Naxos is one of the greenest islands in the Cyclades. It offers beautiful beaches and plenty to do. Naxos is often considered the larger, yet less commonly recommended, island compared to its sister island, which is typically favored by travel advisors and blogs. After researching both islands, we loved that Naxos was less visited and that it offered historic sites. We did not visit Paros, so we cannot provide a personal comparison; however, we highly recommend Naxos from our own experience. Whichever island you choose, daily ferries run between the two, letting you experience both and decide for yourself.
Naxos features beautiful beaches, welcoming locals, and plenty to see and do. It’s famous for marble, cheese, and potatoes, and is rich in history. If you’re planning a Greek island-hopping vacation, Naxos deserves a spot at the top of your list. Check out our notes and experiences to help you make the most of your visit.
How to get to Naxos
You can reach Naxos by plane or ferry. The local airport (JNX) is small, with limited daily flights, though additional flights may be available in high season. Direct flights from Athens, Crete, and Rhodes with flight times in under an hour; it’s a perfect add-on adventure.
Ferries are more frequent, making it a popular option. The ferry departs from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and other islands, with increased summer schedules. The main port is in Naxos Town, dropping you near shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Both standard and high-speed ferries provide a range of travel times and prices. Ferry travel from Santorini to Naxos is 1.5 to 3 hours.
A quick note about traveling: ferries and planes can be delayed or canceled due to high winds. The port in Santorini gets very busy, and traffic can move slowly. Stay flexible, be prepared, and bring some patience. There are cafes and restaurants to pass the time if you get there early (which we recommend). We had one of the best souvlaki platters in the port of Santorini.
We experienced both.
We arrived by ferry from Santorini and found the journey enjoyable, though boarding and exiting were a bit hectic. The ferries depend on the weather—rough seas can cause delays. Our ferry left Santorini late, but with no fixed plans, we enjoyed exploring the port and watching the action. Boarding happens all at once—organized chaos, especially in the shoulder season. In peak season, expect more crowds. If you have a lot of luggage, be prepared; there are ramps and stairs, and you’ll store your bags yourself. There are bathrooms and a counter for drinks and snacks. Watch for your stop, as they are brief, and get your luggage ready so you can disembark quickly.
Leaving from the airport, there’s one gate and a single security line. There is a small kiosk with snacks and drinks and limited seating, but we did not wait long. Once the incoming plane lands, security opens, and everyone moves to the staging area before you walk on the tarmac to your plane. Overhead bins are small, boarding is quick, and you’re off.
Best Time to Visit to Naxos
Like most Cyclades Islands, Naxos is its hottest and busiest from June through August, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees or higher. Compared to Santorini or Paros, Naxos typically hosts fewer tourists during this high season, making it a comfortable and relaxing retreat.
The shoulder season, from April to June and September to October, brings warm weather, gentle breezes, and fewer tourists—making it one of the best times to visit. We traveled in the last week of May and loved having the beaches and restaurants mostly to ourselves, without crowds or long waits. Although not everything was open yet for the summer, there were plenty of local spots to enjoy.
Areas to Stay In Naxos
Naxos Town or Chora is the most convenient area for restaurants, hotels, and the old market. There is plenty within walking distance and easy access to bus or car service. All tours pick up here. On the map of Naxos, Grotto Beach isn’t really for swimming, but it’s great for sunsets. Agios Georgios Beach is sheltered and offers swimming, beach chairs, and open-air restaurants. We recommend staying between the port and this beach.
Agia Anna Beach Area – Perfect for families. It has a walkable, small-town vibe with enough to do, plus easy access for more exploration.
Plaka – Located farther from Chora, Plaka is less developed and feels more local than touristy. This area is great for kite surfing. We stayed here and enjoyed the secluded atmosphere—it felt like living more as locals than tourists.
Agios Prokopios has beach clubs and resorts, so you don’t have to leave the area. Laid-back and all-inclusive vibe, it feels more adult-oriented, but there are also activities for families.
Where We Stayed
Archon Seaside Resort was a lovely hotel. The rooms were spacious, with natural materials and modern details, and included a small fridge, a coffee maker, and a balcony for morning coffee or watching sunsets. The bed and bathroom were comfortable and well-spaced. The pool was great, and the beach was just a short walk or drive away. Since it’s a bit farther from the main areas, having a car can be useful, but we managed fine by walking, exploring, and taking the bus. We found the loveliest family restaurant (Kontos Taverena) just a 15-minute walk away, with great food and perfect sunset views. Our host was attentive and arranged airport transport. We really enjoyed our stay and would happily return. “>Book Now and Save at Hotels.com
Getting Around Naxos
After exploring Naxos on a full-day bus tour, we realized how easy it is to navigate the island. The roads, though hilly in the mountains, are in good condition and limited in number, making it hard to get lost. Next time, we will rent a car.
Car Rental – There’s a rental shop by the ferry port, and they respond quickly, even if you decide last-minute to get a car.
Walking is a good option in some areas. Chora, especially Agia Anna, is easy to explore on foot. Along the beach, bus service is routine and dependable. Buy tickets before boarding, as you can’t buy them on the bus, and not all stops sell tickets. If riding often, buy a pack in advance. The main bus terminal near the port has helpful staff to guide you.
We boarded the bus at one stop where tickets were not available nearby. The driver let us ride to our stop, then waited while we purchased tickets. While there are no free rides, at least you can get where you are going.
Things To Do In Naxos
Beaches – a main attraction of the island. There are several with turquoise waters and soft sand. It’s worth exploring more than one beach; each of them has its own vibe. Break up your beach day with a catamaran, kayak, or snorkel adventure – the water is amazing.
Sites – ancient ruins of the temple of Apollo, Dimitra’s Temple, and the Venetian Castle, and authentic small towns that maintain old ways of life, give you a sense of history and a peek into the ways. Visiting Aperathos, Chalki, Damalas, and Koronida is like stepping back in time.
Tour the Island – we enjoyed a full-day trip around the island. It was the perfect glimpse into the island, its local areas, and its culture. Looking for a more active tour? Enjoy a private bike and hike tour – it’s a great adventure.
Hiking – Naxos has many hiking trails, especially in the mountainous areas. The most popular hike is to Mount Zas, the highest peak and mythological birthplace of Apollo. The round-trip is about 3.5 hours, depending on your pace, and the terrain is rocky and uneven—bring proper shoes!
Kite and Wind Surfing – parts of the island have more consistent wind, creating perfect conditions for kite and wind surfing. A more adventurous way to enjoy the beach.
Is Naxos Expensive?
As we researched our trip to Greece, we found Naxos to be reasonably priced, cheaper than Athens, and definitely cheaper than Santorini. We stuck to more local, off-the-beaten-path places for food and drinks, and found the quality and quantity of the food to be a good value, with dinners averaging $30 per person. Transportation to and from the island will cost you @$60-$80 per person each way. Car rentals during the shoulder season run at $20 a day, while in season, they run $60-80 a day. Accommodations run $80-$300 per night.
Have you been to Naxos? Let us know your favorite things to do and places to see. Wondering how to spend your time in Naxos? Read our Naxos Travel Itinerary and overview of Naxos.
Save this Pin for Later!
