The best things to do in Naxos: beaches, hiking, and Greek villages

Naxos belongs to the Cyclades island group, one of the 6 Greek island groups, with the typical white-washed houses and small charming alleys, similar to Santorini. It’s one of the largest Cycladic islands, meaning there’s plenty to explore. 

Some of the top things to do in Naxos include visiting small mountainous villages like Chalkio (Halki in Greek) to experience the slow and peaceful Greek island life, hiking, and soaking up the sun on one of its beautiful beaches. Let’s dig into it all below. 

Things to know before going to Naxos

• You can fly into Naxos Airport (JNX), though it operates domestic flights only, so you will likely have a layover in Athens. 
• There are no cruise ships that go to Naxos. This means fewer crowds and a lower environmental impact.
• Naxos still retains a lot of its authentic Greek vibe, especially in the small villages, as it’s not an overcrowded, touristy island, unlike its neighbours Santorini and Mykonos.
• Naxos is quite green and has plenty of cute mountainous areas to explore, along with hiking trails.
• You can explore some places without a car, like the Old Town Chora, but it’s best to rent a car to explore further, though there’s also public transportation (bus) available. If you’re renting a car, check the best rental car prices here. 
• Naxos can be windy, like most of the Cycladic islands.
• Some of the roads in Naxos are steep and narrow, and not always paved. Drive with caution.
• As with most Greek islands, there are cats everywhere. Here are tips on how to help cats in Greece. 
• Many businesses close after the summer season (towards the end of September or October), so while you can still visit Naxos, there will be limited choices for restaurants, hotels, and shops.
• Opening hours for businesses, including restaurants, are not always reflected correctly on Google Maps. Also, some businesses close on Sundays, while others close only for a few hours after lunch, and some don’t close at all.

What are the top things to do in Naxos?

1. Chora: Naxos Old Town

The Old Town, called Chora, is a must on everyone’s Naxos itinerary. Close to the airport and ferry port, Chora has narrow alleys, typical whitewashed Cycladic architecture, flowers everywhere, and is honestly quite charming. Some areas are car-free, but Chora is best explored on foot anyway. 

Around Chora, you’ll also find the popular beach Agios Georgios, as well as the gateway to the Temple of Apollo (Portara). The latter can get crowded, especially at sunset. 

2. Visit quaint Greek villages

While most people go to Naxos (or Greece for that matter) for beaches, you should absolutely visit the small villages for a feel of authentic Greek life. We stayed at ELaiolithos, the most gorgeous hotel in Naxos with mountain views and delicious Greek food, and it was really the best way to discover the more remote places and enjoy a nature-filled, serene trip. 

The owner of the hotel also took us to visit a local farm where she sources fresh organic produce, and her mother’s house, where she makes bags and accessories using the ancient loom weaving method. 

These are the top villages to visit in Naxos:

• Damalas: don’t miss the olive press and the pottery shops.
• Chalkio (called Halki in Greek). This is a cute, tiny village with lots of cafes, shops, and restaurants. I bought delicious homemade pistachio spreads and handmade bags from the shop Nature and Art there. I met the owner and maker of the items I bought, and she is incredibly lovely. She also happens to be the sister of the owner of the hotel (ELaiolithos) where I stayed.
• Panagia Drosiani: don’t miss the ancient Greek Orthodox church in the mountains.
• Filoti: another lovely small village. Many recommend visiting the Theonas traditional shop for souvenirs. 
• Apiranthos: This is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Naxos and offers beautiful views.

3. Go on hiking adventures

The most popular hiking trail in Naxos is Mount Zeus (Mt Zas), as it’s the highest point in the Cyclades islands, and according to Greek mythology, it’s where Zeus spent his childhood. As you hike through Mt Zeus, you can visit the cave where Zeus was born. The hike offers breathtaking views and takes about 4 hours from Aria Spring to the Cave of Zeus to the peak of Mount Zeus, covering 3.5 miles (5.6 km). 

4. Enjoy turquoise Greek beaches

Like most Greek islands, Naxos has many beautiful beaches enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Locals say to avoid the southern and northern beaches as they’re not as beautiful. 

The most notable Naxos beaches are:

• Alyko beach 
• Plaka beach
• Agia Anna beach
• Agios Prokopios (insider tip: the sunbeds from El Greco restaurant are free to use if you consume something from the restaurant)
• Agios Georgios beach
• Psili Ammos beach

5. Explore history at ancient sites and ruins

Naxos is full of history, as evidenced by ancient sites and landmarks. The top places to explore in Naxos for history and Greek mythology are: Temple of Apollo (Portara), Temple of Demeter, Apollonas kouros (this is free), and Kouros of Melanes near Melanes village. You can also visit the archaeological museum to learn more about Naxos’ history. 

6. Take a day trip to nearby islands

Day trips are common from Naxos. The most popular day trip from Naxos is Paros, due to its proximity and the variety of fast and slow ferries that take you there. Paros and Antiparos are gorgeous islands and well worth the trip, with beautiful beaches like Kalogeros beach and the colourful Naoussa fishing village awaiting you. You can rent a quad bike where the ferry drops you off in Paros. 

What’s the best Naxos itinerary?

This is the ideal Naxos itinerary for 4 full days, excluding day trips to nearby islands like Paros. If you intend on taking day trips to other islands, then consider extending the trip to Naxos to 5 days for leisurely exploration, some hiking, and beach days. 

Here’s a breakdown of an ideal Naxos itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore the Old Town and beaches nearby, like Agios Prokopios and Agios Georgios beach
• Day 2: Day trip to Paros, or hike Mount Zas (Mt Zeus). If you want the views without the hike, drive up towards the mountains to the viewpoints. My favourite viewpoint was from our eco luxury hotel in Naxos, ELaiolithos. Even if you’re not a guest, you can enjoy the view from its restaurant, where they serve homemade, organic, and delicious Greek dishes.
• Day 3: Drive around the middle of Naxos to explore the small villages like Filoti, Chalkio, and Apiranthos
• Day 4: Explore the northern coast of Naxos and visit ancient sites and landmarks like Apollonas kouros and the small villages nearby

What did we skip in Naxos and why?

• Temple of Demeter
  • Historical landmark 530 BCE, converted to a church
  • Didn’t seem worth it, especially if planning to see the Acropolis in Athens later
• Some beaches: due to a lack of time, we couldn’t visit all the beaches, particularly the ones in the north and east.

Things to do in Naxos: FAQs

Is Naxos worth visiting?

Yes, Naxos is most definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to skip the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos but find similar settings. 

Which is better, Naxos or Paros?

Both are very beautiful, though there’s slightly more to explore in Naxos, as it has plenty of ancient ruins as well as mountainous villages. It’s also a bit bigger than Paros. However, you can easily do a day trip to Paros, a short ferry ride away from Naxos.

Can you explore Naxos without a car?

Yes, you can explore Naxos without a car, but if you want to explore outside of the main spots, renting a car is essential.

How many days do you need in Naxos?

At least 4 days is ideal to explore Naxos because it’s a big island, and one of the biggest Cycladic islands. If you want to do day trips to other nearby islands, consider adding a few more days. 

How to get to Naxos?

You can either fly into Naxos domestic airport from other parts of Greece or take a ferry from another Greek island.