Naxos is the largest island in the stunning Cyclades region, and it’s characterized by its intense landscape variations – think lush valleys, arid mountains, and golden sand beaches. And although it’s nowhere near as popular as its neighbor Santorini, it’s that exact reason – that it’s quieter and retains its authenticity – that we love it here so much!
Our top recommendation for Naxos would be to spend a day in the island’s capital town – Chora. The white-washed streets here are very similar to the famed streets of Mykonos. And to check out the tiny chapel high above Agios Prokopios at sunset.
So here are a few things to do in Naxos that will make you add this hidden gem to your bucket list. I will say that this list is suited to every type of traveler, but we traveled here as a couple, and so the activities we did reflect that.
Is Naxos worth seeing?
YES, Naxos is 1000% worth seeing! And despite it being the biggest (and one of the prettiest) of the Cyclades islands, it’s not overcrowded.
It’s one of the prettiest islands we visited in Greece as it offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its stunning beaches, such as Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, boast crystal-clear waters and soft sands. And Naxos is rich in history, too – the ancient ruins of the Portara, the grand marble gate that remains from a temple dedicated to Apollo is located here. We also loved wandering around the charming villages like Apiranthos and Halki, where traditional Greek life thrives amid narrow streets and local crafts.
You’ll get a true sense of Greek island daily life here! And Naxos was, in fact, one of our favorite stops on our one month trip through Greece.
Why we loved Naxos:
- No cruise ships – Look, I’m all for cruising, but I have to admit that sometimes the huge influx of people that comes with a cruise docking can be detrimental to smaller places. They just can’t handle all the people! Well, thankfully, cruise ships don’t dock in Naxos, which means that the island is not as crowded as, say, Santorini.
- It’s easy to get around – Even though Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, we found it really easy to get around. We didn’t have a car and so relied on the public buses most of the time – and found them really efficient and comfortable.
- Its location – Naxos is close to several other stunning Cyclades islands, like Santorini, which is an hour and 20 minutes away by fast ferry and Mykonos (35 minutes by fast ferry).
How to get to Naxos:
There is a small airport on Naxos (Naxos Airport Apollon); however, it is really only served by flights from Athens, so you will need to change flights here.
Alternatively, you can catch a ferry to Naxos from Athens Piraeus port (minimum of 3.5 hours) or from several other islands. For example, from Santorini, it is an hour and 20 minutes away by fast ferry, and Mykonos is 35 minutes by fast ferry. We came here via ferry from Syros, which took around an hour and 10 minutes.
The best places to stay on Naxos Island:
We stayed at Anna Studios, a short walk from the hustle and bustle of the beach. It features a very welcoming pool area out front and spotlessly clean rooms. As our rate at Annas Studios didn’t include breakfast, we walked into town to enjoy breakfast at the very colorful Cafe Hideaway.
Melidron Hotel and Suites also in Agios Prokopios, is highly recommended as well as Naxos Riviera Suites in Chora.
The best things to do on Naxos Island
Wander around Chora (the main city on the island)
Ah, Chora – the main city on the island (well, more of a town, in my opinion) is filled with narrow, cobbled streets, white-washed houses, and around most corners, gorgeous sparkling blue water (enticing you to cool down).
Just when you think you’ve seen all the flower-lined streets in town, you turn a corner and uncover a whole new bunch of tavernas and shops. Speaking of tavernas, we really liked Doukato Restaurant (and ate here twice during our vacation).
Its cute, winding streets with those classic Greek tiled floors and lovely blue doors are pretty much crowd-free. You can actually find some peace and quiet here, which was a welcome change, having spent time in super-busy Santorini on this trip.
Plus, the majority of the streets here are pedestrian-friendly!
See the Portara
The Portara, or the Great Door, is one of the most iconic landmarks on Naxos. This massive marble gateway is the sole remnant of an unfinished temple dedicated to the god Apollo, dating back to around 530 BC. Situated on the islet of Palatia, which is connected to Naxos’ main town by a causeway, the Portara offers breathtaking views of the ocean and Chora.
