The Ultimate Guide to Naxos, Greece: Must-Do Activities and Hidden Gems
The Aegean island of Naxos, Greece, is the largest of the Cyclades islands. It offers travellers an extraordinary blend of stunning beaches, lush mountains, and charming villages.
There is truly something for everyone on this stunning Island, from adventurous days out on the water to peaceful village walks.
Though often overshadowed by Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos is cherished for its authentic Greek charm, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultural sites.
Below I have included the ultimate guide to visiting Naxos. Including how to get there, the best-paid-for and free activities, plus essential tips to make the most of your stay on this beautiful island.
How to get there
To reach Naxos, you must take a ferry from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete.
There is a small airport in Naxos, however, flights can only be accessed from Athens and they can be very expensive.
The most popular option is to take a ferry from Athens, with ferries from Piraeus taking 3.5 to 5 hours.
Once you arrive on the island, getting around Naxos is a breeze.
More on that shortly; for now, let’s dive into the exciting activities that await you!
Paid Days Out
Naxos offers a range of activities to suit every budget.
Whether you're windsurfing, exploring ancient sites, or discovering charming villages, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s our selection of the best-paid-for activities to include in your itinerary:
Explore Ancient Naxos at the Temple of Demeter
What to Expect:
Situated near Sangri, the Temple of Demeter is an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of agriculture. The ruins showcase classical Greek architecture with stunning marble columns, and there’s a small museum on-site offering insights into Naxos’s history.
Cost:
€4 for adults; €2 for children.
Recommended For:
History lovers, families, couples.
Getting There:
Accessible by bus from Naxos Town (€2). The bus stop is a short walk to the temple.
Accessibility:
Uneven ground may make access difficult for wheelchairs and prams.
Time Needed:
1–2 hours to fully explore.
Sail Around Naxos and Neighboring Islands
What to Expect:
Spend a day on the water exploring nearby islands like Paros, Schinousa, and Koufonisia. You’ll find plenty of boat tours departing from Naxos harbour, with options to swim, snorkel, and enjoy beachside BBQs.
Cost:
Around €50–€70 per adult; €25–€35 per child.
Recommended For:
Families, couples, groups, solo travellers.
Getting There:
Boats depart from the main port in Naxos Town.
Accessibility:
Limited; boats may not accommodate wheelchairs or prams.
Time Needed:
Full day.
Mount Zas Hike – Reach the Summit of Zeus’s Mountain
What to Expect:
For the adventurous, hiking Mount Zas (the highest peak in the Cyclades) is a must. According to mythology, Zeus spent his childhood here. The trail offers panoramic views of the island and beyond.
Cost:
Free to hike, but guided tours are available starting at €30.
Recommended For:
Adventurous travellers, couples, and older kids (10+).
Getting There:
Take the bus to Filoti (€2) and walk to the trailhead.
Accessibility:
Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Time Needed:
3–4 hours round trip.
Wind Surfing at Naxos Surf Club
What to Expect:
Situated at Laguna Beach near Naxos Town, Naxos Surf Club offers top-notch facilities and professional instructors for both beginners and experienced surfers. The lagoon’s shallow waters and reliable winds make it ideal for learning, while more advanced riders can catch some exciting waves just beyond the bay.
Cost:
Lessons from €30; equipment rentals start at €15 per hour.
Recommended For:
Adults, older kids (10+), couples, adventure-seekers.
Getting There:
Accessible by bus from Naxos Town (€2) or a short drive by car.
Accessibility:
Limited; access to the beach may be challenging for wheelchairs or prams.
Time Needed:
Half-day to a full day, depending on experience level.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos
What to Expect:
Located in the heart of Naxos Town, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek history. The museum houses artefacts from the Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Roman periods, including pottery, sculptures, and beautifully preserved marble figurines.
Cost:
€3 for adults; free for children.
Recommended For:
History lovers, families, cultural enthusiasts.
Getting There:
Located in Naxos Town, a short walk from the main square.
Accessibility:
The building is partially accessible, but some areas have stairs.
Time Needed:
1–2 hours to explore fully.
Drive or Quad Around the Island
What to Expect:
Naxos is best enjoyed at your own pace, and renting a car or quad is the perfect way to see it all—from the mountain villages of Filoti and Apeiranthos to the serene beaches of Alyko and Pyrgaki. Rental shops are plentiful around Naxos Town, and driving gives you access to hidden gems along the island's winding roads.
Cost:
Car rentals from €40/day; quads from €25/day.
Recommended For:
Families, couples, solo travellers, adventure-seekers.
Getting There:
Rentals available in Naxos Town.
Accessibility:
Suitable for all.
Time Needed:
Full day.
Free Things to Do
In addition to an array of paid experiences, Naxos offers a wealth of free activities that showcase the island’s natural beauty and rich culture.
From scenic hikes and historic sites to stunning beaches and charming village strolls, there’s no shortage of cost-free ways to fully immerse yourself in all that Naxos has to offer.
