Naxos, Greece Travel Guide

Visiting the Greek Island Naxos

One of the islands I visited in Greece and fell in love with was Naxos. This stunning little islands is home to not only abundant beaches, wonderful food and beautiful scenery but also fascinating ancient sites to explore. Upon arriving at the port you are greeted with an ancient Greek ruin called the Portara. Constructed in 530 BC, the Portara is a giant doorway to the never-finished Temple of Apollo. Some highlights of Naxos include Plaka beach, Naxos Town (Chora), and Naxos Kastro (Castle).

We stayed out of the main port area about a 20 minute bus ride over to the Plaka Beach area. We stayed at the most dreamy hotel called Dream on Plaka that came with a hot tub and ocean view, along with cabanas on the sand.

Where to Stay

There are lots of places to stay on Naxos island. We considered a few AirBnb’s includung this apartment with a pool, this cute apartment and this apartment but ended up staying at Dream on Plaka because it was on the ocean and included beach daybeds and breakfast.

Dream on Plaka

The property was gorgeous and the location was amazing. We saw some of the best sunsets of our lives on that beach and it was hard to leave! We kept saying everything was so nice that we couldn’t believe how affordable it was. Our breakfast changed each morning so we never got bored, the room came with a hot tub that we enjoyed every evening and the staff we’re so helpful with recommendations. I would absolutely stay here again.

We spent most of our time on Naxos lounging on the beach but we also rented a peddle boat one day and got to bask in the sun and see the crystal-clear waters from the sea.

Where to Eat + Drink

There was such amazing food on the island of Naxos. We ate at a few spots in Naxos town as well as on Plaka beach and all were amazing. Be sure to eat some local Naxos potatoes while you’re there!

Caya: This stunning spot right on the ocean was our favorite. We had just about everything we could on the menu and loved all of it.

Nomad Beach Bar Restaurant Naxos: Another dreamy location right on the ocean with great cocktails and a cute location.

WITH Naxos: Grab a coffee and breakfast at this spot near the port.

goat in a boat: A cute coffee shop on the Plaka side of the island.

520 Cocktail Bar Restaurant: A rooftop restaurant with view of the port.

Metaxi mas – Mezedopoleio: A classic spot in Naxos town.

Doukato Restaurant: A cute place tucked behind an alley.

Lucullus Taverna: A historical spot in old Naxos.

Caya had the dreamiest interior, views, and delicious food. We loved it so much we went back the next night. Their beach club was also stunning with these pretty pink chairs. The design of this space was overwhelmingly beautiful. I want to live in this stunning restaurant, hah!

Nomad is next door to Caya and is equally a stunning restaurant. We watched the sunset from the restaurant while we had pre-dinner drinks and it was gorgeous.

Things to Do

Visit The Portara ancient ruins

Spend time on Plaka Beach

Explore the village streets of Naxos Town (Chora)

Visit the Naxos Castle (Kastro)

The Portara

At the main port there are must-see ancient ruins called The Portara. The view at sunset is magical and it was really cool to see the history. Constructed in 530 BC, the Portara is a giant doorway to the never-finished Temple of Apollo. Some highlights of Naxos include Plaka beach, Naxos Town (Chora), and Naxos Kastro (Castle).

Naxos Town

Down in Naxos Town there was lots of exploring to do. We walked around the winding streets of the old village and popped into cute shops and explored alleyways. There were so many cute things to see! We got the best ice cream at a place called Waffle House (not the American one, haha) and they had the most insane but delicious flavors like every candy bar you can imagine.