Naxos, Greece, Is Typically Neglected by Vacationers, however It Has Among the Greatest Seashores within the Nation — Find out how to Go to

There are roughly 6,000 islands in Greece, greater than 275 of that are inhabited. You can spend a lifetime exploring all of them, attending to know and love each. However we’re right here to let you know why you need to begin with Naxos.

“Naxos is commonly ignored by vacationers when in comparison with different Greek islands, like Santorini,” Alys Colayera, the lead journey professional for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with Journey + Leisure. “The island boasts among the greatest white-sand seashores all through all of Greece.” Colayera is not alone.

“Naxos is one in all my favourite islands to go to and an enormous hit with our purchasers time and time once more as a result of it has one thing for everybody,” mentioned Devaki Das, founding father of Weave a Thousand Journeys. “Should you’re dreaming of a relaxed trip, this island has miles of sandy seashores and dunes ready for you. Some are full of life with seaside bars, whereas others are untouched and serene. And when you’re into seaside sports activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing, Naxos has among the greatest spots you might ask for.” 

Naxos, the most important island within the Cyclades, is certainly a spot the place each form of traveler can discover their trip bliss. Beneath, discover one of the best accommodations, issues to do, locations to eat, and spots to discover to profit from your time on this spectacular island.

Greatest Accommodations & Resorts 

Villa Marandi Luxurious Suites

Villa Marandi Luxurious Suites, situated on Stelida Seashore, is an intimate retreat that feels faraway from the whole lot, however sits simply outdoors the city of Naxos. The rooms listed here are as crisp, bohemian, and whitewashed as you’d anticipate on a Greek island. Company can even benefit from the resort’s pool overlooking the ocean, hike right down to the close by shoreline, or dig into domestically sourced delicacies on the in-house Naxian Terra restaurant. 

Naxian Assortment Luxurious Villas & Suites

Discover extra excessive design at Naxian Assortment Luxurious Villas & Suites, located close to Agios Prokopios Seashore. The resort, as its identify implies, gives non-public villas and suites, every with a recent Cycladic aesthetic. Nonetheless, when you’re on the lookout for privateness, degree as much as a villa, which comes with non-public swimming pools and breathtaking views of the ocean. Company can even bask in all of the resort’s high-end facilities, together with spa companies, connoisseur breakfasts, and personal excursions. 

Nissaki Seashore Lodge

Nissaki Seashore Lodge gives all that whitewashed magic Greek islands are recognized for, together with the usual facilities you’d anticipate from a luxurious property: a beautiful pool (together with a hydrotherapy part) surrounded by chaise loungers, a implausible on-site restaurant, and unique excursions. Nonetheless, the place this resort actually shines is its location. It sits straight on Agios Georgios Seashore and is a couple of minutes from the city of Naxos, offering company with one of the best of each worlds.  

Ammothines Cycladic Suites

End up on the shores of Plaka Seashore, feeling each sea breeze and smelling the salty air throughout a keep at Ammothines Cycladic Suites. The retreat-style resort has a recent design, together with minimalist rooms with balconies coated by thatched roofing, a non-public pool full of milky blue water, and direct seaside entry. The property can be dwelling to a scrumptious on-site restaurant serving previous family-style recipes utilizing domestically sourced merchandise. It is also joyful to show you a factor or two within the kitchen with its hands-on cooking classes. That means, you’ll be able to return dwelling and share the Naxos meals expertise with your pals and prolonged household. 

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover the Portara (Temple of Apollo).

Make time to discover the island’s foremost historic landmark — the Temple of Apollo. The large marble construction, standing practically 20 toes tall, is difficult to overlook. It is the final remaining piece of a temple inbuilt 530 B.C. to honor Apollo, and a very standard place to go to throughout sundown due to the breathtaking views over the water. Head over then to be part of the group or go earlier within the day to beat the push. 

Go to the Outdated City (Chora).

Spend a part of your Naxos trip wandering by means of the slender, winding streets of Chora, a.okay.a. Outdated City. Right here, vacationers will discover a mixture of Venetian and Greek buildings housing cute cafes and eating places, together with loads of outlets promoting all types of sovenirs — from jewellery to ceramics, magnets to T-shirts, and the whole lot in between. 

Calm down on Plaka Seashore.

