Naxos Photo: Mila Atkovska/Shutterstock.com Naxos stands out from the Cycladic competition with its unusually crisp white beaches and an exceptionally lush, fertile terrain. With none of Mykonos' pretense or Ios' ferocious partying, the island is a destination for those who enjoy a good hike and low-key evening entertainment. Naxos is also home to its fare share of ancient sites, off-lying mountain villages, and excellent family-run taverns.
NOTE: This Guide has been limited to 20 points of interest per section. For the full guide, Aetherial Images/Shutterstock.com please visit ArrivalGuides.com Top 5 Kastro Take a turn up a narrow alley in the island's Hora and inevitably get lost i... Portara Perhaps the most scenic spot on the island, the Portara (also known as the T... Della Rocca-Barozzi Veneti... Justin Black/Shutterstock.com Housed inside a historic home of a Venetian family, the Della Rocca-Barozzi ... Archaeological Museum The Naxos Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of Cycladi... Eggares Olive Press Museum The Olive Press Museum is a curious local attraction, where visitors are gra...
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Updated 20 November 2019 Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
THE ISLAND BEACHES
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Life on Naxos centers around the Hora, or Naxos Naxos is especially well-known for its Town, where most of its taverns, restaurants uncharacteristically beautiful beaches, the most and shopping spots are concentrated. Travelers attractive of which are concentrated along the will need to venture out south of town to nd island's southwestern coast. During the summer some the nest Naxian beaches, however - months, the larger beaches truly come alive - settlements most revered by tourists include holidaymakers rush to the seaside and seasonal waterside Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, as taverns and beach bars come back into well as the long stretch of sandy Plaka Beach. operation. The windy beaches of the northwest are reserved for water sports enthusiasts, while the inland Plaka Beach mount Zas and tucked away village of Halki One of the nest on attracts adventure-seeking hikers. Naxos, Plaka is a long, Naxos isn't one to rely solely on tourism, attractive sandy beach however - its fertile terrain produces ample which really comes alive olives, citrus, potatoes, and a variety of other in summer. Multiple fruit and vegetables, which allows for the taverns and cafes line the existence of so many organic-only eateries. Most waterfront (most operate May to October), and local businesses are family-run, passing on holidaymakers swim in the turquoise waters and knowledge and experience to the younger play beach games and water sports from dusk till generations - it is not unusual to see a cafe or dawn. small store managed by father and son only. The island is also home to its very own "Kitron" citrus Photo: lukaszimilena/Shutterstock.com Address: Plaka Beach, Naxos liquor distillery and an old olive press manufactory - both open to visitors and oering guided tours. Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Agios Prokopios Photo: LandscaperY/Shutterstock.com Boasting some of the best Address: Mikri Vigla, Naxos infrastructure on the Saint George Beach island, the sandy beach of Agios Prokopios is To stay close to the well-connected to the center of it all, Saint Hora via public buses. George would probably be the best pick when it Water is clear, and (optional) sunbeds are come to beaches on available for hire in abundance. The beach teams Naxos. Located in very with taverns and cafes, and is home to a reputable diving company. close proximity to the island's Hora, it is, perhaps, what one would refer to as the "city Photo: lukaszimilena/Shutterstock.com beach." Water here is shallow, which is perfect Address: Agios Prokopios, Naxos for families with children. More Info: Blue Fin Divers (www.bluendivers.gr)
Photo: Morrowind/Shutterstock.com Agia Anna Address: Saint George, Naxos A stone's throw away from the popular Agios Kastraki Beach Prokopios is Agia Anna, a Those looking to sheltered, quiet sandy experience the quieter beach perfect for side of Naxos will families. The shallow, certainly appreciate the clear water makes it perfectly safe for children, tranquility of Kastraki and the general tranquil atmosphere attracts Beach - a long stretch of couples and older visitors. Sunbeds are available sand perfectly t for long walks along the water. for hire. The beach is less developed and never gets crowded, but several taverns do operate in the Photo: experiencecollector/Shutterstock.com area. Address: Agia Anna, Naxos
Photo: alexandros petrakis/Shutterstock.com Mikri Vigla Beach Address: Kastraki, Naxos A compact, sheltered cove where the tiny Amitis Beach paradise beach of Mikri In the island's northwest, Vigla is located used to far from the only be visited by a tourist-favoured beaches handful of travelers of the western coast, lies in-the-know, but has become increasingly Amitis - a beach exposed popular with holidaymakers over the past years. to all winds, which makes There is a single (very popular) tavern here, it a perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts. The ideal for a refreshing retreat. beach is best t for surfers and kite-surfers, Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
rather than swimmers. Portara Perhaps the most scenic Photo: Pavel1964/Shutterstock.com spot on the island, the Address: Amitis Beach, Naxos Portara (also known as the Temple of Apollo) is DO & SEE where locals and visitors ock at sundown to take in the splendid golden sunsets. Walk along a causeway and up towards the ancient gate-like structure perched atop the hill for some of the best views.
