The Best Attractions and Things to Do on Naxos, Greece

Explore whitewashed buildings trimmed with vibrant blue shutters, cobbled alleyways and uneven, narrow staircases in this particularly picturesque part of Naxos Town (or ‘Chora’ as it’s also known). Offering a good range of Greek restaurants, independent boutiques and low-key bars, a wander round is a fantastically relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Find that tucked-away cafe-bar you’ve always dreamed of, order a chilled beer or glass of white wine, and enjoy the authentic Greek surroundings. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

Explore unspoilt Greek villages and gorgeous Greek island scenery on Amorgos. You can reach the island by ferry from Naxos – though, at a 3-hour one-way trip, you might want to consider stopping off overnight to get the most out of your visit. The stunning whitewashed Monastery of Hozoviotissa is a must-visit while you’re here, as is the island capital of Chora with its 13th-century Venetian castle. Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

This intimate 13-room hotel, close to St George beach and the main port, is one of the most beloved bases on the island. Simple whitewashed interiors are hipped-up with swinging basket chairs, powder-blue furniture and whirlpool tubs – young couples and design lovers sip aperitifs on its minimalist rooftop, with luminous views of the Aegean Sea. Hands-on owners greet you with complimentary wine and make every arrangement for you, from car rental to island tours. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

The city of Chora Naxos, the heart of the island, is one of the most picturesque cities of the Cyclades and the most famous tourist destination of the island. Nowadays it is a traditional yet modern place, with traditional white houses, narrow streets, influences from the Venetian and the Mycenaean civilization, as well as a developed tourist infrastructure, with a large number of hotels, bars, cafeterias, restaurants, shops and boutiques for all tastes and pockets. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is located in Chora Naxos, the heart of the island. It is located in a well maintained Venetian building, dating back to the 17th century and is of special architectural interest. The museum hosts objects and artefacts from the period between the Neolithic and the early-Christian periods. The consecutive civilizations that flourished are represented by a rich collection of ceramics, statues, vessels and idols that will fascinate you. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas

Built like a quaint, sugar-cube Cycladic village among greenery, this petite water park is a hit with younger families. In the family-friendly resort of Stelida, near the huge, sandy Agios Prokopios Beach, it has a selection of spiral tube slides and bumpy flumes to shoot down, plus paddling pools with cute octopus-shaped kiddie slides. Great for a cooling day off the beach, with bargain entry prices and a compact layout that’s less intimidating than many water parks. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

After exploring the island’s main town, Chora, head to this sandy Blue Flag beach, 10 minutes’ south of the port – its clean, shimmering shallows and steady breeze attract windsurfers to the southern end, but families, couples and young groups congregate near its ample umbrellas and other facilities. The water is paddling-shallow for several metres out, so it’s safe for toddlers and under-10s. A scattering of cafes and tavernas coax you to stay for lunch – and dinner. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

History buffs and scholars of Christian art seek this little Byzantine church in the rugged interior, 50 minutes’ drive from Naxos Town. Its higgledy-piggledy exterior of porous rock may not look like much from the outside, but it’s the site of incredibly rare, carefully preserved frescoes from the 8th century BCE. Peek in to see the faded images of birds and plants. The island is home to some 140 Byzantine churches – if you’re a history fan, you could hire a car and make a day of it. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

A day-trip to nearby Ano Koufonisi, a tiny islet off the south coast and part of the Small Cyclades, is a must while on Naxos. Take the ferry or an organised boat tour for the day to see its sculptural rock forms and swim in its crystalline waters. Top billing goes to the Devil’s Eye, a swimming hole at the top of a sea cave that fills with water, so you can have a photogenic float while surrounded by craggy amber rock – it’s just one of several impressive sea caves you can swim, dive or walk over on these unspoiled islands. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

Filoti is the largest village of Naxos and the second most densely inhabited settlement of the island, after Chora Naxos. The island is culturally developed and caters to tourists with a number of restaurants, cafeterias and folk culture shops. The landmark of Filoti is its large square with the old plane tree that generously offers natural shade to the visitor in need of a place to relax, far from the crowds. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas

One of the best Greek, maybe even European, beaches is located 5 kilometers away from the city of Naxos. Its endless shore is 1,5 kilometers long, with white sand and rare natural beauty. Agios Prokopios is well organized, equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, and is also available for water sports. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas

The Geological Museum was established in 1964 and initially operated for four years, until 1968. It was reestablished in 1987, several years after the end of the Greek dictatorship, after the initiative of Manolis Glezos who donated his personal collection of rock formations and fossils. The museum attracts many visitors every year with its rare exhibits, which include emery, the famous local dark marble, meteorites and fossils, which even date back to 70,000 years ago. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas.

