Updated for 2026 with current hotel recommendations, restaurants, and travel tips.
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands, and one of its most underrated. With nearby Paros getting a lot of recent attention, and neighboring Mykonos and Santorini making for easy ferry transfers, Naxos is a great pick if you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic Greek island experience. Think: wide golden beaches, charming villages in the hills, ancient ruins at sunset, and a food scene driven by local farms and traditions.
Whether you’re after beach time, village hopping, or mountain trails, Naxos invites you to slow down and settle into its rhythm. It’s also especially well suited for families thanks to its shallow beaches, relaxed pace, and easy logistics compared to more crowded Cycladic islands. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: from the best time to go, to where to stay, eat, and explore.
Planning a Greek island hopping trip? Don’t miss my Greek Islands Digital Guide — it includes curated day-by-day itineraries for Naxos as well as Paros and Milos, the perfect neighboring islands to pair it with.
Left to right from top: views from Portara Arch on Naxos; a VW bug parked in the street in Halki; villas on the hillside; in front of Naxian Collection; the lobby at Naxian Collection.
4–7 DAYS—
BEST TIME TO VISIT – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER, SEPTEMBER IS IDEAL FOR FEWER CROWDSWEATHER – WARM SUMMERS, BREEZY SPRING AND FALL, COOL BUT SUNNY WINTERS
GETTING AROUND – RENTAL CAR OR SCOOTER FOR EXPLORING THE ISLAND
CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES ACCEPT CARDS
LANGUAGES – GREEK, BUT ENGLISH IS WIDELY SPOKEN
NEARBY AIRPORT – NAXOS AIRPORT (JNX)
FERRY CONNECTION – CONVENIENT FROM SANTORINI, MYKONOS, PAROS
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Where to Stay on Naxos
Where I recommend staying in Naxos depends on your priority and travel companions. For instance, if you’re traveling as a couple, a hotel within a short drive from Chora (the port town) and a nearby beach puts you in a quiet location with easy access. If you are a family traveling with littles however, you might want to be beachfront to maximize time in the sand.
Beaches to stay on or near: Plaka Beach offers boutique hotels and miles of soft sand, making it perfect for a more upscale, relaxed experience. Agios Prokopios is an ideal choice for families, with a lively atmosphere and convenient access to both the town center and beautiful beaches. If you’re traveling without a car, Chora is your best bet, as it’s completely walkable and offers excellent restaurants, shopping, and easy ferry access for island hopping or arrival and departure.
Lastly, if you are staying for a while (5 days or more) you could also consider splitting your time between Chora and a beachside hotel, which makes for a nice combo.
Hotels on Naxos
Kavos Boutique Hotel – $$ – this oasis of a hotel features Cycladic-style villas and lush gardens and is less than a 15 minute walk away from Agios Prokopios beach.
18 Grapes Hotel – $$$ – located just steps from the beach, this boutique property features sunset views from every room and a stylish poolside bar perfect for evening cocktails. A great combination of beachfront location and romantic ambience makes it a popular Naxos retreat.
Naxian Utopia Villas – $$$ – minimalist suites which feature private pools and modern touches. The property is tucked away just a short walk from the beach.
Elaiolithos Luxury Retreat – $$$ – nestled in the mountains near traditional Moni village with sea views, this eco-luxury retreat encourages guests to fully disconnect. An ideal base for exploring ancient hiking trails through olive groves and Byzantine chapels and stargazing in the evenings. Adults-only.
Villa Marandi Luxury Suites – $$$$ – luxurious beachfront suites with private pools and direct access to the sea. A great option for families with kids who want amenities and a restaurant on site.
Naxian Collection – $$$$ – luxury villas and suites with private pools and spacious terraces. The property combines traditional Naxian architecture with modern luxury. Also worth checking out Naxian on the Beach, their sister property geared towards couples.
Left: a room at Naxian Collection; Right: outside our villa at Naxian Collection
Houses on Naxos
Mikra Bay Vineyard Guesthouses – $$ – bright guesthouses set in a serene, remote area of Naxos with a beautiful beach nearby. A peaceful option for enjoying the beauty of Naxos away from the crowds.
Opuntia Suites – $$ – modern suites with options for couples and families, located just outside Naxos Town. The rooms offer hot tubs with panoramic sunset views over the harbor.
La Grande Vue – $$$ – private villas situated on a hilltop in Vívlos, each featuring a private pool and offering stunning sea views. A tranquil retreat with luxurious accommodations, best for those traveling with a car.
Naxos Rock Villas – $$$ – modern villas and suites located near Agios Prokopios, combining contemporary design with traditional Cycladic architecture. Each villa includes a private pool, spacious living areas, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Ma Mer – $$$ – a cozy Cycladic home with a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea, located steps from the beach. This beautiful property is located right in the main town, so walking to grab dinner or explore nearby is a breeze.
View additional hotels and homes on naxos
Where to Eat on Naxos
Naxos really shines when it comes to the food scene. Most menus feature local cheeses (look for graviera), fresh seafood, potatoes grown on the island, and homemade liqueurs.
To Elliniko (Chora) – go for the lamb kleftiko and grilled vegetables. Tables are tucked under trees and the vibe is relaxed.
O Apostolis (Chora) – a great atmosphere and traditional meze in town. Axiotissa (near Kastraki) – doesn’t get more casual and homey than this. Seasonal dishes with produce from their garden.
Nikos & Maria Restaurant (Plaka) – the best spot for dining with your toes in the sand.
Tortuga Restaurant (Plaka) – great for a relaxed meal and delicious drinks combined with a swim.
