Top Things to do in Naxos
What to do and see in Naxos, South Aegean: The Best Things to do
A spot of white in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, the island of Naxos is a unique blend of ancient ruins and beach culture. The largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos is the childhood home of none other than Zeus, king of the gods. Upon arrival in Naxos, hike over a causeway to Palatia, where the Portara, a stone gateway to an ancient temple that no longer exists, stands alone, the symbol of the island. At sunset, the views of the island, and the sea beyond, are breathtaking.
Restaurants in Naxos
1. Plaka Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,269 reviews
A sunny stretch of sand by the sea, littered with nude and semi-nude sunbathers from all over the world.
Reviewed By bikerbabe22 - Milton, Canada
This is a great beach. The sand is super fine, there is plenty of space available, and it’s surrounded by shops and restaurants
2. Naos Tou Apollona - Portara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,286 reviews
Reviewed By _N5854HS - Athens, Greece
best sunset i ever saw on cyclades.An ancient temple where you can see the sun goes down,in the sea.beautiful romantic place for couples
3. Kastro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
This 13th century castle houses a 16th century Catholic Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Museum.
Reviewed By duhoz - Beroun, Czech Republic
I fall in love with this charming part of the city. Day or night I enjoyed seamlessly roaming the narrow streets full of boutiques, taverns, galleries and little houses where still the locals live, not just seized by tourists. From some parts there as beautiful views of the city. Unfortunately some buildings such as the Tower or museum which are currently under the reconstruction.
4. Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,126 reviews
Reviewed By MrandMrsRo - Chester, United Kingdom
Lovely scenic alleyways. Lots of shops but didn't feel tacky touristy. We found an excellent traditional wood fired bakery in the Old Market area - best bread we had on the island and freshly baked all day long so piping hot when bought - open all day and till 9pm at night too. Worth going right up to the castle area and onto the terrace (through a cafe) to get a wonderful panoramic view of the island.
5. Agia Anna Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 524 reviews
Reviewed By vasia122
We spent great time in Agia Anna beach. My children felt in love with thearea and our apartment in Naxian Breeze. We stayed only a few meters from this wonderful sandy beach and this was very helpful and comfortable, There are many greek taverns with great greek plates to try. There are also many beach bars where you can enjoy your coctail, breakfast or meal. One of the best hlidays so far!!
6. Agios Prokopios Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,732 reviews
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Reviewed By michaelcorkz - Willenhall, United Kingdom
Beautiful sand, crystal clear Aegean Sea, perfect for swimming and sunbathing, with an excellent selection of small shops, bars and restaurants adjacent. Sun beds were reasonable at €6 for 2 plus parasol per day (prices along the beach went as high as €10). The highlight, however, are the sunsets. Truly spectacular. We fell in love with Agious Prokopios...
7. Cedar Forest of Alyko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
The forest is situated in the area "Alyko" on the southwest side of Naxos Island. It is a great and unique forest in Greece, of Junipers(Cedars), which covers almost the entire sandy peninsula of "Kouroupia" cape, with an extent of 1000 acres! The rich flora of Alyko consisting of wild arborescent vegetation which includes the Junipers (Cedars), Arkefthous and Shcino. Τhe sovereignty of course is held by the Junipers which are met in the form of tree and bush reaching 4-5m height sometimes. The entire extent of the forest is covered by white sand and sand dunes. The age of many of the trees is estimated more than 200 years old! The forest is a nature protected area as it is a great shelter of small wild rabbits, birds and other animals.
Reviewed By Rob007Kent_UK - Wye, United Kingdom
Alyko beach is a beautiful sandy beach in the south west of Naxos which is unorganised and backed by a forest of cedar trees. The water here was crystal clear and the beach shelves gently towards a ridge of rock which you have to cross before the sea bed turns to sand. The forest has some shady spots and rope swings. We visited on possibly the windiest day of our two week stay (meltemi gusts of 30mph) but managed to find some shelter towards the back of the beach. The beach was very quiet and is an ideal spot if you want space and some peace and quiet. There is a beautiful church on the headland where a traditional Greek wedding was taking place on the day we visited and the derelict/abandoned hotel complex on the headland is quite eerie but worth a visit - Wild Drawing, aka WD, a Balinese street artist currently based in Athens, spent part of his summer in 2015 at the abandoned hotel complex and the large scale results of his awesome endeavours can be seen on the roof and several walls of this complex.
8. Panormos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By konp580
To begin with its a little more than an hour's drive to reach there. So you need a car to reach there. You can check if there is a boat ride from naxos port to panermos. So you reach the beach and you see a bunch of guys on the right side of the beach waiting for you to take the boat ride with captain yiannis. DO NOT THINK ....... JUST DO IT. So then you will be taken on a boat ride to the middle of nowhere and that nowhere is really the beautiful Rhina cave. You can chill on the boat if you want to. REALLY ..... I don't know how to swim I was given the rubber snake and then taken into the cave. Wait for a while and Andreas will tell you all about it! There are a couple of other things , but that's for you to discover I won't spill all the beans. You need to make that effort on your own ! Oh by the way it's JUST 10 EUROS. Andreas takes awesome photos and videos for..... FREE ..... EVERY other exotic destination I have been to will charge you a min 10 for just the photograph let alone the video! And on the way back captain Yannis treats you with wine and some fresh tomatos and olives... Enjoy!!!
9. Zas Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By alekeito - Warsaw, Poland
We started our tour at Agia Marina church, and it was an easy hike. The weather was nice, not too hot, so we barely broke a sweat. The views were amazing, definitely worth it.
10. Saint George Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 836 reviews
Reviewed By bottriell_j - London, United Kingdom
Cant ever tire of St George Beach. Sift clean sand , gentle slope in the clean water. Fabulous amenities but never too crowded. Beach bars to traditional Greek tavernas. You can stroll a mile round the bay to get away from the crowds and lounges. With natural sand dunes and vegetation. My favourite beach Taverna is Yialos , the menu is outstanding, the service likewise. Best local wine here in all of Chora.
