How to get to Naxos: A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Exploring Ancient Ruins, Hidden Beaches, Mountain Trails, Local Cuisine, and Authentic Greek Culture on this Charming Cycladic Island
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In this article, I will talk about the Greek island of Naxos as an interesting tourist destination, consider possible routes and attractions of this island.
It will look at attractive places to visit, transportation routes, entertainment and practical tips for visiting the island. I will also give information about accommodation on the island and additional vacation options such as diving and local cuisine.
Naxos Island: why tourists come here and whether you should visit it
Nature itself spared no beauty in creating this island in the Aegean Sea. Compared to the neighboring islets, almost lifeless, Naxos stands out for the diversity of landscapes – mountains, beaches, olive and citrus groves, vineyards and flowering gardens. Complementing these landscapes are man-made, ancient ruins and ancient castles.
Many legends are associated with the island of Naxos, according to one of them, Zeus lived here. The highest point of the island – Mount Zeus (1000 m) – is named in honor of the god, from here you can see the whole of Naxos.
View of the island of Naxos
The island of Naxos in Greece is one of the non-touristic but favorite places for Greeks. Fans of quiet, measured rest prefer to come here, however, every year Naxos is becoming more and more popular with visiting tourists.
What is interesting about the island of Naxos:
- It is a rare case when an island of the Cyclades archipelago is rich in fertile soil;
- the olives, famous throughout Greece, are grown here;
- convenient location for visiting other Greek islands.
Reasons to go to the island of Naxos:
- picturesque nature and beautiful beaches;
- large choice of hotels, inns, villas, apartments;
- medieval castles, fortresses and other attractions;
- popular water sports: windsurfing and diving.
How to get to the island of Naxos
Naxos is a major maritime transportation hub, so you can get from here (by ferry or catamaran) not only to the mainland, but also to any of the islands of the Cyclades, Ithaca, Rhodes, and Crete.
We took the Blue Star ferry to Naxos from the port of Piraeus (5 hour journey). You can also get to the Cyclades from the port of Rafina by another transportation company – Fast Ferries (same 5 hours) or fast SeaJet (3 hours), but the latter option is a bit more expensive, so we chose Blue Star.
Blue Star ferry: from the port of Piraeus to the port of Naxos – 5 hours travel time
By the way, there is an airport on Naxos, more like a bus station, and we decided to fly back to Athens by Olympic Air. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The cost was comparable to the ferry tickets, so we decided not to waste half a day on the transfer. We had a great time spending those half days at the sea, instead of taking a 6 hour ferry ride and then taking an hour and a half bus ride to Athens airport.
I highly recommend it if you have the opportunity. Plane tickets to Paros were expensive, we have to admit, so we took the ferry there. As I think, the road back is always more tiring and you want to shorten it as much as possible and make it perfect. And we succeeded!
We bought air tickets Naxos – Athens on WayAway – there are often interesting offers for local flights, where you can save money.
There is a bus service on the island itself and it is the only public transportation on Naxos. The bus station is located on the waterfront in the capital, near the harbor.
From the Naxos public bus terminal (KTEL of Naxos) there are buses to Agia Anna, Filoti (via Halki), Apiranthos (via Filoti and Halki), Appolonos, Melanes.
You can also rent a car or scooter on the island. By the way, scooters on Naxos can be pre-booked online on this site, and about renting a car in Greece I have a large, detailed article on my site, where I described all the nuances, based on my own experience.
What to see on the island of Naxos
The centuries-old history of the island is filled with various heroic and tragic facts, no wonder there are many sights preserved here – palaces, temples, ancient statues, museums.
Naxos Old Town
The Old Town on the island of Naxos is made up of many winding and narrow streets. If you want to walk to the highest point of the Old Town, the 13th century Venetian fortress, it is unlikely that you will be able to do it the first time. After all, on the way you will be waiting for a lot of interesting discoveries and will probably have to change the route several times abruptly and return to the nearest fork, as many streets end with a dead end.
