The biggest island within the Cyclades, Naxos is thought for its assorted and mountainous surroundings, gorgeous seashores, crystal clear waters, picturesque villages, wealthy historical historical past, and unspoilt pure magnificence. Uncover the perfect issues to do in Naxos on this information.
I’ve hung out on lots of the Greek islands, and Naxos is unquestionably one in all my favourites. It’s a lot much less touristy than among the different islands close by, (learn: Mykonos, Santorini, and so on.), however no much less gorgeous.
There are such a lot of locations to see in Naxos; it’s an ideal vacation spot to go to. Whether or not you propose to go to Naxos for a brief break, or an prolonged vacation, you’ll discover a wealth of sights, actions, and experiences to get pleasure from.
Listed below are the 15 finest issues to do in Naxos.
1. Hike to the Prime of Mount Zas
Mount Zas is the tallest peak on Naxos and the best level within the Cyclades; providing unbelievable 360-degree views out over Naxos and the encircling islands.
In accordance with Greek mythology, Mount Zas is the place the god Zeus was born and raised.
There are a number of totally different trails to the highest, however the one which’s the perfect paved and best to comply with begins close to the village of Filoti, about half-hour from Naxos City by automotive. Enter “Saint Marina Holy Chapel” into Google Maps to find the beginning level.
The hike to the summit and again takes 3 – 4 hours, relying on how lengthy you spend on the high. It’s finest tried both early within the morning, or in a while within the afternoon to keep away from the warmth of the day. That is very true throughout the summer time when excessive temperatures and relentless solar could make the trek far more arduous.
Be sure you deliver loads of water, sunscreen and a hat. There isn’t a lot shade when you get out of the timber close to the beginning of the hike. The views from the highest are merely gorgeous although, and undoubtedly well worth the effort.
For those who’re eager on doing a little bodily actions in Naxos, don’t miss this wonderful hike. I did it final 12 months and it’s undoubtedly one in all my favorite issues to do in Naxos, Greece. I solely noticed a handful of different individuals on the mountain, and shared the summit with a few eagles hovering overhead – a very unbelievable second.
2. Catch Sundown on the Portara (One of many Most Iconic Issues to do in Naxos)
The traditional Portara, a colossal marble “gateway”, overlooks the port of Naxos. It’s the perfect identified landmark on the island, and is emblematic of Naxos. Constructed between 530 – 506 BC, the Portara is the one half that continues to be of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.
It’s a really particular landmark that options in a good quantity of Greek mythology because it was seen as a portal to the gods.
While it’s nonetheless spectacular throughout the day, sundown is the perfect time to go to the Portara when it’s lit up with vibrant floodlights and the archway frames the setting solar – it’s one of the crucial wonderful sights within the Cyclades, and among the best free issues to do in Naxos.
The Portara is a simple 10 minute stroll from the centre of Naxos City, simply previous the harbour, by way of just a little causeway.
3. Go to the Venetian Fortress in Naxos City
The Venetian Fortress is likely one of the hottest sights in Naxos City. It was constructed by the Venetians within the thirteenth century, and was used as a fortress to guard the city from pirates and invaders.
At present, the citadel is open to the general public, and presents gorgeous views over the city and harbour. There are a couple of small museums contained in the citadel partitions explaining among the wealthy historical past of Naxos and its significance in native folklore and historical mythology.
Opening hours range relying on the season, however it’s normally open from 9am – 5pm.
4. Take pleasure in Naxos’ Beautiful Seashores
Naxos is well-known for its stunning seashores, and there are a lot to select from.
Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna seashores are two of the preferred. Each are located on the west coast of the island, a couple of kilometres south of Naxos City.
Agios Prokopios is a protracted sandy seaside with crystal clear waters, whereas Agia Anna is a smaller seaside with many cafes, bars, tavernas, and locations to remain.
Each seashores are simple to entry from Naxos City, both by leaping on a public bus, or hiring a automotive or bicycle.
Just a little additional south, Plaka Seaside is one other nice possibility. It’s pretty common, nevertheless the seaside’s massive measurement means it’s normally attainable to stroll just a little approach alongside the seaside and discover a secluded spot.
For those who’d like to go to a number of of those seashores as a part of a guided/self-guided e-bike tour, this extremely rated firm can assist you organise all the things.
5. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is likely one of the finest issues to do in Naxos, and there are lots of dive centres on the island providing classes and guided dives.
It is a enjoyable and thrilling approach to discover the underwater world, and with over 50 dive websites round Naxos, there’s a lot to see. There are reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and a wealth of marine life all ready to be found.
For those who’ve by no means dived earlier than, don’t fear – most dive centres supply newbie classes. When you’ve accomplished a couple of dives and are snug with the fundamentals, you can begin exploring among the extra superior dive websites.
Scuba diving is a good exercise, and even if in case you have non-divers in your group, they’ll nonetheless be part of within the enjoyable by snorkelling.
Try this top-rated scuba diving faculty that gives guided dives for all skills.
