Summary of Best Activities in Naxos:
Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, is distinguished by its fertile landscape, which supports the cultivation of olives, potatoes, and citrus fruits on its hilly terrain. Mount Zas, the highest peak in the archipelago, captures clouds and generates additional rainfall for agriculture, offering rewarding hiking opportunities for enthusiasts.
The capital, Naxos Town (Chora), located on the northwestern coast, features a charming old town characterized by its winding alleys and stairways. Dominating the old town is Kastro, a medieval citadel that has preserved several Venetian houses.
Historically, Naxos was renowned for its marble, and within some quarries, one can find incomplete and damaged statues abandoned for up to 1,700 years. No discussion about Naxos would be complete without mentioning its stunning west coast, known for beautiful beaches that range from windy bays conducive to watersports to idyllic coves with sparkling turquoise waters.
Now, let us delve into the most notable attractions in Naxos:
1. Portara
An iconic symbol of the island, Portara is one of the first sights one encounters as the ferry approaches Naxos.
This monumental marble structure, measuring 6 meters by 3.5 meters, represents the remnants of a portal to an Ionic temple of Apollo, which was initiated in the 6th century BC but remained unfinished.
It is situated on the islet of Palatia, previously a hill along the northwestern coast, now connected to Naxos port by a causeway.
The remaining stones from the temple were repurposed for the Kastro (Castle of Naxos), although this doorway was too heavy to be removed.
Despite being a popular tourist activity, after a meal at the harbor or in the Old Town, many visitors stroll to Palatia to witness the sunset behind the Island of Paros.
2. Old Town
Ascending from the harbor to Kastro, Old Town presents an intricate maze of alleys, staircases, and passages.
Similar to other historic centers, Old Town is a place where one can leisurely wander for hours, featuring irregular marble paving stones and aesthetically pleasing white Cycladic homes.
Many residences boast doors, railings, and window frames painted in shades of deep or light blue.
Nestled within this bustling, vehicle-free area are shops offering handmade jewelry and replicas of ancient Cycladic figurines, alongside a plethora of tavernas, bars, and cafes.
If you feel disoriented, simply remember that the citadel is uphill and the harbor is below.
3. Kastro
Overlooking Old Town is the citadel known as Kastro, which was erected in the 13th century by the Venetian Duke of the Archipelago, Marco II Sanudo.
Partially enclosed by medieval walls, Kastro offers a tranquil collection of small, flower-filled squares connected by narrow alleys, featuring monasteries, churches, and noble residences, some of which still display their crests.
Upon entering Kastro through the northern Trani Porta gate, visitors can observe the official measure inscribed for merchants selling fabrics, etched into a marble pillar.
Notably, Greece’s esteemed modern author, Nikos Kazantzakis, studied at the School of Commerce located within Kastro, which now houses the Naxos Archaeological Museum.
Within the southern section of Kastro is a terrace featuring a cafe, accessible via an elevator, that offers stunning vistas of Chora’s sea of white buildings, the inland hills of Naxos, and the surrounding sea.
4. Agios Prokopios Beach
Merely five kilometers south of Chora, Agios Prokopios is a pristine Blue Flag beach, conveniently close enough for visitors to travel by bicycle or on foot.
The beach presents a stretch of golden sand extending 1.5 kilometers, with crystalline turquoise waters that deepen quickly yet remain sheltered from strong winds and currents.
To the south, development increases with seafront restaurants and cafes, complete with ample sun loungers and umbrellas.
Further north, the ambiance grows quieter as Agios Prokopios is bordered by low dunes and three historic salt pans.
5. Plaka Beach
A picturesque expanse on the western coast, Plaka Beach is lengthy and wide, featuring dunes and minimal developments in the backdrop.
Extending over four kilometers, there is ample space for everyone, whether one seeks solitude for sunbathing or prefers to rent a sun lounger while availing oneself of the beach bars and tavernas nearby.
The more secluded southern section, leading toward the village of Plaka, is favored by naturists, while the northern side features a watersports center offering wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
Others may find joy in the sparkling turquoise waters that surpass expectations showcased in photographs.
6. Kouros of Apollonas
Located in an ancient marble quarry near Apollonas in the northern part of the island lies an unfinished statue approximately 10 meters tall, originating from the late 7th to early 6th centuries BC. This statue is a kouros, representing a nude male figure, historically created throughout the Archaic period.
Witnessing this sculpture in its unrefined state is captivating, with geometric forms representing arms and unnaturally smooth surfaces marking the body.
The facial features, including the beard, eyes, and nose, are beginning to take form.
Weighing an estimated 80 tons, the statue remains partially connected to the rock from which it was crafted, having been removed on only three sides.
The reasons behind its abandonment are still speculated upon, with one plausible explanation being the emergence of cracks in the marble at an early stage.
7. Mikri Vigla
For those seeking long, uninhabited, windswept beaches, Mikri Vigla is a prime destination, situated only ten kilometers from Naxos Town.
Extending from a small resort down to Kastraki, the powdery white beach, also referred to as Sahara, is exposed to the Etesian winds originating from the north.
This results in gentle, undulating waves that invigorate windsurfers and kitesurfers; one can either partake or observe from the coastal sands.
The beach’s northern portion contains a rocky hill with a sheltered cove at its base, away from the wind.