Each house here lives its own life and keeps its own history. During the walk, be sure to visit stores, art design studios, which are more like small museums.
Pay attention to the handiwork of local jewelry masters – the products are author’s and never repeated. Here you can find truly unique jewelry, so do not rush to buy costume jewelry in popular tourist stores.
The main distinctive sign of Naxos is the Portara, the portal of the unfinished 5th century BC Temple of Apollo
The old part of Naxos is small, there are no luxurious palace facades, the architecture is simple and unpretentious, and this is what attracts you. The Old Town is calm and quiet. It is safe to live here, you can walk until late at night, the streets are clean.
The architecture is dominated by the traditional Greek Cycladic style – a combination of white and blue colors. However, in this mix you would like to add the color of fuchsia, because many houses on the island are decorated with vases with flowering plants.
Kastro Fortress
Kastro Fortress was built in the 13th century and today it is almost the main attraction of Naxos. It was built by the Venetians and is located on top of a hill, 30 meters high, in the historical center.
The island of Naxos was conquered by the Venetians after the Fourth Crusade. It was decided to build a fortress instead of the destroyed acropolis. After its construction, the fortress, in addition to its fortification functions, became the main cultural, religious and administrative center of the island.
The fortress is entangled in a web of streets. Apparently for the reason that a potential attacking enemy would rather get lost than break through this street maze
Originally, the fortress had the shape of a regular pentagon with seven towers; today only a few towers have survived. There were three entrances to the fortress, and inside, in addition to dwellings, there were temples and mansions of wealthy residents.
The mansion formerly belonging to the Domus Della Rocco-Barosi family attracts special attention, today it houses the Venetian Museum.
Useful information:
- on the territory of the fortress, even now, often hold various cultural and entertainment events;
- the Archaeological Museum (formerly a school), the Glezos (or Crispi) Tower, and the Catholic Church;
- the Domus Della Rocca-Barozzi mansion, located on the fortress grounds, offers a wonderful view of the city, and during a tour of the mansion, guests are invited to taste wine from the local cellars.
Archaeological Museum
Through the exhibitions of the museum you can trace the entire history of the island of Naxos. The museum consists of several halls, exhibits are presented geographically – where the excavations were carried out. Very interesting hall with ceramics – in the courtyard preserved mosaic floor, as well as the remains of columns.
Also, among the exhibits there are earthenware, sculptures, ancient Cycladic statuettes. And climbing up to the terrace of the museum, you can see a beautiful view of the city.
Exhibits of the archaeological museum on the island of Naxos
Useful information:
- the museum is located in the city center – it is easy to reach by the signs (the entrance is located near the Venetian fortress);
- the ticket price is 2 euros, for students and pensioners there is a discounted price.
- opening hours: from November to March, only on weekends from 8:30 to 15:30, from April to October, from Wednesday to Sunday, from 8:00 to 15:30.
Venice Museum
The museum is one of the main attractions of Chora and is housed in an old mansion belonging to the Della Rocca family. The interior decoration takes visitors back to the time of Venetian rule on the island.
The exterior of the Venice Museum, it looks rather menacing at first glance
The duration of the museum tour is 45 minutes, during this time you will be offered to visit living rooms, library, offices, dining room. The museum preserves an exclusive collection of furniture, paintings, dishes, household items, and clothing.
Every year the museum holds a classical music festival. In the basement, guests can take part in wine tasting. In addition, the works of local craftsmen are presented here.
Useful information:
- it is possible to take photos and videos in the museum;
- there is a souvenir shop where you can buy Venetian ceramics.
Mount Zas and the cave
Mount Zas is the highest mountain in the Cyclades Islands, which includes the island of Naxos. The height of this natural attraction is 1008 meters. You will have the opportunity to climb it on foot along a steep, marked path of 3 kilometers or ride a rented bicycle for part of the way. You can start your journey near the village of Filoti.
During the hike you will be able to admire the beautiful vegetation and breathe the herb-scented air. After 3-4 hours you will reach the top of the mountain and enjoy the scenic view.
