Naxos, Greece

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

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Frequently Asked Questions about Naxos

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Where is Naxos?

Naxos is an island in Greece, part of the Cycladic group situated in the Aegean Sea. Naxos lies about 40 km south of Mykonos, 180 km southeast of Athens, 85 km North of Santorini, and 200 km north of Crete. Flights to Naxos take 40 minutes from Athens; there are no direct flights to Naxos from any other cities. Greek ferries are most commonly utilized to get to and from Naxos, whether from Athens or any of the nearby islands.

How big is Naxos?

Naxos has a population of almost 21,000 and a land area spanning roughly 430 square kilometers (about one-fourth the size of Hawaii`s island of Maui and 7.5 times the area of Manhattan in New York City). The length of the island is around 40 kilometers, and it measures approximately 30 kilometers at its widest point. It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other across its longest stretch running north to south.

What is the history of Naxos?

In the myths of ancient Greece, Naxos is depicted as the childhood home of Zeus, where he was concealed in a cave on the mountain now known as Mount Zas to escape his father Cronos, who had consumed his 5 siblings. Zeus` son Dionysus was also nurtured on Naxos, where he eventually fell in deep love with and wedded Ariadne after she was abandoned there by Theseus.

The earliest residents of the isle of Naxos were the Thracians, dating back to around 4000 B.C., and it was named in honor of their ruler, Naxos. Control over the territory has since changed hands multiple times, ruled at different points by the Careans, Ionians, Athenians, Spartans, Macedonians, Egyptians, Rhodians, and Romans. Naxos is home to two of the oldest churches in Byzantine style in all of Greece – the monastery Christ Photodotis from the 6th century and the 7th century church Panagia Drosiani, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There are over 200 Byzantine churches on Naxos, many retaining original frescoes, as well as 500 pre and post-Byzantine churches, numerous linked by hiking routes through the mountains. In the 13th century, the Venetians established the Duchy of the Aegean with Naxos as its capital, building a fortress in what is presently Naxos Town. Attempts by the Ottomans to seize the island in the 15th century proved unsuccessful. Under Ottoman rule of the remainder of Greece, the Venetians managed to maintain authority over Naxos. Naxos was officially incorporated into the newly independent Greek state in 1832.

When is the best time to go to Naxos?

Naxos has a shorter window of opportunity compared to its nearby islands Santorini and Mykonos for travel. Most hotels in Naxos open from early May until mid-October, though a few remain open from March through November or longer. The ideal time to visit Naxos for warm weather, excellent swimming, sunbathing, and sailing is from late June through early September. If swimming and hot weather are not top priorities, then April, May, and October are perfect for sightseeing, archaeology, history, dining, and enjoying the little nightlife in Naxos Town.

How do you get to Naxos?

Boats connecting Athens to Naxos make several stops and take from three to six hours depending on vessel type. Ferries also run directly between Naxos and nearby Paros and Santorini. Routes between Naxos and Mykonos, Ios, Milos, Folegandros, and Crete normally involve multiple island calls. Ferryhopper.com offers an excellent way to search for and book ferry tickets to and from Naxos.

Both Sky Express and Olympic Air offer direct flights from Athens to Naxos, taking around 40 minutes. Note that flights will sell out much sooner than ferries – if you find a flight that works for you, book it as quickly as possible. There exist no direct flights to Naxos from any other cities.

What are the main towns on Naxos?

The principal village on Naxos, where the vast majority of dining, shops, and lodging are situated, is called Naxos Town or Chora. In Chora, you’ll find the Fortress (also known as Kastro) of Naxos, remains of the Apollo Temple, small museums, and a maze of narrow lanes filled with local eateries and tavernas. Agios Georgios (Saint George) Beach is a brief walk from the heart of Naxos Town. Chora is the transportation hub for ferries, taxis, and the scarce buses serving the island.

There are several small, traditional communities in the mountainous core of the island, the largest among them being Filoti, Apeiranthos, and Glynado, and the most scenic being Chalki. Towns in central Naxos are surrounded by farms, vineyards, olive groves, and dairies. The greenest and most fertile Cycladic island, Naxos is known for its produce (particularly potatoes), cheeses, cattle, and Kitron, a local citrus liquor.

The more popular beaches of Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and others have accumulated various restaurants, beach clubs, hotels, and mini-markets so that they seem like unofficial communities.

