Top 10 Things to Do in Naxos | Complete Travel Guide by a Local (2025)

Top 10 Things to Do in Naxos | Complete Travel Guide by a Local (2025)

Thinking about visiting Naxos? This island is the 
hidden gem of the Cyclades — bigger than Paros, more authentic than Mykonos, and packed with 
history, beaches, and mountain charm. Hi, I’m Chrysoula — a local travel creator based in Athens 
— and in this video, I ’am going to show you the best things to do in Naxos, from ancient temples 
and charming villages to unforgettable sunsets and archaeological sites you’ve probably never 
heard of. And don’t forget to stay until the end, where I’ll share practical tips to help you plan 
your trip — including how to get there, where to stay, and how many days you’ll need. Let’s get 
started! Your Naxos adventure begins in Chora, the island’s vibrant and atmospheric capital. 
It’s where everyday island life meets centuries of layered history — a beautiful mix of whitewashed 
Cycladic homes, Venetian mansions, and narrow alleys that twist their way up to the hilltop. 
Wander slowly through the Old Market, where tiny shops sell handmade ceramics, local textiles, 
and jewelry inspired by Cycladic design. Climb up to the Kastro, the old Venetian castle built in 
the 13th century, and explore its quiet streets, small chapels, and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss 
the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former Jesuit school, where you’ll find ancient marble 
statues and Cycladic figurines that tell the story of Naxos’s deep past. The whole area feels like a 
living postcard — a place where history is still part of daily life — and it’s the perfect place 
to get lost, sit for a coffee, and ease into the rhythm of the island. Right next to the port, 
on a small islet connected by a stone walkway, stands the iconic marble gate of the Temple 
of Apollo — known as the Portara. It’s worth visiting any time of day — the light, the sea 
breeze, and the views are always beautiful — but sunset is truly magical. As the sun sinks into the 
Aegean, the marble glows with warm golden tones, and the whole site feels almost otherworldly. 
It’s no wonder this ancient ruin has become the symbol of Naxos. But of course, no trip to 
Naxos would be complete without spending time on its beaches… Naxos has some of the best beaches 
in the Cyclades — long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a more laid-back 
vibe compared to its neighbors. Right in town, you’ll find Agios Georgios Beach, just a short 
walk from Chora. It’s shallow, sheltered, and perfect if you want to combine mornings by the 
sea with evenings in the old town. For calm waters and a family-friendly atmosphere, Agios Prokopios 
and Agia Anna are both fantastic choices — with soft sand, tavernas by the shore, and plenty of 
sunbeds if you want them. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, head to Plaka Beach. It 
stretches for kilometers, so even in high season, you’ll find space to unwind.. And for something 
a little wilder, make your way to Hawaii Beach and Alyko. These spots are more secluded, with 
dramatic dunes and turquoise water. At Alyko, you’ll also find the abandoned hotel covered 
in street art murals — it’s eerie, beautiful, and completely unexpected. Naxos isn’t just about 
beaches — the inland villages are where you feel the soul of the island. Start with Filoti, built 
amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Zas. It’s one of the largest villages in Naxos, with 
cozy tavernas shaded by massive plane trees and narrow alleys that lead to little surprises 
around every corner. If you’re into tradition, step inside the Folklore Museum — it’s small but 
gives a real glimpse into old rural life on the island. Then there’s Halki — which used to be the 
island’s capital. The neoclassical architecture here is striking, and the atmosphere is a mix of 
elegant and sleepy. One of the highlights is the Vallindras Distillery, where you can see how the 
famous citrus liqueur, Kitro, is made — and of course, do a tasting. Just a few steps away 
is the Church of Agios Georgios Diasoritis, hidden among olive groves, with incredible 
11th-century frescoes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule. And finally, 
Apeiranthos, the marble village. Everything here — from the streets to the steps and even 
the door frames — is made of stone, giving the whole place a timeless, mountain feel. But 
it’s not just pretty. Apeiranthos is packed with culture — you’ll find several small but impressive 
museums, including the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. Each village 
has its own energy — and honestly, driving through them feels like discovering a different Greece 
entirely. Slower, older, more grounded. It’s a side of the Cyclades that many travelers miss — 
but one that leaves the deepest impression. As you explore the countryside, you’ll also come across 
something truly unique — ancient statues scattered across the landscape… Naxos is home to some 
of the oldest examples of monumental sculpture in Greece — the Kouroi, large marble statues of 
young men from the 6th century BC that were never completed. The Kouros of Melanes, also known as 
the Flerio Kouros, lies in a shaded garden near the village of Melanes. It’s about 6.4 meters 
long and was probably abandoned due to a crack in the torso. You can reach it via a short, easy 
walking path through olive groves — and nearby, there’s a second, smaller unfinished Kouros 
in a quarry setting. The Kouros of Apollonas, often called the Colossus of Dionysus, is much 
larger — around 10.7 meters — and rests beside the sea near the village of Apollonas, right 
at the edge of an ancient quarry. It’s rougher in form but incredibly impressive, and you don’t 
need to hike far to see it. While you’re there, take time to explore the village — it has a 
small beach and a few lovely tavernas right by the water, perfect for a relaxing lunch after your 
visit. These statues were meant to stand upright at temples or sanctuaries, and seeing them still 
lying where they were abandoned gives you a raw, unfiltered glimpse into ancient craftsmanship 
and ambition. And speaking of history, Naxos still bears traces of its Venetian past 
— especially in the form of stone towers that rise unexpectedly across the island… Two 
of the most well-known are the Bazeos Tower, which hosts cultural events, and Barozzi 
Tower in Filoti. They tell a whole different story of Naxos — one of knights, landowners, and 
centuries of layered history. Not far from here, nestled in the fertile plains of Sangri, you’ll 
find one of the island’s most important ancient sanctuaries… The temple of Demeter, dedicated to 
the goddess of harvest and fertility, dates back to the 6th century BC and is one of the earliest 
temples in Greece built entirely of marble. Set among farmland in the village of Sangri, the 
site feels peaceful and grounded — simple in design but remarkably well-preserved. There’s also 
a small museum next door with original fragments and a helpful overview of the site’s history. 
It’s a quiet but powerful place that shows how deeply the ancient Naxians respected the land 
that sustained them. Even older than the Temple of Demeter is a lesser-known site just a few 
kilometers away… The Sanctuary at Iria is one of Naxos’s oldest sacred sites, in use from the 
14th to the 6th century BC. It predates the Temple of Demeter and shows how early religious worship 
evolved on the island. Archaeologists uncovered four successive temples built on the same spot, 
likely dedicated to a fertility deity. The ruins are modest but significant, with column fragments 
and foundations that trace centuries of spiritual life. It’s a quiet, often empty site — perfect 
for those drawn to ancient history. From ancient temples to early Christianity — Naxos holds 
spiritual significance across millennia… Panagia Drosiani is considered one of the oldest surviving 
Byzantine churches in the Balkans, dating back to the 6th century AD. The church is dedicated 
to the Virgin Mary and is famous for its rare architectural style, featuring a central dome with 
three adjoining chapels — a layout not commonly seen in Greek churches of the period. Inside, 
you’ll find some of the earliest known Christian frescoes in Greece, including images of saints and 
biblical scenes painted directly onto the stone, many of which date to the 7th century. Some have 
been uncovered beneath later layers, offering a glimpse into evolving religious art over 
centuries. And if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, Naxos is perfectly positioned for a 
day trip to two nearby gems — the glamorous island of Mykonos and the sacred ancient site of Delos.
Several organized boat tours depart from Naxos in the morning and return by evening, 
giving you just enough time to stroll through Mykonos’s chic alleyways and explore the 
remarkable archaeological ruins of Delos — once considered the spiritual center of the Aegean. 
It’s an easy, exciting way to experience two completely different sides of the Cyclades in 
a single day — one full of myth and history, the other all style and seaside charm. Before we 
wrap up, here are a few things that will make your trip to Naxos smoother. Getting there is pretty 
easy — ferries leave daily from both Piraeus and Rafina in Athens, and depending on the type of 
boat, the journey takes anywhere from three and a half to six hours. There’s also a small airport 
on the island, mostly serving domestic flights from Athens. The best time to visit is late May 
through mid-October. The weather is warm, the sea is perfect for swimming, and the vibe is just 
right. July and August are the busiest months, so if you’re after something a bit quieter, June or 
September are ideal. To really enjoy the island, plan to stay for at least three to five days. 
That gives you time to soak in the beaches, wander through the villages, and explore some 
of the archaeological sites at a relaxed pace. Getting around is easiest with a car or an ATV, 
especially if you want to reach the mountain villages or the more remote beaches. There are 
buses connecting Chora with the main beaches and a few villages, but service can be a bit 
limited, especially off-season. For accommodation, Chora is the most convenient if you want 
everything within walking distance. You can even stay near Agios Georgios Beach, which gives 
you the best of both worlds — easy access to the beach during the day and the charm of the old 
town just a short stroll away in the evening. If you’re dreaming of something more laid-back by 
the sea, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, or Plaka are great choices. And if you’re up for a true local 
experience, spending a night or two inland in places like Filoti or Halki can be unforgettable. 
And that’s it — the top 10 things to do in Naxos, from iconic landmarks to quiet archaeological 
gems. I hope you found my Naxos guide helpful. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions 
and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Greece travel content, Thanks for watching 
— and I’ll see you in the next video. Bye!