To make the descent, you may prefer another route. It leads in the northern direction from the summit and is less complicated. Its length is 4 kilometers.
A view of Mount Zas, at least it is worth coming to Naxos because of it
The Zas Cave is located on the northwestern slope of the mountain of the same name. Scientists discovered ancient tools and objects used for rituals of worshiping Zeus.
Now all the archaeological finds are exhibits of the museum of the village of Apiranfu. This speleological attraction is open to tourists. You can enter it through an entrance that is 10 meters wide. Walking through a damp, cool corridor 115 meters long, you can see stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by a greenish-yellow light.
For a hiking tour of Mount Zas, see this link
The cave on Mount Zas, where archaeological excavations were carried out
Things to do on Naxos Island
Naxos Island’s water sports season runs from May to the end of November. The coastline is often windy, so you can test your windsurfing skills on one of the picturesque beaches, where there are surf schools that offer instruction and equipment for rent. The most popular among beginners and professional athletes is the Agios Georgios spot.
It is located on the west coast of Naxos, 300 meters from the town of Chora. The waves in its 1.5 kilometer long lagoon sometimes reach 3 meters high and allow you to hone your wave riding skills. Near the village of Mikri Vigla, located on the southwest coast of the island, there is a spot suitable for beginners. It consists of 2 parts.
Its southern part is called Sahara and is intended for a quiet vacation. The northern part is called Parthenos. On it will be able to engage in windsurfing and kitesurfing.
You can also go to the beach Plaka, which is located 8 kilometers from the city of Naxos. There you can water ski or surfboard and play volleyball.
Diving
You can contact one of the local diving centers to rent equipment, use the services of an instructor, and book an excursion to underwater grottoes or the shipwrecked Express Samina near Paros.
One of them is called “Taormina”. It can be visited by coming to Plaka beach. The second center is located in the town of Naxos and is called “Blue Fin Divers”. It has advanced training courses for professional divers.
Our acquaintances who rested on the beach Agios Georgios recommended Flisvos Dive Center – here they offer a three-hour excursion with a dive at 6 meters for 90 euros per person.
Visit the beaches of the island of Naxos
Naxos is a great place for beach relaxation, with clear water, sandy and partly pebbly shore. Also, there are dunes and tall cedars around. There are approximately two dozen beaches on the island, many in lagoons and coves.
There is a beach for every taste on the island – for a calm, quiet vacation with children, for diving and surfing, for sports, there is a coast with an established infrastructure, as well as wild places.
Agios Prokopios
The most beautiful beach of Naxos and one of the most picturesque beaches in Europe. It is located 5.5 km from the capital, the coastline is 2 km long, sandy. There are practically no waves, it is comfortable to swim with a mask. Agios Prokopios has been repeatedly marked with the Blue Flag.
Features:
- sharp entrance to the water, at the very shore is already deep;
- due to the cold currents, the water is quite cool;
- nudists can be found in the northern part.
Part of the shore is adapted for comfortable rest, and the northern part attracts untouched nature. Toilets work only in cafes and bars. There is only one shower, there are no changing cabins. From the capital to Agios Prokopios there are shuttle buses.
May be useful: See hotels and apartments in Agios Prokopios on this link
Agios Prokopios Beach
Agia Anna
Located 7 km from the town of Naxos in Greece, in this part of the island families with children, as well as young people vacation. Life here boils around the clock. Compared to other beaches of Naxos, Agia Anna is crowded and noisy.
The coast is sandy, the harbor divides the shore into two parts. The peculiarity of this place is the mighty cedars, which provide shade for vacationers. In the northern part there are waves, and the southern part is suitable for vacation with children.
From Agia Anna there are regular buses to other beaches, and from the pier there are excursion boats. Directly to the shore leads asphalt pavement, convenient to approach by bicycle and car.
The coastline is landscaped, there are restaurants, cafes, sun beds, umbrellas. Nearby there are many hotels, apartments and pensions.
