Looking for the best way to maximize your time on Naxos? I have the perfect 3 Days in Naxos itinerary for you since I’m just coming back from spending some time on the island.
A bit of context on Naxos and why it’s one of my favorite islands in Greece – even better than Mykonos or Paros (maybe not Santorini or Crete).
Naxos is located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group in Greece. It is the largest island in the Cyclades and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Not only that, but Naxos has a super varied landscape – from sandy beaches to rugged mountains, with Mount Zas being the highest peak in the Cyclades.
➡️Fun Nerdy Fact: According to Greek mythology, it was on Naxos that Theseus abandoned Princess Ariadne after defeating the Minotaur in the labyrinth of Crete. Obviously, he was no modern hero – who abandons a princess?
Where to Stay in Naxos
Budget: Anatoli Hotel
- Anatoli Hotel has a great location with an added perk of the pool. While I don’t think you should stay in the pool all day when you’re surrounded by the Mediterranean, it’s sometimes nice to have your own little pool party for a minute.
Mid-Range: Princess Mare Hotel – Adults Only
– Princess Mare Hotel – Adults Only is a fantastic place a little outside the main town (but 5 minutes walking to everything). The highlights are their beachfront location, their terrace, the cleanliness of the property, and the proximity to one of my favorite restaurants in Naxos, To Elliniko Restaurant.
Luxury: Anapollo Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)
- Anapollo Boutique Hotel (Adults Only) property is absolutely gorgeous and you’ll be thankful for the breakfast before you start the day. The pool is fantastic, and the staff is very helpful.
3-Day Naxos Itinerary
I spent a few days on the island of Naxos as part of a bigger Greek island-hopping trip. Here is a relaxed but “maximizing” version of how to approach Naxos if you only have 3 days.
Naxos Itinerary Day 1: Explore Chora (Naxos Old Town)
The main town and port of the island are also called Naxos (or Chora). It is a charming town with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and Venetian architecture.
If you’re arriving on the morning ferry from Athens, you should be getting to Naxos around noon or 2 p.m. Take your time to check into your lodging and then head to a late lunch before exploring the shops and bars or Naxos Old Town.
Late Lunch at To Eliniko – this is one of the best Greek food restaurants in town, and you’ll see why as you walk up. Located a bit off the lungomare, the space is like a beautiful open-air garden.
This is a family business, owned several generations back, so the family feel is all around. I highly recommend the lamb chops and the fish. There’s also a badass vegetarian moussaka on the menu.
After lunch, you can either nap, explore the cute little town shops, or head to the local beach called
The prominent landmark in Naxos Town is the Portara, a giant gate that was once part of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo, and while I don’t recommend heading up the hot hill in full daylight, it is a great place to catch the sunset!
Sunset at Portara: It does get packed, so I recommend grabbing a drink at Bacco at sunset and then going to the hill a bit after the peak sunset hour (when the colors are prettiest). It is free, and the monument is about 500 meters from the port. The trek is not steep or long, but the wind is high on this part of the island, so beware of splashing waves.
Naxos town comes alive at night, so after sunset, walk around and head for late-night drinks at Avaton 1739 Rooftop – it’s where all the pretty people go for drinks!
This rooftop bar/restaurant was constructed inside an old monastery, and the vibe gives off a “chic date night” or a girls’ night out for fancy drinks!
It is a bit hard to find – as you’ll have to take the elevator to the rooftop bar on the 4th floor to arrive. Once there, you will have an amazing view of all of Naxos Old Town and delicious drinks to keep you company!
Naxos Itinerary Day 2: Naxos Beach Day
Naxos is renowned for its beautiful beaches, many of which boast golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Some of the popular beaches include Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and Mikri Vigla, among others.
We took the local bus from Naxos Port for about $5 each to all the beaches, spending 2-3 hours on each beach. All of them are wonderful, with managed umbrellas, music, beach restaurants, and lifeguards, but my favorite was Agia Anna.
➡️Fun Fact: There are plenty of opportunities for windsurfing and kitesurfing on the west side of the island and its beaches, as it’s quite windy!
At night, Plaka Beach is a bit more lively and full of young couples on dates, so keep that in your back pocket if you want to stay out late – taxis are always available to take you back into town.
Naxos Itinerary Day 3: Villages of Naxos
Beyond Naxos Town and beaches, the island is dotted with charming traditional villages that offer a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. Some of my favorite villages to explore include Apiranthos, Filoti, and Halki.
While you can rent a car, and this will give you all the flexibility you need for such a big island, the buses to the villages are frequent, inexpensive, and reliable. We toured all 3 villages by bus, and it cost us about $10 each roundtrip.