6. Discover the Island’s Picturesque Villages
Naxos is house to a lot of charming villages, every with its personal distinctive environment.
Probably the most common locations to go to in Naxos is Apeiranthos, a village situated within the mountains close to the centre of the island. This conventional Greek village is thought for its picturesque whitewashed homes, winding streets, and gorgeous views.
Different villages price exploring embrace Filoti, Apollonas, Koronos, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal character, and visiting them makes for a terrific day journey from Naxos City.
Many of the essential villages in Naxos are related by native buses, so it’s pretty easy to achieve them even in the event you don’t have your individual automotive.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a small-group tour of among the island’s smaller villages off-the-beaten-track. Click on right here for extra data.
7. Cycle By means of Stunning Countryside
Probably the greatest methods to discover Naxos is by bicycle, and there are many nice biking routes to select from.
For those who’re on the lookout for a simple trip, head to the west coast of the island the place you’ll discover flat, coastal roads. For a more difficult trip, strive one of many biking trails within the mountainous inside of the island.
There are numerous locations to rent bicycles on the island, and most resorts and guesthouses will be capable of arrange bike rental for you.
Alternatively, you possibly can take a guided bike tour. It is a nice possibility in the event you’re not as assured biking in unfamiliar locations, or in the event you can’t resolve what to see in Naxos. The tour chief will know the perfect routes and may supply helpful suggestions alongside the way in which. Click on right here for extra data and to guide.
8. Pattern the Scrumptious Native Delicacies
Naxos is thought for its scrumptious meals, and there are many nice locations to eat on the island.
For a standard Naxian meal, head to a taverna, both in Naxos City, or in one of many villages. Right here you’ll discover loads of native specialities, together with stuffed zucchini blossoms, hen stew, cheese pie, and unbelievable contemporary seafood.
Wandering the backstreets of Naxos City, day or night time, you’ll encounter an enormous vary of meals to strive from individuals providing contemporary native elements, and ready delicacies from little stalls. Come hungry – it’s an incredible expertise.
It’s also possible to be part of a guided meals tour, which can train you extra concerning the historical past of the island and its delicacies. Click on right here to be taught extra.
9. Do a Skilled Photoshoot
Naxos City is extremely picturesque. With its conventional whitewashed structure, atmospheric backstreets, fountains, polished steps, and vibrant flowers, it’s a photographer’s dream.
However generally it’s good simply to discover and luxuriate in being within the current, while anyone else shoots some wonderful images to seize your time there. Even higher if that individual is an expert photographer.
This photoshoot tour can be excellent for solo travellers, households, or {couples} who need to be all collectively in a few of their favorite vacation snaps.
10. Store for Conventional Handicrafts
Among the finest locations to buy conventional handicrafts in Naxos are the villages of Apeiranthos, Filoti, and Moutsouna. Every of those villages has its personal choice of handicraft outlets, and also you’ll discover quite a lot of totally different objects on the market together with pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
For those who’d prefer to see a few of these objects being made, head to the Pottery Limpertas Manolis, in Damalas. Right here you possibly can watch the potters at work and buy a few of their creations.
Naxos is legendary for its historical marble quarries, and marble sculpting was one of many earliest identified artisan actions in Naxos. Even at this time many handicrafts, sculptures, and different items of paintings characteristic this stunning stone.
To strive your hand on the historical talent of marble carving, try this tour run by a neighborhood sculptor.
11. Take a Day Journey to One of many Neighboring Islands
Naxos is surrounded by a lot of stunning neighboring islands, all of that are price exploring.
Among the finest identified islands embrace Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. Mykonos is thought for its vigorous nightlife, and Santorini for its dramatic volcanic surroundings and gorgeous whitewashed buildings clinging to the aspect of volcanic cliffs. For those who’re on the lookout for some tradition, Paros is house to a lot of historical Greek temples.
Lots of the different islands round Naxos are equally as stunning, and considerably much less crowded, (and cheaper). My favorite is Ano Koufonisi, which is each small and splendidly undeveloped.
One of the best ways to discover these neighbouring islands is by boat, and there are lots of totally different journeys out there. For instance, this full-day crusing cruise will take you to discover among the Small Cyclades islands.
12. Go to the Historic Ruins of Delos
The traditional ruins of Delos are a must-see for historical past buffs visiting Naxos. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is house to a lot of historical ruins, together with the Temple of Apollo, and the Home of Dionysus.
To get to Delos, you’ll must take a ferry from the port of Naxos City. There are a variety of ferries that run all through the day and the journey takes round half-hour.
When you arrive on the island, you’ll want round 4 hours to discover the ruins. Be sure you put on snug footwear, as there’s a good quantity of strolling concerned.
General, Delos is an attention-grabbing website to go to and supplies an interesting glimpse into Historic Greek tradition.
It’s additionally attainable to go to Delos as a part of an organized group tour from Naxos. Click on right here for extra data.
13. Go Windsurfing or Crusing
Naxos is the proper place to go windsurfing or crusing, with its breezy shoreline, calm waters and gorgeous surroundings.