Planning a trip to Naxos, Greece? This video covers the top 10 things to do in Naxos, from the best beaches and mountain villages to hidden archaeological sites, cultural experiences, and day trips you don’t want to miss.

I’m Chrysoula — a local travel creator based in Athens — and in this guide, I’ll show you exactly what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your time on one of the most beautiful and authentic Greek islands.

🎥 In this Naxos travel guide, you’ll discover:
• What to do in Chora (Old Town)
• Sunset at the iconic Portara
• Best beaches in Naxos (Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Alyko & more)
• Traditional villages like Filoti, Halki & Apeiranthos
• Ancient sites: Temple of Demeter, Kouros statues, Iria, and Panagia Drosiani
• Day trip to Delos & Mykonos ✅ https://gyg.me/VcacxKpi ✅
• Bonus tips on how to get there, where to stay & when to visit

👉 Don’t forget to check the links below for my favorite ferry booking site, travel tools, and recommended tours.

Ferries in Greece – Compare & book island ferries easily with Ferryhopper
👉 https://shorturl.at/yEbif ✅

Day Trip from Naxos to Mykonos and Delos 👉 https://gyg.me/VcacxKpi ✅

Naxos Highlights Bus Tour 👉 https://gyg.me/7AmKhlUO ✅

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⛴️ Ferries in Greece – Compare & book island ferries easily with Ferryhopper
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