Naxos Greece | The Heart of the Cyclades Island
Naxos is the largest- and most fertile- of the Cyclades Island chain, redolent in the very spirit that makes these islands so unique. Yet it’s often missed off of visitors’ lists. From archaeological treasures to white sand beaches, Naxos has an entire glittering coastline ready to welcome you- are you going to experience the Naxos difference for yourself?
A Thriving Cinderella Town
Naxos was once called Dionysia, a nod to the Ancient Greek god said to reside here. In many real ways, it’s the heart of the Aegean. Lush green groves, verdant vineyards, and hidden glens await here. Picture hilltop villages and ancient ruins, sipping local wines on the glittering waterfront while snacking on the best of fresh Greek cuisine, and soft crescent beaches melting into the warm turquoise sea.
Chora is the capital of the island, often called Naxos Town. If you’re coming in via the ferry, one of the first sights you will see is the glittering marble gate Portara, which guards the tiny island of Palatia which connects to Chora’s harbor via an enchanting cobbled isthmus. Behind it is the unfinished Temple of Apollo, standing guard since 522BCE.
In the town proper, you’ll find cobbled alleys that snake between a charming mix of architecture. You’ll find Cylcladic, Venetian, and Byzantine architecture dotting the town, a subtle nod to the way Chora has acted as a commercial hub dating back to the 8th century BCE. Choros itself has some fun nightlife for younger and older souls. If you’re looking for great, authentic food experiences, skip the tourist traps of the coastline and head into the town. Kastro, in particular, offers some exceptional food experiences.
Step into the Past
The historic quarter of Kastro dates to the 13th century, with Krispi Tower and the Castle of Sanoudos offering a Byzantine Museum to explore. Watch out for open-air concerts in the courtyard of the Della Rocca family, too. This district houses the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. Even if you aren’t’ one for museums usually, you’ll want to head here. Roman glassware, Mycenaean vases, and spectacular marble figures all call for attention.
Experience a taste of medieval Greece in the Bourgos district, lined with bougainvillea and geraniums. Here you’ll find charming chapels and an 18th-century cathedral.
Outside of Chora, the landscape is dotted with ancient Greek temples. Dionysus’ temple lies in Ira, just south of Chora. Demeter had a temple surrounded by fertile farmland to the southeast, and has been partially reconstructed. It makes for a spectacular, and off the beaten track, take on the famous Cycladean sunset.
If you head due east, instead, you’ll pass the remains of the marble quarries that once provided these lush temples with their materials. There’s also Kouros Flerio and Kouros Malanes, two towering marble statues now lying close to one another, where they’ve been for 2500 years. The unfinished Kouros Apollonas was abandoned at the quarry when a fault was discovered in the marble.
Hike the Villages
Naxos is the perfect destination for hikers, or those looking for a scenic drive. There’s a ton of great little villages to discover. Chalki offers Venetian towers and Byzantine churches, as well as a signature liquor from the local distillery. Kronos offers a classic blue-domed church and sensational vineyard views from the flat-topped houses. Komiaki purchase above all other villages, but the road to get there is nothing but hairpin bends and heart-stopping encounters. Apeiranthos gleams with marble and photographic opportunity, with older locals still using traditional dress and donkeys threading the streets.
Beautiful Beaches and Adrenaline-Pumping Water Sports
While the romantic lure of the past is strong on Naxos, it’s not the only reason to visit. Blessed with delicious white-sand beaches, it’s also something of a haven for hikers and kitesurfers. Agios Gorgios, the crescent-shaped beach a short walk from Chora’s downtown, is also the most visited, ringed in bars and restaurants. We love Agios Prokopios instead, one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen- think pink lagoons and rolling sand dunes. Agios Anna is narrow and sometimes crowded, but a great place to lounge.
Not one for crowds? Head to Plaka, 6 miles to the south of Chora. It’s a nudist beach at the south end. Orkos, also south of Plaka, has fantastic summer conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The golden sands of Mikri Vigla, 10 miles from Chora, offer a sense of solitude it’s hard to find in the Cyclades, and you may well be the only soul there.
Getting to (and around) Naxos
As with most of the Cyclades, you can catch a ferry from Piraeus in Athens. Naxos is actually on the same ferry route as Santorini, so there’s plenty of departures every day, with extras added in the peak season. They still fill fast, though, so we strongly suggest pre-booking. There’s slow and fast ferry routes open to you. Honestly, we’d go slow and enjoy the views, but it’s really up to you! Naxos is also linked to the other islands in the Cyclades, so getting around is easy.
Once you’re on the island, there’s fantastic buses running from Chora to the other villages and towns, and you can rent both scooters and cars. Due to the limited parking available, we’d suggest a scooter.
There’s few places in the Cyclades as underrated as Naxos. Whether it’s the lure of sun and surf, or a fascination with the rich and varied Greek history on display here, you’re sure to find plenty to delight the heart, please the palate, and soothe the soul. Whatever you do, make sure Naxos gets a top spot on your next visit to the Greek Islands.
