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Naxos

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City
—°8
Naxos (Greece)
ℹ️

Practical info — Naxos

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Portara (Apollo Temple) is best visited at sunset, but arrive early to secure a good spot as it gets crowded.
  • Rent a car to explore the mountain villages like Apiranthos and Halki, as public transport is limited there.
  • The west coast has the best sandy beaches protected from the Meltemi winds.
  • Buy bus tickets in advance at the kiosks, as they are cheaper than buying them directly from the driver.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kitron

A local citron liqueur. Try it in Halki at a traditional distillery.

🍽
Naxian potatoes

Famous throughout Greece, best enjoyed fried in any traditional taverna.

🍽
Arseniko Naxou

A hard, spicy local cheese. Look for it in the central market of Chora.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Woven textiles

Apiranthos has wonderful shops selling traditional handmade weaves.

🛍
Local ceramics

Look for authentic pottery studios in Chora and Damalas.

🛍
Thyme honey

Excellent local honey available at markets and small shops in the mountain villages.

🧘
Temple of Demeter (Sangri)

A peaceful ancient site in a rural setting, away from the coastal bustle.

🧘
Routsouna Waterfall

A serene spot near Keramoti, especially beautiful in spring.

🧘
Alyko Cedar Forest

A coastal nature reserve with sand dunes and quiet coves.

Naxos is the green heart of the Cyclades, captivating visitors with a well-suited blend of rich history, traditional culture, and some of the best beaches in the Aegean Sea. Unlike other Cycladic islands, Naxos is home to high mountains and fertile valleys, allowing for exceptional local agriculture and gastronomy. The island's west coast stretches southwards like a single, endless ribbon of sand, drawing beachgoers from all over the world. The beaches of Naxos are legendary. Plaka Beach impresses with its fine, golden sand and shallow waters, making it convenient for long beach walks. Further south beckons Mikri Vigla, a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers, where the strong Meltemi wind provides first-rate conditions. For those seeking tranquility, Hawaii Beach and Kastraki Beach offer natural stretches of coastline without large hotel complexes and with crystal-clear waters. Along the coast, more dream beaches line up, such as Agía Ánna Beach and the cedar-fringed Paralia Alyko. Glyfada Beach and Kedros Beach also offer idyllic conditions for sun worshipers. In the evenings, the beach taverns around Naxaki and Vintsi invite you to enjoy fresh fish and the famous Naxian Gruyère cheese during a spectacular sunset.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131314161923252524211714
Rain mm968245261952217436385

Geography

Population
7,070
Coordinates
37.06001, 25.47076

Facts

  • Largest island of the Cyclades
  • Plaka Beach offers fine, light-colored sand
  • Mikri Vigla is a windsurfing destination
  • Meltemi winds cool the peak summer heat
  • Famous for Naxos potatoes and local cheese
  • Paralia Alyko is surrounded by cedar trees
  • Many beaches feature shallow, calm waters
  • The island boasts a highly fertile landscape

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Naxos (8)

Purgos tou Massena🏺 historical

Purgos tou Massena, a tower from the 17th century on Naxos.

Phos Gallery🏛 museum

Phos Gallery exhibits regional art and creative works in Naxos.

Purgos Athalassas🏺 historical

Purgos Athalassas, a tower built in 1769 on Naxos.

Apano Kastro🏰 castle

Apano Kastro is a ruined medieval castle offering sweeping views over Naxos.

Agioi Apostoloi⛪ religious

Church of Agioi Apostoloi on Naxos is dedicated to the Holy Apostles.

Panagia Damiotissa⛪ religious

Panagia Damiotissa church on Naxos is dedicated to the Virgin Damiotissa.

Agia Triada Kaloxulou⛪ religious

Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity in the Kaloxylou area of Naxos.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Portara in Naxos?
A massive marble gate, the remains of an unfinished temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC.
Is Naxos suitable for families?
Yes, especially the shallow sandy beaches of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are good for children.
What is the highest mountain in the Cyclades?
Mount Zas on Naxos, with an elevation of 1,004 meters.
What is Naxos culinarily famous for?
For its local cheeses (Graviera), potatoes, and the Kitron liqueur.
Are there mountain villages to discover?
Yes, villages like Apeiranthos and Halki are beautiful and preserve their traditions.
Naxos: where is it located?
Naxos is located in Greece.
Naxos: what is there to see?
Highlights include Purgos tou Massena, Phos Gallery, Nekrotapheio tou Tsikalariou.
Naxos: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Naxos: why is it worth visiting?
Naxos is the green heart of the Cyclades, captivating visitors with a well-suited blend of rich history, traditional culture, and some of the best beaches in the Aegean Sea.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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