Naxos is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt islands in the Cyclades. Holidays in Naxos are becoming popular with discerning visitors drawn by the vast sandy beaches, wonderful clear water, fertile plains, green valleys and the spectacular mountainous interior.
Naxos has traditional villages with whitewashed house, quaint fishing harbours, ancient ruins, and hundreds of pretty Byzantine churches. Naxos Town has Venetian houses and castle with a charming mix of narrow lanes, churches and tavernas.
There’s 90 miles of coastline to enjoy There is a huge choice of beaches with white or golden sand, often backed by sand dunes and bamboo. There’s something in Naxos that will suit everyone.
Things to do
Holidays in Naxos attract young and old, beach fanatics, families, culture lovers, cyclists, walkers and windsurfers.
The reliable strong breezes from the northern Meltimi winds, and the offshore flat reefs, are great conditions on Naxos for perfect wind surfing. As well as wind surfing, other sports to enjoy on Naxos include kite surfing, wake boarding, water skiing, tubing and canoeing. Beach volleyball proves great fun on many beaches!
It is possible to sail around the island or explore the rest of the Cyclades Islands and enjoy the panoramic views from the sea. But if you prefer to explore land bound, there is wonderful agricultural land to venture through. There are paths and trails crossing countryside and its mountainous terrain. With its lovely climate, any activity is a pleasure in Naxos.
Shopping
Most of the shops in Naxos, Greece are mainly gathered along the port as well as in the backstreets, behind the port. There are a variety of shops to find your bargains. You’ll find souvenirs, clothes, shoes, accessories, leather goods, books and fine jewelry to choose from.
The jewelry is made of gold and silver and are decorated with semi-previous stones. Also Naxos specialises in beautiful ceramics and decorative objects from fussed glass distinguished for their originality.
The more you explore the maze of shops available, the more great buys you will find. There are bargains to be had if you look hard enough.
Nightlife
Naxos Nightlife isn’t as famous as the one in Mykonos, but it is just as varied and alive on the island. Most of the many bars and nightclubs you’ll find are located in the capital, along the seafront and in the back streets. There are there famous and popular clubs to be found such as Cream Club and Ocean Club which are definitely worth a visit if you’re new to the island.
There are also various bars and cafes available that can be found in the beach resorts of Agios Georgios, Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios to start your night off in style!
Eating out
As with most countries, there are good places to eat, and other not so good places to eat. It’s best to ask a local where they recommend, or see if the restaurant is busy. If it is, then it is probably very good.
There are many taverns and restaurants in Naxos Town located either at the port or at the alleys in the castle. You can choose among fish taverns, meat taverns and ouzeries. They tend to serve dishes like fish, meat and ouzo mezedes.
There is also excellent cuisine to be found in Naxos villages. Eggares is a village well known for its taverns and Potamia village has a tavern where there is a wonderful garden full of trees and a spring with icy cold water coming from the mountain.