrets...
Naxos Town and the Castle
Naxos Town is one of the Cyclades' most beloved destinations among visitors. Leaving the port behind, you'll wander the alleys of the old market, Bourgos, and seek the gates that will lead you into Sanoudo's castle, on the hill that crowns the town of Naxos. Naxos Castle has been continuously inhabited since it was built and is a living medieval museum with a unique atmosphere. Here, tranquility prevails, along with narrow lanes, inner courtyards, and mansions with coats of arms above their doorways.
Heading toward the Kastro's central square, you'll see the impressive Catholic Cathedral, a medieval structure with a marble floor and tomb slabs with coats of arms from the most important Catholic families who lived on the island over the past five centuries. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in the building of the former Commercial School (where Nikos Kazantzakis studied) and renowned for its collection of Cycladic figurines and Mycenaean vases. On its atmospheric terrace you'll be impressed by the mosaic floor depicting a semi-nude female figure riding a sea monster. Beyond the pieces of the past, there's the modern side of Naxos Town, buzzing with life in every season and offering every amenity with dozens of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.
The island's unique sights
Portara
The island's most photographed landmark and emblem is the striking Portara, set on the islet locals call 'Palatia', at the northern edge of the harbor. It's the massive marble gateway of a 6th century BC temple, built in honor of the god Apollo. It's linked to the mainland by a paved path, and if you're there at sunset you'll enjoy one of the loveliest sunsets in the Aegean, with the gate looking like a giant frame on the horizon.
Ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and Demeter at Gyroula
One of the island's most important archaeological sites, near Sangri. Evidence suggests the sanctuary was dedicated to Apollo, Demeter, and Kore.
Sanctuary of Dionysus at Yria
At the site of Yria, south of Naxos Town, one of the most important sanctuaries of the city of the Naxians operated from the 14th century BC through the Roman period, dedicated to Dionysus and possibly to a female nature deity.
The Kouroi of Naxos
Among Naxos's most distinctive sights are its three gigantic, unfinished Kouroi, carved from the island's famed local marble. The largest Kouros lies near the village of Apollonas, while the other two are at Flerio.
The Towers of Naxos
The towers scattered across Naxos's hinterland date from the 13th to the 18th century. They were built by Venetian feudal lords or other Latin nobles and have a fortified character. Built from Naxian stone, they have thick walls. About 30 towers survive today. The best known is the restored Bazeos Tower, just outside the village of Sangri. Every summer it hosts one of the Cyclades' most important cultural events, the Naxos Festival.
Zas Cave
According to mythology, Zeus grew up on Naxos, which is why the island's (and the Cyclades') highest mountain is called Zas and rises impressively to 1,004 meters. At an elevation of 630 meters lies Zas Cave, one of Naxos's most impressive natural attractions. It has large chambers and an impressive interior decor with massive stalactites and stalagmites. To get there, start from Filoti and follow the kalderimi.
The village gems of Naxos
If you visit Naxos, you should definitely explore the interior and its mountain villages. Apeiranthos is the island's most famous mountain village. The village of Manolis Glezos — 't' Aperathou', as locals call it — preserves traditions, the residents' distinctive speech, which recalls the Cretan dialect, and its architectural character from the period of Venetian rule. There you'll stroll the marble-paved lanes with their vaulted arches, admire the Venetian towers and stone-built two-story houses, see engaging museums (Archaeological, Folklore, Center for the Visual Arts, Natural History and Geological), and rest at traditional kafenia. And if you want a dose of sea breeze, head down to the picturesque little port of Moutsouna for a swim and food by the water.
Halki, the island's former commercial capital, is a jewel of Naxos's interior. This well-preserved village hides in its lanes splendid neoclassical mansions with paved courtyards, stately towers, and Byzantine churches full of frescoes. Don't miss visiting the historic 'Vallindras' distillery and tasting its famous kitron.
It's also worth visiting Filoti, Naxos's largest village, Koronos with its labyrinthine lanes and lovely platsa (square), Sangri with its Venetian towers, Eggares set in a lush green valley, amphitheatrically built Galanado, and the small fishing village of Apollonas with its impressive Kouros statue.
The endless beaches
On Naxos there are beaches for every taste: organized or pristine, beaches for discovery, for sports, or for family fun. Whatever you're after, you're sure to enjoy your swim in crystal-clear, brilliantly blue waters.
