Naxos
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Tips
3 places on the map
Nature
- 1
Sandy town beach with shallow water, a short walk from Chora.
3 tips
- Great for families
- Sunbeds and tavernas
- Windsurfing at the south end
📷 Photos
- 2
Popular long sandy beach with clear turquoise water south of Chora.
3 tips
- Buses run from Chora
- Organised and free sections
- Calm on most days
📷 Photos
- 3
The highest peak in the Cyclades, with a hike to panoramic views.
3 tips
- Start from Filoti, about 3 hours return
- Bring water
- Avoid the midday heat
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Naxos tips
Transportation
- Ride the KTEL Naxos buses: buses leave from the port in Chora for Agios Prokopios, Plaka, Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos; buy tickets at the kiosk first.
- Book ferries early in summer: Blue Star and fast ferries link Naxos with Piraeus, Paros and Santorini, and August sailings sell out.
- Rent a car for the villages: mountain villages like Apiranthos and the Kouros of Apollonas are far apart, so a small car beats waiting for buses.
Security
- Ride scooters with care: Naxos mountain roads are steep and twisty, and the meltemi wind can push riders; wear a helmet.
- Respect the meltemi: strong summer winds in July and August make the sea choppy on the west coast; check flags before swimming.
- Carry water on hikes: trails up Mount Zas and between villages have little shade or water, so start early and carry plenty.
Saving
- Swim at Agios Georgios: the town beach in Chora is shallow, sandy and free, a short walk from the port.
- Eat in the mountain villages: tavernas in Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos often serve generous plates of local meat and cheese at fair prices.
- Visit in June or September: shoulder season brings warm sea, fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for hot dry summers: Naxos summers are hot and sunny; bring a hat, sunscreen and light clothing.
- Bring a windbreaker: the meltemi can make evenings and boat trips feel cool, so pack a light jacket.
- Expect mild wet winters: winters are mild but rainy, and many tavernas and hotels close outside Chora.
Cultural
- Taste kitron: this citrus liqueur is distilled in Halki, where the Vallindras distillery offers tours and tastings.
- Try graviera and Naxos potatoes: the island's cheese and potatoes are famous across Greece; order them in any local taverna.
- Join a panigyri: summer village festivals, like the 15 August celebrations in Filoti, bring music, dancing and food.
Local Hacks
- Watch sunset at the Portara: the great marble gate of the Temple of Apollo frames the sunset at the edge of Chora.
- See the unfinished kouroi: giant ancient statues still lie in the quarries at Flerio and Apollonas, free to visit.
- Kitesurf at Mikri Vigla: steady winds make this west coast beach a top spot for kitesurfing lessons.
1-day itineraries in Naxos
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.