About Naxos

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Naxos Island

The hidden gem of the Cyclades, Naxos, is gradually gaining acclaim for all that it has to offer. Its beaches, gastronomy, culture, history, hospitality and authenticity entice ever greater numbers of visitors with each passing year.

Much more than an unforgettable tourist destination, Naxos is also an agricultural island. With an abundance of farm animals, especially goats, sheep and cows, Naxos produces huge quantities of exquisite cheeses for which it is famous. Traveling along its rural roads you might easily happen upon a farmer on a donkey, carrying his milk to the creamery in tin canisters, as the old ways are still valued. Herb-fed, mountain grazing, katzikia (goats) also make Naxos famous for its delicious goat meat. Naxian potatoes are second to none and greatly prized all over Greece. Naxos is the largest producer of olive oil in the Cyclades. Its traditional spoon sweets made from every variety of local fruit are also very popular. As a matter of fact, the abundance of agricultural products here is such that all year-round Naxos is virtually self-sufficient, differing from most other Greek islands..

Mythological History of Naxos

You've undoubtedly read of Naxos' rich history while deciding to visit us; but let us tell you about its little-mentioned mythological history:

According to the Greek myth of Theseus and Ariadne, after Ariadne had helped Theseus to slay the monster, Minotaur, on Crete, he decided to bring her back to Athens with him where they were to marry. En route, they stopped on Naxos for provisions, where Theseus had a change of heart. As son of the king of Athens, Theseus decided his father would never permit him to marry a woman not of Athenian origin - even the daughter of King Minos of Crete. Sadly, he chose to abandon her on Naxos. But it was there that the Naxian god of wine, Dionysus, found Ariadne asleep, bathed in her tears, and fell madly in love with her. After the young lovers married, one night they flew up from Mount Zas, in Naxos, to Olympus, where Zeus made Ariadne immortal.

Beaches of Naxos

Beaches in Naxos Greece are different than the beaches in other islands of the Cyclades, due to their characteristic length. Most of them have soft white sand and crystal blue waters.
The most beautiful sandy beaches are located on the western side of the island, which is also the most touristy developed part. The most famous beaches are Plaka beach, the longest sandy beach on the island, and Agios Prokopios beach. There are considered among the most beautiful beaches in Greece and are well organized with sunbeds, water sports, restaurants and hotels.

✔ DISCOVER THE HIDDEN BEACHES OF NAXOS WITH A DAY-CRUISE
Discover the most beautiful beaches of Naxos with our organized tours & activities. Alternatively, most of the beaches of Naxos can also be discovered with a car.

There are many sandy beaches to explore on the island. Do not miss the area of Aliko, a protected area for its cedar forest, which offers several beautiful beaches: Aliko beach and Agios Georgios beach. The landscape is just amazing.
Some beaches like Mikri Vigla beach are famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you travel to Naxos with kids, the perfect beach is Saint Georges beach, with shallow waters and all the needed facilities. But we also recommend Sahara beach (or Limanakia) which is an amazing place, protected by the summer wind. If you want some privacy, you can find some small coves at Orkos beach and if you are adventurous, do not miss Panermos beach, on the eastern side of the island. The Northern side also offers many beaches and wild bays but the quality of the sand and sea is less good and this side can be affected by winds and waves.
What are the best beaches for snorkeling? We recommend the peninsula of Aliko and the bay of Panermos.

Naxos Activities

Naxos Island - Hiking-Trekking

Naxos Island features a network of hundreds of kilometers hiking and trekking to explore. From antiquity to the late 1960's, this network of trails once constituted the transportation thoroughfares from one village to another, and the main means of access between the settlements to the nearby fields and other farming areas that belong to the locals. Essentially speaking, the hiker-trekker is treading the same paths created by feet from ancient times till today.

The walking trails and rural tracks on Naxos Island, have linked trails of cultural interest that lead to ancient monuments, churches and chapels of all sizes and ages, medieval towers at strategic points, traditional farmsteads that still produce goods, monasteries both active and abandoned, to old water mills, water fountains and cool springs.

