Naxos Holidays

Discover Naxos, Beyond the Beautiful Beaches

If you’re looking for a Greek island with beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, mountain scenery and traditional villages, Naxos has plenty to discover.

The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos combines long sandy beaches and turquoise waters with fertile valleys, olive groves and picturesque mountain villages. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a lovely choice for couples, families and travellers who enjoy exploring beyond the coast.

With a lively harbour town, excellent walking opportunities and ferry connections to neighbouring islands, Naxos is also one of our favourite places to include in a Greek island-hopping holiday.

• Beautiful beaches & turquoise bays

• Vibrant Naxos Town, ancient ruins & traditional villages

• Mountain walks, watersports & Greek island hopping

At Mapping Your Travel, we can help you plan a Naxos holiday around the places you’d love to experience, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach escape, an active adventure or a few days on the island as part of a longer Greek itinerary.

What Could You Experience in Naxos?

Naxos Town, the Venetian Castle & Harbour Life

Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is the island’s lively capital and a wonderful place to explore.

Wander through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, boutiques, galleries and traditional tavernas. Along the waterfront, you’ll find cafés and restaurants overlooking the harbour, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal or watch the ferries arrive.

One of the town’s highlights is the historic Kastro, the Venetian castle district, where winding streets and old stone buildings reflect the island’s past.

Naxos Town is also a convenient base for travellers who enjoy having beaches, restaurants, shops and ferry connections nearby.

Beautiful Beaches & Coastal Escapes

Naxos is known for its long stretches of sand and clear Aegean waters, with beaches to suit families, couples and travellers looking for somewhere quieter.

Some of the island’s highlights include:

• Plaka: A long sandy beach with beautiful turquoise waters, beachside accommodation and places to enjoy a leisurely meal.

• Agios Prokopios: A popular sandy beach with clear water, restaurants and facilities nearby.

• Agia Anna: A lovely coastal village with a sandy beach, waterfront tavernas and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Agios Georgios: Close to Naxos Town, this sheltered beach is convenient for families and visitors who enjoy having restaurants and shops within walking distance.

• Aliko: A quieter stretch of coastline with sandy coves and a distinctive cedar forest.

Whether you prefer a beachside hotel, a peaceful villa or somewhere within easy reach of Naxos Town, we can help you find the right location for your holiday.

The Portara: Naxos’s Famous Marble Gateway

Just outside Naxos Town, on the islet of Palatia, stands the Portara, one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.

This enormous marble gateway is all that remains of an unfinished ancient temple, traditionally associated with Apollo. Construction began in the sixth century BC, but the temple was never completed.

Walk across the causeway from Naxos Town to admire the gateway and enjoy beautiful views across the Aegean Sea.

The Portara is particularly memorable at sunset, when the marble structure stands silhouetted against the evening sky.

Mountain Walks, Watersports & Outdoor Adventures

Naxos is a wonderful destination for travellers who enjoy combining beach time with outdoor activities.

Beyond the coast, you’ll discover mountain landscapes, fertile valleys, olive groves, traditional villages and ancient marble quarries.

• Hiking Mount Zas: Explore the highest mountain in the Cyclades, associated in Greek mythology with the childhood of Zeus. The walk rewards hikers with far-reaching views, although the route requires suitable footwear and preparation.

• Countryside walks: Discover scenic trails through the island’s valleys, hills and traditional villages.

• Windsurfing & kitesurfing: Selected beaches, including areas around Agios Georgios and Plaka, offer opportunities for watersports when conditions are suitable.

• Kayaking & paddleboarding: Enjoy the island’s coastline from the water, with activities available through local operators.

If you enjoy combining beautiful destinations with active experiences, explore our Adventure Travel holidays

Include Naxos in a Greek Island-Hopping Holiday

Naxos is a beautiful destination in its own right, but it is also one of our favourite islands to include in a longer adventure through the Cyclades.

Start Planning Your Naxos Holiday

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, an active holiday exploring mountain villages or a Greek island-hopping adventure, tell us what you’d love to experience and we’ll help you plan your trip.

Start Planning Your Naxos Holiday

Looking for more Greek holiday inspiration? Explore Greece Holidays →

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