Things to do and places to see in Naxos
The main town on the island of Naxos is called "Chora" (pronounced "Hora").
Generally speaking, everything in Chora Naxos is within walking distance. You can walk from one side of the town to the other within 30min, and as such you can go around on foot very easily. However, that does not mean that it is not tiring to walk around. There is a lot to see and so many things different from many other places in Europe, that you will often find yourself wondering around without heading directly for a specific place.
Below there is a list of some things and places that we feel you should try or see. Enjoy.....
Things to see in Chora Naxos
Portara
This is the "trademark" of Naxos, if you will. It has many names. Some of them are: Portara, Palatia, Temple of Apollo, Church of Ariadne. It's been there for thousands of years and still stands there, showing the glory of ancient Greece.
Venetian Castle
The Venetian castle still remains one of the biggest "live" parts of the history of Naxos and Chora Naxos in particular. There are still people living in the Castle area. One of the most well known families still living there is the one of Dellarokas.
Museum
The museum of Chora Naxos is at the heart of the Castle. It has a big number of artefacts from various periods of the history of Naxos. You will be able to see samples of ancient local art and the influences coming from other civilizations. In order to go to the museum, get into the old town of Chora and you will see little signs every now and then pointing you to the museum. Alternatively, just ask one of the locals there.
The Old Town/Market
The old town of Chora Naxos hides a lot of the secrets of the old Naxos. The old style houses, the little shops, the small tavernas and old style bakeries show the beauty and friendliness of the old town and its people. It is highly suggested that you go for a walk there.
Church of Panagia Mirtidiotisa
Just near the port, you will see a small church in the sea, isolated from the main town yet just a few meters away from land.
Naxos Eye
The famous Naxos' Eye is a special stone that can only been found on the island of Naxos. Created by the combination of the Greek sea, sun and other climatic conditions Naxos Eye remains one of the trademarks of Naxos. You can find it on jewels sold at jewellery shops on the island.
Outdoor Cinema
There is an outdoor cinema at the area of Agios Georgios in Chora Naxos. If you feel like spending a quiet relaxing night watching a movie, it might be what you are looking for. There is usually two "sessions" each night, and the movies change about once every 2 days. In other words, the same movie plays for two days. That should give you a chance to see the movie you might wanted to see.
Summer Activities
During the summer, there is a variety of social activities, from regular musical festivals and theatre to weaving exhibitions and sport contests. The town's social activities council usually posts a list of the activities (with dates and times) at main points in town. Keep an eye on the posters around while walking. Sometimes the local government also publishes a list of summer exhibitions and events.
Sports-wise there there's various options there too. For example the sports below are some of the things you can find on the island.
- Gyms (eg. Naxos island gym)
- Hiking
- Kitesurfing
- Windsurfing (the current world champion is from Naxos and lives on the island)
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Scuba Diving
- Tennis
- Watersports
Food to try
Souvlaki, with pita
It's essentially similar to what many know as Kebab, typically made with pork or chicken skewers, placed in greek pita bread along with tzatziki (garlic, cucumber,yogurt sauce), tomatoes, onions and fries. Some souvlaki places replace these with lettuce, mayo+mustard sauce and friends when chicken skewers are used.
There is also Gyros (pronounced "Yeeros") which is eiher pork or chicken (usually more fatty compared to the skewer version) that is roasted on a vertical spit and cut as it turns around and cooks.
Naxos potatoes
Potatoes from Naxos are well known for their already-savoury flavour and regularly win global awards for quality and taste.
Citro (local alcoholic liqueur)
Citron is a liqueur type of drink, typically found in 3 flavours (and colours). It is made using the leaves of citron tree, while also jams are made using the fruit of the same tree.
Local Cheeses
Naxos has a long history and tradition in cheese making and dairy products in general. From Gruyere cheese to fresh milk, Naxos has a great variety of quality dairy and cheese products.
Things to see in Villages, outside Chora Naxos:
Temple of Goddess Dimitra (village of Saggri)
An ancient temple of Goddess Dimitra was found and "refurbished" relatively recently. This is a site worth visiting. However, bare in mind that it's not very easy to go there and that you will need either a car or a motorbike.
Towers: (Himmaros Tower , Agia Tower, Glazos Tower, etc)
There are many towers on the island in places such as Chora Naxos, Halki, Galanado, Saggri, and areas near the village of Filoti and Melanes. eg. Bazeos tower below.
Kouros (in the villages of Melanes and Apollon)
"Kouros" is a statue of a man and is representative of the old Cycladic Art. There are 2 huge Kouros statues on the island. One in Melanes, and the other (and biggest one) in the village of Apollon.
Churches
Naxos has a lot of VERY old churches, some of which are thousands years old. If you are into this sort of thing, there is a lot for you to see on the island.
Beaches
There are many wonderful beaches on Naxos. Everywhere around the island you will find great spots for swimming, relaxing, wind-surfing, or anything else you can imagine. It's plainly...wonderful! Just explore....
Some popular beaches....
Agios Georgios (aka St. George)
This is located in Chora, easily accessible. It is long, sandy, with lots of bars and restaurants at one end and this is by far the best beach for families with small children. The shallow waters perfect for little kids who love to run around freely. When it's windy though expect some waves.
Agios Prokopios
One of the best beaches of the island and one of the best place to swim when windy, because the beach is protected by land from the northern winds. As such, when it's quite windy, usually the waters at Agios Prokopios are still calm. The beach is not sandy but comprises ot tiny little stones, but they are so small they all almost like sand. Lots of bars and restaurants in the area too.
Agia Anna
Agia Anna is essentially a continuation of Agios Prokopios, just further down the road. Same kind of waters, and again with a few cafes, bars and restaurants around.
Plaka
Plaka is, once more, a continuation of the Agia Anna beach. It is more quiet, the area is less developed and the road is no longer an asphalt one there. There are still some cafes, bars and restaurants around but overall it's a lot quieter compared to Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna.
Day Trips and Island hopping
Naxos is well placed to function as a base for daily trips to nearby islands, both big and small. From Naxos you can easily arrange day trips to Paros, Santorini, Ios, Mykonos at a local travel agency as well as smaller islands like Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa. In fact the complex of small islands around Naxos is called Mikres Cyclades (ie. small cyclades). The local government has published relevant maps and guides both for Naxos as well as Small Cyclades islands.
General Tips:
- The best way to explore Naxos is probably by motorbike if you intend to go mostly to beaches or areas near the sea, or by car if you want to see the mainland, villages and mountains more.
- The scenery on Naxos can differ greatly. Ask the locals for villages or places worth going, depending on your preferences.
- There are some interesting caves (as well as emery extraction caves) and sources to visit on the mountains, near the village of Koronos.
- The view from Naxos is marvellous. On clear sunny days you will be able to see other islands from there, such as Paros, Donousa, etc
- If you are into windsurfing and you have chosen Naxos as your vacation spot you will find windsurfing facilities, rentals, etc. in Agios Georgios, Plaka, Mikri Vigla and Agia Anna.
- If you love the outdoors, there are some Camping places on the island, typically in Agia Anna / Plaka area.
- Beware of the restaurants that say that serve Greek food. Often restaurants serve food that has been modified to accommodate the taste of tourists. One thing however that is definitely Greek and you should try is Souvlaki! (yum!)
- Definitely try the local liqueur of Citro, made out of citrus leaves. It comes in three different colours: white, green and orange.
- Local buses connect the main villages and some beaches of the island. Check the bus schedules to plan your trip there but note that bus public transport is not great when it comes to the mainland villages, whereas for seaside ones there's regular buses.