Chill out on Agios Prokopios Beach
This is certainly the most popular beach on the island; it stretches over a kilometer along and is located on the island’s western coast, offering visitors a pristine expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
And there are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire along it, although we just layed on our towels right on the sand.
Honestly, this beach has some of the clearest water in Greece; in fact, the clearest water we’ve ever seen. It honestly gives the Caribbean waters of Cuba a run for its money. A lot of the restaurants here are on the beach, so it makes for a unique dining experience. More so for the fact that you can watch the sunset from your table.
Climb up to Agios Prokopios Church for sunset
Every single night during our stay here, we bought some beers from one of the little corner shops near the beach in Agios Prokopios and climbed up to this gorgeous white church on the hill. Then, we wandered around the grounds and watched the sun sink into the ocean for what seemed like hours.
It’s about a 5 km round trip walk (took us around one hour of walking return) – from town you’ll head to the left along the beach and pass the three small lakes located below the church. It’s a short climb up from there.
Walk along Agia Anna Beach
Agia Anna is a tad quieter beach right next to Agios Prokopios and luckily, you can easily walk between them. Yep, these gorgeous beaches are connected by a short and scenic coastal road that’s roughly 2 km long.
Go on a cruise around the island
What better way to spend a day here than on a luxurious catamaran and swim in the crystal clear waters? It also includes a fresh local lunch.
You’ll also get to explore some of the most stunning secluded beaches and coves. Your experienced captain will select the optimal route for the day, taking into account the current weather conditions.
Throughout the cruise, there will be opportunities to stop for swimming, snorkeling, coffee, and snacks, with snorkeling equipment provided for everyone. At one of the stops, savor a delicious lunch prepared on board with local ingredients, complemented by refreshing beverages like beer, raki, and wine.
Do a Greek cooking class and have dinner at a locals house
This is a 4-hour experience in a traditional house in Kaloxylos, a charming rural village. Cook and eat a typical Naxian menu with local wine together with a local family.
During the class, you’ll get to explore the traditional cuisine of Naxos and immerse yourself in Greek culinary traditions. You’ll have the opportunity to create dishes using fresh, local ingredients and pure organic products. Discover the secrets of herbs and aromatic plants that enhance these flavorful meals.
At the end of the cooking lesson, indulge in a celebratory feast featuring the dishes you’ve prepared, complemented by local wine and traditional music.
Go on a nature hike
There’s a super-scenic 6-hour hike on the islandthat takes you to Kourounochori and Potamia Valley.
This enchanting route begins in the quaint village of Kourounochori, known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and rich history. As you set out, the trail meanders through the lush Potamia Valley, a lush landscape dotted with fruit orchards, olive groves, and charming stone bridges.
The valley is named after the small rivers that nourish its fertile lands, creating a vibrant ecosystem that is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. As you walk along this scenic path, you will see the remnants of ancient settlements and Byzantine churches!
The hike is relatively moderate, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Explore the charming villages
If you can try to explore the charming villages here, like Apiranthos and Halki, where traditional Greek life thrives amid narrow streets and local crafts.
Things to do in Naxos without a car:
Naxos is easy to explore without a car if you stay in Chora (Naxos Town) or near popular beaches such as Agios Prokopios and Plaka, which are conveniently served by local KTEL buses. Say, for example, you stay in Chora, you can enjoy visiting the Portara and relax on beaches like Agios Prokopios (easily reachable by bus) without a rental car.
And even if you stay in Agios Prokopios like we did, we got to see pretty much all of the island by bus.
Free things to do in Naxos:
Actually, most of the best things to do on Naxos are free – like wandering around Chora and relaxing on Agios Prokopios Beach. Checking out the Portara (the most popular thing to do on Naxos) is also completely free.
Best month to visit Naxos:
I’d go with September as the best month to visit Naxos, as the weather is still nice and hot (averaging 25 Celsius) and the crowds have gone home.
But we came here in late July, and I must say it wasn’t overly crowded either. I think that many tourists tend to favour Santorini or Mykonos over Naxos, which is a shame.
How long should I spend on Naxos?
I would say that 5-7 days is the ideal amount of time to spend on Naxos, with 3 days being the minimum amount of time I’d allow here.
Thanks for Reading!
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Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by snaphappytravel