The Portara, the gateway of the Temple of Apollo
30 minAll ages, with a pushchair along the causeway
The marble doorway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo (c. 530 BC), on the islet of Palatia: ten minutes' walk from the port, free entry.
From Piraeus3–6 h by ferry
Getting aroundKTEL bus or car
Best timeMay · Jun · Sep · Oct
Minimum time4 nights
WindMeltemi in July and August
Overall difficultyEasy
The meltemi rules in July and August. The north wind can leave the fast boats in port and make the ferry roll a lot. Leave a day's margin before your flight back to Madrid or Barcelona.
What to do
What to do in Naxos
Each plan says how long it takes, who it's for and whether you can book.
Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka beaches
6 hAll ages
Kilometres of continuous sand on the west coast: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka, 15–25 minutes from the Chora by bus every half hour in summer.
Climbing Mount Zas from the Aria spring
3 hTeenagers and adults with mountain footwearMarch – June, September – November
A climb to the roof of the Cyclades (1,003 m) from the Aria spring, via the Zas cave: 2 h 30–3 h there and back, no shade.
Plan the trip
Naxos, step by step
Each choice narrows the next: the season shapes how best to travel, and how you travel decides where you stay and where you eat.
When to go
When to go to Naxos
In June and September the sea is already warm, ferries run daily and August is out of the way. In July and August the meltemi blows and everything costs more. From November to March the Chora stays lively, but almost all the beach hotels close.
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How you travel
Naxos your way
Choose how you're travelling and we'll tell you where to stay, how to get around, where to eat and which services you'll need. We only show the ways of travelling that make sense here.
A west-coast base and two days on the road
Naxos is big for a Cyclades island and a car opens up what the bus doesn't reach: the hotel-free south, Apollonas in the north and dinner inland. If you bring it from Athens, travel on Blue Star and book the space well ahead in summer.
90–140 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepApartments with parking at Agios…
- Getting aroundBlue Star ferry from Piraeus…
- EatAxiotissa, in Kastraki: you need…
- ServicesThe ferry unloads cars in…
Sleep
- Apartments with parking at Agios Prokopios
- Hotel Grotta, in the Chora, if you want the town
- Maragas Beach Village, on the beach
Getting around
- Blue Star ferry from Piraeus, 5 h 30–6 h with the car
- Or hire on the island for just one or two days
- Narrow mountain roads towards Apiranthos and Apollonas
Eat
- Axiotissa, in Kastraki: you need a car and a booking
- Village tavernas in Halki and Filoti
Services
- The ferry unloads cars in the Chora itself
- Car, scooter and quad hire
The Chora as a base and the bus for everything
You get off the ferry in the centre and never need a car again: Agios Georgios beach is on foot and the KTEL bus takes you to the west-coast beaches and the mountain villages.
70–120 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepHotel Grotta, facing the Portara
- Getting aroundBeach bus to Agios Prokopios…
- EatMetaxi Mas and Maro's, on…
- ServicesFast ferries to Paros, Santorini…
Sleep
- Hotel Grotta, facing the Portara
- Glaros Petit Hotel, on Agios Georgios beach
- Hostels in the Chora, if you travel light
Getting around
- Beach bus to Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka, frequent in summer
- Bus to Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos, several times a day
- Ticket at the KTEL ticket office before boarding
Eat
- Metaxi Mas and Maro's, on foot in the Chora
- Gyros at the port for ferry day
Services
- Fast ferries to Paros, Santorini and Koufonisia
- Short flights to Athens from the island's airport
Hostel, bus and free beaches
Naxos is one of the easiest Cyclades on a tight budget: there are hostels in the Chora, a campsite that picks you up at the port and the best of the island costs nothing.