Photo: boivin nicolas/Shutterstock.com Address: Hora, Naxos
Aetherial Images/Shutterstock.com Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum
Whether it is beach relaxation, active pursuits, Housed inside a historic ancient ruins, or even museums that you're home of a Venetian looking for - Naxos has it all. Sites of particular family, the Della interest include the gate-shaped Portara, Rocca-Barozzi residence Venetian Kastro, the beautiful hiking trails inland and museum (which the (towards the village of Halki, containing the family still calls home a historic Vallindras citrus distillery), and the few months a year) is now open to the public, island's sparse (yet present) archaeological sites. and hosts temporary exhibitions as well as the well-known locally Domus Cultural Festival. Kastro Guided tours available. Take a turn up a narrow alley in the island's Hora Photo: Christos Siatos/Shutterstock.com Address: Hora, Naxos and inevitably get lost in Opening hours: May-Oct daily 10am-2.45pm & 6.30-9.30pm the maze of windy streets Phone: +30 22850 22387 of what is, perhaps, More Info: Located at the Trani Porta gate, separating the Naxos' main attraction ancient quarters of Kastro and Bourgos aside from the splendid beaches. Explore the Archaeological Museum ancient, packed with authentic Venetian The Naxos Archaeological mansions Kastro district dating back to the 13th Museum contains an century. impressive collection of
Photo: leoks/Shutterstock.com Cycladic art and Address: Hora, Naxos sculpture, one that reportedly even rivals the compilation of artifacts in the Greek capital city of Athens. Visitors will get the chance to closely Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
examine some of the earliest Greek gurines and Cedar Forest of Alyko artwork. Alyko in the island's southwest is known for its Photo: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com lush cedar trees Address: Hora, Naxos stretching along acres Opening hours: Tue-Sat 8.30am-3pm upon acres of land. The Phone: +30 2285 022725 natural environment here Eggares Olive Press Museum is rather unique and well-looked after - local The Olive Press Museum authorities have even given plans of constructing is a curious local dwelling buildings in favor of salvaging nature. attraction, where visitors Photo: Solomiya Trylovska/Shutterstock.com are granted insight into Address: Alyko, Naxos the behind-the-scenes makings of olive oil and Sailing Tours other olive-derived products. At the end of the One of the experiences tour, guests are invited to take part in a topping the "must-do" list sampling of the high-quality items and foods on when on Naxos is joining sale. one of the many sail boat tours oered by local Photo: marco mayer/Shutterstock.com companies. Tour Address: Eggares, Naxos Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm (1 Apr-30 Sept) programs vary, but very often include swimming Phone: +30 22850 24180 in secluded coves, visiting nearby islands (such Internet: www.olivemuseum.com as the whitewashed Paros) and beaches, snorkeling, and stopping for lunch in a scenic Temple of Demeter waterside location somewhere in or around One of the attractions Naxos. best seen as a part of a
guided tour, the remains Captain Panos Sailing Day Tours of the ancient Temple of +30 697 353 7424 Demeter reportedly date www.captainpanos.com back to as early as the
6th century BC. Little remains of the temple's Naxos Sailing Tours former glory days, but some pillars and walls do +30 694 435 5717 stand as reminder of the island's historic www.naxossailing.com heritage.
