Ahh, the Greek Islands. Just saying the words, I can feel the stress melt away. The heart rate drops a bit and I’m in a happy place. I thought I might take you with me and talk about how to spend a few days in Naxos.
So far, Naxos is my favourite Greek Island. I say so far, because I still have a lot more islands to get to.
It may not be the most popular or publicized. But for me it captures the essence of the Greek islands experience.
The sun, the sand, cheap drinks and then of course, the food. All these things should be experienced with equal relish.
Our last two trips have included components of island hopping. For the second trip, I was determined to see a different set of islands. To me it makes sense to expand your view each time, and not constantly see the same place over and over.
Except for Naxos.
I had to go back again. It has a draw which is hard to define. So, let’s have a look and see what we could do in 3-4 days there.
Getting To Naxos
There are daily flights from Athens to Naxos and the trips take about 45 minutes. Sky Express, Olympic and Aegean all fly this route.
There is no clear cheapest option out of these carriers and the prices seem to fluctuate daily. It will come down to who has the best deal on the day for you.
The most common way that people travel throughout the islands is by ferry. There are a couple of ferries that travel from Piraeus Port (Athens) to Naxos every day.
But there are also a lot of ferries that travel between Naxos and the neighbouring islands.
The standard ferries are the Blue Star ferries, and they take about 5-6 hours to go from Athens to Naxos. The Sea Jets ferry does the same run in 3 hours.
The ferry prices are about half to two thirds of the price of the flight price. But obviously you lose more time on the ferry. Click here to check out the current prices.
Accommodation in Naxos
From what I’ve seen there are no big chain hotels in Naxos. And if there are, they are cunningly disguised as a small guest house.
Most of the accommodation in Naxos is of the small family run guesthouse style. And family is definitely the name of the game. The whole family seems to be involved.
It’s a nice change from normal hotels, which, although pleasant, can be a little impersonal. In Naxos, you’re invited in like a long-lost cousin. Sat down, given refreshments, and brought up to speed on everything that’s been happening.
Additionally, if you send them an email a few days before you arrive, they’ll send someone out to the port to collect you.
The Beaches
Jacqui and I enjoy our scuba diving and snorkelling, so the waters of the Greek islands are a dream for us.
We bring our own mask and snorkel from home, as the cheap ones you buy on holiday, are exactly that. Cheap. Often, they don’t last the holiday.
The water is crystal clear. Just like a pool.
There’s a causeway that runs out to the small island that has The Temple of Apollo on it.
On one side of the causeway, is a protected bay with waters that don’t get much beyond waist deep. Perfect for just lounging around.
On the other side is more of the rocky ocean side, which gets deeper and is ideal for snorkelling and diving down for interesting shells and rocks.
Agios Georgios Beach is on the other side of town and is a wide expansive bay. Well protected and relatively shallow it is a lovely safe bay.
These are the two main beaches from my perspective, as they are closest to town. Beautiful beaches are dotted all around the island, and if you’ve got your own transport, then finding a secluded beach is simple enough.
The Portara
The Temple of Apollo. Not too much remains, but it is such a stark site, on a beautiful setting, that you can’t help but get your camera out.
The only problem with it, is that everyone else has the same idea. So, getting a spot can be tricky.
This is especially so at sunset, when everyone wants their photo taken with a beautifully illuminated backdrop.
We find that it’s often better to take the photo the other way. There’s less crowds, and you don’t need as much flash for fill, as you would for the silhouette.
Failing that, you could always get up early and get the sunrise shot.
Kastro
This is the castle that is both at one with the town, while being elevated above it. Once inside the castle there is a little bit to see, but nothing to set the world on fire.
Where the castle excels is in the views that it has across the town, and the experience of climbing to it.
Like much of ancient Greece the walk is not straightforward. Full of twists and turns, giving you the feeling of walking into a secret world.
Chora
The main town of Naxos is also the port. A feature that I find much more appealing then having them separated. This makes things much easier.
We have only been to Naxos during the peak summer period, but Google photos taken during winter should it in a vastly different light.
All along the main street in front of the port there are restaurants. These spill out into large, tented areas during summer. During winter, these restaurants stay contained within their main buildings.
Once you step off the main street, however, is where the magic begins.
The phrase “Aladdin’s cave” seems pertinent. What you have is a myriad of little alleyways that head out like a labyrinth. I haven’t seen a straight wall anywhere, and the whole shopping area feels like a living thing that has grown organically.
Even if you’re not a shopper, you can easily get drawn into the experience. I’m sure I could spend hours down there. Fortunately, we normally travel with backpacks, so I am restricted in what I can carry back. At least this way, my credit card doesn’t get too much of a workout.
Restaurants
For me, Naxos is not a place to start a diet. The food is too good.
Having the port next to the town, means that fresh fish are always on the menu. Freshly caught octopus is drying on lines in front of the restaurant.
The only catch I would mention is the bread. You didn’t order bread, but at the start of the meal, bread is brought out and placed on the table. At the end of the meal, you’ll be charged for the bread. It’s a quirk that I’ve come to peace with. But it would have been nice to know in advance.
The other enjoyment is restaurants on the beach. Certainly, at Agios Georgios Beach, the restaurants are right on the sand, just above the water. The waiters adjust the tables during the day, depending on the tides.
Hire A Car Or Bike
If you’re not sure if you feel confident driving a car overseas, then Naxos is a good place to start. Being a much bigger island than the others around it, it has a much greater feeling of space.
Cars, scooters and quad bikes are all available. And generally, they’re in good condition.
If you have a car license, then you can hire a 50cc scooter. If you have a motorbike license, then you can hire something a bit bigger. I tend to prefer the 250cc scooter, but then I feel a bit too big for the little scooters.
There’s a lot to see all over the island and having your own transport will open these spots up to you. Whenever hiring cars or bikes, make sure that your travel insurance will cover it.
Take A Tour
There are tours across the island that head off every day. Most of them leave from the main port office area. This is where you’ll find the tourist offices.
The prices are about on par with what you would normally pay for a day tour in Europe. They give you a good chunk of history, mixed in with local lore, legends and myths.
So, that’s a look at Naxos. The perfect spot to lose yourself for a few days or a week. One visit won’t be enough, and the sirens will surely call you back again.
If you’re interested in the islands, then check out some of these articles to help you on your way.
How to travel the Greek Islands
Cheers and happy travels