40–60 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepNaxos City Hostel and A1…
- Getting aroundKTEL bus to beaches and…
- EatGyros and takeaway food at…
- FreeThe Portara and the Melanes…
Sleep
- Naxos City Hostel and A1 Soula Hotel & Hostel, in the Chora
- Plaka Camping, with a free transfer from the port
Getting around
- KTEL bus to beaches and villages
- Fast or conventional ferry to carry on to another island
Eat
- Gyros and takeaway food at the port
- Maro's, big portions for little
Free
- The Portara and the Melanes kouros
- The Archaeological Museum in the Chora
- The climb of Zas and all the west-coast beaches
A tent on the island's longest beach
The campsites are on the west coast, between Agia Anna and Plaka, about 6 km from the port. Wild camping is not allowed in Greece: sleep at a campsite.
30–50 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepPlaka Camping, almost on the…
- Getting aroundPlaka Camping's transfer from the…
- EatBeach tavernas at Plaka and…
- ServicesAsk about shade and shared…
Sleep
- Plaka Camping, almost on the sand
- Maragas Beach Village, with a camping area and studios
Getting around
- Plaka Camping's transfer from the port, if you let them know beforehand
- Beach bus to the Chora
Eat
- Beach tavernas at Plaka and Agia Anna
- Shop in the Chora before heading south
Services
- Ask about shade and shared kitchen when booking
- They open in season: confirm dates before going outside summer
Fly to Athens and Ferry or Short Flight to Naxos
You reach Naxos with a stopover: a direct flight from Spain to Athens and, from there, a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or a short flight to the island's small airport. The port is in Chora itself and the airport a few kilometres away, with a taxi to the centre. On the island you get around by KTEL bus along the west coast and the villages, and a car for a couple of days opens up the south and the north.
- Getting thereAthens Airport (ATH), with direct…
- Getting aroundKTEL bus from Chora to…
- Where to stayHotel Grotta, above Chora harbour…
- ServicesNaxos airport
Getting there
- Athens Airport (ATH), with direct flights from Spain all year
- Naxos Airport (JNX), with short flights from Athens
- Ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, from 3 h 30 on a fast one to about 6 h on a conventional one
Getting around
- KTEL bus from Chora to the west beaches and to Halki and Apiranthos
- Hire car or quad for a day or two for the south and Apollonas
- Taxi from the airport to Chora
Where to stay
- Hotel Grotta, above Chora harbour, if you arrive by ferry
- Agios Georgios or Plaka, if you want a beach from the first day
Services
- Naxos airport
- Car and quad hire in Chora
How much does it cost?
People2
Nights3
Who you're with
Naxos for whoever you're with
A trip with a toddler is not the same as one with a teenager. Pick yours to see what works and what to bear in mind.
Sand, little driving and nap time to hand
With small children Naxos works better than the cliff islands: the west-coast beaches are sand, Agios Georgios is on foot from the Chora and almost everything is less than half an hour away.
- What works bestAgios Georgios beach, five minutes'…
- SleepApartments at Agios Prokopios, with…
- EatBeach tavernas with a table…
- Bear in mindIn July and August, beach…
What works best
- Agios Georgios beach, five minutes' walk from the centre
- The Portara first thing, along a flat causeway where the pushchair can go
- The Melanes kouros, a short walk and a giant reclining statue
Sleep
- Apartments at Agios Prokopios, with a pool and the beach nearby
- In the Chora, next to Agios Georgios, if you are without a car
Eat
- Beach tavernas with a table in the shade
- Halki's galaktoboureko for a snack
Bear in mind
- In July and August, beach in the morning and last thing: at midday, shade
- The meltemi kicks up sand and swell in the west: on those days look for sheltered coves
- The fast ferries bounce: with children who get seasick, the big ferry is better
- Mount Zas is not for pushchairs or baby carriers in summer
What to do with young children
An island for all ages
There is a long beach for the little ones, mountain villages for a different day and boat trips or diving for the older ones. And you can get around without a car if your base is the Chora or Agios Prokopios.
