Our insider´s guide

We’re excited to share our favorite spots and personal recommendations to help you make the most of your stay on Naxos. From the best beaches and local dining to hidden gems and memorable experiences, this guide brings you closer to the heart of island life. Dive in, explore, and enjoy Naxos through our eyes!

Dining: Our Favorite
Picks on Naxos

We’re delighted to share some of our favorite dining spots on Naxos. Each of them holds a special place in our hearts, and we hope they become favorites of yours, too.

Kontos (Mikri Vigla)

For a true taste of Greek cuisine, Kontos is our go-to for lunch. There’s nothing like a light meal with a glass of chilled white wine, along with their fresh starters or salads, to truly feel like you’re on island time.

Mikri Vigla Tavern

Perched directly on the beach, this tavern isn’t just about the food (though it’s decent) – it’s about the location. After a day on the beautiful Kastraki beach, we love heading up to this spot for a relaxed meal with views over the sandy shore.

Axiotissa

A staple for anyone on Naxos, Axiotissa is famed across Greece, and for good reason. This is one of our all-time favorites on the island, located south of Agapui on the road to Glyfada. People even come from Athens just for a meal here! Be sure to book ahead, as it fills up fast.

Paradise (Kastraki)

Nestled in the heart of Kastraki, Paradise is a traditional Greek tavern with quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for an authentic dining experience.

Faros (Alyko)

Faros is a top choice for dining on the island. Located at the southern tip, it’s ideal for a day trip – we recommend spending a day at Glyfada or Hawaii beach, then heading to Faros for mezze and appetizers that never disappoint.

Johnnie’s (Sangri)

Tucked away in the small inland village of Sangri, Johnnie’s offers a classic Greek dining experience. This is an off-the-beaten-track tavern where you’ll mostly find Greek locals – perfect for a truly authentic evening.

Paradise (Plaka)

Famous across the island, Paradise is set at the northern end of Plaka Beach. We love the laid-back outdoor dining area, where tables are set directly on the sand, shaded by olive trees. It can get busy in high season, but it’s always worth it.

Platia (Galini)

If you’re after authentic food, Platia is a hidden gem a little north of Chora. It’s well worth the trip and promises an unforgettable meal.

O Charis (Eggares)

A favorite among locals, O Charis o+ers some of the best authentic food on the island. It’s still a bit of a well-kept secret, frequented by Naxians who know where to find the best flavors.

Rotonda (Apeiranthos)

For a breathtaking sunset paired with a memorable meal, Rotonda is our recommendation. This spot is perfect for a romantic evening, especially if you’re exploring the historic village of Apeiranthos or venturing to Moutsouna on the west coast. Book ahead – the view alone makes it popular!

Beaches

Naxos boasts many stunning beaches, mostly southwest of Chora. Generally, the farther north you go, the more organised and tourist-friendly the beaches become. Here are a few of our favorites:

Plaka

Just down the road from Agapui lies Plaka Beach, a five- kilometer stretch of golden sand. It's partially organised, with sunbeds available, and the beach bars and restaurants up north offer a range of quality. We love Plaka for quick dips in the sea, especially in the evening when the crowds have cleared – perfect for enjoying from the terrace above.

Agios Prokopios

North of Plaka, Prokopios is a popular beach with two different vibes. The northern side, our preference, is quieter, where you can bring your own towels and relax, while the southern side is bustling with sunbeds and beach bars. It’s best visited when winds are low, so you can fully enjoy the beautiful sands and deep blue waters.

Mikri Vigla

Known for its two bays, Mikri Vigla offers something for everyone. The windy northern bay, Parthena, is ideal for kitesurfing and even has schools for lessons. The southern bay, Limanaki, is a favorite of ours – calm, with clear, extra-blue waters perfect for swimming and exploring rock formations.

Paradise (Kastraki)

Nestled in the heart of Kastraki, Paradise is a traditional Greek tavern with quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for an authentic dining experience.

Kastraki

Just south of Mikri Vigla, this quiet beach extends for about three kilometers with little development, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Glyfada

This beach is another favorite, with soft sand and a unique salt lake nearby. It’s popular with kite and windsurfers on windy days, and there’s one taverna with sunbeds. Otherwise, it’s largely unspoiled, offering plenty of open space.

