This stunning Greek island is frequently missed by travelers, yet it features some of the finest beaches in the nation.

Greece is home to approximately 6,000 islands, over 275 of which are inhabited. You could dedicate your life to exploring each one and falling in love with their unique charms. However, we suggest starting your journey with Naxos.

"Naxos often gets overshadowed by other Greek islands like Santorini," said Alys Colayera, the leading travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, during an interview with Dinogo. "The island features some of the finest white-sand beaches throughout Greece." Colayera's opinion is widely shared.

"Naxos is among my top island picks, consistently loved by our clients because it caters to every taste," remarked Devaki Das, founder of Weave a Thousand Journeys. "For those seeking a laid-back getaway, this island offers endless stretches of sandy beaches and dunes. Some are bustling with beach bars, while others remain tranquil and pristine. Plus, if you're passionate about beach sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, Naxos boasts some of the finest locations you can find."

As the largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos truly caters to every type of traveler seeking their ideal vacation experience. Below, you'll discover the top hotels, activities, dining options, and attractions to help you fully enjoy your time on this stunning island.

Top Hotels & Resorts

Villa Marandi Luxury Suites

Villa Marandi Luxury Suites, perched on Stelida Beach, is a cozy getaway that feels blissfully secluded yet is conveniently close to Naxos town. The rooms embody the crisp, bohemian, whitewashed charm typical of Greek islands. Guests can relax by the hotel pool with sea views, take a hike to the nearby beach, or savor locally sourced dishes at the on-site Naxian Terra restaurant.

Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites

Experience elevated design at Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites, located near Agios Prokopios Beach. True to its name, this resort features private villas and suites, all designed with a modern Cycladic flair. For ultimate privacy, opt for a villa, which includes private pools and stunning sea views. Guests can also enjoy luxurious amenities such as spa services, gourmet breakfasts, and exclusive excursions.

Nissaki Beach Hotel

Nissaki Beach Hotel provides all the enchanting whitewashed charm that Greek islands are famous for, along with luxurious amenities you'd expect from a premium property: a stunning pool (including a hydrotherapy section) surrounded by chaise loungers, a superb on-site restaurant, and exclusive excursions. What truly sets this hotel apart is its location—right on Agios Georgios Beach and just minutes from Naxos town, giving guests the perfect balance of beach relaxation and local exploration.

Ammothines Cycladic Suites

Immerse yourself in the refreshing atmosphere of Plaka Beach at Ammothines Cycladic Suites, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and the scent of salt in the air. This retreat-style hotel features a modern design, with minimalist rooms that boast thatched-roof balconies, a private pool filled with serene blue waters, and direct beach access. The hotel also hosts a delightful on-site restaurant that serves traditional family recipes made from locally sourced ingredients, and it offers hands-on cooking classes so you can bring the flavors of Naxos back home to share with family and friends.

Best Things to Do

Discover the Portara (Temple of Apollo).

Be sure to visit the island's iconic historical site—the Temple of Apollo. This impressive marble structure, nearly 20 feet tall, is hard to overlook. It's the last remnant of a temple erected in 530 B.C. in honor of Apollo and is especially popular at sunset, offering stunning views over the sea. Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds or join them at dusk for a memorable experience.

Explore the Old Town (Chora).

Dedicate some time during your Naxos getaway to stroll through the charming, narrow streets of Chora, also known as Old Town. Here, visitors can find a delightful blend of Venetian and Greek architecture, housing cozy cafes and restaurants, alongside numerous shops offering a variety of souvenirs—from jewelry and ceramics to magnets and T-shirts.

Unwind on Plaka Beach.

Naxos boasts numerous beautiful beaches, but none quite compare to Plaka. With its soft white sands leading into sparkling azure waters, it's an idyllic spot for a perfect afternoon. Additionally, Plaka is the longest white-sand beach on the island, ensuring you'll have no trouble finding your own little slice of paradise.

Trek up Mount Zeus (Zas).

Elevate your heart rate and explore a different aspect of the island by hiking to the highest point in the Cyclades, Mount Zeus. This 5.7-mile round-trip trail is considered "hard" on AllTrails due to its length and elevation gain. However, those who take on the challenge are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.

Best Places to Dine

Metaxi Mas

Experience authentic Greek cuisine in Old Town at Metaxi Mas, a charming tavern that instantly feels like home. Don't miss out on the moussaka, stuffed Naxos vegetables, or the famous lamb chops to satisfy your cravings.

Axiotissa

Venture to Kastraki, just outside Old Town, to discover Axiotissa, a charming tavern serving locally sourced dishes in an outdoor setting. The restaurant's beautiful patio offers stunning views of the island's lush hills, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying local pork sausage, freshly caught shrimp, or a refreshing tomato salad.

To Elliniko

Dining at To Elliniko feels like visiting yiayia's (Greek grandmother's) home. Located in Old Town, this restaurant features recipes from "mama Katerina's" personal cookbook. Begin your meal with tzatziki, then savor saganaki, zucchini croquettes, and a plate of octopus for a delightful experience.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to visit Naxos are during the shoulder seasons: late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is fantastic, with temperatures between the low 70s and mid-80s. "June in Naxos is an absolute dream and, in my opinion, the perfect time to visit," shared Das. "The weather is nearly perfect—warm but not overly hot—making it great for various activities. The high season doesn’t begin until July, so you enjoy manageable crowds and still-affordable prices."

Both Das and Colayera agree that autumn is also a wonderful time to visit. "If June isn't an option, September is a great alternative," Das mentioned. "The days may be slightly shorter, but the weather remains perfect—not too hot or too cool. As summer comes to a close, the island adopts a relaxed vibe, with locals unwinding and the pace of life slowing down."

How to Get There

By Plane: The quickest route to Naxos is by flying from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Naxos National Airport. Several airlines, including Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Sky Express, provide daily flights that take approximately 45 minutes from departure to arrival.

By Ferry: Another convenient way to get to Naxos is by ferry. Travelers can catch a ride from either Piraeus port or Rafina in Athens. Several direct routes will take approximately hours, while many island-hopping ferries take around five to six hours. Ferries from other popular destinations, such as Mykonos, can reach Naxos in under two hours.

Best Villages to Explore

Halki

Halki, once the island's capital, is situated in the heart of Naxos. Here, visitors can wander through the winding streets adorned with neoclassical architecture, featuring some of the island's oldest churches. Be sure to visit the church of Panagia Protothroni, which has been holding services uninterrupted since 1052.

Apeiranthos

Head up into the mountains to discover the charming village of Apeiranthos. Stroll along the marble-paved streets and admire the traditional houses. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of the many museums, such as the Geological Museum.

Filoti

Before embarking on your hike up Mount Zeus, take the time to explore Filoti, the largest village on the island. It boasts numerous cafes and taverns perfect for refueling both before and after your trek.

Apollonas

Discover the island's coastline by visiting the fishing village of Apollonas. Like the other destinations on this list, it offers a variety of taverns, cafes, and shops, along with stunning beaches where you can relax all day. The most fascinating aspect of the town is the unfinished 32-foot statue of Kouros, which dates back to the eighth century.