- What works bestThe beaches from Agios Prokopios…
- SleepApartments and studios at Agios…
- EatMaro's, portions to share
- Bear in mindThe ferry from Athens takes…
What works best
- The beaches from Agios Prokopios to Plaka, with a bus from the Chora
- A day on a catamaran with swims and lunch on board
- Halki and Apiranthos, with the kitron distillery and the village sweets
- Try dive for the older ones and Bubblemaker for those aged 8 and over
Sleep
- Apartments and studios at Agios Prokopios
- Studios in the Chora, next to the Portara
- Camping at Plaka if you like tents
Eat
- Maro's, portions to share
- Gyros at the port on ferry day
Bear in mind
- The ferry from Athens takes 3 h 30–6 h: with children, the big ferry lets you move around the deck
- Book your apartment months ahead for August
- Museums and sites close in mid-afternoon: better in the morning
What to do as a family
Wind, seabed and a summit
What hooks a teenager on Naxos is in the water and in the mountains: a kitesurfing lesson at Mikri Vigla, a first dive and climbing to the highest point of the Cyclades.
- What works bestKitesurfing at Mikri Vigla, with…
- SleepCamping at Plaka, with a…
- EatGyros at the port and…
- Bear in mindKitesurfing needs good swimming and…
What works best
- Kitesurfing at Mikri Vigla, with a private lesson to start
- Try dive at Agios Prokopios
- The climb of Zas, early, with the cave of Zeus halfway
- A day on a catamaran, jumping into the water from the boat
Sleep
- Camping at Plaka, with a bit of independence
- A hostel in the Chora if older ones go with friends
Eat
- Gyros at the port and in the Chora
- Big portions at Maro's
Bear in mind
- Kitesurfing needs good swimming and the July and August wind is strong
- With the beach bus they can get around alone between the Chora and the coast
- On Zas there is no shade or spring at the top
What to do with teenagers
Where to stay
Where to stay if you're drivingwithout a carif you're backpackingif you're campingif you're flying
We show you what suits the way you travel.Change how you travel
Hostel
Naxos City Hostel
Why we like it: A hostel in the Chora, about 400 m from Agios Georgios beach and a stroll from the port and the KTEL stop. Shared rooms with shared bathroom and some private ones.
A1 Soula Hotel & Hostel
Why we like it: A family-run hotel and hostel about 30 m from Agios Georgios beach, with single beds for those travelling with a rucksack and rooms for those who aren't. On foot from the centre.
Hotel Grotta
Why we like it: On the slope of Grotta, above the sea and facing the Portara, on foot from the port. Next door are studios and two-bedroom apartments at Casabella, from the same owners, which suit families.
Glaros Petit Hotel
Why we like it: Ten rooms about 20 m from Agios Georgios beach and 350 m from the centre. Adults only: for a couple who want a beach and dinner on foot without a car.
Birikos Studios & Apartments
Why we like it: Studios and apartments with a seasonal pool less than ten minutes' walk from Agios Prokopios beach. With a car you park free; without one, the beach bus passes nearby.
Plaka Camping
Why we like it: Almost on the sand of Plaka. They pick you up free at the port in their minibus if you let them know before the ferry's arrival time: with a rucksack and a tent you need nothing…
Maragas Beach Village
Why we like it: On the beach, between Agia Anna and Plaka, about 6 km from the port. It combines a camping area with rooms, studios and apartments: it serves a group where some sleep in tents and others don't.
Services for this trip
Where to eat
Where to eat in Naxos
From set lunch menus to Michelin stars. We mark the price level and what to order at each place.
Cheap and plentiful
Maro's Taverna
What to order: lamb kleftiko, roast pork, fried courgette and keftedes.
Big portions · unpretentious · near Agios Georgios
Mezedes in the old town
Axiotissa
What to order: lamb in paper with garlic and kefalotyri, the local rooster with makarounes or the grilled fish of the day.
Closes in winter and opens in spring · book by phone for dinner in season · you need a car
For coffee
To Spitiko Galaktoboureko (Kafeneio Galani)
What to order: galaktoboureko, the custard and filo pastry in syrup.
