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Naxos travel guide

Naxos: golden beaches, mountain villages & real Greek food

The biggest and greenest of the Cyclades: miles of sandy beaches, marble villages in the mountains, ancient temples and the best cheese and potatoes in Greece.

Best timeJun, Sep
Ideal stay4–5 days
Airport → Chora~10 min by car
Ferry portNaxos Chora
Why visit Naxos

An island that feeds you

Naxos doesn't depend only on tourism. It has farms, cheese makers, potato fields and olive groves, and that's exactly what makes it feel so real. Eat a plate of local graviera, sip a glass of kitron liqueur in Halki and you'll understand why Greeks love this island.

The west coast is lined with some of the longest sandy beaches in the Cyclades, with shallow, calm water that's perfect for families. Inland, mountain villages like Halki, Filoti and Apeiranthos are built of stone and marble, with views all the way to the sea.

And everywhere you go there's history: the giant marble Portara at the harbor entrance, ancient temples, Venetian towers and unfinished statues of kouroi still lying in the fields where they were carved.

Local tipSpend at least one day in the mountain villages. Lunch in Halki or Apeiranthos is a highlight of any trip.
Don't miss

6 unforgettable things to do in Naxos

01

Sunset at the Portara

A huge marble doorway, all that remains of a temple to Apollo, standing on a little islet at the entrance to the harbor. The island's symbol.

Walk across the causeway about 30 minutes before sunset.
02

Chora & the Venetian Kastro

Climb through the narrow lanes of the old town up to the 13th-century castle, with little shops, museums and views over the port.

Get lost in the alleys, then have dinner by the waterfront.
03

Halki & the kitron distillery

A beautiful village in the Tragea valley, with neoclassical mansions, Byzantine churches and a historic distillery of the local citrus liqueur.

Try the three kinds of kitron, from sweet to strong.
04

Marble-paved Apeiranthos

A mountain village built entirely of stone and marble, with towers, small museums and a wonderful, slow atmosphere.

Stay for lunch at a taverna in the main lane.
05

The ancient kouroi

Giant unfinished marble statues from the 7th–6th century BC, still lying where they were carved, near Melanes and Apollonas.

Combine them with a drive along the wild north coast.
06

Hike Mount Zas

The highest mountain in the Cyclades, with a legendary cave and, on a clear day, views across the whole archipelago.

Start early, wear good shoes and bring water.
Where to stay

Where to stay in Naxos

Most visitors stay on the west coast, between Chora and the long sandy beaches.

Convenience

Naxos Chora

The main town and port, with the old town, restaurants, shops and the Portara. Great for short stays and ferries.

Families

Agios Georgios

The town beach, with shallow water and walking distance to Chora. Ideal with kids.

Beach life

Agios Prokopios

One of the most beautiful beaches in Greece: golden sand, turquoise water and plenty of hotels.

Relaxed

Agia Anna

A small fishing harbor with tavernas and a lovely beach, next to Agios Prokopios.

Quiet & natural

Plaka

A long, wide sandy beach with dunes and a relaxed, low-key atmosphere.

Authentic

Mountain villages

Halki, Filoti and Apeiranthos: stone houses, cool evenings and local life.

Swipe for more →
Getting around

Airport, port & beach transfers

Approximate travel times by car. They depend on traffic, especially in July and August.

Naxos Airport → ChoraMain town & port
~10 min
Naxos Port → Agios ProkopiosWest coast beaches
10–15 min
Naxos Port → PlakaLong sandy beach
15–20 min
Chora → HalkiTragea valley
20–25 min
Chora → ApeiranthosMountain village
40–45 min

Big island, short distances

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and its villages are spread out. Whether you're arriving by ferry or planning a day in the mountains, your driver knows every road.

  • Fixed price per vehicle, no surprises
  • Free waiting if your flight or ferry is late
  • Child seats & vans for up to 12 people
  • Pay by cash, card or Apple Pay
See prices & book →
From our drivers “
Ask for the local cheese and the potatoes. In Naxos, the simplest dishes are the best.
HM
The Happy Move teamLocal drivers who know every road
FAQ

Naxos: frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Naxos?

Four to five days is ideal for the beaches, Chora, the mountain villages and a sunset at the Portara. Naxos is big, so a week is never too much.

How do I get from Athens to Naxos?

By ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or by a short flight from Athens Airport. Naxos is also well connected to Paros, Mykonos and Santorini.

Is Naxos good for families?

It's one of the best islands in Greece for families: long sandy beaches with shallow water, great food and plenty of space.

Do I need a car in Naxos?

The beaches near Chora are easy to reach by bus. To explore the mountain villages and the north, a car or a driver for the day is the best option.

Keep exploring

Continue your island hopping