The people working at the bus station all speak English, are very knowledgeable, and write down the timeslots we should be catching the bus at each village to make the most of our day. The bus rides themselves are about 30 min each to each village.
➡️Fun Fact: Besides the picturesque villages, Naxos offers several interesting sights to visit. These include ancient ruins like the Temple of Demeter and the Kouros statues, which are large ancient marble sculptures of young men!
Frequently Asked Questions: Naxos Island
Here are a few frequently asked questions when thinking about visiting the island of Naxos.
What is so special about Naxos?
Naxos is a beautiful and diverse island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades island group in Greece – which also includes popular hotspots like Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros. That said, it is the largest island in the Cyclades and has a rich history dating back to ancient times.
Naxos has a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and Greek island charm, and there’s a local undisturbed feeling when you land that is unlike the more popular islands.
It feels more homey, smaller, and less “touristy” than the rest – there are also fewer people and cleaner, bigger beaches, in my opinion. Not to mention more reasonable prices than you will find on Mykonos or Paros.
Some people say that if you’ve seen one Greek island, you’ve seen them all, but those people are ignorant little travelers – each island has its personality, and Naxos has a good, peaceful, local vibe going.
How many days do you need in Naxos?
If I could, I would spend a month just exploring Naxos. After all, it is the biggest island in the Cyclades, and if you rent a car, the island is your oyster….
That said, I think 3 – 4 days is a good amount of time to explore the beaches, and the cute little mountain villages and even do a road trip to the more unexplored part of the island beyond the mountains.
When is the best time to visit Naxos?
The best time to visit Naxos is during the shoulder season – especially in September and October.
That said, it obviously depends on your preferences and what you are looking for in your vacation.
Naxos has a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Here are some considerations for each season:
Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season in Naxos, and it’s when the island experiences its hottest and driest weather. If you enjoy sunny days, swimming in warm waters, and vibrant nightlife, this is the time to visit. However, keep in mind that it can get crowded, and prices for accommodations and activities may be higher.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October): These shoulder seasons are excellent times to visit Naxos. The weather is pleasant with milder temperatures than in summer, making it more comfortable for exploring the island’s attractions and hiking its scenic trails.
Additionally, the island is less crowded during these months, and you may find better deals on accommodations.
Winter (November to March): Naxos experiences its off-season during winter. While it’s not the best time for beach activities, if you’re interested in a more tranquil experience, this could be a good option.
Some businesses and tourist services may close during this period, but you can still enjoy the local culture, food, and historic sites without the crowds.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Naxos depends on your preferences. If you prefer warm weather and vibrant nightlife, opt for the summer months. If you prefer milder weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting during the spring or autumn.
I’m not sure if I would recommend visiting in the winter, as the island is pretty shut down – consider Crete instead.
Which is prettier, Naxos or Paros?
A question that never gets old – which Greek Island is the prettiest? The answer is… it’s up to you to explore them all and judge for yourself. Sassiness aside, I like Naxos better than Paros for a few reasons:
✅The beaches are bigger and cleaner.
✅There are fewer tourists flocking to Naxos, so there’s more breathing room to explore the little mountain villages and cute little coastal towns.
✅The prices are not inflated on Naxos compared to Paros.
✅Naxos doesn’t feel as curated for mass tourism… yet.
How To Get Around In Naxos
The best way to get around in Naxos, especially if you are just staying 2-3 days, is by local bus. It operates frequently from the Naxos port, the workers all speak English and are incredibly helpful, and the prices are reasonable.
Not to mention the buses are reliable, air-conditioned, and mostly on time.
If you are spending a bit more time or want flexibility when exploring mountain villages, for example, you can also rent a car. The average cost during high season for an automatic car is about $50 – $80 a day.
You can also book boat tours or day trips with a tour operator, and they will take care of all your transportation!
Conclusion: 3-Day Naxos Itinerary
Remember that while Naxos has much to offer, part of the charm is also to take it easy, enjoy the local culture, and immerse yourself in the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
This 3-day Naxos itinerary I laid out does just that – gives you room to breathe and relax while showing you the best highlights, including some of my favorite restaurants and bars along the way.
This is a post by Guest Contributor Mariana.
Author’s Bio: After 10 years in corporate America, Mariana decided to hit the road and adventure. Now she is a full-time travel blogger, a citizen of both the US and the EU, and an all-out digital nomad focusing on road trips in Europe. Beyond that, she loves a good itinerary, a strong espresso, and an even stronger Negroni!
