A Beach Lover’s Guide to Naxos Town, Greece

Naxos Town, also known as Chora, the name commonly used to refer to the capital or largest settlement on a Greek island, is different from most beach towns. It’s a place where you’ll not only find some of the country’s most beautiful sandy beaches, but ancient sites and a maze of narrow, marble-paved alleyways lined with whitewashed buildings brightened by blue-painted doors and bougainvillea. It’s divided into two historic Venetian neighborhoods, Bourgeois and the hilltop Kastro, which overlooks it all.

Along the harbor, you’ll find a waterfront promenade with numerous small shops, cafes, bars, and tavernas serving drinks and local Greek dishes, many of which offer views of the boats that come and go, along with the iconic Portara that greets visitors when arriving by ferry. From here, the nearest beach is less than 10 minutes on foot. 

Among the miles and miles of sandy beaches Naxos has to offer are secluded stretches where you can toss down your towels, and more lively spans with facilities for watersports, beachside bars, umbrellas and lounge chairs.

The closest beach to Naxos Town, Agios Georgios (St. George Beach), is family-friendly with soft sand and calm, clear blue waters ideal for safe swimming. At the southern end, many come to windsurf when conditions are right. Here you’ll have easy access to a wide range of bars, tavernas, and restaurants serving fresh seafood and local specialties that can be enjoyed with picturesque sea views.

Further south, Agios Propkopios is less than a 10-minute drive from Naxos Town and easily accessible by bus. It’s renowned for its dunes, long stretch of soft golden sands, and crystal-clear turquoise water. While it’s busier, with areas that have loungers, beach bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities, there are also quieter sections, making it a great pick for couples and families alike.

Agia Anna lies adjacent to Agios Propkopios, so it’s basically a continuation, also with a mix of more tranquil and organized areas, with shallow waters for swimming and some cedar trees for shade. 

My favorite beach, Plaka, is about five miles south of Naxos Town, offering a 2.5-mile span of powdery, soft sand and translucent cobalt water that looks like a big natural pool. As it’s so vast, it’s easy to find your perfect spot, with places for beach blankets and towels at the undeveloped south end, along with organized spans at the north end with loungers and umbrellas, shops, eateries, beach clubs offering cabana rentals, and facilities with banana boats and sea bikes for rent. You’ll also find plenty of boho-chic beach bars providing the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and seafood.

The furthest south of Naxos Town on my list of favorites is Mikri Vigla. It’s about seven miles away (a 20-minute drive), but it’s worth the effort to get there. The southern part boasts endless sands and incredible aquamarine waters that are protected from the northerly summer winds, providing excellent swimming conditions. At the other is a world-renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing spot with facilities for taking lessons and renting gear. There are several eateries here for dining with a sea view as well. 

The seaside Nissaki Restaurant lies on the soft sands of Agios Georgios, offering a menu of mouthwatering Mediterranean fare from seasonal salads and fresh fish to lobster spaghetti that can be enjoyed with the sounds of the waves and a gentle breeze to keep you cool on a warm summer’s day or evening. All can be complemented by one of the fine selections of carefully curated Greek wines.

Located along Plaka Beach just before it becomes Maragkas, Yazoo is all about summer bliss. It’s the perfect spot for sunset cocktails and dining on a unique menu that combines Naxian and Cretan cuisine. Think meat from local farms, fresh fish, and produce from island farms. By day, you can enjoy beach service right on the sand from an umbrella-shaded lounger. 

Kitron is one of the best restaurants in the port area, located right along the harborfront with tables at the edge of the water. While it specializes in Kitron, the island’s signature liqueur made from the leaves and fruit of the citron tree, it’s a great place for breakfast or to sip coffee while waiting for your ferry.

Set within traditional Cycladic architecture along a narrow alleyway in the heart of Naxos Town, La Vigne is a wine bar/restaurant that combines Greek, French, and Asian fare, with every dish homemade and prepared using local ingredients. You’ll also find a long list of exquisite wines, Greek and French, to pair with it. Or enjoy them on your own if you’re looking for the ideal spot to try some unique wines. 

