If you’re looking for a Greek island that blends history, culture, and natural beauty, Naxos is for you! Naxos is the first Greek island we stayed on, and probably my favorite place in Greece so far. It’s the biggest of the Cyclades Islands and it has something to offer for everyone. So keep reading for a 5-day itinerary of Naxos Town.
PLANNING A TRIP
How to get to Naxos
By air:
The most common way to get to Naxos is by flying into Naxos Island National Airport (JNX). There are regular flights that connect Naxos to other Greek cities. The airport is located just a short drive from Naxos town.
By ferry:
The island has one ferry port, located in Naxos town, and it is well connected to the neighboring islands and Athens. The time of the ferry rides can vary from just 30 minutes to a few hours. On every ferry, no matter how short or long the ride you will find plenty of options for food and beverages, tables or chairs both inside and outside.
Since we were staying in Athens we decided to take a ferry to get to Naxos and our ride was 5 hours long, but with a coffee and the nice sea view from the open terrace, it went by in no time.
It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, online, or at one of the ports.
How to move around when visiting Naxos
Choosing your mode of transportation in Naxos largely depends on your travel style and preferences. Here are the options.
Public Transport
KTEL buses operate in most of Greece and Naxos isn’t an exception. You will find that these buses offer rides to many of the island’s attractions, including beaches and towns all over the island. Check their schedules and buy a ticket online or at the port, where the bus station is located.
Rentals
If you love the freedom of traveling at your own pace, renting a scooter or a car is probably the best option for you. On the island, you will find many rental agencies to suit your needs. Just remember to have a valid driver’s license and be aware that many of the roads can be narrow, steep, and winding.
Taxi
Taxis are a good option, especially for the most remote parts of the island, and while there aren’t many it isn’t too difficult to find one. Just be aware that they can get a little expensive.
Walking
Walking, as usual, is my favorite option and since the main town is so small it is very easy to get everywhere you need on foot. The narrow streets are lined with cafes and boutiques and you can only truly appreciate them by walking.
There are also many options for scenic hikes in the island’s interior.
For this 5-day itinerary of Naxos, you won’t need rentals or public transport. It’s very easy to get everywhere you need on foot.
Your 5-Day Itinerary in Naxos
For our stay, we decided not to rent a car and stay in Naxos town.
We stayed here 10 days but for this travel itinerary, I opted for a 5-day trip because I think this is the perfect length for a trip in Naxos Town.
Now, that doesn’t mean you can’t stay longer. We absolutely loved our 10-day stay and we were never bored of this beautiful island, so feel free to expand your stay if you want and maybe travel more around the island.
Day 1
Take your first day in Naxos to get to know the beautiful town of Naxos. My favorite way to get to know a new place is always walking around. So after dropping off your bags, start exploring! Enjoy the narrow streets and all the hidden stores and restaurants on the inside of the town. Or walk around the port, grab a coffee in one of the many cafes, and enjoy the view. Then pick one of the many restaurants for your first meal on the island. Finish off your day with a walk along the main street and enjoy the music and company of everyone in the town.
Day 2
The first day was spent traveling and walking around the town. On your second day, I’m sure you’ll agree you deserve a day at the beach. The beaches in Naxos are golden and sandy and the water is shallow and warm.
The easiest beach to get on foot to is Agios Georgios Beach. The free part of the beach is where we spent most of our time but you will also find plenty of options for a paid umbrella and bed.
After a day of swimming and sunbathing, if you walk towards the port you’ll find many places that offer happy hours, usually starting from 6 pm and continuing late into the night.
Day 3
One of the best things in Naxos Town is that ferry rides to other islands in the area are largely available and affordable.
Pro Tip: Do you want to stretch your travel budget even further? Do what we did and look into buying an Interrail or Eurail pass for the Greek Islands. The Interrail ticket is for EU citizens, the Eurail ticket is for non-EU citizens. There are many options based on your interests and budget so make sure you check out the Interrail or Eurail website.
The pass that we had allowed us 4 days of unlimited ferry rides. Since we used two days to get to and back from Naxos, we were left with another two days of unlimited travel.
So we used one for Paros and one for Koufonissi.
Paros
The island of Paros, located right next to Naxos, is famous since ancient times for its white marble. It is also perfect for people of all ages and interests, thanks to its numerous beaches and clubs, and its archeological ruins and museums.
Koufonissi
Koufonissi is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. It is also a very small island and there are many paths you can walk to see most of it in just a few hours. On our day trip, we decided to walk the coast and we were able to see some of the most beautiful views in Greece.
Day 4
For your fourth day dive into the history of the island.
Start with the Naxos Archeological Museum, located in the Venetian Castle, in the heart of the town. This is a very important museum because it hosts a Cycladic collection. The collection includes unique works of art and objects of daily use from Naxos and the Little Cyclades complex.
Just a stroll away is the Temple of Apollo, or “doorway to the Gods”. Located on a peninsula in front of Naxos Town, it looks over the city on one side and the sea on the other, offering a great view of both.
Day 5
For your last day, if you haven’t already, make sure you try one of the many traditional restaurants in the town.
Some of the best foods in my opinion:
Taramosalata, tzatziki, and tirokafteri: every meal on the island started with one of these spreads and dips on bread for us.
Potatoes: Naxos is famous for its potatoes so whether you try them fried, in a salad or as part of a dish, you won’t be disappointed.
Gyro: grilled meat, typically served with onion, tomatoes, and tzatziki, all wrapped in warm pita bread or served on a platter.
Seafood: you’ll agree that you can’t go to the Greek islands and not try seafood. Whether it’s a platter of fried calamari or a baked fish, you can’t miss it.
Stuffed vegetables: pepper and tomatoes stuffed with rice and herbs is a very popular and tasty dish in Naxos and a lot of other places in Greece.
Now if you have more days available why don’t you see a little more of Greece?