Naxos is dwelling to loads of seashores value visiting, however none could also be as spectacular as Plaka. The smooth white sand right here provides option to glittering azure waters, making for a picture-perfect afternoon. Plaka additionally occurs to be the longest white-sand seaside on the island, which means you will simply be capable of discover a spot to name your personal. 

Hike Mount Zeus (Zas).

Get your coronary heart price going and see a distinct facet of the island with a hike up the very best peak within the Cyclades, Mount Zeus. The 5.7-mile out-and-back trek is rated as “onerous” on AllTrails on account of its distance and elevation achieve. Nonetheless, it rewards those that put within the effort with implausible panoramic views of the island and sea.

Greatest Locations to Eat

Metaxi Mas

Discover conventional Greek fare in Outdated City at Metaxi Mas, a comfortable tavern that may make you’re feeling proper at dwelling. Order the moussaka, stuffed Naxos greens, or the favored lamb chops to fulfill your starvation.

Axiotissa

Head to Kastraki, simply outdoors of Outdated City, to search out Axiotissa, an cute little tavern serving domestically sourced bites alfresco. The restaurant’s beautiful out of doors patio overlooks the island’s verdant hills, making for the best backdrop when eating on native pork sausage, freshly caught shrimp, or refreshing tomato salad. 

To Elliniko

You may really feel such as you’re eating at yiayia’s (Greek grandmother) home at To Elliniko. The restaurant, situated in Outdated City, makes use of recipes from their “mama Katerina’s” private recipe e-book. Begin with tzatziki and observe it with saganaki, zucchini croquettes, and a plate of octopus for good measure. 

Greatest Time to Go to

The perfect time to go to Naxos is throughout the island’s shoulder seasons: late spring (Might to June) and early autumn (September to October). That is when the vacation spot’s climate is at its prime, with temperatures starting from the low 70s to mid-80s.

“June in Naxos is an absolute dream and, in my view, the right time to go to,” mentioned Das. “The climate is sort of flawless — heat however not scorching — making it best for all types of actions. The excessive season would not kick off till July, so that you get the twin advantages of manageable crowds and still-affordable costs.” 

Nonetheless, as each Das and Colayera famous, autumn is a implausible time to come back as effectively. “If June doesn’t work out, September is a stable plan B,” added Das. “The times are a tad shorter, however the climate continues to be spot on — not too scorching or chilly. And as summer season winds down, the island takes on this splendidly laid-back ambiance as locals begin to calm down, and the entire place slows down.” 

Find out how to Get There

By Aircraft: The quickest option to get to Naxos is by hopping on a flight from Athens Worldwide Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Nationwide Airport of Naxos. A number of airways, together with Olympic Airways, Aegean Airways, and Sky Specific, supply every day flights, which take about 45 minutes from takeoff to touchdown.

By Ferry: One other straightforward option to attain Naxos is by ferry. Vacationers can board a ship from Piraeus port or Rafina in Athens. There are a number of direct journeys that may get you there in about 3.5 hours. There are additionally loads of island-hopping ferries that take about 5 to 6 hours. Vacationers can get on the ferry from different standard spots, too, like Mykonos, arriving in Naxos in underneath two hours. 

Greatest Villages to Go to 

Halki

Halki, the previous capital of the island, is situated within the heart of Naxos. Right here, guests can discover the winding streets lined with neoclassical buildings, together with among the island’s oldest church buildings. Be certain to go to the church of Panagia Protothroni, which has been constantly holding companies since 1052. 

Apeiranthos

Make your option to the mountains to expertise the picturesque village of Apeiranthos. Within the city, vacationers can stroll alongside the marble-paved streets and look at the normal homes. Guests can even take a look at one of many many museums, together with the Geological Museum. 

Filoti

Earlier than you set off on a hike up Mount Zeus, be sure to discover the village of Filoti, the most important on the island. It has loads of cafes and taverns to fill you up pre- and post-trek.

Apollonas

Discover the island’s shoreline with a go to to the fishing village of Apollonas. Like the opposite spots on this checklist, there are many taverns, cafes, and outlets right here, together with lovely seashores to put out on all day. Nonetheless, the city’s coolest function is the unfinished 32-foot statue of Kouros, which dates again to the eighth century.