The Best Day Trips You Can Take From Naxos

Naxos, a rugged Greek island in the South Aegean, is the greenest of the Cyclades archipelago. The fertile landscape spans mountain villages, Roman ruins and long, sandy stretches of coastline. But there’s always more to see, so we asked our local insiders for the lowdown on the best day trips from Naxos.

1. Paros Island

Natural Feature

Sandy beach with amazing tranquil water in Naoussa on Paros island, Cyclades, Greece.

Featuring mountainside villages, whitewashed villas and 120km (75mi) of coastline, Paros Island is a Greek paradise. It’s most famous for its watersports, sandy beaches and snorkelling. Less than an hour boat ride from Naxos, visitors are dropped off in Parikia, the main capital. It’s here you can stop off at Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a beautiful church that supposedly has 100 doors (the 100th being a secret entrance that, it’s said, will only reveal itself when the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul becomes Orthodox once more). Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

2. Santorini

Natural Feature

Santorini – know for its pretty white buildings and magnificent caldera – was built on myth. According to the legend, Euphemus (son of Poseidon) dreamt of making love to a nymph, who told him she needed a safe nursery to give birth. After throwing a clod of earth into the sea, a fully-formed island – named Santorini – emerged. It’s here that bougainvillea-clad cottages and seafood restaurants sit clustered together in squares. It’s the perfect setting to sink your teeth into the island’s specialties: moussaka, sea bass filet and lemon-drizzled octopus. Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

3. Amorgos

Natural Feature

Hozoviotissa monastery, Amorgos, Cyclades, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe

Known as the fairest of all Greek islands, Amorgos is a spot where there’s no sign of cruise ships or wild nightlife. Dozens of subterranean caves have been carved into cliff sides, and there are plenty of important archaeological ruins – dating back to the Early Cycladic era – to sink your teeth into, none more impressive than the monastery of Hozoviotissa, built in 1017. All that fresh air is bound to build up an appetite, so try the courgette croquettes and delicate pastries served in the town’s many cafés. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

5. Mykonos

Natural Feature

Greece, Cyclades, Mykonos, Mykonos Town, Outdoor Cafe in Little Venice Area

Mykonos is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and world-class nightlife. During the summer months thousands flock here to party and explore the island’s illustrious history and culture. The iconic whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches, particularly in the capital of Chora, are a particular highlight, but don’t forget to make time to soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Paralia Megali Ammos, then stop off at NOA Greek restaurant for the best breadcrumbed steak and grilled calamari you’re ever likely to have. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.