Naxos Island - Bike Riding

Bike riding on Naxos Island can be a pleasant way to explore the countryside. You will have to make day trips and perhaps plan for stopovers, since the island is large and mountainous in the center. On the plus side, you get to experience a rich natural environment of scenery and landscape stretching from the coast to inland areas. The variety of mountain trails, rural roads and asphalt road network, provide something for everyone, whether it be biking or mountain biking.

The beauty of this means of transportation is being able to cover large distances so cycling routes lead to various parts of the island otherwise explored by foot. Visiting beaches a little farther than most care to walk is also something you might consider doing by bicycle.

Naxos Island - Horse Riding

Horseback riding on holiday is surely something to take photos of and write home about. This is something few vacationers think of doing usually opting for boring activities by comparison. The price of renting a horse is very competitive compared to other parts of Europe which is usually considerable. It is also a unique experience to gallop along Naxos's beaches and ride the trails that offer the chance of seeing the beauty of the island at a walking pace.

There is no need to worry about lack of experience in this matter since the local operators also provide rides on Naxos beaches to riders of all skill levels and even ponies for children. Get to see all the best places accompanied by a guide who knows the trails.

Naxos Yachting

A unique yachting experience awaits you on the island of Naxos. Yacht charters are quite new on Naxos and gaining fans every year. Why? Because you get to see a lot more within the same day. Travel from Naxos to Paros, Antiparos, Delos, Mykonos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa by chartering your own mini yacht. Moor your yacht wherever you want, the vessel is yours to master. Naxos yacht charters is a great way to see Naxos beaches and many of the Cyclades islands in the shortest time possible.

Naxos Island - Sailing

Naxos Island is a fantastic place to go sailing. It is really easy if you want to see some of the more secluded beaches of the island. If you are not an experienced sailor, rent a space on a yacht for the day with an experienced captain that knows the waters around the island and its secret spots. He will sail around the island anchoring at sheltered coves where you can have a swim. If you are a more experienced sailor hire a sailboat yourself and head out to sea visiting the nearby islands as well.

The yacht captains offer various day trips to several parts of the island and even neighboring islands if you wish. Should you be at Naxos in summer ask for the route around the southern coast if you have a sensitive stomach. You will enjoy a trip that is not overly affected by the seasonal northerly winds providing you with a lovely day to take great photos and have a good time. Reade more about Naxos Sailing.

Naxos Fishing Tours

Why not try an authentic Greek tradition during your holiday? And what could be more traditional and Greek than fishing? Naxos fishing tours have been available on Naxos for several years. It is the best way to capture the spirit of island life in Greece. Give it a try with a traditional fishing caique or a motorboat; both equally exciting experiences.

Naxos Island - Scuba diving

Naxos's varied coastline provides excellent diving conditions. There are several interesting sites to visit and explore for scuba divers. Should you be an advanced level diver aircraft, caves and shipwrecks are amongst your choices. For beginners, there are several diving centers on Naxos all offering modern equipment and experienced staff to tech you the basics affording you a first-class opportunity to discover the beauty of scuba diving. The diving centers are located on the organized beaches of the island.

It is strongly recommended that you contact the various Naxos diving centers for equipment to hire and information on the most interesting dives and their level of difficulty.

Ask them about the dives they recommend, such as the WWII Bristol Beaufighter or the Marianna shipwrecks for a more challenging dive, and the Frouros (the Guard) rocky islet for a less challenging visit to see marine life in the Mediterranean.

Naxos Island - Tennis

Naxos has its own tennis club providing well maintained courts for people that do not want to lose their edge or simply want to sweat and have some fun doing so. Bring your racquet if you prefer to use your own or buy one on the island if you like. The tennis club can probably throw a in a couple for the time you want to book.

If you do not have the necessary attire the tennis club can direct you to the closest retail outlet for such items.

Naxos Island - Watersports

The beaches of Naxos are all blue-flag beaches and due to the northern summer winds are considered ideal for all sorts of watersports. Visitors to the island who wish to catch these winds range from beginner to Olympic class. Apart from swimming which is the most widely practiced sport, windsurfing is a firm favorite because the winds average 5 Beaufort during the day which is ideal for windsurfing. These winds also support different styles of windsurfing (freestyle, free-ride, slalom/speed and wave).