Luxury Tailor-Made Greece Holidays Naxos 2024 & 2025
Temples and Timeless Treasures
Long beaches, medieval towers, lush valleys, timeless mountain villages and delicious local produce. All of these and more await on your holiday to Naxos, the island in the Cyclades that has it all.
Welcome to the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos. You’ll find plenty of history, ruins from every era, an extraordinary array of landscapes, friendly locals and wonderful food in the most beautiful part of the Aegean.
Entering the harbour of Naxos, you’re greeted by the ancient Portara – the massive marble gateway identical to the National Geographic logo – and the sight of the medieval castle above the town. Inland, you’ll find isolated villages untouched by time, like Tripodes, Filoti, Halki and Apeiranthos, that invite you to explore their beauty.
If you’re a sun worshipper, Naxos’ endless stretch of gorgeous sandy beaches will keep you blissfully happy during your holiday. And if you’re even remotely interested in antiquities and culture, you’ll make sure to see the two giant kouri – giant statues of young men – lying down in the open. No wonder that Naxos is known as the island that has it all, not just in the Cyclades but in all of Greece.
Things to do and see in Naxos
Stroll around Chora
Chora is the capital of Naxos and expands from the port to Kastro. Anything you know about Cycladic architecture, you will find it there. Whitewashed houses with blue doors and windows, chapels, arches, and endless narrow paved alleys, make this labyrinth so charming.
The old citadel is the center of life on the island. It is lively, with numerous restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars, and shops.
Jazz & Blues Bar is strongly recommended if you want to enjoy a drink and unwinding music. The Pocket Gallery is your place for tasteful souvenir shopping; at Pagonis Greek Sandals, you can buy the finest hand-made sandals in the Cyclades. Lastly, at the old grocery market of Tziblakis, you can purchase olive oil, cheese, honey, and other Naxian delicacies to bring home.
Visit Halki
The village of Halki in Naxos (or Chalki) is located in the central area of the region of Tragea, the largest olive cultivation area of the Cyclades, 16 km from Naxos Town.
Halki has a long history and was once the capital of Naxos, as well as its main administrative and trade center. The numerous neoclassical houses and buildings testify about the past wealth and power of the village.
Several well-preserved Venetian Towers and fine Byzantine churches lie in the area, including the 9th-century church of Panagia Protothrone, one of Naxos' oldest churches and houses beautiful Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes.
After your stroll around the village, you should pay a visit to the Dolce Vita cafe, where the most delicious patisserie on the island is served. Lastly, do not forget to pay a visit to the Vallindras Distillery to see how the local kitron liquor is being produced.
Hike up to Portara
The Portara of Naxos (or the Great Door) is a massive marble doorway that stands proudly as the jewel of Naxos. It stands close to the port, on the islet of Palatia.
In ancient times, a strip of land connected the northern side of Naxos port to the islet of Palatia. Today, the strip of land has been replaced by a causeway. Myth has it that the islet of Palatia was exactly where Ariadne, the Minoan princess, was abandoned by her lover Theseus after he killed Minotaur on the island of Crete.
For the romantic souls, the best time to visit this site is during sunset when the sky turns to gold! Even though climbing the steep hill is not so easy, the experience of viewing the sunset through the photogenic Portara is totally worth it!
Swim at amazing beaches in Naxos
Naxos is a big island, resulting in an extended coastline. The most well-known beaches lie on its west side. Famous locations you may have heard of before are Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Aliko, and Sahara (Limanakia). These are long, pure white, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and should not be missed! They are regarded as some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean sea, so it is advisable to spend a considerable part of your holiday there.
If you travel to Naxos with kids, the perfect choice is Agios Georgios, the Town's main beach, with shallow waters and all the needed facilities. We also recommend Sahara, a stunning place, well protected from the winds. Those looking for some privacy should consider the small coves at Orkos or the beaches of the eastern side of Naxos, like Psili Ammos. If you are an adventure seeker, do not miss Panermos.
Eat your way through Naxos
From day one of your holiday, you will fall in love with the culinary and tasteful uniqueness of the Naxian products. Naxos is a very fertile land and maintains a thriving agricultural economy, producing some of the most delicious vegetables, cheese, meat, and last but not least, fresh fish and seafood.
Although compared to other islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros, Naxos lacks several fine dining restaurants, it is an open secret that its culinary scene is one of the most palatable in Greece.
We recommend visiting Irini's Restaurant, Axiotissa, and Barozzi!
Best time to visit Naxos
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season with hot and dry weather. Daytime temperatures are at their highest, making it perfect for beach activities. The island is bustling with visitors, and popular attractions and beaches can be crowded. Ideal for sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and those looking to experience the lively atmosphere of Naxos' summer events and festivals.
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October): Mild temperatures make spring and fall pleasant times to visit, with warm days and cooler evenings. These seasons offer a comfortable balance between warmth and avoiding the intense heat of summer. Spring and fall are considered shoulder seasons, providing a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. Ideal for exploring historical sites, hiking, and enjoying outdoor activities without the summer crowds.
Special Considerations
If you're interested in local festivals and events, summer offers a vibrant atmosphere with various celebrations. However, the shoulder seasons also host cultural events and provide a more intimate experience.
The best time to visit Naxos depends on your preferences. If you prefer lively beach scenes and vibrant events, summer is ideal. For a more relaxed experience with milder weather and fewer crowds, consider spring or fall. Winter is suitable for those seeking a quieter, off-season experience with a focus on local culture and cuisine.
Sample Itineraries Including Naxos
Our sample itineraries will show you suggestions for what you can do, see, and the best places to stay while travelling in Naxos.
If you like the look of any of these below, let us know and we can completely tailor-make your trip so it is totally unique to you!
Top hotels in Naxos
18 Grapes
Naxian Collection
Nissaki Beach
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