Photo: Aaron Amat/Shutterstock.com Photo: cla78/Shutterstock.com Address: Sagriou, Naxos Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Zas Mountain itinerary are the scenic settlements of Halki with Climbing the Zas its attractive town square, Aperathou (a village Mountain is best done in overlooking the island's southeastern coast), and the early hours of the the mountain-side village of Koronos. morning, when the sun is yet to release its burning Photo: Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock.com midday rays. There are Distillery Vallindras several departure points (starting from Filoti, for The tiny distillery oers example) and route directions are displayed travelers to Naxos an along the way. From the hilltop, stunning views opportunity to look over the valleys and sea below unfold. behind the scenes of how
Photo: Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock.com the island's very own kind Address: Zas Mountain, Naxos of liquor - "kitron" - is made. A tasting of citrus liquors is oered at the Diving end of the tour, and visitors are welcome to Waters around Naxos purchase kitron-themed souvenirs at the hold a plethora of marine adjacent shop. treasures - from eerie
remains of sunken ships Photo: MNStudio/Shutterstock.com to colorful sh and Address: Main Road, Halki, Naxos curious underwater Opening hours: Jul-Aug 10am-10pm, May-Jun & Sep-Oct 10am-6pm creatures swimming an arm's length away. Phone: +30 22850 31220 Several companies oer professional training courses to beginners and necessary guidance Bazeos Tower through local waters to experienced divers. The Bazeos Tower is best-visited in July and Blue Fin Divers August, when it serves +30 2285 042629 host to the annual Naxos Agios Prokopios, Naxos Town Festival and becomes the www.bluendivers.gr site for multiple musical and theatrical performances, readings, Photo: UnderTheSea/Shutterstock.com exhibitions, and more. The building itself dates
Hiking back to the 17th century, and has been recently refurbished. Naxos is a hikers' paradise - try the route Photo: Corinna Huter/Shutterstock.com leading towards the Address: 2km west of Sangri Village, Naxos Tragea, an elevated land Phone: +30 22850 31402 area in the heart of the Internet: www.bazeostower.gr island dominated by olive groves. Some of the best stops for a hiking Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
DINING Rotonda (Apeiranthos) No establishment on Naxos is quite like Rotonda - a unique restaurant set on the hilltop, with panoramic (360-degree) views unfolding before diners' very eyes. The view alone would be worth the trip, but the
evantravels/Shutterstock.com Restaurant has excellent contemporary Greek and Mediterranean cuisine to show for its fame. Perhaps surprisingly, Naxian cuisine is known more for its meat than seafood - grass-fed beef, Photo: Andrey Bayda/Shutterstock.com Address: Agios Ioannis, Apeiranthos lamb, goat meat and poultry often feature as Opening hours: Daily 10am-12.30am primary dish ingredients on the island Phone: +30 2285 061254 restaurants' menus. Try the Naxian specialty Easter dish called "patoudo" - stued lamb meat Ostria (Moutsouna) with herbs, often accompanied by the celebrated The on-site restaurant of regional potatoes. Meals often start with a round Ostria Inn is one of of small plates called "meze" - these may contain Naxos' hidden gems. The seafood, meat, and vegetables. The island is also establishment oers particularly known for its locally-produced wines sea-view dining on a and cheeses - do give those a try if the charming, airy outdoor opportunity presents itself. terrace. Some of the menu highlights include the vegetable mille-feuille, octopus carpaccio and Delfinaki (Lionas) feta topped with honey and sesame seeds for Delnaki oers a warm dessert. welcome and excellent local cuisine largely made Photo: Oxana Denezhkina/Shutterstock.com with home-grown Address: Moutsouna, Naxos Opening hours: Daily 8.30am-12am ingredients and fresh Phone: +30 2285068235 sh. A meal will be Internet: www.ostria.com normally followed by a complimentary drink and/or dessert, the hospitable owners often Antamoma Cuisine Deli Store (Naxos Town) insisting that guests bring some house delights The longstanding family along with them upon departure. restaurant (now run and recently reinvented by Photo: ORLIO/Shutterstock.com the family's son) Address: Lionas, Naxos showcases local Phone: +30 2285 051290 Internet: www.delnaki.gr ingredients at their nest. Meat, seafood and vegetables are all Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
locally-sourced and cooked the Naxian way with Axiotissa (Kastraki) an elegant modern twist. Dine with direct view of Beyond any doubt one of the majestic sunset. the nest on the island, Axiotissa is known rst Photo: hlphoto/Shutterstock.com and foremost for its Address: City Hall, Naxos Town organic dish ingredients Opening hours: Daily 12pm-1am and wines, all grown and Phone: +30 22850 24324 produced by the owners. Naxian sh, meat, and Nostimon Hellas (Naxos Town) vegetables are all cooked to perfection (do try The concise menu of the daily specials). Booking essential for evening Nostimon Hellas oers dining. substantial variety, with a Photo: ORLIO/Shutterstock.com selection of grilled meats, Address: Aliko, Kastraki sh and seafood dishes, Opening hours: Daily 2am-10.30pm pasta and risotto, as well Phone: +30 2285 075107 as a rather extensive list of hot and cold appetizers. Ingredients are mostly Sto Ladoxarto (Naxos Town) locally-sourced. The house wine comes highly A carnivore's paradise, recommended. Sto Ladoxarto is a restaurant specializing in Photo: ORLIO/Shutterstock.com meats - primarily the Address: Tripodon, Naxos Town grilled variety. Orders Opening hours: Daily 8.30am-12.30am normally come with a side Phone: +30 2285025811 Internet: www.nostimonhellas.gr of potato wedges and a salad, and meals are often followed by a complimentary chocolate Sarris Tavern (Naxos Town) "kormos" dessert. Oers views over the harbour The excellent value Greek (among other perks). tavern is located only a stone's throw away from Photo: nito/Shutterstock.com Address: Protopapdaki, Naxos Town the Naxos' waterfront, Phone: +30 22850 22178 smack in the middle of a busy touristy street. Giannis Tavern (Halki) Despite the prime location, the tavern charges Take a seat in the shaded vary fair prices for the generous portions of leafy square in the very authentic Greek food served. heart of Naxos and tuck into an authentic Greek Photo: Karl Allgaeuer/Shutterstock.com culinary creation. Meat Address: Pantanassis, Naxos Town Opening hours: Daily 10am-12.30am and chicken are the focal Phone: +30 2285 027086 points; these are accompanied by a variety of sides and traditional layered dough spinach and cheese pies. Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Photo: Je Wasserman/Shutterstock.com who happen to pass through the settlement on a Address: Hallki, Naxos hiking route. Try one of the pot stews, or - at the Phone: +30 22850 31214 weekends - savour a piece of whole-roasted pig.