May be useful: See hotels and apartments in Agia Anna on this link
St. George Beach
The coastline is 1 km long, sandy and the water is clear. This part of the island is marked with the Blue Flag. There are two areas for recreation: in the northern part – quiet, calm, the descent into the water is gentle, the depth is insignificant, and in the southern part – there are waves and windy, also here come windsurfers – beginners.
On the shore you can rent a deck chair, umbrella, there is a sports center, catamaran rental, two windsurfing centers, many cafes, bars, souvenir shops.
Mikri Vigla Beach
Located 18 km from the capital of the island, this place is preferred by fans of extreme sports – kite surfers, windsurfers, as well as preserved untouched nature, so on Mikri Vigla Beach like to spend time fans of ecotourism.
Mikri Vigla Beach
The coastline is 1 km long, on one side there is a rock and cedar forest, on the other side the beach smoothly passes to another picturesque place – Plaka beach.
The sea is shallow, but you should take into account the presence of waves. For recreation with children and diving is suitable for the southern edge, and in the northern part prevail waves, there are Centers where you can rent equipment for water sports – kiting, windsurfing.
May be useful: See hotels and apartments near Mikri Vigla Beach at this link
Panormos
One of the most remote beaches – located 55 km from the city of Naxos. Here you can not only relax on the shore, but also visit the ruins of the ancient Acropolis.
The coast is small, practically deserted, there is no infrastructure, but this is compensated by clean water, fine sand and a calm atmosphere. There is a hotel nearby, where snacks and drinks are sold.
Apollonas
A sand and pebble beach located in the village of Apollonas, 35 km from the capital. There is a bus service here only during the warm season. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Aegean Sea.
There is no usual tourist infrastructure on the shore, there are several taverns, a mini-market, a small parking lot. Swimming here is uncomfortable because of the constant waves.
May be useful: See hotels and apartments in Apollonas on this link
Apollonas Beach
Taste the local cuisine
The cuisine of the picturesque Greek island is fully in line with national traditions. However, some exquisite treats can only be offered to foreign visitors in local restaurants.
Naxos is famous for its delicious cheeses. The most popular varieties are considered to be “arsenico”, “graviera” and “xinomizitra”, they will certainly be offered to visitors in national restaurants. Many travelers prefer to buy local cheese as a memorable gift. There are several excellent specialized stores on the island.
- One of the most unusual is considered to be the cheese of graviera, traditionally it is made from sheep’s milk. On the island, however, the popular cheese is made from cow’s milk, which makes its flavor unique.
- Xinomizitra is a surprisingly delicate processed cheese with a piquant sour taste, often sprinkled with oregano and splashed with olive oil before serving – this treat will please every gourmet.
Graviera cheese
Naxos will not disappoint vegetarian eaters either, as the selection of vegetable dishes in the local restaurants is huge. Fresh salads are served at every meal, and those wishing to try a classic Greek salad will certainly have the opportunity to do so.
Speaking of vegetable dishes, the unique flavors of local potatoes are worth mentioning. Grown on the island, the world-famous vegetable has a unique flavor and is usually boiled and served hot in addition to other dishes.
The island’s fertile soils are ideal for vineyards and produce excellent wine. However, the most popular local drink remains the sweet liqueur “Kitro Naxu”, which is made from the extract of lemon leaves. The liqueur has a rich, sweet flavor that is perfectly complemented by a citrusy freshness.
The most attractive restaurants are concentrated in Chora, the capital of the island, where you can find not only national gastronomic establishments, but also restaurants of other directions.
Irini’s restaurant offers popular homemade dishes, the most popular treat among its visitors is taco salad. It is made of tomatoes, local cheese, shrimp and special wheat breadcrumbs, and tastes unbeatable.
FAROS Aliko Beach is another popular national cuisine restaurant on Aliko Beach, and its menu also includes many attractive home-cooked dishes.
The island’s coastal restaurants are the most popular for regional specialties and sea delicacies.
