Naxos island info

Naxos

Overview

On our most recent visit to Naxos, we were amazed how much there is to see and do on this, the largest island in the Cyclades. From the quaint, narrow alleyways of Chora, the main town, to the gorgeous empty, sandy beaches of the west coast, Naxos will reveal its full beauty if you are prepared to move around.

A good place to start is the Kastro in old Chora. The narrow, fragmented covered streets with many twists and turns reveal dead ends, corbels and balconies. Beautiful churches vie with attractive courtyards and mansions festooned with flowers. The archaeological museum is home to artefacts from as early as the 3rd millennium BC. Getting lost is not an option, as all paths and roads will eventually lead steeply down to the harbour front. Although not eye-catchingly attractive as some Cycladic port town promenades, Chora does possess many excellent tavernas, with evening revelry limited to plenty of cafes and bars. A short stroll from the harbour front, over a small headland and you reach the sandy, town beach of Agios Georgos. Carpeted with beach umbrellas and loungers at the town end, more seclusion is assured if one continues to amble round the long sweeping, sandy bay, passing various watersports possibilities along the way including waterskiing and windsurfing.

South of Chora, the Naxos coastline is dotted with superb, sandy beaches. Agios Prokopios is one such area, linked to Chora by a regular bus service taking about 10 minutes. A magnificent swathe of golden yellow sand is fringed by a good selection of eating and drinking establishments. Water sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed, nor will beach-lovers who will be able bask in the neighbouring sandy bays of Agia Anna and Plaka both of which have their own microcosm of tourist facilities, including tavernas, cafes and mini-markets.Travel almost as far as one can on asphalt southwest of Chora and one reaches beach heaven at Kastraki. The images in on this site do not do justice to this gloriously unspoilt part of Naxos? coastline with mile upon mile of sandy beaches being the predominant feature. On each subsequent visit to this area, it never ceases to amaze us how the great travelling public have not caught wind of this gem. If your idea of a great holiday is lazing on great beaches, snorkelling among rocky outcrops, exploring shallow rock pools and eating in secluded, tree shaded tavernas, you will not be disappointed. Keen windsurfers can walk to the neighbouring bay of Mikri Vigla to indulge themselves at the school based there.

Twin centre and Island Hopping:

Naxos can be combined with Athens, Amorgos, Astypalea, Donoussa, Iraklia, Koufonissia, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini and almost all Greek island.

Car Hire:

Please contact us for exact prices.

Things To Do

Naxos and Naxos Travel Agency offers a very wide programme of excursions and activities. Coach tours around the island are the easiest way to appreciate the ancient monuments and natural beauty of Naxos.

There is also a walking tour of the Venetian Castle in Chora. The more active may want to join one of the 4 walks with guide. The areas of Naxos that are included in these walks are the Olive Groves of Tragea, the river of Kinidaros, the villages of central Naxos and the area of Sangri with its Venetian towers and temple of Demeter.

Exploring by mountain bike is another possibility with 4 routes to choose from.

A horse riding centre is based in Naxos offering everything from 4 hours riding in the Naxos or Plaka area (beginners are welcome) to more adventurous journeys for 1 or 2 days.

Out on the water, windsurfing, water-skiing and jet skiing are all readily available. Boat excursions are also numerous. Daily caique boats visit the virgin beaches of southeast Naxos which are inaccessible by land whilst larger vessels,Excursions by sea,visit Mykonos/Delos, Paros, Santorini and Koufonissia/Iraklia

Yachts from 30 to 131 feet are available for charter either by the hour or by the day.