Naxos Experiences Our Local Guide to the Island
Beaches • Boat Trips • Restaurants • Water Sports • Day Trips • Villages
This is our honest, personal guide to Naxos — the places we send our guests, the spots we return to ourselves, and a few hidden gems that don't make it onto the usual tourist lists. "What should we do while we're here?" It's the question we get asked most. Here is our answer.
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades — long sandy beaches, a mountainous interior, medieval villages, ancient sites, and genuinely good food. It tends to reward guests who slow down and explore at their own pace rather than rush around. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here.
🏖️ Beaches
You're staying at one of the best beach destinations in Greece — make the most of it. The western coast of Naxos is lined with some of the finest sandy beaches in the Aegean, and most of them are within easy reach of the villa.
Plaka Beach — Your Home Beach
Eight minutes on foot from the villa, Plaka is one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted sand in the Cyclades. Crystal-clear water, soft golden sand, and enough space that you'll always find your own quiet corner — even in August. The north end is the liveliest, with beach bars and water sports. The south end is calmer and great for families.
Agia Anna Beach
A short distance away, Agia Anna blends traditional charm with seaside convenience. Enjoy relaxed waterfront dining and a picturesque harbour, before returning to the privacy and comfort of your villa.
Mikri Vigla & Kastraki
A scenic drive south reveals the natural beauty of Mikri Vigla and Kastraki. Known for their unique landscapes and open horizons, they’re perfect for a day of exploration before retreating back to your peaceful base.
Agios Prokopios
Close by, Agios Prokopios offers a lively yet refined beach experience with turquoise waters and inviting surroundings — ideal for a change of pace while staying within easy reach of your villa.
🍽️ Where to Eat
Naxos is the breadbasket of the Cyclades — famous for its potatoes, citrus, honey, local cheeses, and lamb. Eating well here is easy. These are the places we genuinely recommend to our guests, from barefoot beach lunches to special-occasion dinners.
Yazoo Summer Bliss
Right on Plaka Beach, Yazoo is the go-to spot for a full day at the sand. The menu blends Naxian and Cretan flavours, the cocktails are excellent, and on full moon nights they host parties that last until 3am. A great spot to park yourself for the day.
Santana Beach Club
Santana is a beach club on Plaka with signature cocktails, mezze plates, and a lively atmosphere. They usually run beach parties on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with a house DJ.
Liatero
Around 5pm, Liatero usually transitions from a beach bar into a dinner venue with tables right on the sand. A good spot to watch the sunset over dinner. Book ahead in July and August.
Akrogiali & Palatia
Two beloved traditional tavernas side by side on Agia Anna beach. Fresh fish, grilled octopus, proper Greek salads with Naxian feta, and cold local wine. No frills, no fuss — exactly what a Greek island lunch should be. Arrive early for a sea-view table.
Stou Vasilarakiou Tavern
A third-generation family tavern in Kinidaros village, known for its kokkoretsi, kontosouvli, and lamb chops cooked over charcoal. A 30-minute drive into the mountains — book ahead as it fills up fast.
Taverna Paradisos
A Greek taverna close serving fresh fish and traditional home cooking. Relaxed and friendly — a good spot for a long, unhurried dinner.
Lagogianni Bakery
A Naxian family institution. Stop here on your way to the beach for their famous orange cake, fresh pastries, or a proper Greek coffee. The perfect way to start a morning on the island.
Maistrali
A traditional Greek restaurant within walking distance of the villa. A straightforward option for a sit-down meal close to home.
Savaya Naxos
A beach bar along the Plaka shoreline — a relaxed spot for drinks and light food with your feet in the sand.
Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant
A beach bar and restaurant on Plaka, serving food and drinks through the day. A convenient option when you don't want to stray far from the water.
Axiotissa
A charming local Greek taverna offering authentic flavors in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
🏄 Water Activities at Plaka
Plaka Beach has a good range of water activities right on the sand — from leisurely paddling to fun boat-towed rides. It's a great place to spend an active morning before lunch. Equipment and activities are available directly on the beach throughout the season.
SUP, Kayak & Snorkelling
Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear are available for rent on Plaka Beach. The water is calm and clear most mornings — a relaxed way to explore the coastline at your own pace.
Banana Rides, Tubes & Towed Activities
For something more energetic, the watersports station on Plaka Beach offers banana rides, tubes, and wakeboarding. A fun option for families and groups, and something to keep kids entertained for a morning.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
If kitesurfing or windsurfing is on your list, Mikri Vigla — a short drive south — is the recognised spot on Naxos for wind sports, with schools and equipment rental available there.
Swimming & Snorkelling
The water along Plaka is clear and calm, particularly in the mornings. The rocky edges at the north and south ends of the beach are worth exploring with a mask — there's plenty to see beneath the surface.
🐎 More Activities Nearby
Beyond the beach, there are a couple of activities available in the area that guests occasionally ask about.
Horse Riding
There is a horse riding facility in the Plaka area. A nice way to see the landscape from a different angle — worth looking up locally for current availability and booking.
Go-Karting
There is a go-kart track in the area, a short drive from the villa. A fun option for families and groups looking for something different from the beach.
🏛️ Explore Naxos
Beyond the beaches, Naxos has more to discover than most visitors realise. The island's interior is a world away from the coast — marble mountains, Byzantine churches, medieval villages, and ancient temples hidden among olive groves.
