The largest Cyclades island has fertile hills, vineyards, and white-sand beaches. Its main town features Venetian architecture, a castle, and lively markets.
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, characterized by long sandy beaches and a rugged mountainous interior. You can walk through ancient marble gates, climb to the top of Mount Zas, or sunbathe on the golden sands of Plaka Beach. In the main town of Chora, you'll find a mix of architectural styles from different historical periods. The island's traditional mountain villages still practice local customs. Naxos is also known for its food products, including graviera cheese and kitron liqueur.
Beaches of Naxos
Naxos has some excellent beaches in the Cyclades. Plaka Beach extends for nearly 4 km along the southwest coast, with golden sand and clear water. It's less crowded than some other beaches, especially if you walk further down. Agios Prokopios is another popular beach, known for its soft sand and shallow water that's suitable for families. The beach at Mikri Vigla attracts windsurfers due to the strong winds. For a quieter experience, visit the small coves around Alyko in the southwest.
Exploring Naxos Town (Chora)
Naxos Town, also called Chora, is the main hub of the island. The old town consists of narrow alleys and white buildings typical of Cycladic architecture. As you walk uphill, you'll reach the Kastro, a 13th-century Venetian castle. Inside the castle walls are several museums and the Catholic Cathedral. The Portara, a massive marble gate that's the entrance to an unfinished temple to Apollo from the 6th century BC, offers views of the sea and surrounding islands.
Mountain Villages
The interior of Naxos has several traditional mountain villages worth visiting. Chalki, the former capital of the island, has well-preserved neoclassical buildings and a kitron distillery. Apeiranthos, built on the slopes of Mount Fanari, has marble-paved streets and architecture influenced by Cretan settlers. Filoti, the largest village on Naxos, sits at the foot of Mount Zas and serves as a starting point for hiking trails.
Local Cuisine
Naxos is known for its agricultural products. Try the local graviera, a hard cheese made from cow's and sheep's milk. The island grows potatoes in its fertile central plain, which are used in many local dishes. Kitron is a citrus liqueur made on Naxos, produced from the leaves and fruit of the citron tree. You can visit the distillery in Chalki to learn about its production process. For a traditional meal, look for restaurants serving local specialties like rooster in wine sauce or goat with potatoes.
Getting Around Naxos
While it's possible to explore Naxos Town and nearby beaches without a vehicle, renting a car or scooter will allow you to see more of the island. The bus network connects Naxos Town to many beaches and villages, but service can be infrequent, especially in the off-season. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips. If you plan to rent a vehicle, book in advance during peak season (July-August) as availability can be limited.