8. Mount Zas
Naxos boasts the Cyclades’ highest summit, rising to 1,004 meters.
Approaching from the village of Filoti, Mount Zas may appear daunting; however, it does not require one to be an expert mountaineer to reach the top.
The north ascent offers two trails: one more direct and challenging, and another that is easier yet longer, beginning at Agia Maria Church.
Detours during the climb can be made to explore two caves and a natural spring.
Throughout the spring and summer, the trails are adorned with wildflowers and aromatic herbs, which a guide can identify for you.
Consider planning an ascent during sunset for an unforgettable experience, but ensure to bring a flashlight for the descent.
In and around Filoti, numerous bars and restaurants offer mountain views.
9. Panagia Drosiani Church
Situated in the mountainous region of Naxos, along a winding road connecting the villages of Moni and Tragaia, is an ancient Byzantine church.
Constructed in the 6th or 7th century, Panagia Drosiani features three apses, a dome, and is topped with a distinctive campanile.
The interior walls display paintings from two periods: the 7th century and then again in the 12th or 13th century.
The latter has been relocated to the Byzantine Museum in Athens, whereas the former remains visible.
Iconic figures such as the Archangels, the Ascension of Christ, and the Panagia with the Madonna and child can be discerned.
The depiction of Christ Pantocrator on the dome portrays Jesus in two forms: one older, with a full beard, and the other younger and less hirsute, symbolizing both his divinity and humanity.
10. Venetian Museum
Within the citadel, one of the most remarkable residences contains a private museum dedicated to the period of Venetian rule in Naxos, spanning from the 13th to the 16th century.
This historical house, constructed around 800 years ago, initially served as the Venetian military headquarters and later became an administrative building under the Ottoman Empire.
The structure itself is a significant draw, and visitors can enjoy a thorough 40-minute tour, exploring the reception areas, dining room, bedrooms, library, gallery, study, and balcony, all while taking in an unobstructed view of the Portara.
Following the tour, guests descend to the basement, where Venetian-era artifacts, including jewelry, ceramics, and sculptures, are displayed.
11. Agios Georgios Beach
For an expedient afternoon filled with sun, sea, and sand, Agios Georgios Beach lies at the southern edge of Chora.
Due to its proximity to the town, this beach is cleaner and more inviting than one might expect.
The beach features a slender, extended curve of pale, slightly coarse sand facing Paros across the strait.
Interestingly, visitors must wade quite far out before the water reaches waist height, which is particularly reassuring for families traveling with young children.
Additionally, being conveniently situated on the town’s edge, the sun loungers come with full service, allowing for a relaxing experience.
12. Alyko
Alyko offers a serene escape within a natural reserve located in the southwestern region of Naxos.
This reserve is characterized by its indented cape featuring rocky shores, pebbly areas, and sandy coves; one of the notable beaches here is Alyko Beach.
As a protected area, the beaches show minimal signs of tourism, apart from the remnants of an incomplete hotel perched atop a promontory.
The nearest taverna is located just outside the park, a few hundred meters east of Alyko Cove.
A cedar forest has been planted inland, complementing the stunning dunes.
13. Kouroi of Flerio
Near the village of Melanes, located ten kilometers east of Chora, another pair of unfinished statues from the 7th and 6th centuries BC can be found in their original positions.
The bodies of these statues exhibit more detail than that of the Kouros of Apollonas, but their faces are left blank due to damage incurred during their transport.
The first of these statues lies alongside a stone wall within a picturesque village garden, where indentations created by ancient sculptors can still be observed, along with the broken leg that remains intact.
The second Kouros can be found above the village, situated in a quarry on a marble outcrop, also unfinished and lying close to the rock from which it was hewn.
This statue likely fell during attempts for transportation, with detached feet positioned nearby.
14. Eggares Olive Press Museum
During the high season, a small museum located at one of the island’s 90 olive presses opens its doors, situated just ten minutes from Chora.
Guests will receive a guided tour delving into the history of an industry foundational to Greek culture, which has ancient roots.
Both the 19th-century structure and its surroundings have been meticulously restored, while inside, visitors can find a traditional olive mill equipped with a massive grindstone, a wooden press, vintage jugs, and a collection of archival photographs adorning the walls.
Visitors will learn about the cultivation of olives not only for consumption but also for personal care, including soap production and using olive oil as a moisturizer.
Guests can partake in tastings of the oil, olives, and olive jam produced on-site and sample the skincare items available for purchase at the museum’s shop.
15. Vallindras Kitron Distillery
Kitron is a liqueur unique to Naxos, derived from the distillation of the fruit and leaves of the citron tree, a citrus fruit similar to lemon.
This beverage is widely available across the island, as common as raki, served in bars and sold at souvenir shops.
Kitron comes in three varieties: Green, the sweetest and least potent; Yellow, the strongest with the highest alcohol content; and Clear, a middle ground between the two.
For a unique Naxos experience, consider a visit to the distillery in the village of Chalkia, which began producing Kitron in 1896 and has remained in the Vallindras family for five generations.
Production methods have retained traditional practices, employing vintage copper stills and large fermentation vessels fitted with wicker baskets.
Tastings of Kitron are offered at the conclusion of the tour, providing an opportunity for guests to procure a bottle to take home.
