First time in Naxos? Here’s how to spend 3 days

Island hopping is one of the most popular ways to see Greece, and for good reason! Greece is home to more than 2,000 islands, and each one is unique. The Greek islands hold a special place in my heart – so much so that I learned to speak Greek and got married in Santorini. Ever since moving to Europe in 2020, I’ve tried to explore a new island each summer. Last year it was Kefalonia, and this year it was Naxos! I was amazed by everything this under-the-radar island had to offer – from it’s mythological history, to the amazing food and the quaint authentic villages. Read on for how to spend 3 days on your first time in Naxos.

Naxos is the largest of the islands in the Cyclades, the archipelago that was made famous by Santorini & Mykonos. In fact, it’s the perfect addition to an island hopping itinerary since it’s directly between Santorini and Mykonos.

Each Greek island has it’s own unique history, but the island of Naxos has a pretty cool back story. It’s known as the birthplace of Zeus, as well as Dionysus (the god of wine and debauchery!) in Greek mythology. And there are even old temple ruins dedicated to Apollo – the Greek god of music, art, poetry, and prophecy.

As I mentioned, Naxos is perfectly positioned between Santorini & Mykonos – both of which are incredible islands, but neither will not give you an authentic Greece experience. Naxos is more genuine, less crowded, and more peaceful. You’ll hear goats in the mornings, see mountain villages, buy handmade textiles, and enjoy true local Greek food. It offers an opportunity to relax and slow down, but has everything you need for a fantastic vacation – including great restaurants and a beach club, which I cover below!

BY FERRY

The quickest way to travel between islands in Greece is via high speed ferry, like Seajets. Naxos is about 40 minutes from Mykonos, and an hour and a half from Santorini. You can also take the ferry directly from Athens, which is about 3 and a half hours. The port is right in the main town of Naxos, so it’s very convenient no matter where you are staying. I always find schedules via Ferryhopper, but I recommend booking tickets directly through the ferry companies.

BY PLANE

Naxos does have a small airport, which offers direct flights from Athens several times per day during the peak travel season, which is usually May – September. If you are not island hopping (or if your first island is Naxos), flying is also a good option.

Naxos is a large island. Athough there are buses, the best way to travel the island is via your own reliable transportation. For short rides to your hotel or into town, you can easily grab a taxi. However, if you want to make the most of your time on the island you will need to rent a car or ATV. Both are fairly cheap (around $50 USD per day). If you are traveling during peak season in the summer, I highly recommend reserving one in advance.

We rented ATVs – they are easier to park, but it will also take longer to explore the island. Alternatively, you can also coordinate a driver for the day through your hotel if you want the convenience of a car but don’t want to bother with parking.

I traveled with a large group of 10 people, so we stayed in two connected villas. Naxos has plenty of great hotel and villa options, so where you should stay will depend on what suits your needs.

For groups

For a large group of friends or family, I would recommend a villa or an AirBnB. It ends up being the most cost effective, and having your own private deck or pool will make your stay even more epic.

We stayed at the Naxos Skyline Villas, each of which have an infinity pool. It’s a little difficult to find initially, but it’s only a 7 minute drive from the port where you arrive in the main town. These villas are brand new, and include breakfast and on-property cleaning staff. And as the name indicates, these villas have a fantastic view. I would definitely recommend staying here as it was fabulous from start to finish!

For couples

If you are a couple looking for something upscale, you’ll love the luxurious Naxian on the Beach resort. This hotel has a Mykonos and Tulum inspired Soho House vibe, and is right on one of the best beaches in Naxos. If you’re willing to splurge, get one of the sea view suites with a hot tub!

For A GIRLS GETAWAY

Virtu Suites is another chic boho vibe hotel, and the most popular beach club in Naxos is attached to the property. That makes this hotel perfect for a girls weekend or bachelorette. They also have a two bedroom villa with a private pool if you want the villa vibe with beach club access.

For adventurers

Elaiolithos Eco Resort is a luxury mountain resort hotel that is perfect if you want something remote and authentic. Their rooms offer handmade textiles, and they serve organic food from the island. I would compare the experience to the agroturismos in Ibiza or the masserias in Italy. Staying here is a more local and quiet experience, making it perfect for adventure lovers. It’s locally owned and run, and near the quaint village of Halki. Plus they offer weaving classes, yoga retreats, and cooking workshops.

Day 1 – arrive & hit the beach

The islands of the Cyclades aren’t always known for sandy beaches, but Naxos has a few great ones. I recommend a morning ferry or flight, so you can make the most out of your first day. After dropping your bags and checking in, go explore some beaches!

Plaka Beach

Plaka has picturesque soft white sand and trendy beach clubs, without the outrageous prices and crowds of Mykonos. It’s only 15 minutes from the capital of Chora, so you can grab a taxi or a bus (see timetables here) when you arrive. Nomad is the most popular club in Plaka; it has excellent food & cocktails and a boho-Mediterranean vibe similar to Scorpios. But with beach beds around 40 euros in high season, it’s less than half the price of what you would typically find in Mykonos.