Alyko

With sandy dunes, cedar trees, and hidden beaches like Hawaii Beach and Kedros (a naturist beach), Alyko is perfect for a full- day adventure. Walk through dunes to reach secluded spots, and don’t miss the haunting ruins nearby, adorned with stunning gra)ti art by street artist WD.

Pyrgaki

While not a top pick for us, Pyrgaki has a beautiful cove on the far side that’s popular for cliff jumping (exercise caution). It’s a hidden gem worth visiting if you’re up for a little thrill.

Watersports

Orkos Beach is the top spot for windsurfing and kiting on the island, particularly in the northern bay. While August can be busy, several centers offer rentals and lessons. We have a few personal tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Kite

Thalassea: Known for its relaxed vibe, Thalassea is our top pick for rentals. The beach bar next door is a great spot to unwind after a session on the water. They o+er great food and drinks as well.

Naxos Kitelife: Easily spotted by their beach van, Naxos Kitelife has a laid-back atmosphere and multilingual instructors, making it a good choice for kiteboarding lessons.

Windsurfing

Ride with the Gods (Kastraki Beach): If you’re interested in windsurfing, “Ride with the Gods” on Kastraki Beach is excellent, especially for families. This relaxed spot has high- quality instruction, making it an ideal place for kids and beginners to learn. Just a tip—there’s a short walk involved, so park only in designated areas to avoid any surprise encounters with the local ‘beach guard’!

Boat Trips

For a truly unforgettable day, we can arrange a half- or full-day boat trip with SEA SECRETS. Escape to hidden beaches and explore neighboring islands like Paros, Antiparos, Milos, or Koufounisia. You’ll discover secluded bays and crystal-clear waters, creating memories that will stay with you long after you leave.

Good to know

In Greece, things might not always go the way you’re used to at home. Here are some helpful tips for your trip to Greece and
Naxos:

Naxos Town

Known as both "Chora" and "Naxos Town," this is the capital of the island. Look for signs labeled "Chora" (Χώρα), "Naxos," or "Naxos Town" – they’ll all lead you to the same place.

Weather & Wind

Naxos can be quite windy, especially in the summer months (June to September) due to the northern Meltemi winds, which can range from 4 to 7 on the Beaufort scale, with occasional gusts of up to 8 or 10. This can be refreshing during the heat but may chill evenings, so bring a light jacket. Keep in mind that ferry service can be a+ected by strong winds.

Tap Water

While safe for brushing teeth, the tap water on  naxos isn’t ideal for drinking. We recommend using bottled water for consumption.

Toilets

On Naxos, flushing toilet paper or other items can cause clogs due to small sewage pipes. Dispose of these items in the bin next to the toilet; bins are emptied regularly.

Currency & Payment

Greece uses the Euro (€), and while credit, debit, and mobile payments are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash. ATMs are common in town, but they charge around €2–€4 per transaction.

Tipping

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. You can tip by rounding up the bill, adding a tip to the card machine, or leaving cash. Any gesture of appreciation is warmly received.

Store Hours

Tourist shops in Naxos, for instance in Naxos town, are open all day, till late at night. The same applies to supermarkets and minimarkets. Other retail stores are open from 8 AM or 9 AM till 2 PM or 3 PM, from Monday to Saturday. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights they open again from 5 PM or 6 PM till 9 PM.

Emergency Numbers

In case of emergency, dial 112. Additional numbers include 166 for an ambulance, 199 for the fire department, and 100 for the police.

Car Rental

Car Rental

Renting a car is highly recommended for getting around Naxos. Demand is high in summer, so book in advance. We suggest CMA Car Rental – contact Vangelis on WhatsApp or mobile (+30 690 783 0831), and they’ll arrange airport or port pickup. Cars are not always brand new, but this is exactly why we prefer them.

Driving Tips

Roads can be narrow and winding, so drive slowly and be cautious. Renting a scooter or ATV is popular, but we advise against it for safety reasons.

Bus

The public bus system is a+ordable and well run, connecting major beaches, towns, and villages, though it may not reach every hidden gem.

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find, though there are only 33 on the island, so pre-booking during high season is advisable. A ride from the port to Agapui costs around €60.