The historic center of Naxos Town, often referred to as the “Old Town,” is a joy to explore. The maze of streets and alleyways is paved with marble and leads to the 13th-century Venetian castle. Along the way, check out the artisan shops that sell local handmade crafts, jewelry, and Naxian products like Kitron liqueur, cheese, and olive oil. 

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is housed within the historic Kastro (castle), showcasing a fascinating collection of artifacts from across Naxos. Its early Cycladic collection, including famous early Bronze Age marble figurines, makes it one of the world’s most important museums,  but you’ll also find unique works of art and objects used in daily Naxian life. 

If you like to hike, the must-do trek on Naxos will bring you to the summit of Mount Zeus. Your reward for tackling this moderate, 5.7-mile out-and-back route is a breathtaking panoramic vista from the highest point in the Cyclades of nearby islands that look like jewels strewn across the sparkling turquoise sea.

The 6th-century BC Portara is what remains of an unfinished temple of Apollo that welcomes visitors arriving by ferry. The massive marble doorway is one of the best vantage points for sunset views. But if you visit at sunrise, you’ll get the best light for photos.

Many day tours can bring you to explore other parts of the island or even some of the smaller islands nearby. 

Apeiranthos & the Mountain Villages. A tour of the mountain villages typically includes the island’s crown jewel, Apeiranthos. Built in amphitheatrical style along the slopes of Mount Finari, the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways is paved in marble and lined with historic stone homes and buildings hosting small independent shops and eateries. It’s the food scene that draws many with local ingredients used in eclectic recipes like Roso (pork with garlic) that the late chef/TV personality Anthony Bourdain raved about in an episode of CNN’s “Parts Unknown.

Boat Tour to Rina Cave, Iraklia, & Other Islands. A boat tour can bring you to some of the hidden gems near Naxos Town, like Rina Cave, where you can even swim in the aquamarine water inside. Depending on the day’s conditions, you’ll visit small islands like Iraklia and Koufonisia with more time for unforgettable swims. 

If you want a more secluded, intimate stay that’s just a short walk from the center of Naxos Town, Illiada Suites is ideal. It’s a bit further away from the popular beaches, providing a more tranquil setting and a stunning view overlooking the sea, the Portara, and one of the most glorious sunsets you’ll find in the Greek Islands. There’s also a sea-view pool and options for private, in-suite jacuzzis.

For beach lovers who want to be steps from the sand, 18 Grapes provides easy access to Agios Prokopios while being less than a 10-minute drive from Naxos Town. It has a common outdoor pool, but you can even have your own private pool for an especially luxurious stay. All come with furnished balconies with at least a partial sea view.

Located at the southern end of Plaka Beach, about six miles south of Naxos Town, Naxian on the Beach is an adults-only hotel known for its bohemian luxury that comes complete with private sea-view balconies. Many come with private outdoor verandas with personal jetted tubs, while others have private indoor Jacuzzis. All guests enjoy access to a private stretch of the soft sands with loungers.

The most popular time to visit Naxos is during the peak of summer, July and August. This is when the island experiences the warmest temperatures of the year, with the average high in the mid-80s, although the mercury can rise to 100 during a heat wave. It is ideal for beaches and swimming, but if you want to enjoy a mix of sightseeing with time on the beach and in the water without the biggest crowds, consider the sweet spots: late May through mid-June or mid-September through early October. 

If you want to make the most of your time on the island, it’s best to rent a car. While the local bus system can bring you to the major villages and popular destinations like the beaches, some routes only run once or twice a day. If you want to explore the island’s many hidden treasures, including secluded beaches most tourists never reach and villages in the mountains, you’ll need to have your own wheels or book a private tour. There’s no need to rent a vehicle for the entire duration of your trip, however, especially if you’re planning to spend most of your time at the beach.