The Ultimate Naxos Travel Guide for First Timers

Naxos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and should be a must for any bucket list. Boasting breathtaking beaches, striking landscapes, and plenty of archaeological sites, it’s no wonder that this island attracts so many tourists every year. 

However, if you’re visiting Naxos for the first time, then there are a couple of things you should know. I’ve condensed them all into this Naxos travel guide so you don’t have to spend all day researching for your trip.

This travel guide to Naxos will take you through all the information you need to know including where to stay, how to get around, and the best things to do. So, let’s dive right in!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Naxos Travel Guide: The Basics

Location

Naxos Island is part of the Cyclades Island group just like the islands of Ios, Milos, and Santorini. It’s situated in the middle of several islands including Paros and Mykonos so is a great base for exploring the rest of the Cyclades.

Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades family and covers an impressive area of around 430 square km (166 sq miles). The width of the island is 24 km (15 miles) at its widest point, and its length is 33 km (20 miles) from the North to the South. 

Trip Length

As Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, there’s a lot to see! I’d recommend spending at least 3 days on the island so you can see the best sites and not have to rush.

However, many people choose to come for the week so it’s completely up to you. There are certainly enough things to keep you occupied for longer! 

Currency

Like the rest of Greece and Europe in general, the island of Naxos uses the Euro (€). As with many of the islands in Greece, card payments are widely accepted but many businesses will prefer you to pay with cash.

Visa

If you’re traveling to Greece from other countries in the European Union, you don’t need to apply for a visa but you will need a valid ID card or passport. Other countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand can travel through the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days.

The circumstances will differ depending on your country of origin so make sure you check the visa requirements for Greece before you travel.

Best Places to Visit in Naxos

• Naxos Town/Chora: The island’s capital, known for its scenic coastline, whitewashed buildings, and attractions like the Temple of Apollo, the old town, and the Archaeological Museum.
• The Temple of Apollo: A must-see ancient marble gate dating back to 530 BC, one of the island’s most visited historical sites.
• Kastro: Explore this 13th-century castle in Chora, complete with fortress towers and a small village within its walls.
• Kouros of Apollonas: A massive unfinished statue of a young man lying in an ancient quarry. This 10-meter-long marvel dates back to the 6th century BC.
• Plaka Beach: A stunning 4 km stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters, offering facilities and water sports, making it one of the best beaches in Naxos.
• Mount Zas: The highest mountain in the Cyclades at 1,003m, linked to Greek mythology as Zeus’ childhood home. Hike to the summit for spectacular views.
• Agios Prokopios Beach: A Blue Flag-certified beach with golden sands, clear waters, and plenty of facilities. Easily accessible via public buses.
• Alyko Beach & Cedar Forest: A quieter beach surrounded by a cedar forest and a quirky graffiti-covered hotel ruins nearby.
• The Temple of Demeter: A beautifully restored temple dedicated to the goddess of agriculture, located in Sangri. It’s an essential stop for history lovers.
• Agios Georgios Beach: A family-friendly beach near Chora with calm, shallow waters, perfect for kids and relaxing family time.

Where to Stay in Naxos

If you’re visiting Naxos for the first time then deciding where to stay is no easy feat! Luckily, you can find a wide range of accommodations starting from budget hostels to many gorgeous luxury hotels in Naxos.

There are six popular areas on the island and these are Agia Anna, Agia Prokopios, Chora/Naxos town, Mikri Vigla, Plaka, and Stelida. Each one has something unique to offer and it will all depend on what you’re after.

If you’re interested in reading more about each place and what they have to offer, make sure to check out my in-depth guide about where to stay in Naxos.

However, if you’re in a rush, take a look at my top choices for different budgets below.

• Luxury: 18 Grapes Hotel
• Mid-Range: Naxian Breeze
• Budget: Hotel Sphinx

Best Places to Eat in Naxos

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Naxos, especially in the main town. Whether you’re looking to sample some local cuisine or try some fresh seafood, this island has something for everyone.

For the best experience, you’ll want to dine at some of these spots! 

• Nissaki Restaurant: Located near Saint George Beach at Nissaki Beach Hotel, this spot is perfect for seafood lovers, offering grilled meats and pasta too. Ideal for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars.
• Scirocco Cafe Restaurant: A family-owned gem in Chora, known for Greek salads, fresh seafood, and standout desserts like the homemade orange pie.
• Padelis Coffee Shop: Located in Chora, this cozy spot offers burgers, club sandwiches, waffles, and must-try loukoumades, paired with friendly service.
• Doukato Restaurant: Close to Naxos Port, this popular restaurant features a beautiful outdoor seating area, delicious dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Taverna Platanos: Found in Apiranthos, this small taverna serves authentic Greek food with generous portions at reasonable prices. A true hidden gem in the area.
• Honey & Cinnamon Cocktail Bar: More than just a cocktail bar, this spot serves brunch favorites like bagels, salads, and tortillas alongside chic cocktails and long drinks.

