The endless sandy beaches with lucent turquoise waters, the mountain and seaside traditional villages, where visitors meet the old and innocent “routine” of their people, always warm, hospitable and cheerful, the local festivities with folklore dances and music almost every season and for any occasion, the imposing landscape created by vast mountainous bulks and fertile valleys, the glorious remnants of a great ancient and Byzantine history scattered all around the land: the combination of all the above constitute Naxos, the island where Dionysus, the god of wine, was born. One of the biggest islands of Cyclades with grace and beauty beyond visitors' expectations. 

What to see

From the important archaeological sites to its Byzantine churches and monasteries and its fortified castles and towers, Naxos reveals its treasures offering a “pick” to its grand past. The famous Portara, the ruins of an unfinished Temple of Apollo and the landmark of Naxos, overtops on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor - watching the sunset from Portara is an almost magical experience, the ancient Naxos aqueduct, with the underground tunnel that enters at Barou and exits at Kaminia, the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the female goddess of the fertility of the earth at Flerio water spring, the necropolis, a cemetery of the Geometrical era at Alonakia settlement, on the hill of Apano Kastro, the ancient quarry of Apollonas, near the coastal settlement of Apollonas where also stands the huge half-finished statue the Kouros of the god Apollo, the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the god Dionysus, at Yria.

Visit the Church of Panayia Protothronos, at Chalki, one of the island’s oldest and most important monuments. Panayia Myrtidiotissa, greets the island’s visitors as it stands right in the middle of Naxos harbor. The Monastery of Faneromeni, with its Venetian architecture, and its breathtaking view to the northwest coast of Naxos, the Monastery of Timios Stavros, the famous Bazeos Tower as it is known by the name of the family that owns it, situated at the valley of Agiassos, outside the village of Sagri, is also a landmark of the island of Naxos. The Church of Panagia Drossiani, on the road to Chalki, not far from Moni, again one of the oldest on the island.

The Bardani Tower, the Plaka Tower, also known as Paleopyrgos or Ariadne’s Tower, the Barozzi Tower at Filoti, the Zevgoli Tower, close to the centre of Apiranthos and the Glezos Tower, the tower of Delarokas at Kournochori and the tower of Fotodotis at Danakos, will take visitors on a “virtual” journey to the alluring times of knights and legends.

Where to swim

Others organized and crowded and others secluded and peaceful, the sandy beaches of Naxos with the clean beautiful waters are stretching for miles. On your way from Chora to Plaka you’ll find, Ai-Yiorgi, Agios Prokopis and Agia Anna, all well equipped and organized, with umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars and taverns scattered around, and surprisingly prompt and frequent transportation. Leaving Plaka behind, the crowds get lessen. There you’ll find the beautiful and more deserted beaches of Orkos, Mikri kai Megali Vigla (Small and Big Vigla), Pyrgaki, Kastraki and Alyko. On the northern side of the island you will find, Ammitis, Abrahm and Agioi Theodori. On the east, Psili Ammos, Azalas, Klidos and Panormos with great deep waters, also the Moutsouna, with its amazing stone structures on its shore, the only beach with small traditional tavernas. If you prefer more secluded waters, these you’ll find at Agiasso and Kalando.

Where to stay

The Naxian Collection, at Stelida, one of the most luxurious hotel units on the island, with 8 villas and 2 suites built within vast and lavish gardens, overlooking Chora and the sea. A little further is the Laguna, the beach surfers adore, as well as the beach of Agios Prokopis.

Naxos Palace (+30 29133-4) at Stelida, for luxury and tranquillity at the same time, ideal for families. At Chora, the Grotta Hotel, (+30 22215, +30 22001, +30 22101), the Port Naxos (+30 23970) and the Naxos Holidays Hotel (+30 24350, +30 25790). Going to Eggaron, from Chora, you’ll find the Corona Borealis (+30 25448). Luxury and aesthetics mix together on this, not easily spotted from the road, hotel that was fully renovated only two years ago.

At Ai-Yiortis, the Astir of Naxos (+30 29320) by the organized beach, great for family or couple vacations and the Naxos Resort Hotel (+30 26650), a beautiful sample of traditional architecture. At Agia Anna, the Yria Beach (+30 42600) is a good and affordable choice.

Numerous independent apartments and rooms are also available along your way from Chora to Plaka, and Orkos, Vigles and Kastraki, in their vast majority right by the sea and with a logical price list, such as Nostos Beach (+30 6944 615389), Kalamuria (+30 41180), Maistrali (+30 42734). As for those who prefer the camping experience, there is always the Maragga Camping, by the water as well. 

Where to eat

Chora bursts with small traditional “ouzo” taverns serving excellent savoury. One of the most “celebrated” is Eirini (+30 26780) right where the crowd crosses. At Il Girasole (+30 23326) you’ll taste great pasta and pizzas, the wine restaurant Labyrinthos (22253) offers delicious Mediterranean dishes to be accompanied by “respected” wine labels in its beautiful yard. With a view to Portara you will enjoy tasteful Mediterranean cuisine at Elli’s, near Grotta. Walking through the mazy narrow streets of Chora, you’ll find L’ Osteria (+30 24080), an authentic wine bar-resto, owned by two Italians fellows, that opens at 7 every afternoon. On the beach of Agios Georgios, there is Ippokampos, for coffee, drinks and Mediterranean recipes. On the road to Plaka, you’ll stop at Paradisos: its tables are practically on the beach’s sand. Maistrali at the end of the road, open as early as the morning hours for coffee, beers and “home” wise recipes. At Agia Anna, right next to Club Island, there is the beach bar Banana, for food and drinks, and Patatosporos, also near the beach, with a great variety of dishes and seafood bites. Going to Pyrgaki, you’ll find great cooked food and fresh fish at Axiotissa. The two tavernas Stella and Haris, at Eggares, both serve plumy meat dishes and delicious omelettes, the best on the island.

If you feel like tasting sweet flavours, there are two Waffles House, at Chora, where you should try their waffles and ice creams. Both packed with people on an almost daily basis.

Nightlife

One next to the other, bars and clubs swarm up on the coastal “zone” and at Chora. The Ocean, is the “prime mover” to the island’s night life for almost two decades now, with its explosive atmosphere, its mainstream rhythms and its good drinks.

At the open air of Mojo, you’ll drink beautiful cocktails and at Voulezvous, the piano bar right on top, you’ll also be drinking cocktails, right up till the first morning light.

At Swing, on the coastal road you’ll hear good music, as well as at the good old classic Escoba (+30 23567), where you will enjoy tex mex cuisine listening to the dj’s latin, ‘60s, mainstream, r’n’b, rock and house selections. For the experience of an absolute “Greek” night-till morning-out, you’ll go to Fragile (+30 25336), at the narrow streets of Kastro. The Club Island at Agia Anna is also extremely popular. At Agios Prokopis, you’ll go to the Cahlua Beach bar, also celebrated and with a “vip” atmosphere.