A friend of mine wrote to me from Naxos, Greece, this week talking about all the fun things he was doing there. I then realised we went there with my parents this Spring for a flash tour and I hadn’t written about it!!
We took a boat trip from Santorini to Naxos Island on 4 April 2024. Seajets, was the operator of the ferry, and we chose the Express Jet because the trip is only an hour and a half long. It cost €50 per person, which was worth it considering the amount of travel time we were cutting out by taking a boat.
We arrived in to the port area in the early evening and right away found a taxi driver who agreed to take us to our hotel for €10 (half the price of the official hotel transfer cost). We made friends with the driver and I was very happy to have gotten his number as it came in handy later on our four day visit.
We stayed at Princess of Naxos. It was a very comfortable hotel with large rooms, modern features, and our own patio and kitchen. Our hotel was about a half hour walk to the port. The port at night is lively, with a boardwalk and lots of restaurants. When picking a hotel I would recommend one that’s close to the port. Even if you have a rental car (and no car park space at your hotel) there’s a public parking area about 15 minutes walk from the port area.
Since it’s a large island, there is more hotel room inventory, which means that prices are driven down. Not only will you save money on hotel costs, prices for everything from restaurants to activities to renting a vehicle are much cheaper since Naxos is a less touristic island.
Our first day we relaxed at the hotel in the morning. My daughter loved the plastic house and play area. It was a bit too early in the season for swimming in the pool (the water was still cold) but we went into the ocean nearby. The main beach of the city was a ten minutes walk from the hotel across a main road and along a nature path to the sea. We would walk the beach route to Naxos Town every day, one day even seeing horses being walked back to their stables.
In the town, since it was still off season it was easy to find places to eat. Our first night we found Maro restaurant downtown and kept going back there for it’s original Greek dishes, good price and fun decor. My moms favourite dish was the greek aubergine dip with lots of garlic in it, we all liked it.
Early afternoon on our first full day we took the walk uphill to the old town in Naxos. Many travel agencies and tours were still shut because it was early April so we guided ourselves. We enjoyed walking the almost empty labyrinth of alleys that comprise Old Town Naxos. It contained numerous shops, and restaurants which passed as you wound in and out of covered walkways to the top of the hill.
At the top is Kastro, the 13th century Venetian castle. The castle was closed the first time we went there because it closes at three pm in off season. We didn’t mind coming back again before 3 pm the next day as it is a very picturesque walk. We stopped on the way at a charming outdoor cafe for lunch called Mbebeka. It has good food, nice service, an outside eating area and fun decor!
After lunch we walked through the Old Market of Bourgos and up to the 13th century Venetian Castle (Kastro). Afterwards we went to the Archeological Museum containing amazing artifacts from 5300 BC and beyond. It should be mentioned that these sites require a lot of walking and have many stairs so are impossible if you are injured in any way.
We often got lost, but that added to the experience, and eventually, we made it to the Temple of Apollo, a beautiful solitary site dating back to the 6th century. We also enjoyed Alyko Beach nearby.
There were many narrow roads in Naxos and none of us fancied driving. I enquired about a day tour for us at the hotel but they quoted us €350 which was a bit steep. On a whim I called our taxi driver and bargained the price down with him to €100 for a 3 hour tour including three main tourist spots.It was hard to choose but we were pleased with our choice for the temple of Dionysus, the Pottery Limpertas Manolis Visit and Workshop (15 minutes) and the temple of Demeter.
Our first stop was Dionysus, where we discovered it used to be a temple of wine and there was a vineyard on the property. The people of Naxos worshipped Dionysus because he blessed their island with rich vineyards. Naxos was one of the cult centers of Dionysus in Ancient Greece. The site of the sanctuary was a place for a fertility cult as early as 1400 BC and a number temples were constructed on the site prior to the final temple, which is now mostly gone. There was a small museum explaining the history of the temple on the site.
Pottery Limpertas Manolis. This is a family pottery business handed down for four generations. Manolis Lybertas, the oldest fourth-generation potter, got his knowledge passed down which includes knowing how to make the sfouni (the jug they would pour wine out of the big jar with), the tyromethira (holed jar for drying cheese) and many copies of other types of pottery.
He gave us an exhibit of how he makes the pottery, in his workshop on the side of the shop in Damalas, how to shape the clay, and the different products used every day. Although he doesn’t speak English, his daughter and son were able to. I chose a beautiful little cup which was unique and special for Naxos. My mom bought my daughter a pink pottery bird whistle. Maya loved watching the pottery made, as it was her first time ever seeing a creative process like that.
Our next and last stop was the temple of Demeter. It was a long walk from the road up the hill to the temple. We loved it when sheep herders and their sheep suddenly appeared on the road. We walked through the sheep up the rocky path, following the signs to the temple. We enjoyed the lizards and butterflies that followed us. The flowers, sticks and stones along the way were more interesting to my daughter than any actual temple.
We fell behind my parents as we slowly made it up the hill. It was not overly hot and a gentle breeze guided us along. It was lovely to be in nature alone on the pathway, enjoying the amazing scenery around us. By the time we reached the top though my daughter was tired out and not too thrilled with touring the museum or the ruins. We headed back before my parents to the car.