What are the best beaches on Naxos?

Naxos’ most pleasing beaches tend to be located along the island’s western shore, becoming more scenic the farther south you travel. Some of our favorites are Plaka Beach with its wide expanse of golden sand, Alyko Beach lined with cedar trees, and secluded Pyrgaki Beach. Agios Georgios (St. George), Agios Prokopios, and Agia Anna are the best Naxos beaches for families, as all offer calm water and numerous beach tavernas and cafes. Mikri Vigla Beach is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s straightforward to stay in Naxos Town and visit nearby beaches throughout the day; all of these beaches are accessible by bus.

Where is the best place to stay in Naxos?

For many travelers visiting Naxos, the best areas to lodge are in the village of Naxos Town or on the coasts of Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, or Plaka for a nice combination of relaxing, eating, sunbathing, and exploring. Naxos Town is walkable with lots of restaurants, shops, attractions, and the beach just a few minutes on foot. Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka are connected to Naxos Town by bus, with more frequent routes running during summer`s peak. Those interested in history, culture, hiking, and archaeology may prefer staying in one of the traditional, mountain villages, like Filoti, Moni, Sangri, or Glynado.

What are the best things to do in Naxos?

Some of the top things tourists can do while visiting Naxos island include enjoying cuisine at various eating establishments, shopping for goods, and fully immersing oneself in the atmosphere of Naxos Town by getting lost within its streets. Additional highlights involve swimming and sunbathing along the endless golden shorelines, exploring the archaeological remains at Apollo Temple and the Temple of Demeter, visiting the traditional village of Chalki (and its Kitron distillery there), windsurfing and kitesurfing atop the waters, hiking along numerous mountain trails, gazing at the Byzantine artworks within ancient churches, and catching stunning sunsets from viewpoints such as the ferry port, Apollo Temple, or mountaintop locales like the Rotunda Cafe in Apeiranthos village.

How many days should I spend in Naxos?

Remaining for a bare minimum of 2 nights and 1 full day is recommended. But there are many sights and experiences that make it easy to fill 5 days. If possible, joining a tour of the archaeological site at the Temple of Demeter, hiking mountain trails like from Moni to Chalki passing old churches or farther past the Aria Spring up to Zas Cave, Zeus’ childhood home, taking a boat trip to swimming spots on the east side of the island, taking a day tour to cosmopolitan Paros island or the archaeological ruins on the island of Delos, and passing a day at one of Naxos’ sandy beaches, basking in the sun and swimming.

Be sure to allot yourself plenty of time to get lost in the maze-like streets of Naxos Town: shop and dine in Chora, stroll to Apollo Temple along the narrow pathway jutting into the sea, explore the Venetian castle ruins, and enjoy a sunset cocktail from one of the small bars above.

Should I rent a car on Naxos?

If traveling to Naxos for just a couple days and lodging in Naxos Town or one of the beach towns, renting a car on the island is unnecessary. Naxos Town has a walkable layout, and the bus system connects the beach towns to Naxos Town often. Without a private vehicle, the simplest way to reach your hotel from the Naxos airport or ferry terminal is through a pre-arranged transfer by your accommodation or private transportation service.

For stays in Naxos Town or one of the beach settlements over two days, we advise renting a car to access the island`s more distant attractions. Visitors staying in the hills will definitely need to hire a car, as the mountain villages in Naxos have little to no bus access. RentalCars.com is the best website for pre-booking vehicle rentals in Greece.

What currency is used in Naxos?

Greece is part of the European Union, so the currency used on Naxos is the Euro (€). In Naxos Town and the beaches, most shops, bars, and restaurants accept credit cards, usually with a predetermined minimum purchase; if not, nearby ATMs are easily accessible. It is prudent to have some cash on hand for bus trips and small purchases like bottled water and snacks. In the remote villages, there are many more cash-only businesses and possibly 1 or 2 ATMs in each village.

Is Naxos expensive?

Naxos remains to a great extent out of the tourism radar. Though you will spend numerous on a space, many of the most good motels in Naxos fall into the average or budget classifications, such as many beachfront qualities. There are no all-inclusive resorts or trip packages. All beaches are accessible to the population and free to go to. Most beach golf equipment offer free umbrellas and sunbeds to visitors who buy a beverage or food; the ones that do charge, typically only cost €10 or so.

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!