Naxos Town (Chora) & The Portara
Naxos Town is one of the most beautiful capitals in the Cyclades. Start with the Portara — the giant marble doorway of an unfinished temple to Apollo that sits on its own islet at the entrance to the harbour. At sunset, hundreds of people gather here and it earns every visitor it gets. From there, walk up into the Kastro — a medieval Venetian fortification from 1207, with narrow alleyways, Catholic churches, and sweeping views over the town. Allow a full evening for Chora; it rewards slow wandering.
The Marble Village: Apiranthos
Apiranthos is a well-preserved mountain village with cobblestone streets paved in white marble and a handful of small museums. About 35 minutes by car from the villa — a pleasant stop if you're driving through the island interior.
Koronos
One of the most scenic villages on the island, Koronos sits high in the mountains with terraced hillsides and well-preserved stone architecture. If you're driving through the north of the island, it's worth stopping here for lunch or dinner. Dalas Tavern and Matina & Stavros Tavern are both local options worth trying.
Halki & the Fragrant Valley
Halki was once the capital of Naxos and is now home to excellent traditional distilleries producing the island's famous Kitron liqueur — made from the leaves of the citron tree, unique to Naxos. Stop at Vallindras Distillery for tasting and a look at the 19th-century equipment still in use. The village is also a starting point for beautiful walks through olive groves and past Byzantine chapels.
Filoti & Mount Zas
The picturesque village of Filoti rests at the foot of Mount Zas (Zeus), the highest peak in the Cyclades at 1,001m. From here, a scenic trail leads toward the summit, passing through the legendary Cave of Zas — a place steeped in myth and long associated with Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. The hike, approximately 2.5 hours, rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of timeless connection to the island’s ancient spirit. For a more comfortable experience, we recommend setting out early in the morning, before the warmth of the day unfolds.
Temple of Demeter
Tucked away near the village of Sangri, the Temple of Demeter is a beautifully restored sanctuary dating back to around 530 BC, crafted from fine Naxian marble. Surrounded by tranquil olive groves, it offers a serene glimpse into the island’s rich ancient heritage. A quiet and elegant stop, ideal for those exploring the heart of Naxos.
The Kouroi Statues
Naxos has several abandoned ancient marble statues — large figures left unfinished in the quarries where they were made. The Kouros at Apollonas in the north of the island is the largest. Worth seeing if you're exploring the island by car.
⛵ Naxos Boat Trips
Some of the best experiences on Naxos happen on the water. Whether you want a lazy day on a catamaran, a sailing adventure to the Small Cyclades, or a traditional wooden boat trip to hidden sea caves, there's an option for every kind of traveller. Boats run May through October.
Small Cyclades Sailing Cruise
A full-day sailing trip to the Small Cyclades — Koufonisia, Schinoussa, and Donoussa — with swimming stops and an on-board lunch. A popular excursion for those who want a day on the water.
Catamaran Day Cruise
For a more relaxed, sociable day on the water, the catamaran cruises along the southern Naxos and Paros coast offer great swimming stops, a proper lunch on board, and all the space you need to lie in the sun.
Delos & Mykonos Day Trip
Delos is an important archaeological site, accessible only by boat, and a worthwhile excursion for those with an interest in ancient history. Departs from Naxos port.
Traditional Boat to Rina Cave
Traditional wooden caïque trips from Agia Anna harbour stop at local sea caves and include a BBQ lunch on board. A relaxed day on the water without travelling far from home.
🗺️ Day Trips from Naxos
If you'd like to see more of the Cyclades during your stay, ferry connections from Naxos make it straightforward to visit neighbouring islands for a day. Most guests find that Naxos itself keeps them well occupied — but the option is there if you want it.
Delos
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an interesting half-day excursion for those with an interest in ancient history. Accessible by boat from Naxos port.
Paros
Less than an hour by ferry. Paros has beautiful villages, great beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. An easy and enjoyable day trip from Naxos.
Koufonisia
A pair of small islands reachable by boat from Naxos. Often combined with an organised boat trip if you'd like a day on the water.
Mykonos
Often combined with a Delos visit as a day trip from Naxos. Ferry connections are straightforward from Naxos port.
Santorini
Reachable by high-speed ferry from Naxos. An option for those who want to fit in a visit during their stay.
Small Cyclades
Schinoussa, Donoussa, and Iraklia are small islands accessible by ferry or organised boat trip from Naxos.
🛍️ Local Shopping & Naxian Flavours
Naxos produces some of the finest ingredients in Greece. Leaving without stocking up on local products would be a genuine missed opportunity — these are the things worth bringing home.
Kitron Liqueur
Made exclusively on Naxos from the leaves of the citron tree, Kitron is one of the most unique spirits in Greece. Visit the Vallindras Distillery in Halki for a tasting and a tour of the 19th-century production room. Available in yellow (sweet), green (medium), and clear (dry) varieties. A perfect gift to bring home.
Graviera & Arseniko Cheese
Naxian Graviera is a firm, nutty cheese made from the milk of free-ranging cattle. Arseniko is its sharper, aged cousin. Both are produced on the island and available at local shops and the market in Naxos Town.
Naxian Potatoes
Naxian potatoes are well-known across Greece, grown in the fertile mountain valleys of the island's interior. If you see a roadside stall on your way to the villages, they are worth picking up.
Thyme Honey & Olive Oil
Naxian thyme honey is intensely aromatic, produced from the wild thyme that covers the island's hillsides. Combined with local olive oil and fresh bread, it makes for a great island breakfast. Look for it at the market in Chora or farm shops near the mountain villages.