A stone's throw from Naxos Town, you'll find Agios Georgios beach, sheltered from the winds and with shallow waters. Famous and well-organized, Agios Prokopios beach, which has made lists of Europe's best, lies 5 km from Naxos Town and stretches for 1.5 km. Also among the island's most renowned beaches is Agia Anna, with golden sand and beach bars to pair dips with cocktails. Plaka is a beautiful, long beach with fine sand that also attracts lovers of water sports. Mikri Vigla is an international meeting point for windsurf and kitesurf enthusiasts.
You can also visit tranquil Orkos, the exotic beaches beneath the cedar forest on the Alyko peninsula, Kastraki with white sand and cedars, sandy Pyrgaki, Agiassos with its vast sandy shore and shallow waters, Abram bay for more secluded swims, and unspoiled Kalantos for swimming with views of Iraklia.
A gastronomic paradise
Naxos has every reason to boast about its excellent local cuisine. The island's land supplies the Naxian table with pure ingredients, while hundreds of traditional recipes have been passed down from generation to generation through the hands of home cooks. One of the highest-quality and tastiest products cultivated on Naxos is the famous Naxian potato.
Also renowned are the island's unique cheeses, such as arseniko, Naxos graviera, myzithra, xinomyzithra, touloumotyri, anthotyro, Naxos afromyzithra, thilykotyri, kefalotyri, kopanisti, ladotyri, manouri. Among the local specialties, standouts include Apeiranthos-style rosto (pork braised with wine and garlic), kid goat in various versions, as well as seafood (gouna, salatouri, marinated anchovies). Finally, don't forget to taste and buy kitron, the famous local liqueur made by distilling the aromatic leaves of the citron tree.
ACCOMMODATION
Naxos Town
- GkF Luxury Villas: Just a few minutes from Naxos Town, they offer a luxurious stay. Built amphitheatrically into the hillside, they blend seamlessly with the area's natural landscape.
- Nissaki Beach Hotel: A 5-star boutique hotel, very close to Naxos Town, set right on Agios Georgios beach. It features 24 comfortable rooms and elegant suites with wonderful views.
Vivlos
- Vista Blue Villas Naxos: Built in a privileged location with panoramic views, a short distance from Naxos Town, Vista Blue Villas are an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and high-level amenities.
Galanado
- Villa Agrabely & Suites: Just a few kilometers from Naxos Town, it combines the peace of nature with the comfort of modern hospitality.
Agia Anna
- Niléa Island Living: Just steps from the golden sand of Agia Anna, it offers nine carefully designed residences that provide the serenity of a private home combined with the amenities of contemporary accommodation.
Plaka-Orkos
- Cezaria Naxos: Just a few minutes from Orkos–Plaka beach, Cezaria Naxos, which opened its doors in 2025, is set amid a striking landscape with unobstructed views of the Aegean.
Avlia
- Eοlia Haven Private Villas: In a privileged location on Naxos, a stone's throw from Plaka and Mikri Vigla beaches, set on a hill with panoramic sea views, it's an ideal refuge for those seeking peaceful, luxurious holidays.
Apollonas
- Akti Apollona Apartments: At Naxos's northern tip, far from the crowds, Akti Apollona Apartments are a little paradise for those seeking tranquility and relaxation.
FOOD
Moutsouna
- Alos Restaurant: In a standout location overlooking the Small Cyclades, the restaurant of the Ostria Inn hotel harmoniously blends the Cycladic landscape with tradition and creative Mediterranean cuisine.
Naxos Town
- Dal Professore Naxos: Italian flavors based mainly on the catch of the day and local ingredients. Don't miss the authentic Italian pizza.
Kastraki
- Axiotissa: On Axiotissa's lovely terrace you'll enjoy dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.The vegetables come from their own garden, the meats are local, and many of the products are organic.
Koronos
- Matina-Stavros: In an island-style courtyard on the village square, you'll savor home-style dishes, lemony lamb with potatoes, kid goat in red sauce, omelets with local greens - all made with products from their own production.
Apeiranthos
- Stou Lefteri: A must-try dish is the juicy burger stuffed with Naxos graviera, but whatever you choose won't disappoint.
Kinidaros
- Stou Vasilarakiou: An excellent butcher's taverna in the small mountain village of Kinidaros. A wide variety of meats, from their own butcher shop, grilled with mastery over a huge grate.
Eggares
- O Charis: The most famous dish at this taverna is the huge, hearty omelet with (at least) ten eggs, local potatoes, and Naxos graviera.
