Posted by For years, Naxos Town lagged behind its neighbours Parikia on Paros or Thira on Santorini in terms of tourism. Now, to the delight of many residents, it has almost caught up. However, many Cyclades fans are less happy with the development.
Orientation
The Chora of Naxos consists of the harbor with the long promenade. Just a few meters behind it is the old town with the castle district and many small alleys, in which almost every stranger gets lost as if in a labyrinth. To the north of the harbor, on a peninsula, lies the Temple of Apollo with the Temple Gate, the landmark of Naxos. To the south of the capital lies the new district of Agios Georgios with many hotels and the best beach in Naxos town.
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| Naxos Overview | Naxos Town |
| Apollonas Naxos | Agia Anna Naxos |
| Naxos East | Naxos Tragea |
Most holidaymakers book day trips from Naxos by boat and bus online: >>> Link to the booking page
Waterfront promenade
Modern Naxos is located right on the harbor front. Dozens of expensive cafes and taverns for tourists and the newly rich locals. A coffee can easily cost 3-4 euros here. The taverns on the waterfront vary greatly in quality and price. Rip-offs are not uncommon here these days. Be sure to ask for the menu beforehand and see where the locals eat. Under no circumstances should you let the staff persuade you to visit their restaurant.
Old town and castle district
The old town of Naxos begins directly behind the harbor line with its narrow streets without traffic. It is the district that makes Naxos town so beautiful. You quickly lose your bearings and just let yourself drift. You come across small shops, bakeries and taverns. Some of the streets are covered, and very small stairs lead up. The upper area is the castle district – unfortunately many of the old houses here are now empty and dilapidated. In the center of the castle district of Naxos there is a Catholic church. Next door is the good archaeological museum of Naxos (entrance fee 3€).
Temple of Apollo with temple gate
The gigantic temple gate has stood for thousands of years about 200 meters north of the port of Naxos Town. It was built in the 6th century BC and is 6 meters high. You can reach the peninsula via a small dam in 2 minutes from the port. From here you have a breathtaking view of the town and the sea, including the surrounding area.
Tip: Our favorite guesthouse on Naxos: Infinity Apartments
Agios Georgios
The new development is located directly south of the promenade of Naxos Town. Most tourists stay here in small, sometimes still inexpensive, guesthouses. It is less than 10 minutes walk to the center. The beach of Agios Georgios is one of the most beautiful on Naxos. In many places you can walk 500 meters or more into the sea without the water being deeper than a meter. Very fine, good sand, tavernas and deck chairs. The further you go out of town, the quieter it gets. Very good surf school with over 200 boards.
Eating in Naxos town
There are countless taverns in all price ranges. As a rule of thumb, the taverns on the harbor promenade are usually overpriced. The further away you get, the cheaper it gets. Very popular among foreigners living on Naxos is the good and inexpensive Kavouri tavern on Agios Georgios beach in the south of Naxos town. The “O Nikos” tavern in the harbor district is very cheap (see picture above for menu)
Accommodation in Naxos town
➔ Book Naxos hotels for 2025 now at a great price
The best day tours from Naxos1. Boat trip with food and drink: Remote beaches, swimming, snorkeling, etc. Great tour with catamaran: More info and booking 2. Bus tour through Naxos: Focus of the tour Apollonas: More info and booking |
Buses from Naxos Town
Buses 2-4 times a day to Apollonas and the larger villages of Tragea. To the beaches in the south of Naxos Town (such as Agia Anna and Plaka) there are only 3 buses a day in the winter months, but 1-2 times an hour in the season.
Surroundings of Naxos Town
Some holiday resorts and beaches in the south of the Chora of Naxos are very popular with package tourists and campers. Agia Anna is the largest town with a good beach and many hotels. A little further south is the quiet Plaka beach. In summer, buses run here every hour (before May 15th, only 3 per day!).
Camping on Naxos
There are 3 campsites, of which Maragas Camping is the most popular among regulars (right at the final stop of the bus to Agia Anna). The campsite near the town, Plaka Camping, is also not bad and has a big advantage: from here you can walk to the center of Naxos Town in about 40 minutes. Plaka Camping has the most modern facilities, but it is almost 10 km from Naxos Town. But here, on a beautiful beach, campers are largely among themselves. The tough competition between the 3 campsites means that all 3 campsites offer good value for money.
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