THINGS TO DO,
PLACES TO VISIT
Chora – Naxos Town
Chora, the island’s capital, already has much to offer. Anything you might need you will find here. From supermarkets to banks, pharmacies, rental cars, … you name it. But this is not what makes this place magic. At the beginning of the 12th century, the Venetians successfully defeated the Genoese pirates, destroyed their refuge, the Byzantine castle of Apalírou and built the Castro at the top of the mountain, facing the harbor and the famous Portara which was built from ancient Greeks in the 6th century. Everywhere you go in Naxos town is breathing history.
Today the pictoresque old town is home to numerous lovely taverns, bars, restaurants, shops, galleries. You can come there for days and every time discover something new.
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
The recommendations below only do show a very small portion of what Naxos has to offer! They’re based on personal preferences, they may change year by year and they are 100% without any advertising or profit in mind. Go check them out or don’t, just don’t say we didn’t tell you 😉
-> For directions and more info simply click the logos below.
RESTAURANTS
IN TOWN
Fantastic food, homegrown vegetables, great choice of wines and the most lovely team. The two brothers Nikos and Michalis and their crew make you feel at home from the very first minute. This place is a must!
Boulamatis: another wonderful family business in Naxos town. Typical local cuisine, plain, simple, honest and always delicious. And don’t forget the very nice view over the harbour.
THE place if you cannot make up your mind, whether you just want a drink or a salat or beef filet or wraps or pasta… usually, when restaurants offer this variety you should be suspicious but these guys know what they do.
RESTAURANTS
ALONG THE WAY
Why should you visit a Mexican restaurant on a Greek island? Because it is delicious. Period. Start with a cocktail, your feet in the Plaka sands and move on with the best Fajitas on Naxos. Actually order whatever you like, you won’t be dissapointed.
To be precise, it’s the lovely Twins and Lukas. And smiles all day. Situated on the main road in Agios Prokopios this Coffee Shop not only serves the healthiest breakfast, but is the perfect place to stop by during the day or early evening to grab a coffee, a sandwich or a smile.
All the way down in Aliko at the end of Glyfada beach you’ll find another Naxian gem with excellent Greek food, live music and a beautiful atmosphere. You have to visit the beaches from Aliko anyway, so make the day perfect with a visit here.
SPORTS
Located in the South end of St. George beach as well as in Mikri Vigla, Jan, Mieke and the whole Flisvos crew are the perfect recommendation if you are into windsurfing, kite-surfing, wing foiling or stand up paddeling.
Great quality bike rental and guided bike tours. If you want to discover Naxos off-road, book a tour with Andy and enjoy the island from a totally different perspective.
Yes, another Flisvos. But either way, if it says Flisvos, you’ve come to the right place. You can rent Jet Skis here, go waterskiing, wakeboarding or even flyboarding with Manolis and book a PADI diving course with his brother Nikos.
PLACES
The Kouros from Melanes
Naxos was and still is famous for its marble. The ancient sculptors used to be quite ambitious and when statues didn’t work out the way they wanted or fell too early they left it there for eternal sleep. Visiting the Kouros near Apollonas is also highly recommended.
The temple of Sangri
dedicated to the goddess Demeter, was built around 530 B.C. with only the finest Naxian marble. It was only rediscovered in1949, partly reconstructed and in 2001 a little museum was added. Another impressive place.
Χαλκείο
Chalki (or Chalkio) is approx. 15 km away in the heart of the island. The beautiful old town center is car-free and taverns, cafés, bbqs as well as some shops or even art galleries invite you to stay and enjoy life. Chalki is also a great start for hiking tours to nearby churches or your trip to Apiranthos, Moni, Apollonas and the likes.