On the beach of Agios Georgos is the Yialos Taverna, which has been run by the same family since its opening. It offers the freshest grilled fish, a variety of crustacean and shellfish dishes and homemade wines. With only a few steps separating the tavern from the coast, it has a very romantic atmosphere.
Yialos Tavern
The Taverna To Perigiali restaurant is located nearby, it was opened in a traditional white and blue building. This restaurant will appeal to those who have long dreamed of trying lobsters, as the lobster dishes here are characterized by very attractive prices. There are also dozens of kinds of fish, original dishes from squid and octopus, suitable dishes for fans of meat delicacies. The restaurant uses only locally produced products for cooking.
In the center of Naxos harbor, overlooking the mooring yachts and the Aegean Sea, is Popi’s Grill, one of the oldest taverns on the island, opened in 1948. Today the tavern is run by the fourth generation of the Margaritis family and serves traditional Greek dishes prepared according to authentic family recipes. Here I would definitely recommend you to try the Naxos fried cheese called saganaki with freshly squeezed lemon juice, the best Naxos potatoes grown on the Margaritis family farm, the most succulent Greek style cutlets called biftekia and the famous Moussakas of Georgios.
Popi’s Grill Tavern
The Thanasis restaurant in Chora is worth a visit, located in the very center of the city, on Souda Square. This restaurant serves classic Greek cuisine, with fresh seasonal vegetable salads, traditional souvlaki kebabs, grilled meat and fish dishes. One of the main features of this restaurant is the wonderful homemade pasta, which is made only by hand.
In Koufonissi on the harbor territory there is Nikotouri restaurant, it is especially popular with lovers of exquisite seafood. This restaurant actively cooperates with local fishermen, who supply the best lobsters, rare fish and other sea delicacies every day. The cost of rare seafood dishes in the restaurant is quite inexpensive, which attracts the guests of the resort. From the restaurant’s hall and terraces you can enjoy a beautiful view of the harbor.
The Dolphin Restaurant is considered to be one of the best restaurants on Plaka Beach, where the best regional dishes are prepared from the freshest and best quality products. The chefs use the best seafood, meat from local farms, locally produced fruits and vegetables, as well as the best dairy products and olive oil. A huge selection of fish dishes, vegetable salads, meat dishes, cheese platters and fruit desserts are always available. The selection of regional wines in the restaurant is also very large.
Useful tips for those who want to visit the island of Naxos
- In local markets and private shops, haggling is a must, as it will certainly reduce the price. Do not take haggling too seriously and expect huge discounts, usually haggling allows you to reduce the price by 10 – 15% or get additional goods for the original price.
- Pay for goods and services to foreign guests must be in euros, it is impossible to pay in other currencies on the island. You can exchange money in any bank or private exchange office, it is best to refrain from exchange offices located on the territory and near hotels.
- For good service, it is obligatory to leave a tip. In a restaurant they usually amount to about 10% of the bill, in spas and beauty salons the amount of remuneration is the same. Paying in a cab, you can simply round up the price received to any convenient upwards.
- Buy wine and liquor is most profitable in specialized stores, which are located on the territory of wineries. Another advantage of visiting such stores is the opportunity to taste the drinks you are interested in for free.
- The island of Naxos is considered the breadbasket of the country, and local markets sell a variety of fruits and vegetables at attractive prices. In the larger towns you can easily find stores that specialize in the sale of organic products, which is sure to please adherents of healthy eating.
Where to stay on the island of Naxos
Despite the modest size of the island, there is quite a large selection of hotels, villas, apartments. Also, there are practically no five-star hotels on the island.
Cost of accommodation:
- inexpensive hotels of the category 1 star – from 30 euros;
- apartments – from 30 euros;
- 2-star hotels – from 45 euros;
- 3-star hotels – from 55 euros;
- 4 star hotels – from 90 euros;
- villas – from 130 euros
May be useful: see all hotels, apartments and villas on the island of Naxos at this link