3 Days in Naxos Travel Guide
Here, you’ll find a bustling, lively port city in Naxos Town (without feeling like it’s overrun with tourists), pristine beaches, beautiful countryside, and everything in between.
The island itself is the ideal balance between upbeat city life – with all the local flare of shops and restaurants and nightlife – and that oh so addicting low key island time vibe Greece is so famous for.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are still tourists; Naxos seems to be catching on in popularity. But it’s no Mykonos (in the good way).
The bottom line: this is a gorgeous Greek Island that has everything you’re looking for in a gorgeous Greek Island: stunningly blue water and beaches, amazing Greek food, all the wine and cocktails you’ll ever want, Greek ruins, local shops, and friendly people. Not to mention, this was a favorite of none-other than Anthony Bourdain, whose journey here inspired us and got us jetting off on a ferry to Naxos.
Here’s your Greece travel guide Naxos edition!
First things first… How to get to naxos and where to stay in naxos?
How to get to Naxos?
The easiest way is to grab a ferry to Naxos from wherever you are in Greece. Use the Ferryhopper App to purchase tickets. Read more about Ferry Hopper App. If you’re coming from the mainland, there are multiple daily flights to Naxos from Athens.
Naxos is an island located in the South Aegean, and is the largest island of the Cyclades Island. It is known for its mountain villages, ancient ruins, and large beaches along the coastline. It has everything you want in a Greek island- incredible architecture, villages, beaches, Greek ruins, great food and drinks, and so much more!
We visited Naxos, Greece for our honeymoon and just adored it! We first fell in love with the idea of visiting Naxos after watch Tony’s Parts Unknown Naxos Episode which I recommend watching before you go! And it did not disappoint, Naxos is an incredible destination in Greece and one that is sure to be an unforgettable part of your trip to Greece!
Needing Greece Travel Guides for other destinations in Greece? We’ve got you covered! Check out our Ultimate 2-3 Week Greece Guide, Athens Guide, Ultimate Santorini Guide, Things to do in Oia, Naxos Guide, Oia or Fira, Why Crete is the Best Island, Crete Guide, and Halki Village- The Best Day Trip in Naxos.
Where to Stay in Naxos?
Chora (AKA Naxos Town) is the main area of Naxos and a great place to base yourself. You will be able to easily walk or take a short drive to shops and restaurants as well as the main sights in Naxos. After visiting and staying in Chora, Naxos here are some of our recommendations!
We always look for places that are locally ran and more sustainable when possible. We also look for budget options that are walking distance to Chora or beaches. We hope you find the perfect home away from home in Chora, Naxos.
Accommodations walking distance to Chora:
Hotel Coronis– budget option with basic bed, clean, and walking distance to Chora with harbor views!
Great option for the budget traveler who wants to be close to the action! Hotel Coronis is also a travel sustainability property taking 10/29 sustainability steps.
Rooms start around 50.00 a night.
Accommodations walking distance to beaches:
Argo Boutique Hotel– Argo is a family run hotel that is level 2 sustainability hotel. It is a boutique hotel and is a beautiful hotel with comfy beds. It is located on a quite area of Naxos Town and is close to the beach.
Rooms start at 70-250. So depending on when you are visiting this could be a great option for a budget traveler and in high season will most likely not be an option.
Read our complete Naxos Accommodations Guide for all our recommendations!
What are the best tours in Naxos, Greece?
For the Mamma Mias: Explore the teal waters of the Mediterranean from a catamaran complete with a lunch, swim breaks, and of course insta worthy water views. And of course wine. What a perfect way to spend a day in Naxos.
For the Foodies: Go on a food tour in Old Town Naxos and explore some local gems with wonderful Greek food and wine. This is our favorite kind of tour! We love food tours since you get to learn about a culture by eating the cuisine through a local guide.
For the History Buffs and Fast Travelers: See the majestic Demeter temple site, watch the pottery workshop’s demonstration and learn about olive oil production, visit the neoclassical Chalkio, visit art galleries, and try citron liquor, explore Apeiranthos, the marble village, and visit Apollonas, a sea shore village on the northeast edge of the island. This is a great pick for the fast traveler who wants to fit it all in with all these Naxian attractions packed in one tour!
What to do in Naxos, Greece?
There is a TON to do in Naxos Greece! From exploring Chora, Naxos Town which is the main town in Naxos, Greek Ruins, beautiful beaches and day trips to charming Greek villages there is so much to do in Naxos!
And the best part? We did all the research, planning, and went to Naxos Greece and planned the perfect 3 Day Travel Guide to Naxos, Greece!
In 3 Days in Naxos you will wander through Naxos Town and shop, eat, and explore Greek Ruins and a castle! You will also visit some life changing beaches and go on a day trip to the most charming and lovely Greek village! Naxos, Greece is sure to be an incredible adventure!
DAY 1: EXPLORE Chora,NAXOS TOWN
For the first day of our 3 days in Naxos Greece you will be exploring Chora’s (Naxos Town)! Chora is a lively and beautiful port town. There are plenty of shops and restaurants and a wonderful view of the port looking out to the sea. Bonus: the sunsets here are exquisite. You could easily stroll and wander for days!
