The Greek island Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands in the southern Aegean Sea and truly a hidden gem. Surrounded by the waves of the turquoise blue sea, Naxos boasts picturesque beaches and a unique blend of nature, history and Greek lifestyle. Endless sandy beaches invite you to sunbath or windsurf, while hiking trails through olive groves and dreamy mountain villages lead through the green interior of the island. Here you will find adventure, culture and unforgettable sunsets.
Naxos is a real insider tip away from the mass tourism you find on Santorini or Mykonos.
In this post, I would like to show you the most beautiful places on the island of Naxos to make your trip unforgettable! As always, you will find a map where I have marked all the highlights and my insider tips for Naxos.
When is the best time to visit Naxos Island?
The best time to visit Naxos Island is between spring and autumn. In May, June, September and October, the weather is usually pleasantly warm – ideal for swimming, hiking or excursions. In July and August, however, it can get very hot, and the island is more crowded during the holiday season. Therefore, it is better to avoid these two months.
How many days are ideal for exploring the island of Naxos?
I recommend planning at least five days to experience a good mix of sightseeing, beach time and nature. This leaves enough time to discover both the old town of Naxos and the traditional villages in the interior of the island. In between, you can relax on the long beaches or go on short hikes. If you want to take it easy or discover even more insider tips on Naxos, it’s best to stay a little longer.
How do you get to the island of Naxos?
The easiest way to get to Naxos is by domestic flight from Athens – the flight time is only about 40 minutes. If you are planning to go island hopping, you can also easily reach Naxos by ferry, for example from Paros, Santorini or Mykonos. The connection to the neighbouring island of Paros is particularly suitable for a day trip. Ferries run regularly and are a relaxed way to travel through the Cyclades.
What is the best way to get around the island of Naxos?
You should definitely book a small rental car. This will give you the flexibility to easily reach remote beaches, villages and all of Naxos’ hidden gems. The roads are well developed, and with a car you can discover the island at your own pace. Public buses run regularly, but are less convenient if you want to travel independently.
My Naxos hotel tips:
- Akre Hotel – Cosy adults-only hotel with sea view, sunset view pool and individual suites → Book your stay here!
- Naxos Pantheon Luxury Apartment – Cute apartments, quietly located, ideal for families or friends → Book your stay here!
- Naxos Hotel Poseidon – Bright boutique hotel in Naxos Town, ideal location, unique design → Book your stay here!
My map showing the most beautiful sights on the island of Naxos:
The most beautiful towns and sights on Naxos, Greece
🏛️ Temples
Temple of Demeter
The Temple of Demeter was built over 2,500 years ago in honour of the goddess of fertility and harvest. It was intended to ensure that the surrounding fields remained fertile – a central concern for agriculture at the time. The building material is particularly impressive: the finest marble from Naxos, for which the island is still famous today. In the past, it was used to make the roof tiles for the ancient Olympia Temple and the Acropolis in Athens. The Temple of Demeter is idyllically situated in the middle of the countryside. You can easily combine your visit with a short hike or a trip to the interior of the island.
Portara of the Temple of Apollo
The Portara of the Temple of Apollo is one of the most famous landmarks of Naxos – and yet a real insider tip if you want to experience the sunset in a special way. It stands on a small offshore island directly in front of the port city and capital of Naxos – called Naxos town – and can be reached on foot via a narrow path in the sea.
The Temple of Apollo was never completed and all that remains today is the imposing marble gate, over 2,500 years old, through the centre of which the sun sets spectacularly in the evening. This makes the Portara a very popular spot in the evening. Many locals and tourists bring wine or a cold beer with them to enjoy the spectacle in a relaxed atmosphere. Afterwards, it’s worth having dinner on the promenade in the town of Naxos – within walking distance and with a view of the sea and a large selection of restaurants.
🇬🇷 Places worth seeing on the island of Naxos
Chalki
Chalki – for me, probably the cutest village in the centre of the island of Naxos – offers a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the coast. In the small alleys, you will find lovingly run cafés, cute restaurants and shops selling local products and handicrafts. The village invites you to stroll, linger and enjoy – without any hustle and bustle. Chalki is perfect for a relaxing day trip to the interior of the island.
