Naxos, Greece, Is Typically Neglected by Vacationers, however It Has A few of the Greatest Seashores within the Nation — How you can Go to

There are roughly 6,000 islands in Greece, greater than 275 of that are inhabited. You might spend a lifetime exploring all of them, attending to know and love each. However we’re right here to inform you why it’s best to begin with Naxos.

“Naxos is commonly ignored by vacationers when in comparison with different Greek islands, like Santorini,” Alys Colayera, the lead journey professional for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with Journey + Leisure. “The island boasts among the finest white-sand seashores all through all of Greece.” Colayera is not alone.

“Naxos is certainly one of my favourite islands to go to and an enormous hit with our shoppers time and time once more as a result of it has one thing for everybody,” stated Devaki Das, founding father of Weave a Thousand Journeys. “For those who’re dreaming of a relaxed trip, this island has miles of sandy seashores and dunes ready for you. Some are vigorous with seashore bars, whereas others are untouched and serene. And for those who’re into seashore sports activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing, Naxos has among the finest spots you could possibly ask for.” 

Naxos, the biggest island within the Cyclades, is certainly a spot the place each sort of traveler can discover their trip bliss. Beneath, discover one of the best resorts, issues to do, locations to eat, and spots to discover to take advantage of your time on this spectacular island.

Greatest Motels & Resorts 

Villa Marandi Luxurious Suites

Villa Marandi Luxurious Suites, positioned on Stelida Seaside, is an intimate retreat that feels faraway from every little thing, however sits simply outdoors the city of Naxos. The rooms listed here are as crisp, bohemian, and whitewashed as you’d anticipate on a Greek island. Visitors can even benefit from the resort’s pool overlooking the ocean, hike all the way down to the close by shoreline, or dig into regionally sourced delicacies on the in-house Naxian Terra restaurant. 

Naxian Assortment Luxurious Villas & Suites

Discover extra excessive design at Naxian Assortment Luxurious Villas & Suites, located close to Agios Prokopios Seaside. The resort, as its title implies, presents personal villas and suites, every with a recent Cycladic aesthetic. Nevertheless, for those who’re on the lookout for privateness, stage as much as a villa, which comes with personal swimming pools and breathtaking views of the ocean. Visitors can even take pleasure in all of the resort’s high-end facilities, together with spa providers, gourmand breakfasts, and personal excursions. 

Nissaki Seaside Resort

Nissaki Seaside Resort presents all that whitewashed magic Greek islands are recognized for, together with the usual facilities you’d anticipate from a luxurious property: a stunning pool (together with a hydrotherapy part) surrounded by chaise loungers, a unbelievable on-site restaurant, and unique excursions. Nevertheless, the place this resort actually shines is its location. It sits straight on Agios Georgios Seaside and is a couple of minutes from the city of Naxos, offering visitors with one of the best of each worlds.  

Ammothines Cycladic Suites

End up on the shores of Plaka Seaside, feeling each sea breeze and smelling the salty air throughout a keep at Ammothines Cycladic Suites. The retreat-style resort has a recent design, together with minimalist rooms with balconies lined by thatched roofing, a personal pool full of milky blue water, and direct seashore entry. The property can be dwelling to a scrumptious on-site restaurant serving outdated family-style recipes utilizing regionally sourced merchandise. It is also completely happy to show you a factor or two within the kitchen with its hands-on cooking classes. That approach, you possibly can return dwelling and share the Naxos meals expertise with your pals and prolonged household. 

Greatest Issues to Do

Discover the Portara (Temple of Apollo).

Make time to discover the island’s predominant historic landmark — the Temple of Apollo. The huge marble construction, standing almost 20 ft tall, is difficult to overlook. It is the final remaining piece of a temple in-built 530 B.C. to honor Apollo, and a very common place to go to throughout sundown due to the breathtaking views over the water. Head over then to be part of the group or go earlier within the day to beat the frenzy. 

Go to the Previous City (Chora).

Spend a part of your Naxos trip wandering via the slender, winding streets of Chora, a.okay.a. Previous City. Right here, vacationers will discover a mixture of Venetian and Greek buildings housing lovely cafes and eating places, together with loads of outlets promoting all types of sovenirs — from jewellery to ceramics, magnets to T-shirts, and every little thing in between. 