There really is enough exploring here to take up most of an afternoon. This is especially the case if you move with the pace of Greek culture, which is relaxed and in-the-moment. Take some extra time at breakfast breathing in the Greek sunshine and watching the world go by.
From here: wander. If you like shops, restaurants, little eateries, coffee shops or dessert stands, this is going to be your place to be. Grab a beer while looking out at the water. Pick up a locally handcrafted souvenir. Get yourself a crepe covered in chocolate or a Greek donut. These little experiences are everywhere.
Read more about Chora, Naxos in our Ultimate Guide to Chora, Naxos
The omnipresent ancient ruin, The Portara, overlooks the town, and you can walk here from the main drag. It is also known as the Temple of Apollo or the Great Door.
Just take a short walk up the hill to the top where the Portata sits with the Aegean sea as the gorgeous backdrop to this ancient beauty. We did this while dressed for dinner, so it is not too strenuous or time consuming.
You will also have a great view of the port and city from the top as well. It is absolutely gorgeous and well worth it to go!
Sometime around sunset is the best time to go. It’s known to have a warm glow about it during that time. We went just before sunset and it was a beautiful and powerful experience.
While you’re over here, you can explore the ancient Venetian Castle and wander around the twists and turns of this majestic castle.
There is a stunning amount of Greek and catholic architecture here. It only takes about 15 minutes to explore the area, meandering through the labyrinth and soaking up the Greek ambiance. Then wander through the alley ways surrounding the castle and hop in and out of the local shops. You can easily find a bistro or cafe nearby or make your way back to the port town.
Grab a bite at one of the local restaurants and head to the bars if you’re feeling like continuing the night! Check out our recommendations for eats and drinks in Naxos!
Day 2: Day Trip to Greek Villages
Take a drive to Halki (also known as Chalki) village. It is about 30 minutes from Chora and the most adorable and charming Greek village, complete with neoclassical buildings and local shops and eats. Check out our Halki Day Trip Guide here!
There are local linen shops, arts and crafts shops, and other places to buy local canned goods and even sample some local olive oil.
Take the opportunity to stroll. Leisurely. But intently. Look for the history and stories in each of these shops and cafes. Talk to the workers and store runners and cooks. Learn about all the love and hard work that goes into each jar of olive oil or honey, each hand crafted good, each greek pastry. This is the real Greece. Soak it all in.
The restaurants are delicious with fresh local ingredients. Wander around Chalki and soak in all the charm and loveliness it has to offer. There are photo ops at every turn. After you have soaked it all in head to Filoti!
Filoti is another village not far from Chalki with sweet shops and restaurants. It is smaller so it will probably be a shortstop but well worth it.
After your day of village exploring come back to Chora for a relaxing dinner and night time stroll.
Day 3: best Beaches in naxos and Nightlife
Last day but it’s okay we will make the most of it!
Spend the day beaching it up! There are a multitude of beaches in Naxos, each with their own speed. So it depends on what you’re in the mood for.
Plaka is probably the best beach on Naxos and a best kept secret from all the tourists. Here you’ll find very few people, some beach chairs under private onnings, a little stand selling beer from a cooler and breathtaking ocean views. The water here is soothing to the soul.
If you’re more in the mood for something upbeat, Agios Georgios Beach has sprawling beach seating, music and cocktail and food service. Just plop down under one of the umbrellas, order yourself and Alpha beer or Gin and Tonic and breathe in the ocean air!
After a pit stop at the hotel to get freshened up, you can end your 3-day Naxos itinerary with a night out.
Grab dinner and drinks for your last night and soak in all that is Naxos. We had a lovely night out on the town for our last night here. Some bars we recommend:
- Toro – offers super unique outdoor upstairs area with awesome tropical cocktails, interesting vintage tiki decor, and a great view of the water
- Hug.Me – colorful outdoor vibes stuffed right in the heart of the bustling alleyways of Naxos
- Rum bar – yeah, it’s a rum bar with a rooftop view
- Like Home – a rooftop bar that feels just like home
- Swing Cocktail Bar – the most fun cocktail bar in Naxos, with funky drinks, a great place to end the night
Want to have this guide on your phone to take with you while on the go? Find this Naxos Guide here via an app. Check out the Ultimate Greece Guide too! The Ultimate Greece Guide includes Athens, Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Naxos, and everything from this Halki guide. It includes map locations, hours, important key information all created by me!
We hope you enjoy the charm as well as the bustle and liveliness that is Naxos. The beauty and idyllic views will keep you dreaming of Naxos long after you have left the port.
Traveling more in Greece? Check out our Ultimate 2-3 Week Greece Guide, Athens Guide, Ultimate Santorini Guide, Things to do in Oia, Naxos Guide, Why Crete is the Best Island, Crete Guide, and Halki Village- The Best Day Trip in Naxos.
Have a wonderful trip in Greece and make all your Mamma Mia dreams a reality!
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