A traditional kafeneio in the centre of Halki
Takeaway and markets
To Spitiko, Naxos (Chora)
Map
Everything on the map
The places to stay and services on the map are the ones for the way you travel. Turn on the layers you want and tap a point to see its details.
What to do
Eat
88 €Stay
Services
Nearby
Near Naxos
The closest places, whichever country they are in.
Tips
Worth knowing first
- 1See the Portara at sunrise, not sunset
At sunset the islet fills up. First thing you almost have it to yourself and the light comes through the doorway just the same.
- 2Take the morning bus inland
Halki and Apiranthos are better seen before the heat and before the excursion groups.
- 3Ask for the island's cheese
Naxos graviera and arseniko, in any taverna. It is the Cyclades' livestock island.
- 4Climb Zas early
There is no shade on the upper part. Start at the Aria spring before nine.
- 5Buy your return ferry ticket when you arrive
In August the boats back to Athens fill up.
Local tip
Combine Naxos with Paros, less than an hour away by boat, or with the Small Cyclades (Koufonisia), which have a direct ferry from the same port.
We'd skip it
The all-day bus tours of the island: with the regular bus to Halki and Apiranthos you see the same at your own pace and eat where you like.
How do you get there and how long does the ferry take?
From Spain you fly to Athens and carry on by boat from the port of Piraeus, or from Rafina, closer to the airport. Seajets' fast boats take between 3 h 30 and 4 h 30; Blue Star's conventional ferries, between 5 h 30 and 6 h, and they carry cars. In summer there are about five departures a day from Piraeus; in winter, at least one. The port is in the Chora itself: you step off the boat and you are in the centre.
For island hopping, Naxos is in the middle of everything: to Paros it is between 25 and 50 minutes, and to Santorini a little over an hour by fast boat. Buy your tickets on the ferry company's website or on a comparison site; in July and August, days ahead if you are taking a car.
Do you need a car?
Not for a first visit. The KTEL bus leaves from the Chora, next to the port entrance, for the west-coast beaches (Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka) frequently in summer, and for Halki, Filoti and Apiranthos several times a day. The ticket is bought beforehand, at the KTEL ticket office, not on the bus. A car is useful for what the bus doesn't do well: the wild south, the kouros at Apollonas in the north, coves without facilities and getting back late from a dinner inland. A couple of days' hire is usually enough.
Where to sleep?
In the Chora, if you are travelling without a car: port, bus and dinners on foot. In Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna, if you are coming for the beach with children: sand, apartments and the bus ten minutes from the centre. In Plaka and Maragas are the campsites, on the longest beach on the island.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need on Naxos?
Four or five. Two for the beach, one for the mountain villages, one for Zas or a boat trip, and one in reserve in case the wind changes the ferries.
Can you see Naxos without a car?
Yes. The KTEL bus links the Chora with the west-coast beaches and the mountain villages. Without a car you miss the south and north of the island, which can be seen on one day's hire.
Which beach should I choose with small children?
Agios Georgios, five minutes' walk from the Chora, with tavernas and parasols behind it. If you stay in Agios Prokopios or Plaka, you have long sand in front of the apartment.
Are there direct flights from Spain to Naxos?
The usual way is to fly to Athens, with direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona, and carry on by ferry. Naxos has a small airport with short flights from Athens, useful if you don't want to spend the day on a boat.
What happens if the meltemi blows?
The fast boats are the first to be suspended; the big ferries cope with more wind, although they roll. On the island, look for the south and east beaches, which are more sheltered than the west ones.
What is open in winter?
The Chora, its tavernas and the daily ferry to Athens. Beach hotels, campsites and the diving and kitesurfing schools close between November and April.
How much do the museums and sites cost?
The Archaeological Museum in the Chora is free and opens from 9:00 to 14:00. The Temple of Demeter at Sangri and the Apiranthos collection cost €5 and close on Tuesdays. The Portara and the kouroi are free and always open.