Naxos town’s 13th-century Venetian fortress has become intertwined with everyday life in the island capital. As you make your way past bistros and boutiques to the top of the hill, take some time to explore the adjoining churches, monasteries and museums before enjoying the views from the fortifications. Incredibly, there’s no entry charge for this attraction, but do bring a map – it’s far too easy to get lost among the narrow alleyways of the Old Town on your way up. Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

One of the most important pre-Christian temples of the island was built in the area between Tragaia and Moni during the 6th century. Panagia Drosiani is dedicated to ‘Virgin Mary of the rain’, who according to the tradition, answered the prayers of the locals who asked her help with a drought that afflicted the island for years. On the temple’s walls you will see well-preserved paintings, which date back to the period between the 7th and the 14th century, and represent various saints and Jesus Christ. Recommended by Evangelos Tsirmpas

Framed by grey, shrub-speckled cliffs on either side, this unspoiled, flat scoop of gleaming white sand is the most beautiful beach on Donoussa island: the largest of the Small Cyclades. It’s reached by ferry – from an hour to four hours’ journey, depending on the company. Disembark and it’s a 15-minute bus ride to this pin-up cove – reckon on a 20-minute walk from the drop-off point. Your reward? Silky sands and neon shallows, utterly unbothered by mass tourism. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

This mountain village is hugged by miles of forest-carpeted slopes in Naxos’ untrodden interior – many visit for the day to absorb its trapped-in-time feel and curious amphitheatrical layout. Potter about narrow alleys under canopies of leaves, spotting huge ceramic urns for sale and pausing at sleepy cafes. Known as the “marble village” for the hunks that make up its streets and houses, it’s a centre of embroidery: pick up loom-woven tablecloths before you leave. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

An eery abandoned hotel site from the 1960s certainly provides an atmospheric backdrop for an open-air art exhibition. Balinese street artist Wild Drawing (aka WD) saw this potential back in 2015, and, since then, the complex has been the home to striking large-scale murals. Backed by a cedar forest, the location has a rural, uninterrupted feel to it and creates a brilliant subject for keen photographers and an intriguing scenery for a beachside stroll. Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

The fine sands and unspoiled slopes of this cedar-forested beach lure travellers in the know to the east of the island, near the fishing village of Moutsouna. This is an under-the-radar stretch of coast to lounge on, with hardly any facilities but maximum natural charm. With calm, shallow waters it’s a dream for keen swimmers and families, and often it’s completely deserted, so bring snacks, water and a beach umbrella if you can – though there is some natural shade from the cedars. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

The Portara Gate (or the ‘Great Door’ as it’s often called) standing imposingly against the sea is Naxos’ trademark postcard view. Take a trip out to the nearby islet of Palatia on Naxos to explore the foundations of the temple dating back to around 530 BCE the Portara Gate was supposed to be a part of. It’s a steep climb up to the gate, but the photo opportunities and the sheer impressiveness of the marble structure make it all worthwhile. Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

This sandy strand at the end of Agios Prokopios Beach is a hub of socialising, eating and drinking – comfy, cushioned beach clubs serve chilled beers while families peruse sun-lounger sections and rent pedalo boats. The views are quaint: petite fishing boats are moored at the mini harbour when not out fishing for the tavernas along the bay, and the only hotels and cafes that trim the sands are uniformly boxy and whitewashed in the traditional Cycladic style. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team

Kouros statues were archaic Greek depictions of youth, used as both dedications to the gods and as grave markers. At about 6 metres (20ft) in length and dating back to the seventh century BCE, the Naxos Melanes Kouros Statue is an intriguing example of this phenomenon. Combine your visit with a day of hiking and sightseeing – there are plenty of trails around the area, and a second Kouros statue about 200 metres (656ft) away from the first. Recommended by local insider Ellie Dumper

Hiking to the top of the legendary birthplace of Zeus offers breathtaking views over the rest of Naxos and across the Aegean Sea. The path up is strenuous in places (be sure to bring plenty of water), but the dramatic mountain scenery you pass through makes the effort absolutely worthwhile. Allow four hours to complete the hike, and ideally plan your trip for early summer – you won’t want to be scrambling up the summit paths in the midday sun. Recommended by local insider Charlie Bush

Kato or “lower” Koufonisi is the smaller, uninhabited island of the twin Koufonisis, with staggeringly beautiful waters the colour of aquamarine gems, encircled by naked ochre cliffs. Photogenic is an understatement. You do have to bring everything you need in a backpack – bottled water, sun hats, sunscreen, a picnic – but it’s worth it for the untouched hiking trails branching off from the one tiny port, and impromptu dips in secret-feeling coves. Recommended by Culture Trip Travel Team