The biggest island within the Cyclades, Naxos is understood for its diverse and mountainous surroundings, beautiful seashores, crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, wealthy historical historical past, and unspoilt pure magnificence. Uncover the most effective issues to do in Naxos on this information.
I’ve hung out on most of the Greek islands, and Naxos is certainly one in all my favourites. It’s a lot much less touristy than a few of the different islands close by, (learn: Mykonos, Santorini, and so on.), however no much less beautiful.
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 get pleasure from.
Listed here are the 15 finest issues to do in Naxos.
1. Hike to the High of Mount Zas
Mount Zas is the tallest peak on Naxos and the best level within the Cyclades; providing unimaginable 360-degree views out over Naxos and the encircling islands.
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 most effective 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 throughout the summer season when excessive temperatures and relentless solar could make the trek far more arduous.
Remember to 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 beautiful although, and positively well worth the effort.
If you happen to’re eager on doing a little bodily actions in Naxos, don’t miss this wonderful hike. I did it final yr and it’s positively one in all my favorite issues to do in Naxos, Greece. I solely noticed a handful of different individuals on the mountain, and shared the summit with a few eagles hovering overhead – a very unimaginable 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 most effective 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 throughout the day, sundown is the most effective time to go to the Portara when it’s lit up with vibrant floodlights and the archway frames the setting solar – it’s one of the vital wonderful sights within the Cyclades, and among the best free issues to do in Naxos.
The Portara is a simple 10 minute stroll from the centre of Naxos City, simply previous the harbour, by way of somewhat causeway.
3. Go to the Venetian Fortress in Naxos City
The Venetian Castle 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 fortress is open to the general public, and gives beautiful views over the city and harbour. There are a couple of small museums contained in the fortress partitions explaining a few of the wealthy historical past of Naxos and its significance in native folklore and historical mythology.
Opening hours fluctuate relying on the season, nevertheless it’s normally open from 9am – 5pm.
4. Get pleasure from Naxos’ Beautiful Seashores
Naxos is well-known for its lovely seashores, and there are lots to select from.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna seashores are two of the preferred. Each are located on the west coast of the island, a couple of kilometres south of Naxos City.
Agios Prokopios is an extended sandy seaside with crystal clear waters, whereas Agia Anna is a smaller seaside with many cafes, bars, tavernas, and locations to remain.
Each seashores are straightforward to entry from Naxos City, both by leaping on a public bus, or hiring a automotive or bicycle.
A bit additional south, Plaka Beach is one other nice possibility. It’s pretty standard, nevertheless the seaside’s massive dimension means it’s normally doable to stroll somewhat manner alongside the seaside and discover a secluded spot.
If you happen to’d like to go to a number of of those seashores as a part of a guided/self-guided e-bike tour, this highly rated company will help you organise all the pieces.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is likely one of the finest issues to do in Naxos, and there are a lot of dive centres on the island providing classes and guided dives.
It is a enjoyable and thrilling method to discover the underwater world, and with over 50 dive websites round Naxos, there’s lots to see. There are reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and a wealth of marine life all ready to be found.
If you happen to’ve by no means dived earlier than, don’t fear – most dive centres provide newbie classes. When you’ve accomplished a couple of dives and are snug with the fundamentals, you can begin exploring a few of the extra superior dive websites.
Scuba diving is a good exercise, and even you probably have non-divers in your group, they will nonetheless be a part of within the enjoyable by snorkelling.
Take a look at this top-rated scuba diving school that gives guided dives for all talents.
6. Discover the Island’s Picturesque Villages
Naxos is house to plenty of charming villages, every with its personal distinctive ambiance.
One of the crucial standard 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 beautiful views.
Different villages price exploring embrace Filoti, Apollonas, Koronos, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal character, and visiting them makes for a fantastic day journey from Naxos City.
Many of the major villages in Naxos are related by native buses, so it’s pretty simple to achieve them even if you happen to don’t have your personal automotive.
Alternatively, you may take a small-group tour of a few of the island’s smaller villages off-the-beaten-track. Click here for extra info.
7. Cycle Via Lovely Countryside
The most effective methods to discover Naxos is by bicycle, and there are many nice biking routes to select from.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a simple journey, head to the west coast of the island the place you’ll discover flat, coastal roads. For a tougher journey, attempt one of many biking trails within the mountainous inside of the island.
There are a lot of locations to rent bicycles on the island, and most resorts and guesthouses will be capable of manage bike rental for you.
Alternatively, you may take a guided bike tour. It is a nice possibility if you happen to’re not as assured biking in unfamiliar locations, or if you happen to can’t determine what to see in Naxos. The tour chief will know the most effective routes and might provide helpful ideas alongside the way in which. Click here for extra info and to e book.