Here’s a list of the best free activities to explore during your stay:
Wander Through the Villages of Chalki and Apeiranthos
What to Expect:
Both villages are picture-perfect with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and local art shops. Chalki, once the island’s capital, is famous for its traditional citron distillery, while Apeiranthos offers mountain views and traditional tavernas.
Cost:
Free.
Recommended For:
All travellers.
Getting There:
Buses from Naxos Town (€2); Chalki is a 30-minute bus ride, and Apeiranthos is about 45 minutes.
Accessibility:
Some steep and cobbled paths; wheelchairs may find some areas challenging.
Time Needed:
Half a day.
Visit Agios Prokopios Beach
What to Expect:
This renowned beach is known for its golden sands and calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Agios Prokopios has sunbed rentals, beach bars, and a variety of dining options nearby.
Cost:
Free; optional sunbed rental available.
Recommended For:
Families, couples, solo travellers.
Getting There:
A quick 10-minute bus ride from Naxos Town (€2).
Accessibility:
Accessible for prams; some areas have limited wheelchair access.
Time Needed:
Half-day to full-day.
Relax at Agia Anna Beach
What to Expect:
Just south of Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna is a smaller, equally stunning beach with soft sands and shallow waters, perfect for families with young kids. The area is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas offering fresh seafood and local specialities.
Cost:
Free; optional sunbed rental available.
Recommended For:
Families, couples, beach lovers.
Getting There:
Accessible by bus from Naxos Town (€2), or a 15-minute drive.
Accessibility:
Pram-friendly; some wheelchair access, but limited on sandy areas.
Time Needed:
Half-day to full-day.
Be at One with Nature at Plaka Beach – Naxos’s Naturist Beach
What to Expect:
Adjacent to Agia Anna, Plaka Beach is known for its relaxed, naturist-friendly atmosphere. With soft sands and clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for unwinding and soaking up the sun.
Cost:
Free.
Recommended For:
Adults, solo travellers, couples.
Getting There:
Bus from Naxos Town (€2), about 20 minutes.
Accessibility:
Accessible, though sandy terrain may make it challenging for wheelchairs and prams.
Time Needed:
Flexible, but plan for at least a few hours.
Sunset Views at the Portara – Naxos’s Iconic Landmark
What to Expect:
Located on a small islet connected to Naxos Town, the Portara is a colossal marble doorway that’s part of an unfinished temple to Apollo. The walk to the top, though involving steps, rewards with one of the most breathtaking sunset views over the Aegean.
Cost:
Free.
Recommended For:
All travellers.
Getting There:
5-minute walk from the port, though the steps make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Accessibility:
Not accessible for wheelchairs or prams beyond the flat lead-up path.
Time Needed:
About an hour, especially at sunset.
Wander Through Naxos Town’s Market Street and Find the Famous Boy with the Cake
What to Expect:
Naxos Town’s winding, whitewashed alleys are lined with shops selling handmade goods, local wines, and artisan crafts. As you explore, look for the famous mural of the “Boy with the Cake,” an iconic piece of street art tucked along the narrow streets.
Cost:
Free.
Recommended For:
All travellers.
Getting There:
Central Naxos Town.
Accessibility:
Mostly accessible, though some paths are cobbled.
Time Needed:
1–2 hours.
Explore the Historic Churches of Naxos
What to Expect:
- Panagia Drosiani: One of the oldest churches on Naxos, near the village of Moni, with Byzantine frescoes dating back to the 6th century. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
- Fotodotis Monastery: Near Danakos village, this remote monastery offers stunning views and impressive architecture. A short hike leads to the site, making it an ideal outing for those seeking peace and nature.
Cost:
Generally free, though some churches accept donations.
Recommended For:
History lovers, photographers, architecture enthusiasts.
Getting There:
Accessible by bus or car.
Accessibility:
Uneven terrain may limit access for wheelchairs.
Time Needed:
1–2 hours per site.
Food and Dining in Naxos
One of the island’s biggest draws is its food scene, with countless tavernas and cafes offering traditional Greek and Cycladic flavours.
Try locally sourced dishes like kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), graviera cheese, and the famous Naxian potatoes. Naxos Town has a rich array of waterfront eateries, while villages like Apeiranthos and Chalki offer more intimate dining experiences.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Kitron, a citrus-based liqueur produced exclusively on the island, and sample the traditional cheeses that make Naxos famous among food lovers.
Getting Around Naxos
The Naxos bus system is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the island, with fares at just €2 per trip, running every 30 minutes to an hour from the main town to most beaches and villages.
During peak season, buses run until the early hours of the morning, making it easy to experience the island’s nightlife and return home safely.
Please Note that tickets for the bus must be bought before boarding. These can be purchased at the bus station by the port when boarding in Naxos town.
However, when taking the bus from one of the villages you will need to purchase your ticket at one of the local supermarkets.
For travellers who want more flexibility, renting a car or quad is ideal.
This way, you can cover the full scope of Naxos’s beauty, from the coastal charm of Agios Prokopios to the mountain trails around Mount Zas.
Just be sure to bring your international driver’s license if needed, and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace.
With its stunning landscapes, authentic villages, and wealth of things to do, Naxos promises a memorable adventure for every traveller.