How to Get to Naxos

Flying to Naxos

There are no direct flights to Naxos from anywhere other than Athens so you’ll need to travel from the capital if you want to fly. In this case, it’s worth doing a short layover and seeing the best of Athens in a day too!

The flight to Naxos from Athens only takes around 30 minutes so it’s the quickest way to reach the island by far. However, as it’s the most convenient mode of transport, you’ll often pay much more for plane tickets compared to the ferry. If you book in advance though you might get a good deal! 

The airport on Naxos is located at Agios Prokopios which is just 3 km (1.8 miles) from the main town of Chora/Naxos.

Taking the ferry to Naxos

Catching the ferry to Naxos offers more flexibility as you don’t necessarily have to travel from the capital. There’s a ferry service that runs from Athens though if that’s where you’re staying.

You can get the ferry to Naxos from several Greek islands including Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini among others. There’s also a local express ferry that operates six times a week between Naxos, Amorgos, and other islands from the ‘small Cyclades’.

The ferries take between 4-6 hours depending on where you’re traveling from but tickets are often much cheaper than flying. During the summer months, the ferries run frequently too which is always handy. 

Usually, there are more ferry operator companies on the same route with various prices and duration. I recommend using Ferryscanner to compare ferries and check the schedules.

How to Get Around in Naxos

Public transport

Naxos has a really efficient public transport system and it’s extremely cheap too. Tickets start from just €1.80 and there are several routes on the island. You’ll easily be able to reach the most popular spots on Naxos including Agia Anna, Agia Prokopios, and Plaka, and the service is quite frequent too.

The central bus stop is found in Naxos town/Chora and this is where you’ll have the most options. From here, you can access not only the places mentioned above but also Apollonas, Filoti, and Koronos among others.

During the summer months buses are much more frequent so just keep that in mind. For more information, you can check out the official website of Naxos Buses. 

Car rental

If you’re visiting Naxos for the first time, then I recommend renting a car. There are so many fantastic places to visit on the island and some of them are hidden gems, so you won’t find any bus services that run there. 

If you can rent a car you also won’t be restricted by the bus timetables, so you’ll have much more flexibility.

The only thing to consider is the price. If you’re planning to visit Naxos during the peak season, then car rental prices can be higher than usual. This is where the shoulder season comes in handy, as you can find some great rental bargains during this time. 

Taxi

If you’d prefer not to hire a car or catch the bus, then you’ve always got the option of using taxis instead. They are undeniably comfortable and convenient, but they are much more expensive than using public transport. 

This is especially the case during peak season, so you won’t want to get around this way if you’re on a budget. If you’re traveling as a group and splitting the cost, then it becomes more affordable. 

Taxis on the island are generally found parked near the ferry port, the airport, and throughout Chora.

Best Time to Visit Naxos

High season

The peak/high season in Naxos runs from June to September and this is when you’ll experience the most crowds. These months are popular for a reason as the temperature during this time of year ranges from 18-30°C (64-86°F). You’ll also experience plenty of sunshine throughout the summer and rainy days are relatively uncommon.

You’ll have no problem getting to Naxos during the summer either as the ferries run regularly. This is generally the case for most Greek islands! 

Just keep in mind that accommodation prices during the peak season can be more expensive and you’ll need to book in advance.

Shoulder season

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, then I’d recommend heading to Naxos during the shoulder season. The shoulder season consists of May, early June, September, and early October and has plenty of advantages.

Not only is it quieter, but you’ll find some great deals on accommodation, especially if you book in advance. The weather is still pleasant too but you’ve got a higher chance of rainy days. Temperatures range from 14-28°C (57-82°F) so many of the days are still pretty warm.

However, some of the restaurants and tour agencies may be closed which is something to consider.

Low season

The low season in Naxos generally runs from late October to April. It’s the quietest time to visit the island although the weather can be unpredictable.

The temperature will vary depending on when you visit throughout this time of year but expect a range between 9-25°C (48-77°F). Late October will often give you the highest temperatures although this isn’t guaranteed. 

You’ll also want to keep in mind that precipitation levels are at their highest during the low season, although you can bag some great accommodation deals.

However, ferries will be running on a limited schedule during this season, and many of the restaurants and tour agencies will be closed.