We ended our tour at the Diogenes cafe in the harbour which has a selection of amusing cocktail names.
My friends went to one of the traditional villages, Apeiranthos in Naxosto and saw the ancient olive tree, a tree dating back four thousand years ago! According to them everywhere is reachable via bus except maybe the ancient olive tree.
After sightseeing and relaxing for four days we were ready for our next adventure and headed to the ferry to Athens. It left at 6 pm and arrived at 11:20 pm and was comfortable with lounge chairs and plenty of food and drink to purchase from the bars and restaurants on deck.
Overall we enjoyed Naxos, it was a cheaper less crowded destination than many in the Greek Islands. I understand that in high season the island is much more crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naxos, Greece
How do I get to Naxos, Greece?
Naxos can be reached by ferry from Athens (Piraeus or Rafina ports) or other Cycladic islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros. There’s also a small airport with flights from Athens.
Is Naxos too touristy?
Naxos is a popular island destination in Greece. It attracts a significant number of tourists each year.
Is Santorini or Naxos better?
Naxos is the better Greek island of the two. It offers more varied landscapes, more archaeological sites, and a more authentic local culture compared to the more touristy Santorini.
How many days in Naxos is enough?
To experience the island fully, a stay of 3 to 5 days is recommended. This allows time for beach visits, exploring villages, and seeing historical sites.
What is special about Naxos, Greece?
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands in Greece. It is known for its picturesque Chora town, Byzantine churches, and ancient archaeological sites.
Is Naxos good for families?
Yes, Naxos, Greece is family-friendly with plenty of shallow, sandy beaches, cultural sites, and local villages to explore. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and variety of outdoor activities make it a great destination for children.
When is the best time to visit Naxos?
The best time to visit Naxos is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the peak tourist months, so for fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September. Saying that, we had a lovely time visiting in April, the only downside was the water was a bit too cold!
Are there any archaeological sites in Naxos?
Yes, Naxos has many archaeological sites, including the Temple of Demeter, the Portara temple (Gate of the Temple of Apollo), and several ancient kouros (statues) located around the island.
Can I do island hopping from Naxos?
Yes, Naxos is well-connected by ferry to other Cycladic islands like Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, and Koufonisia, making it a great base for island hopping.
Is Naxos a good destination for outdoor activities?
Naxos offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, windsurfing, quad biking, kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving. Its mountainous terrain is great for nature enthusiasts.
What local foods should we try?
Greek food is very kid-friendly! Try local dishes like souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) or pita with tzatziki. Desserts like loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) and fresh local honey are a hit with kids. Fresh fruit like watermelon and figs are also widely available.
5 Fun Facts About Naxos for Kids
The Island of a Greek God: Naxos is said to be the mythological home of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Kids can hike Mount Zas, which is named after him
A Giant Marble Gateway: The Portara, a massive marble gateway, is one of Naxos’ most famous landmarks. It’s like a doorway leading straight into history!
Sweet Tooth Paradise: Naxos is famous for its Kitron liqueur, made from local citron fruit, but kids will love the honey-drenched sweets and homemade ice creams found everywhere.
The Furry Donkeys: Donkeys are a traditional part of life on the island, and kids might spot them in the villages or even take a short ride!
Pumice Stone Wonder: Naxos is known for its pumice stone beaches, where you might find lightweight volcanic stones that float on water – perfect for kids to explore!
Do locals in Naxos welcome families and young children?
Absolutely! Greek culture places a strong emphasis on family, and locals are incredibly welcoming toward children. Don’t be surprised if restaurant staff and shop owners go out of their way to make kids feel special.
What is Naxos, Greece famous for?
Naxos is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Known as the largest island in the Cyclades, it boasts sandy shores like Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla, perfect for relaxation or watersports. Naxos is also steeped in mythology, celebrated as the place where Zeus grew up and where Theseus abandoned Ariadne.
Visitors flock to see landmarks like the Portara, an ancient marble gate, and the hilltop villages like Apeiranthos, where traditional life thrives. Its delicious local food, including cheeses, potatoes, and the famous Kitron liqueur, makes it a culinary delight. Whether you’re into history, nature, or simply soaking up Greek island vibes, Naxos has something special for everyone.
Is Naxos a cheap island?
Naxos is often considered more affordable than some other popular Greek islands like Mykonos or Santorini. Its wide range of accommodations includes budget-friendly options, and dining at local tavernas offers delicious traditional meals at reasonable prices.
Activities such as exploring beaches, hiking scenic trails, or visiting historic sites like the Portara often come at little to no cost. Overall, Naxos provides great value for travelers seeking a less commercialized and more authentic Greek island experience without breaking the bank
Is Naxos safe for families?
Naxos is generally a very safe destination, making it ideal for families, solo travellers, and groups alike. The island has a warm, welcoming vibe, and crime rates are low. Visitors often praise the friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere. Like any travel destination, it’s wise to follow standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and being cautious on unfamiliar roads, especially if you rent a scooter or car. Overall, Naxos offers a peaceful and secure environment for a memorable Greek island adventure.
Also check out:
Athens, a city of highs and lows
Chilling in Chalkida
Sunsets in Santorini
Navigating Napfilio
Packing essentials for family trips and Safety Tips for Family Travel
How to find the best flight deals
