Naxos Travel Guide

1. Wander Chalki

Tucked away in the center of the island, Chalki (or Halki) village is the former capital of Naxos. The region surrounding the village is very fertile and one of the main olive-producing areas in the Cyclades. It’s also home to countless groves of citron trees, from which the famous Naxian liqueur is made. You can even take a free tour of the Vallindra Kitron distillery to see how this Greek aperitif is produced. While in town, wander the pedestrian-only streets, pop into the art gallery, and sit in the sun at one of the many cafes (Dolce Vita is the most famous).

2. Swim and snorkel in a sea cave

Rina Cave is a secluded cave that’s only accessible by water, meaning you’ll have to take a boat to get here. Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic swimming and snorkeling spot under the cave’s rock dome. Swim in the cool turquoise water and observe the marine life or just hang out on the boat. Full-day tours cost 80 EUR. These typically include all the snorkeling gear you’ll need plus food and drinks.

3. Relax on Agios Prokopios Beach

Located about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Chora, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. There are two parts to the 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) stretch of beach: one part is natural and undeveloped, while the other is more developed, offering sunbeds to rent and beachside cafes. During the busy summer months, there’s plenty of entertainment during the day and the party continues into the evening. There are plenty of snack bars and tavernas as well. Bring a book, pack some food, and lounge the day away!

4. Try windsurfing

During the summer, the island’s winds create the perfect conditions for windsurfing, making this a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. Mikri Vigla, Agios Georgios (Floisvos), and Laguna are all magnificent spots for windsurfing, with facilities offering courses and equipment rentals. A one-hour beginner lesson starts at 70 EUR, while a 1-day rental costs about 75 EUR. If you don’t want to surf, you can always just sit on the beach or at a nearby café to watch others catch the waves.

5. Hike from village to village

Naxos has hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails cross-crossing the landscape. The trails pass by ancient churches and monasteries and through farmland, olive groves, and vineyards. You can start and end in any number of small villages, making these trails the perfect way to experience the island. The footpaths are well signed so you won’t get lost. There are a variety of paths of different lengths and difficulties so you can find something for your experience level. One of my favorites was the Naxos Village Trail that takes you from Melanes to the small villages of Kouros and Myloi and back to Melanes. Along the way, you pass through bamboo groves and open fields. The landscapes are incredible and it lets you explore the interior of the island. Just make sure to wear a hat, wear sunscreen, and bring water.

6. See street art in an abandoned hotel

Wind your way up from Alyko Beach and into a cedar forest, where you’ll come upon an abandoned hotel complex turned street art gallery. The hotel, which was built in the 1960s, was never finished. Today, both nature and artists have given the uncompleted buildings new life. You can see works by famous street artist WD (Wild Drawing), including his rooftop mural Faces in the Sea, created in memory of Syrian refugees who drowned while attempting to cross the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

7. Visit Panagia Drossiani Church

Located in the middle of the island, this is one of the oldest churches in the country (some of the walls and frescoes date to the 7th century, making them the oldest in the Balkans). Monks and nuns secretly taught children Greek here during the Turkish occupation (which lasted for centuries) when doing so was forbidden. The church itself is part of an old monastery and you can see the how three separate chapels were joined together. The interiors are dimly lit through the small windows giving the whole place a cave-like feel. It’s open daily from 11am-5pm and admission is by donation.

8. Day trip around the island

If you don’t want to rent a car, the best way to explore the island is via a bus tour. Most tours last 8 hours and cover tons of highlights, including villages, beaches, and ruins. Sure, it’s touristy but it’s also a fun and easy way to see a lot in a short amount of time. Buses have AC and tours start at just 30 EUR (not including lunch). If you don’t have a car, it’s the best way to see the island. You’ll get to see the Temple of Demeter, see a pottery demonstration, visit small villages like Chalkio and Apollonas, and stop for a swim before heading back. There’s plenty of time built in for wandering, taking photos, and grabbing a bite to eat along the way.

9. Take a sailing trip

Naxos, like all the Greek Islands, is meant to be explored by boat. There are tons of sailing trips available on Naxos, ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day getaways. Half-day and full-day trips are the most common choice, with boats taking you around the island so you can swim and snorkel and cliff jump (most include a stop at the Rina cave). Expect to pay around 70-150 EUR for a full-day tour, including lunch. Actionseaze Yachting runs a tour for 142 EUR that includes snorkeling, lunch, and a visit to Rhina Cave.

10. Visit the Temple of Demeter

Built of Naxian marble in the 6th century BCE, this temple is dedicated to Demeter, the ancient goddess of agriculture. Over the years, it was converted into a Christian basilica and a chapel was added later on. The area fell into disrepair until the mid-20th century when archaeologists rediscovered the ruins and later restored them so that they could be enjoyed by visitors today. There’s a small museum at the archaeological site that you can visit for free.