Dinner at Tortuga on Plaka Beach
What to Do on Naxos
Wander Chora’s Old Town – explore cobbled alleyways, whitewashed archways, and little shops built into the old 13th century Venetian castle. The castle area in particular has a maze-like atmosphere where you can discover hidden courtyards, ancient doorways, and panoramic harbor views.
Visit Portara (Temple of Apollo) – this massive marble doorway on the islet near town is Naxos’ most iconic site. Go before sunset for the best experience.
Left: Portara Arch at sunset; Right: views looking back at Naxos’ chora from Portara Arch
Hike Between Villages – a scenic trail from Halki to Moni takes you through silvery olive groves, past tiny Byzantine chapels and into the marble-rich mountains. The route features beautiful valley views and glimpses of traditional island life away from the coastal crowds.
Swim at Aliko Beach – take a scenic drive to this protected reserve with white sand and cedar trees. Bring snacks, there’s no food options here.
Road trip through Naxos – take a drive inland to visit scenic mountain villages like Apiranthos, see the marble quarries of Naxos, and stop to taste Kitron while peeking at the old copper stills at Vallindras Distillery.
Left to right from top: roadside snacks while driving through Naxos; Matina & Stavros Taverna in Koronos, the Temple of Demeter ruins on Naxos.
Take a day trip to Koufonisia – you can experience some of the Aegean’s most spectacular waters here. Daily boats from Naxos harbor take you to these small islands with Caribbean-rivaling white sand beaches and turquoise waters. This is also a great overnight add-on if you want a slower, beach-only contrast to Naxos.
Inside my Greek Islands Digital Guide, I share a full 4-7 day Naxos itinerary, including how to structure beach days versus village days and when to rent a car.
Best Beaches to Visit on Naxos
Agios Georgios
Located right by Naxos Town, this is a convenient beach for those staying in town. The shallow water makes it especially popular with families. It can get crowded, but it’s easy to access and has plenty of nearby cafés.
Food options nearby: yes, lots of options: cafés, restaurants, and bakeries line the back streets.
Plaka Beach
A peaceful escape stretching for miles, Plaka Beach has sunbeds as well as untouched stretches of sand. It’s my favorite beach on Naxos for walking along the shore and feeling like you’ve found your own spot. Note: it’s nudist-friendly in some areas.
Food options nearby: yes, but more spread out — expect beach tavernas every few minutes by foot.
Plaka beach just before sunset
Mikri Vigla
Known for its winds and ideal conditions for kite and windsurfing. The northern part of the beach (Parthenos) is windy and active, while the southern part (Limanaki) is calm and perfect for swimming.
Food options nearby: yes, a couple of tavernas just steps from the sand.
Psili Ammos (on the east coast)
Worth the drive if you’re looking for a peaceful, undeveloped beach. The sand is soft, the water clear, and you’re likely to have it mostly to yourself, even in summer.
Food options nearby: no, bring food and plenty of water.
Agios Prokopios
A long stretch of soft sand with turquoise waters, this beach is one of the most popular on Naxos for good reason. It’s ideal for swimming and lounging, with plenty of sunbeds and a relaxed, social vibe. Best enjoyed in the morning before it gets crowded.
Food options nearby: yes, plenty — from beach bars to tavernas lining the road behind the beach.
Sunbeds on Agios Prokopios beach
Agia Anna
Just south of Agios Prokopios, this beach is equally stunning but slightly more low-key. It’s easy to beach hop between here, Agios Prokopios, and Plaka. Perfect for sunset.
Food options nearby: yes, there are restaurants and cafés directly on the beach.
Alyko Beach
Remote and wild, Alyko is surrounded by cedar forest and soft dunes. There are no umbrellas or chairs here — just soft white sand and clear water. Great for a quiet afternoon.
Food options nearby: no, bring your own water and snacks.
Hawaii Beach (near Alyko)
A hidden gem with crystal-clear water and dramatic rock formations. A bit of a walk to access, but it feels untouched and secluded.
Food options nearby: no, and no services, so pack everything you need.
Abram Beach
A small pebble beach on the northwest coast, perfect for an off-the-beaten-path day. The drive is beautiful and the water is great for swimming.
Food options nearby: yes, one taverna overlooking the beach.
Greenery and mountains as seen during our road trip through Naxos
Getting Around
You’ll want to rent a car or scooter if you plan to explore villages or reach the more remote beaches. The chora (main town) of Naxos is very walkable.
- Car rental – easy and reliable; book ahead in high season. This is my top recommendation for Naxos so you can explore the mountain villages that many people don’t see.
- Scooters & ATVs – a good option if you plan on staying close to town.
- Public buses – better in summer, the buses connect major villages and beaches.
- Taxis – limited; reserve in advance, especially late at night.
- Walking – great in Chora and along beach paths like Plaka to Agia Anna.
If planning Greece feels overwhelming, start with my Greek Islands Digital Guide. It helps you narrow down islands, map realistic routes, and build a trip that actually fits your pace — plus, it includes a complete day-by-day itinerary for Naxos so you don’t have to worry about a schedule!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naxos good for families?
Yes! Shallow beaches, relaxed towns, and open spaces make it great for kids.
How many days do I need in Naxos?
I’d recommend 4-5 days minimum, and a week allows for deeper exploration of villages and hikes.
Do I need a car?
Not if you’re based in Chora, but it helps to reach remote beaches and mountain towns.
How do I get to Naxos from Athens?
Take a ferry (3.5-6 hours depending on which ferry you choose) from Piraeus or a 40-minute domestic flight. Naxos is also a short hop from Paros by ferry (about 25 minutes).
What is Naxos known for?
Stunning beaches, mountain villages, ancient ruins, and a rich agricultural tradition: perfect for food lovers and slow travelers.
