Naxos is a Cycladic Island, which has rightly been listed in the top places of tourists’ preferences; it is a destination that combines many different things and caters to all tastes, such as beaches with crystal-clear waters, quiet picturesque mountain villages, restaurants offering delicious dishes and exciting nightlife. The town of Naxos (Chora) and the famous “Portara” are the first things visitors see when they arrive at the island.
So, let’s get started…of course with some of the wonderful beaches of the island!
Agios Prokopios
It is one of the most famous beaches on the island. Awarded for its turquoise clear waters, the beach of Agios Prokopios is a truly magnificent one. The beach is well organized, with umbrellas, sunbeds, and loungers. It is popular with young people who enjoy its crystal-clear waters and its cafés/beach bars. It is definitely the area to stay, eat and have fun from early in the morning till late, approx. 5 km from Chora and easily accessible by the island’s KTEL bus. The village of Agios Prokopios itself has many restaurants, taverns, and snack bars, as well as a wide variety of hotels and apartments for every taste and budget.
Agia Anna
Agia Anna is indeed one of the most attractive places in Naxos. It has a great beach with shallow waters, which is organized with lots of facilities. The view of the sunset, as the sun sets behind the neighboring island of Paros, makes Agia Anna one of the most popular destinations on Naxos Island.
Plaka
Plaka can be accessed via the route that connects it with Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna beaches. It extends for approximately 4 km, which makes it a very long beach. It is suitable for all ages and families with young children. However, only parts of it are organized. Also, some parts of it are ideal for nudists. In the 70s it used to be a favorite destination for hippies. Its accommodation options consist mainly of small family-owned units and a few big hotels. There are taverns on the beach with excellent views and great local cuisine.
Mikri Vigla
It is located on the southwest side of Naxos, 16 km from Chora, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean. Mikri Vigla is famous for its golden sand that goes into the crystal-clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Untouched by mass tourism. Mikri Vigla has maintained the traditional Cycladic architecture combined with the wild beauty of the coastal landscape.
It actually consists of two beaches, “Parthena” and “Limanaki”. “Parthena”, the North beach, is worldwide known for the “Meltemi” wind that appeals to windsurfers and kitesurfers and so it is more suitable for sports. The “Limanaki” beach, as its name denotes, creates a natural safe harbor for small boats and it is one of the most attractive beaches in the Cyclades for swimming.
Alyko
Alyko, also known as “Hawaii beach”, is a beautiful beach on the southwestern side of Naxos, only 18 km south of Chora and just after the beaches of Kastraki and Glyfada. This special region consists of many small bays, with soft white sand and turquoise waters.
Above the beach of Alyko, there is a unique cedar forest with marvelous sand dunes, which has been declared a protected natural area. Generally speaking, it is a lovely place to relax, away from organized beaches and bustling places.
Naxos Island is famous not only for its beaches but also for other attractive sights, which you must see.
One of them is certainly the famous “Portara”, a huge marble gate dedicated to the temple of Apollo, dating from the 6th century BC. There you can enjoy the sunset that will truly take your breath away! Stroll into the quaint streets of Chora! The Venetian castle, the medieval architecture, and the small white-washed alleys will take you on a journey.
Chora is ideal for evening walks for food, cocktails, and fun! If you are a cocktail lover, then the Swing Cocktail Bar is your place! It offers cocktails for all tastes on a terrace overlooking the sea. On the other hand, if you are a morning person and bars are not your style, then you can start your day with a hearty breakfast at Gemma Naxian Bistro. Naxos graviera and of course potatoes must be on your menu!!
Something that is really impressive about this island is its mountain villages!
Apiranthos
Apiranthos is one of the most picturesque and popular mountain villages of Naxos. It is also known as “the marble village”, which will charm you with its narrow streets and Venetian architecture. Apiranthos is also particularly popular for the authentic Naxos cuisine, as visitors will find there the nicest taverns on the island.
Furthermore, this village has three interesting museums, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Folk Art, and the Geological Museum, and the largest library in the Cyclades.
Halki
It is a small village with impressive architecture! Its old mansions, the bright colors in the paved courtyards, and the dense bougainvillea trees create a dreamy setting that is one of the most picturesque parts of the Cyclades. In addition, the traditional art of weaving is still preserved there where visitors can buy wonderful textiles.
Filoti
It is the largest village of Naxos and one of the largest in the Cyclades. The village is amphitheatrically built at the foot of Zas Mountain and it is a lively place with lots of bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The festival which takes place on the fifteenth of August is an event you shouldn’t miss.
Apollonas
It is a beautiful fishing village that has been inhabited since antiquity, probably on account of the marble quarry. Its beach is lined with taverns, cafes, tourist shops, as well as rooms to let and hotels.
It is an ideal place for relaxing holidays. Just a few meters outside the entrance to the village, you can see the impressive “Kuros of Apollo”, a half-finished statue about 11 meters high, which dates back to the 6th century BC, and archaeologists believe it represents the god Dionysus.
Naxos is really impressive not only for its natural beauty but also for its flavors and aura! It is a welcoming island where locals are kind and hospitable. Naxos is definitely an ideal island for families, couples, and also for the youth! Perhaps it is time to visit it!