Filoti
Filoti is a charming mountain village on Naxos and slightly larger than neighbouring Chalki – also perfect for a relaxing trip away from the beaches. Here you can shop for souvenirs, stroll through the shady alleys or take a break in one of the cafés. The walk from the Old Cinema café to the Eglise de la Vierge de Filoti church is particularly charming: a photogenic alleyway with small shops, traditional houses and typical Cycladic flair. I could spend the whole day strolling along here. Filoti is an insider tip on Naxos for anyone who wants to discover authentic island life.
⛰️ Nature on the island of Naxos
The nature on Naxos is surprisingly diverse and a real highlight of the island. Unlike many other Cycladic islands, which tend to be barren and dry, Naxos is characterised by mountains, green valleys and lush vegetation. Between olive groves, shady hiking trails and small springs, you can discover the unspoilt landscape and enjoy magnificent views. This special combination of sea, mountains and Mediterranean nature makes Naxos unique.
The mountains around Filoti not only offer great hiking trails, but also viewpoints that you can easily reach by car – another insider tip on Naxos. We were particularly impressed by the picturesque view of the small white church of Agia Marina, which we discovered on the way to the Fotodotis monastery. There are more than 500 such typical white churches scattered across the island – many of them hidden in the mountainous landscape, making every excursion something special. For a population of only around 19,000, this is an astonishing number and shows how deeply rooted faith and tradition are on Naxos.
🏖️ The beaches of Naxos Island
The beaches on Naxos are among the most beautiful in Greece – spacious, with fine sand and often turquoise blue water. Especially on the west coast, one dream beach follows another. Despite their beauty, most beaches are never overcrowded – ideal for swimming, sunbathing and unwinding. If you prefer something more active, some spots also offer good conditions for windsurfing or kitesurfing.
Hawaii Beach
Hawaii Beach on Naxos lives up to its name and is an insider tip for anyone looking for a secluded bay with turquoise blue water and fine sand. It is somewhat hidden and can only be reached via a short but partly slippery footpath – but you will be rewarded with an almost deserted backdrop. The waves are ideal for swimming, but this makes the beach less suitable for small children. As there are no shops or snack bars in the area, you should bring enough food with you, but believe me, it’s worth it!
Mikri Vigla Beach
Mikri Vigla Beach on the island of Naxos is ideal for families and anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. The expansive sandy beach offers shallow access to the water, hardly any waves and plenty of space to play and relax. It is easily accessible by car, and you are only a few steps away from the sea. At the beginning of the beach, there is a restaurant, a small shop and the option to rent sun loungers and parasols. If you prefer a quieter spot, simply walk a little further – it gets much less crowded there.
🌅 Two more of my insider tips for the island of Naxos:
Sunset dinner at Restaurant Rotonda
Restaurant Rotonda is picturesquely located in the mountains of Naxos and offers breathtaking views – the atmosphere here is especially unique at sunset. From the terrace, you can see not only the island itself, but also some of the surrounding Cycladic islands. In addition to the view, the cuisine also impresses with delicious dishes and a fine selection of wines, all at fair prices. A real highlight for a special dinner on the island. Important: Be sure to reserve in advance and ask specifically for a table with a direct view.
Routsouna Waterfall
A hidden oasis in the heart of the island of Naxos is the Routsouna Waterfall near the village of Keramoti – something you would not expect to find on a Cycladic island. After a short, idyllic hike through the green landscape, you will reach a small, hidden waterfall in the middle of the quiet interior of Naxos. Especially in summer, it offers a refreshing change from the beach and sea. You will hardly meet anyone else along the way – perfect if you want to experience Naxos off the beaten track. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to see this magical waterfall ourselves, but it’s definitely on our must-do list for our next visit.
The most beautiful places on the island of Naxos – my summary
I am always fascinated by how many wonderful places there are on our planet. The dreamlike island of Naxos enchanted me from the very first moment – with its natural beauty, rich history and the warm hospitality of its people. I was particularly impressed by the varied landscape with its green mountains, small villages and sun-drenched beaches. Naxos remains a very special place for me – one that I definitely want to return to.
I hope my article has convinced you that Naxos belongs on your Greece bucket list! And when your next trip takes you to this special island, you will quickly realise that I have not promised you too much!
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