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Golden-sand beaches, small farming villages, ancient ruins and Venetian mansions on the largest Cycladic Island, Naxos.
The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos offers you the chance to explore golden-sand beaches, whitewashed farming villages and ancient ruins. The island has played a vital role in Greek mythology — this is where Dionysus met and married Ariadne and it’s home to one of the (many) caves said to be where Zeus was born. More historically, this was an important ancient trading hub and you can visit significant archaeological ruins here. During the Middle Ages, the main town was a major stronghold for the Venetians and later the Byzantines, who left behind a rich architectural legacy that you can explore.
Today, Naxos is quieter than its better-known sisters. Boasting a fertile interior, it’s the main agricultural producer for other Cycladic Islands, and you’ll be able to visit small farming villages that have largely disappeared elsewhere in the archipelago.
Things to see and do in Naxos
Venetian mansions and Apollo’s temple in Naxos Town
Arriving into Naxos Town, you’re greeted by the door-like remains of a temple to Apollo standing like a sentinel at the mouth of the bay. The island’s history is written in the architecture of the town — this was the capital of the Venetian Duchy of the Aegean from the 13th to the 16th centuries, and you can see many mansions from the era still standing in the town’s kastro area. You might also like to explore some of the small Byzantine chapels tucked in among the streets.
Hiking through the villages of Naxos
Set within the island’s rugged interior, the Tragea Valley is home to a number of traditional villages, including Halki. The sturdy whitewashed buildings and stone-paved streets are a remnant of the time when this was the island’s capital and commercial hub.
Nearby, the village of Moni is home to Panagia Drosiani, a Byzantine-era church where nuns and monks secretly taught local children about Christianity during the Turkish occupation. Even smaller hamlets, like Kaloxilos and Akadimi, support fewer than 100 residents amid surrounding olive groves and scrubby oaks.
If you’d like to explore these out-of-the-way villages, we can arrange for a privately guided tour that includes a hike through the mountainous landscape.
Best time to visit Naxos
Like all of the Greek islands, Naxos is primarily a seasonal destination, and many hotels and restaurants only open from May to October. July and August are typically the hottest times of the year and the busiest, though crowds here are thinner than you’ll find at many other islands. May to June and September to October are better times to go, when you’re likely to be accompanied by blue skies, warm weather and fewer visitors.
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Suggested itinerary featuring Naxos
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Naxos, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Naxos
- Paros 12 miles away
- Mykonos 24 miles away
- Santorini 49 miles away
- Milos 59 miles away
- The Greek Islands 61 miles away
- Cape Sounion 85 miles away
- Hydra 107 miles away
- Athens 110 miles away
- Crete 124 miles away
- The Peloponnese 125 miles away
- Monemvasia 132 miles away
- Nafplio 146 miles away
- Arachova 181 miles away
- Delphi 185 miles away
- Galaxidi 187 miles away
- Costa Navarino 207 miles away
- Olympia 210 miles away
- Meteora 273 miles away
- Thessaloniki 277 miles away
Photos of Naxos
Accommodation choices for Naxos
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Naxos. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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18 Grapes Boutique Hotel
Naxos
Ideas for experiencing Naxos
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Naxos, and which use the best local guides.
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Hiking the villages of Naxos Hiking the villages of Naxos
Hiking the villages of Naxos
Naxos is the agricultural powerhouse of the Cyclades and you can still find traditional small farming villages in the island’s rugged but fertile interior. This privately guided hike offers a chance to spend the day exploring four of these small hamlets.
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