Loosen up on Plaka Seaside.

Naxos is dwelling to loads of seashores value visiting, however none could also be as spectacular as Plaka. The comfortable white sand right here provides approach to glittering azure waters, making for a picture-perfect afternoon. Plaka additionally occurs to be the longest white-sand seashore on the island, that means you will simply be capable to discover a spot to name your individual. 

Hike Mount Zeus (Zas).

Get your coronary heart price going and see a special aspect of the island with a hike up the very best peak within the Cyclades, Mount Zeus. The 5.7-mile out-and-back trek is rated as “arduous” on AllTrails attributable to its distance and elevation achieve. Nevertheless, it rewards those that put within the effort with unbelievable panoramic views of the island and sea.

Greatest Locations to Eat

Metaxi Mas

Discover conventional Greek fare in Previous City at Metaxi Mas, a comfortable tavern that may make you’re feeling proper at dwelling. Order the moussaka, stuffed Naxos greens, or the favored lamb chops to fulfill your starvation.

Axiotissa

Head to Kastraki, simply outdoors of Previous City, to search out Axiotissa, an lovely little tavern serving regionally sourced bites alfresco. The restaurant’s beautiful out of doors patio overlooks the island’s verdant hills, making for the best backdrop when eating on native pork sausage, freshly caught shrimp, or refreshing tomato salad. 

To Elliniko

You will really feel such as you’re eating at yiayia’s (Greek grandmother) home at To Elliniko. The restaurant, positioned in Previous City, makes use of recipes from their “mama Katerina’s” private recipe guide. Begin with tzatziki and comply with it with saganaki, zucchini croquettes, and a plate of octopus for good measure. 

Greatest Time to Go to

The very best time to go to Naxos is through the island’s shoulder seasons: late spring (Might to June) and early autumn (September to October). That is when the vacation spot’s climate is at its prime, with temperatures starting from the low 70s to mid-80s.

“June in Naxos is an absolute dream and, for my part, the proper time to go to,” stated Das. “The climate is sort of flawless — heat however not scorching — making it very best for all kinds of actions. The excessive season does not kick off till July, so that you get the twin advantages of manageable crowds and still-affordable costs.” 

Nevertheless, as each Das and Colayera famous, autumn is a unbelievable time to come back as nicely. “If June doesn’t work out, September is a stable plan B,” added Das. “The times are a tad shorter, however the climate remains to be spot on — not too scorching or chilly. And as summer season winds down, the island takes on this splendidly laid-back ambiance as locals begin to loosen up, and the entire place slows down.” 

How you can Get There

By Airplane: The quickest approach to get to Naxos is by hopping on a flight from Athens Worldwide Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Nationwide Airport of Naxos. A number of airways, together with Olympic Airways, Aegean Airways, and Sky Categorical, supply each day flights, which take about 45 minutes from takeoff to touchdown.

By Ferry: One other simple approach to attain Naxos is by ferry. Vacationers can board a ship from Piraeus port or Rafina in Athens. There are a number of direct journeys that may get you there in about 3.5 hours. There are additionally loads of island-hopping ferries that take about 5 to 6 hours. Vacationers can get on the ferry from different common spots, too, like Mykonos, arriving in Naxos in beneath two hours. 

Greatest Villages to Go to 

Halki

Halki, the previous capital of the island, is positioned within the middle of Naxos. Right here, guests can discover the winding streets lined with neoclassical buildings, together with among the island’s oldest church buildings. Ensure to go to the church of Panagia Protothroni, which has been repeatedly holding providers since 1052. 

Apeiranthos

Make your approach to the mountains to expertise the picturesque village of Apeiranthos. Within the city, vacationers can stroll alongside the marble-paved streets and look at the standard homes. Guests can even try one of many many museums, together with the Geological Museum. 

Filoti

Earlier than you set off on a hike up Mount Zeus, make sure that to discover the village of Filoti, the biggest on the island. It has loads of cafes and taverns to fill you up pre- and post-trek.

Apollonas

Discover the island’s shoreline with a go to to the fishing village of Apollonas. Like the opposite spots on this record, there are many taverns, cafes, and outlets right here, together with stunning seashores to put out on all day. Nevertheless, the city’s coolest function is the unfinished 32-foot statue of Kouros, which dates again to the eighth century.