Alyko Beach

Alyko is a more remote beach south of Plaka, about 30 minutes from the capital. It’s actually on the edge of a cedar forest, which makes it really unique. However, since the forest is protected, there aren’t any restaurants or facilities. This is a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon, but be prepared to bring your own snacks.

Kastraki Beach

Kastraki also does not have any major facilities, but it’s an amazing place for a view as the sun sets behind Paros. It’s situated between Alyko and Plaka, so it’s a nice stop if you’re heading back to town.

Day 2 – explore the local villages

One of the unique features of Naxos is the mountains, which are dotted with local towns. Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you can’t miss exploring these villages! I’ve included some recommendations for Halki below, since it’s a must visit. But if you have more time, Filoti and Apeiranthos are just 10 minutes down the road and are also worth a stop.

TEXTILE Shopping

One of my favorite shops in Naxos was in Halki – Maria Maraki Loom Weavings, where you can find beautiful linens. Everything is handmade by Maria and her daughter (I was lucky enough to meet them both!). You can find all sorts of textiles, from bracelets and scrunchies to table runners. They also have a shop next door that has local honey, spices, and dried fruit. Be sure to pick up a bag of Greek oregano if you like to cook.

Lunch in halki

Halki has plenty of cute cafes and restaurants. If you arrive in town early and need some caffeine, stop by Cafe Grecco. It’s a quaint coffee spot in a stone alley that also offers light lunch options. Try the Greek coffee – it’s on the bitter side, but very strong!

For a full lunch with local food, I recommend Taverna Giannis. Keep in mind that service will be slow as it’s a family-run place, so it’s a good time to relax and bask in the vibe of the courtyard under the grape vines. I saw them make our souvlaki (chicken skewers) on the grill in the back, and the honey cakes – and shots of raiki – were a great end to a fantastic meal. All of the food we had was delicious, but I recommend the mousaka, the Halki special, and the baked feta.

If you’ve had your fill of feta and Greek salads and want something different, check out Mito’s. They have a really unique black “Naxian” pizza, and they also have good cocktails!

Kitron Tasting

Halki is also home to the Vallindras Distillery that makes a local drink called kitron, which is only found on Naxos. If you’re a drinker, stop by this distillery for a brief tour and a shot of this lemon-anise liquor – it tastes like a cross between limoncello and ouzo.

Visit St. George’s

Just on the outskirts of Halki is St. George’s, a gorgeous traditional church from the 11th century. It wasn’t open or in use when we visited, but just taking the short walk and experiencing the peaceful and spiritual feeling there is definitely worth it.

Temple of Demeter

If you have some extra time in the afternoon, stop by the Temple of Demeter – dedicated to the Greek goddess of the harvest and fertility. It was built about 2500 years ago, and it’s only a 15 minute drive from Halki.

Drinks at Rotunda

If you’re not too tired, stop by Rotunda, which is between Filoti and Apeiranthos. It’s perched on the mountain with 360 degree views, and the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Optional: Hike to Zas cave

If you’re outdoorsy (or if you just like to work out on vacation), you can wake up extra early and hike to Zas cave before exploring Halki. It’s the highest mountain peak in the Cyclades so it offers great views, and it’s known as the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology. It will take around 4 hours (5 miles round trip) so be sure to start early in the morning when it’s cool and bring plenty of water. Find all of the details here.

Day 3 – boat day & old town

If you have read my Antibes or Lake Como travel guides, you know I LOVE a boat day. Seeing a city from the ocean will give you an entirely new perspective, and a boat offers you the freedom to explore many difficult to reach spots. This is a great opportunity to visit new beaches, swimming spots, or even see the nearby island of Paros. We rented a catamaran for the day through Naxos Catamaran, which had fantastic service and even served us a freshly made lunch on the boat. Before you hop on the boat though, be sure to stop at Naxos Bakery in town for a Greek coffee and a spanokopita or tiropita pastry.

Shopping for local products

The boats will always drop you off right back in Old Town (Chora), which is a perfect opportunity to do some shopping. I found gold jewelry, and there are also local product shops where you can buy cheese, honey, spices, and leather sandals.

Dinner at a taverna

After a long day at sea, you can enjoy a meal at a local taverna. We loved our dinner at Doukato, which had the best local version of saganaki I’ve ever had and the most incredible octopus youvetsi. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand, as it’s one of the most popular restaurants in old town.

Or if you’re with a big group, ask your villa or AirBnB host to coordinate a private dinner! There’s nothing like enjoying a big meal with your family and friends at sunset. It’s also surprisingly affordable – ours was $60 per person, including appetizers, dessert, and wine.

That’s it for this travel guide, but if you’re island hopping check out my other Greece guides – and be sure to tag me on Instagram during your trip to Naxos!

black sunglasses | scarf top | brown leather belt
similar black dress | similar gold necklace | similar white one piece

And PS – if you like the outfits I’ve worn in this post or if you’re wondering what to pack, check out my post on what to wear in the Greek islands.

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