The 7 things to do in Naxos

Visit Naxos: what are the best things to do and see on the largest island in the Cyclades Islands?

Less known than its cousins Mykonos, Paros or Santorini, Naxos is the largest and highest in the Cyclades Islands. Naxos has a lot to do with its charms: with its traditional architecture, steep mountains, fine sandy beaches and small colourful villages, visit Naxos will soon be part of your own to do list summer.

We propose you to discover the 7 essential things to do in Naxos.

1. Make windsurfing

If you want to get rid of yourself and do sports in Greece, opt for the windsurfing. Thanks to its shallow lagoons, its ideal wind conditions and turquoise water, Naxos is the ideal spot for lovers of adrenaline and marine air.

Naxos is also a privileged place for windsurfing enthusiasts since it is one of the most popular sites in Greece especially in the summer when the north winds come to strike the island. You can also try surfing, paddle or kitesurfing, Naxos is the paradise of water sports.

After your sailing adventure in Naxos, no doubt you’ll want to discover other Cyclades islands in the same way! We therefore advise you to visit "Explora Project" , the agency that offers you unforgettable escapades. With their stay « Cyclades : sailing and exploration under the eye of Éole » , you will dive into the heart of the mythical islands. Accompanied by a local guide, it is a program for small onions that awaits you: beautiful hiking trails, discovery of islands according to the winds and learning of daily sailing life. Unbelievable!

2. Emotion before the kouros

If you are looking for what to do in Naxos, go to Apollonas, a small village in the northern part of Naxos, to discover the kouros of Apolloas, a curiosity of the island. This statue, dating from the 6th century BC, is an unfinished work of 10.7 meters in marble weighing almost 80 tons.

It is all the more fascinating that, despite the erosion of the stone, one clearly distinguishes the body of a barbu man. On occasion, take a walk in the marble quarry of Grammata and in the village of Apolloas. You will find two other kouros in Melanes, in the heart of the island.

3. Lézarder on all beaches of the island

Why are you looking for anything to do in Naxos? Don’t do anything, it’s fine too! For your fierce session, you will only have the embarrassment of the choice concerning the beaches in Naxos. Agios Georgios, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island with curious dunes that offer a little shade in full heat and fine sand.

Otherwise, the Laguna, a well-known surfer spot, Palaka, one of the less frequented beaches of the island and ideal for water sports – and for naturism – or the small Panormos creek, still very wild. Of course, don’t hesitate to venture on the island because there are many deserted and secret but difficult to reach creeks.

4. A boat ride

To enjoy the island and its crystal clear waters, what better than a boat ride?

Indeed, rent a boat in Naxos will allow you to explore the island and its surroundings. Thus, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape in another way, seen from the waters. A great experience to live with your loved ones to perfect your stay in Naxos!

5. Discover Portara at sunset

Visiting Naxos would not be perfect without stopping by Portara, jewel and symbol of the island. This massive marble door stands proudly close to the port, on the island of Palatia which was once a coline. The legend tells us that it is in this precise place that Ariane, the daughter of King Minos, was abandoned by his lover Thésée, just after the latter shot the Minotaur.

For lovers of old stones, Portara is not to be missed, especially at sunset: the sea view is breathtaking.

6. Flâner in small mountain villages

With no less than 41 villages, visiting Naxos in full would ask you for several days or even several weeks so each village has a unique charm and a host of surprises. These small villages, some of which are on the mountainside, radiate through their ancestral traditions, tasty specialties and spectacular architecture.

Between Chora Naxos the capital of the island and its medieval castle, Koronos and its whitewashed houses on the mountainside or Filoti and its Panaghia tis Filotissas church entirely built in white marble, you will only have the embarrassment of choice.

7. Gravir the mountain of Zeus

Mount Zas – or Zeus in French – is the highest point of Naxos with its 1004 meters of altitude. For hikers and legends, climbing Mount Zeus is one of the main things to do in Naxos: according to Greek mythology, Mount Zas was the birthplace of one of the most famous gods of the Olympe, Zeus himself.

To reach its summit, count about 2 hours of normal climbing with a more steep and sporty part of about 30 minutes from the village of Filoti.

8. Make a cruise in the south of Naxos

If you want to visit Naxos otherwise, opt for a cruise. The company Cycladic Cruises organizes " Daily Cruises", 7h crossing – from 10am to 5pm – to discover the beaches, hidden coves and secret treasures of Naxos, with several stops to flemmarder and swim.

The trip is made aboard the Jason, a sublime 17-metre long wooden sailboat. Count 50€ per person for a crossing, with a lunch and drinks at will included in the rate. Learn more about the cruises around Naxos.

How do I get to Naxos?

The island of Naxos is connected to Athens by a well-served airline. From France you will always have flights to Greece with a stopover. To find cheap flights to Naxos, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .

You can also to Naxos by ferry from mainland Greece other islands, but also from Turkey. You can book your ferry crossing online via the site Direct Ferries .

How to move to Naxos?

When you arrive at Naxos airport, you should know that there are no shuttles to take you to Naxos located 3km north of the airport. However, buses serve the beaches of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna. If you opt for the taxi count between 10 and 15€ the journey.

If you stay in the city of Naxos, daily buses connect Naxos to Agia Anna (2€). 5 bus/day connect Naxos and Filoti to Halki, 4 travel to Apiranthos via Filoti and Halki. Departures are near the landing in Naxos. Many other connections exist, to learn more about the bus information office, where you can buy your tickets.

Another solution to move to Naxos is to rent a car. Count in high season between 45 and 65€/day. You can compare car rental prices in Naxos on the site Rentalcars .

Where to stay in Naxos?

We recommend you house in Naxos city (Chora). Explore the beaches and villages of the interior of the island throughout the day, but stay in a accommodation in Naxos Town (Chora) at night. Enjoy good restaurants, cafes and some casual bars. You can find a cheap hotel in Naxos by doing a search on this Compare hotels .

If you come to visit Naxos with family or friends, the ideal on the island is to rent a holiday home, which one can find in particular on Airbnb .