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 conventional 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, hen stew, cheese pie, and unimaginable recent seafood.
Wandering the backstreets of Naxos City, day or evening, you’ll encounter an enormous vary of meals to attempt from individuals providing recent native components, and ready delicacies from little stalls. Come hungry – it’s a tremendous expertise.
You too can be a part of a guided meals tour, which is able to educate you extra concerning the historical past of the island and its delicacies. Click 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 revel in being within the current, while any person else shoots some wonderful photographs to seize your time there. Even higher if that particular person is knowledgeable 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 number 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 choice of handicraft retailers, and also you’ll discover quite a lot of totally different gadgets on the market together with pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
If you happen to’d prefer 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.
Naxos is known for its historical marble quarries, and marble sculpting was one of many earliest recognized artisan actions in Naxos. Even right now many handicrafts, sculptures, and different items of art work function this lovely stone.
To attempt your hand on the historical talent of marble carving, check out this tour run by an area sculptor.
11. Take a Day Journey to One of many Neighboring Islands
Naxos is surrounded by plenty of lovely neighboring islands, all of that are price exploring.
A number of the finest recognized islands embrace Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. Mykonos is understood for its vigorous nightlife, and Santorini for its dramatic volcanic surroundings and beautiful whitewashed buildings clinging to the facet of volcanic cliffs. If you happen to’re on the lookout for some tradition, Paros is house to plenty of historical Greek temples.
Most 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 a lot of totally different journeys accessible. For instance, this full-day sailing cruise will take you to discover a few 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 Site is house to plenty of historical 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. Remember to put on snug footwear, as there’s a good quantity of strolling concerned.
General, Delos is an attention-grabbing website 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 here for extra info.
13. Go Windsurfing or Crusing
Naxos is the right place to go windsurfing or crusing, with its breezy shoreline, calm waters and beautiful 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.
One of the best time to go windsurfing or crusing is throughout the summer season months when the climate is heat and sunny. Pack loads of water and sunscreen although as you’ll be spending loads of time within the solar.
You possibly can 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 Might to September. Click here to be taught extra.
14. Go to a Vineyard
Outdoors of Greece, it may be troublesome to seek 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 some totally different wineries that make wonderful wine. Most additionally provide 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 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 various kinds of grapes which might be used.
And on the finish, you may style and purchase a variety of various native wines, most of that are wonderful. General, it is a nice method to study wine making and pattern some native wines. If you happen to like wine, it’s among the best issues in Naxos to do.
For a conventional Naxian wine tasting expertise, take a look at this tour which takes place on the Saint Anna Vineyard and showcases a few of the finest wines produced on the island – their dessert wines are notably scrumptious!
If you happen to’re not into wine, take a look at this distillery experience the place you’ll pattern native liquors and revel in native snacks as nicely.
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 charming coastal street is a good way to see the island, and there are a lot of totally different villages and seashores to discover.
My favorite round route, (and one which I positively advocate as among the best 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 straightforward to drive on. Nonetheless, a few 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 straightforward!
There are a number of automotive rental companies on the island, and most of them provide aggressive charges. I normally examine costs utilizing an aggregator to seek out the most effective worth on provide.
FAQs About Naxos
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Naxos.
Is Naxos price visiting?
Sure. Naxos is an exquisite island with so much to supply guests. From its dramatic cliffs to its sandy seashores, there’s one thing for everybody in Naxos.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a tremendous Greek island getaway, with out the crowds that swarm to a few of the extra standard locations, Naxos is certainly price 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.
If you happen to’re trying to see as a lot of the island as doable, then 5 days or extra could also be finest for you. Nonetheless, if you happen to simply wish to calm down on the seaside and see a few of Naxos City, then 2 – 3 days must be lots.
Personally, I may spend weeks there.
The place to remain in Naxos?
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a quiet and stress-free 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 most effective place to remain.
Whichever a part of the island you go to, you’ll discover a vary of various lodging choices accessible, together with flats, villas, and resorts to swimsuit all budgets.
A few good Airbnbs are:
- Price range: This apartment with a tremendous view within the village of Koronos
- Mid-Vary: This beautiful apartment in Naxos City
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Finest Airbnbs in Naxos, Greece
Methods to get to Naxos?
There are a couple of totally different ferry corporations 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.
If you happen to’re travelling from one other island in Greece, there are a lot 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 day by day flights to Athens. This could be a great possibility in case you are very pressed for time. However personally, I at all times desire to take the ferry because it’s far more stress-free and you’ll sit out on the deck and take within the beautiful surroundings on the way in which.
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, historical 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.
What are your prime issues to do in Naxos, Greece?
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