There are a variety of various locations to get pleasure from windsurfing or crusing, together with the western seashores of Plaka, Agios Georgios, and Mikri Vigla.
One of the best time to go windsurfing or crusing is throughout the summer time months when the climate is heat and sunny. Pack loads of water and sunscreen although as you’ll be spending quite a lot of time within the solar.
You’ll be able to rent windsurfing gear and little crusing dinghies from both Naxos City or the above-mentioned seashores.
Alternatively, guide a spot on one of many many crusing cruises that run all through the vacationer season – roughly Could to September. Click on right here to be taught extra.
14. Go to a Vineyard
Outdoors of Greece, it may be troublesome to search out good high quality, cheap Greek wine. Fortunately although, on Naxos this isn’t an issue.
Though the island doesn’t produce as a lot wine as neighbouring Paros, Naxos is house to some totally different wineries that make wonderful wine. Most additionally supply wine tasting and excursions too.
These excursions take you on a journey by the vineyard’s historical past; from the planting of vines, all the way in which to the bottling of the ultimate product. You’ll have an opportunity to see the wine making course of up shut, and be taught concerning the several types of grapes which might be used.
And on the finish, you possibly can style and purchase a spread of various native wines, most of that are wonderful. General, it is a nice approach to find out about wine making and pattern some native wines. For those who like wine, it’s among the best issues in Naxos to do.
For a standard Naxian wine tasting expertise, try this tour which takes place on the Saint Anna Vineyard and showcases among the finest wines produced on the island – their dessert wines are notably scrumptious!
For those who’re not into wine, try this distillery expertise the place you’ll pattern native liquors and luxuriate in native snacks as properly.
15. Rent a Automotive and go on a Street Journey
One of the best ways to expertise all that Naxos has to supply is by doing a street journey. The charming coastal street is an effective way to see the island, and there are lots of totally different villages and seashores to discover.
My favorite round route, (and one which I undoubtedly advocate as among the best Naxos actions), is: Naxos City > Filoti > Apollonas > Kampos > Naxos City. The surroundings, notably across the northern and north-west coasts of the island, is just jaw-dropping.
The island’s main roads are typically well-maintained and simple to drive on. Nonetheless, among the smaller mountain roads within the inside are very steep and winding, and there isn’t at all times a barrier between the sting of the street, and a steep drop, so take it simple!
There are a number of automotive rental businesses on the island, and most of them supply aggressive charges. I normally examine costs utilizing an aggregator to search out the perfect worth on supply.
FAQs About Naxos
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Naxos.
Is Naxos price visiting?
Sure. Naxos is an exquisite island with lots to supply guests. From its dramatic cliffs to its sandy seashores, there’s one thing for everybody in Naxos.
For those who’re on the lookout for an incredible Greek island getaway, with out the crowds that swarm to among the extra common locations, Naxos is unquestionably price visiting.
What number of days do you want in Naxos?
3 – 4 days is an efficient period of time to discover Naxos, though it relies upon largely on what you need to do throughout your keep.
For those who’re seeking to see as a lot of the island as attainable, then 5 days or extra could also be finest for you. Nonetheless, in the event you simply need to chill out on the seaside and see a few of Naxos City, then 2 – 3 days must be a lot.
Personally, I may spend weeks there.
The place to remain in Naxos?
For those who’re on the lookout for a quiet and enjoyable vacation, then I’d advocate staying in one of many villages exterior of Naxos City. If you wish to be nearer to the motion, Naxos City is the perfect place to remain.
Whichever a part of the island you go to, you’ll discover a vary of various lodging choices out there, together with residences, villas, and resorts to go well with all budgets.
A few good Airbnbs are:
- Finances: This house with an incredible view within the village of Koronos
- Mid-Vary: This stunning house in Naxos City
☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Greatest Airbnbs in Naxos, Greece
get to Naxos?
There are a couple of totally different ferry corporations that provide companies to Naxos, together with Aegean Pace Strains, Blue Star Ferries, and Hellenic Seaways. The journey from Athens to Naxos takes round 5 hours.
For those who’re travelling from one other island in Greece, there are lots of ferry routes that join Naxos with the opposite islands. It’s pretty frequent to go to Naxos as a part of a wider journey exploring the Cyclades.
I like to recommend utilizing Ferry Hopper to seek for low-cost fares for journeys to and from Naxos.
The island does even have a tiny airport with each day flights to Athens. This may be a very good possibility in case you are very pressed for time. However personally, I at all times want to take the ferry because it’s far more enjoyable and you’ll sit out on the deck and take within the beautiful surroundings on the way in which.
Now You Know What to Do in Naxos
Naxos is a stunningly stunning island with one thing for everybody.
There are such a lot of issues to do on the island; from seashores to wine tastings, historical ruins to street journeys. It doesn’t matter what your funds, or necessities are, there’s positive to be one thing that fits you in Naxos.
What are your high issues to do in Naxos, Greece?
Like This Article? Pin it!
The publish 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Naxos, Greece appeared first on Goats On The Street.
