From historical sites to sandy beaches and clear waters, Naxos has it all. Its breath-catching landscapes, including mountains and green valleys, are only a few of the things Naxos has to offer. Do visit the old villages by the seaside, as local festivals with traditional music and folklore dances are organised every season. Naxos boasts the remnants of Byzantine and Ancient Greek history on its soil. Byzantine churches are scattered across the island, while monasteries and fortified castles have an imposing presence. One must see the ruins of the unfinished Temple of Apollo, and pay a visit to the islet of Palatia, where the magnificent site of Portara is located. Portara offers unforgettable views of the sea and breathtaking sunsets. Naxos’s multiple beautiful locations, along with its rich history, make it a very popular holiday destination.
Where to swim
No other Cycladic island has so many and beautiful beaches. Crystal clear, turquoise waters, either organized and cosmopolitan, or isolated, there are many options to choose from. Ai-Yiorgis, Agios Prokopis and Agia Anna, are all well equipped and organized. Leaving Plaka behind, you will find the beautiful and more deserted beaches of Orkos, Mikri and Megali Vigla (Small and Big Vigla), Pyrgaki, Kastraki and Alyko. On the northern side of the island you will find Ammitis, Abrami and Agioi Theodoroi. On the east, Psili Ammos, Azalas, Klidos and Panormos.
Where to stay
Naxos Magic Village (+302285026590, www.naxosmgicvillage.com), built amphitheatrically on the hill of Stelida, just 5 miles from the town of Naxos, is the hotel with the best panoramic view in the whole island. Other options include Pension Philoxenia (+3022850 22042, www.pension-philoxenia.com), Porto Naxos (+3022850 23970, www.portonaxos.gr), Naxos Holidays Hotel (+3022850 24350, www.naxosholidayshotel.com). In Agia Anna go to Iria Beach (+302285042600, www.iriabeach-naxos.com), Hotel Grotta (+302285022215, +302285 022001, www.hotelgrotta.gr) and Naxos Resort Hotel (+302285026650, www.naxosresort.gr), Villa Adriana Hotel (+302285042804, www.adrianahotel.com) Iria beach (+302285042600, www.iriabeach-naxos.com), Nostos beach (+306944615389, www.nostosnaxos.com), Maistrali Studios and Apartments (+30228504734), Golden sand (+302285041653). Also the camping of Maraga (+3022850 42552, www.maragasbeachnaxos.com) for tents, rooms and studios, restaurant and super market.
Where to eat
Eat Mediterranean cuisine at the brand new Barozzi bar restaurant (+302285027672). Grab a bite at Irinis (+302285026780), one of the most celebrated tavernas in Chora, by the harbour: traditional cuisine and friendly service. Also by the harbour, you will find Pikantiko (+302285022371), for the past 20 years it’s been the island’s most famous restaurant to enjoy gyros and grilled dishes. At Stella (+302285062312) and Charis (+302285062266) at Eggares village the best traditional cuisine. Good quality food and interesting flavors can also be found at the Italian restaurants Il Girasole (+302285023326), Su e Giu (+302285029029), as well as at the wine restaurant Lavyrinthos (+302285022253) with a nice yard and Mediterranean dishes. At Agios Prokopis eat at the beautiful Barbouni (+302285041102) with traditional cuisine. The beach
bar Banana (+306978733402), the restaurants Island and the Patatosporos are top choices in Agia Anna. If you wish to try Naxian cuisine at its best, make sure to make an early reservation at Axiotissa (+302285075107) in Kastraki. In Citron Café-Cocktail Bar (+302285027055), at the coastal area of Chora, you can buy the famous liquer of Naxos, called Citron and used in unique cocktail combinations. On the road to Plaka, Petrino (+302285041589) open from early in the morning, by the sea. At the hotel Naxian on the beach eat at Tortuga (+3022850 44300), in Chalki (really crowded) at Giannis (+3022850 33023) for fine grilled food. In Mikri Vigla at Liofagos ask for meatballs, at the same area discover Ippokampos, a place by the dreamy sea. At Rotonta (+3022850 61254), in Apeiranthos, delicious Greek Mediterranean cuisine and a beautiful view.
Treat yourself at Waffles House in Chora, at Aktaion in Chora or at the port for ice cream, tarts and cakes, and at Rantevou at the port for delicious coffee, a big variety of sandwiches, try with Apeiranthou hum and “graviera” of Naxos.
