What to Do on a Daytrip to Naxos, Greece

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands in Greece. It is known for its beaches, gastronomy, and architecture. The island’s most notable landmark, the Portara, is visible from the ferry as you enter the port. The Portara is the doorway of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. The short hike up the hill to the Portara was our first stop after disembarking the ferry.

Getting to Naxos

Naxos is a 30-90 minute ferry ride from Mykonos. It is also about 30 minutes from Paros and 6 hours by ferry from Athens (Pireaus). You could also opt for the 45-minute flight from Athens instead.

What to Do in Naxos

While we spent only a day on the island, you could easily spend a week or more on the island depending on your travel style. We wanted to visit a less popular island, as we were staying on and flying in and out of Mykonos. I would have loved more time in Naxos, but if you are travelling on a tight timeline, this is what I would recommend.

Visit the Portara

Start with the Portara. This landmark is less than a 10-minute walk from the ferry port. Take in the temple ruins and enjoy a great view of the island from this vantage point. As the most famous landmark on the island, be sure to take a few photos (you’ll find this snapshots replicated in the postcard throughout the town).

Explore Old Town

Naxos has many villages, but if you are only visiting for a daytrip, I’d recommend staying in Naxos Town (Chora). This allows you to spend more time exploring and less time travelling.

The Old Town district of the Chora has the same whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets that are sought after by tourists on islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Explore the narrow streets and visit the local shops in this area. Peruse the art and jewelry made by local artisans. As well, this is the best part of town to find a unique gift or souvenir.

Visit the Venetian Castle (the Kastro)

The Castle district sits at the top of the hill in Naxos town. After wandering the streets of the Old Town below, start making your way up the hill towards the castle. Much of the castle district is accessbile to the public free of charge. Wander the streets and find the old city gates. This castle has been integrated into the modern city landscape, so there are sections that are difficult to distinguish from the rest of the town.

At the top of the hill in the Kastro district, there is a free museum called the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. It is a small museum with displays of local artifacts. You can also visit a small rooftop café that boasts incredible views of the island and the sea. I’d highly recommend stopping by if you can, even just to take in the view and get a couple pictures.

Petalouda Art Galley

If you are interested in contemporary art, especially sculpture, check out the Petalouda Art Gallery in the Chora. This gallery was opened by two French people named Guy Pouzol and Lisa Bernert in the late 90’s. It features contemporary and modern paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

Agios Georgios Beach

While there are beautiful beaches all over the island, Agios Georgios Beach is conveniently located in the Chora. It is only about 15 minutes to walk to the beach from the Old Town district. If swimming or relaxing by the beach in Naxos is on your daytrip ‘to do’ list, this is the place to go.

Alternatively, if you are looking for somewhere to relax closer to the ferry visit Grotta Beach. This beach is rockier and swimming isn’t recommended, but the views are gorgeous. We stopped here before getting back on the ferry to Mykonos in the evening. We visited Naxos in early May and while the weather was very pleasant, it wasn’t warm enough for us to swim that day.

What to Eat in Naxos

Naxos is known for its cheeses, meats, honey, potatoes, olives, and Citron liqueur, among other products. When visiting, take some time to try the local fare, as most restaurants will serve (and highlight) dishes local to the island. There is also a high presence of seafood in Naxos town, with drying octopi hung along the edges of the restaurants.

We only had time for a snack and lunch (I had a frappé, some pastries and Naxos Tomato Salad – similar to Dakos salad), so for more food recommendations, browse the blog of the official website for the area.