Naxos is the largest and most fertile island in the Cyclades, home to Mount Zeus and famous for its long golden-sand beaches and crystalline turquoise waters.
Naxos island offers all the necessary ingredients for the perfect Greek Island honeymoon or romantic getaway.
In the old part of Naxos town (also known as Hora), get an insight into the Venetian era by visiting the fascinating Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum, a 13th century tower house set within the Kastro (castle) ramparts.
See fragments of a 13th century BC Mycenaean city in the excavated buildings of the Mitropolis Museum and, not far from town, visit the Pirgos Bellonia (Bellonian Tower), which was built under Venetian rule as a refuge from pirates.
After chilling out on a choice of great beaches discover a mountainous interior scattered with traditional whitewashed villages and a network of old footpaths – perfect for hiking – that snake between hilltop villages, old Byzantine churches and ancient Venetian ruins.
Climb to the summit of Mount Zeus (1004m), the Cyclades’ highest peak, for panoramic views over Naxos and the surrounding islands.
Admire the enchanting village of Apiranthos, with its unique marble-paved streets and buildings, and Halki, a quiet town with a medieval fortress and several Byzantine churches, including the Panayía Protóthronis, home to beautiful 11th to 13th century frescoes.
Naxos is famous in Greece for its long golden-sand beaches, include the following…
Find your own spot to sunbathe on this 4.8km-long golden-sand beach that stretches from Plaka to Maragas.
Soft sand, warm clear waters and secluded sand dunes (that block the view from the nearby road) provide the perfect location for a clothing-optional day at the beach.
A section of the beach near the town of Agios Anna provides even more seclusion, with trees, rocks and small coves. Plaka is located on the west coast just a few kilometres south of Naxos town.
This narrow white-sand beach is sandwiched between a beautiful turquoise bay and red hills scattered with green vegetation.
Located between Plaka and Mikri Vigla on the west coast, Orkas is remote and quiet, without tourist facilities. It offers excellent windsurfing conditions during the summer months when the meltemi starts blowing.
The soft golden sands of this 1.5km-long beach stretch as far as the eye can see. This is one of the most popular beaches on Naxos, but it never seems too crowded due to its length.
Swim in the turquoise waters of the bay and stroll up to the headland at the end of the beach for great views and secluded sunbathing spots.
Refresh with a cold drink and snack on seafood at one of the cafes, restaurants or bars in the small village that sits just behind the sand dunes.
Beach facilities include sun beds, umbrellas and watersports activities on the main section of the beach, while the other section is unspoiled and left in its natural state.
Agios Prokopios is located just 5km from Naxos town and is serviced by a frequent bus.
Located just 7km from Naxos town sits this group of several pretty white-sand beaches, separated by a small fishing port and some large rock formations.
Sunbathe on the fine white sand, swim in the crystalline waters or stroll along the sands to explore neighbouring beaches.
Agia Anna is easily reached by car, bus or caique (small fishing boat). The village offers a wide choice of holiday accommodation, restaurants, tavernas, cafes, bars and nightclubs.
Surrounded by hills, this gorgeous crescent of white sand offers two beaches separated by a rocky promontory.
Go windsurfing and parasailing on the northern section of the beach (an internationally famous windsurfing spot during the summer meltemi winds) or head to the more sheltered southern beach to sunbathe on the soft white sand, swim in the crystalline waters and snorkel around the rocky headland.
The southern beach is family friendly and offers a choice of beachside tavernas and holiday accommodations. Mikri Vigia is located on the west coast of Naxos.
Unwind in peace on this long and wide crescent of white sand that curves around a turquoise bay perfect for swimming. There are no facilities here except for a beach bar.
Pyrgaki is located on the west coast of Naxos near the village of Kastraki.
The best time to visit Naxos for a beach holiday is from mid-June to mid-September.
However, anytime from early-May to late-July; and from mid-September to mid-October is good to visit Naxos – the intense summer heat has diminished, the sea water is still warm, the crowds have left and all the facilities are still open.
July and August are the peak summer months, when Naxos has the most visitors and prices sky-rocket.
Naxos enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and cool, wet winters. The island is windy year-round.
For more climate info: Naxos Weather Guide…
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands – a group of islands that lies in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200km (120mi) southeast of mainland Greece.
The Cyclades also includes Mykonos, Ios, Paros, Milos and Santorini, plus a number of smaller islands.
The most convenient route to Naxos is by air to Naxos Island National Airport (JNX), located 3km (1.8mi) from Naxos City. Note: All international flights connect via Athens International Airport (ATH).
While the port at Chora is too small for cruise ships, Naxos is still accessible by high-speed catamarans and ferries from neighbouring islands in the Cyclades and from Piraeus – the port of Athens.
By ferry, Naxos is about 5 hours 30 minutes from Piraeus and about 3 hours 10 minutes from Raffina.
By high-speed catamaran, Naxos is 45 minutes from Mykonos and 1 hour 10 minutes from Santorini.
Information on how to get to Naxos…
Latest update: Where to Honeymoon in Naxos: 1 August, 2022
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