Metaxi mas (Naxos Town) Photo: Liliya Kandrashevich/Shutterstock.com Located in one of the tiny Address: Melanes Village, Naxos town alleys (do sit outside Opening hours: Daily 12pm-12am if the weather allows), Phone: +30228506 2180 Metaxi mas oers some Akrogiali (Agia Anna) of the best-value local One of the go-to venues meals in the old market for dining and beach area. Try one of the saganaki varieties, the relaxation in Agia Anna, melt-in-your-mouth veal with vegetables, or any the Akrogiali grill tavern of the dishes, with a complimentary dessert features a changing afterwards. variety of spit-roasted
Photo: Karl Allgaeuer/Shutterstock.com meat on a daily basis. As the sun goes down, its Address: Old Town, Naxos waterfront sunbeds are replaced by exceptionally Phone: +30 2285026425 inviting dining tables. Internet: www.metaximas-naxos.gr
Photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Platsa by Matina and Stayros (Kronos) Address: Agia Anna, Naxos The family-run tavern's Phone: +30 2285 042726 pleasant garden invites Internet: www.akrogiali-naxos.gr guests to a casual lunch Meze 2 (Naxos Town/Plaka) or dinner. Select from the Sea view doesn't come at concise menu consisting the expense of quality at primarily of varying this waterside restaurant, dishes of the day (lamb is often on the menu), serving delicious local pairing your choice with a very decent house meze. Seafood is the true rose wine. star of the show - try
Photo: orhan senol/Shutterstock.com octopus, mussels, and, of course, sh caught that Address: Kronos Village, Naxos same day as part of small plates cooked Naxian- Phone: +30 22850 51243 and Cretan-style.
O Giorgis (Melanes) Photo: juliannedev/Shutterstock.com The standout Address: Paralia Chora, Naxos Town establishment in Phone: +30 2285 026401 More Info: Further location operates on Plaka Beach in east-of-the-Hora village of summer Melanes, O Giorgis serves very decent home-made Greek cuisine to those Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
CAFES Pizzadelia (Naxos Town) Have it your way at Pizzadelia, a Naxian eatery where pizzas are tailored to your liking - whether thin or thick crust, white or wholewheat our, regular or gluten-free - all guests' wishes are readily fullled. Salads and pasta are good alternatives. ileana_bt/Shutterstock.com
Photo: Denizo71/Shutterstock.com Cafes are omnipresent in Naxos, many doubling Address: Protodikeiou Square, Naxos Town as bars in the after-hours. Quite a few beach Phone: +30 2285022191 bars oer complimentary use of sunbeds and umbrellas to customers. In the way of traditional 1739 Terrasse Cafe (Naxos Town) desserts, Naxos is an island known for its walnut The cafe's well-deserved pie made with locally-produced citrus liquor. Do pride is its beautiful try the so-called "spoon sweets" as well - nuts, terrace overlooking the fruit pieces, and even some vegetables boiled in water and oering a sugary syrup and served throughout the year. splendid panoramic view over the whitewashed Anna's Garden Cafe (Naxos Town) Naxos Town. Coees are strong and enjoy a good The tiny cafe run by the reputation, but other drinks are available as industrious Anna is one well. The cafe is located at the top of the town the places to go for those castle. looking to dine on dishes made with Photo: Alina G/Shutterstock.com locally-sourced, organic Address: Kastro, Naxos Town Phone: +30 2285 023160 ingredients. Daily specials vary, at least one is More Info: Located on the Kastro of Naxos normally vegan and/or vegetarian. Anna's is known for great set breakfasts, too. Gyro Gyro Grill House (Naxos Town) Gyro Gyro does fast food Photo: JuJik/Shutterstock.com the Greek way, serving Address: Paparigopoulou Street, Naxos Town Opening hours: Daily 9am-2m & 6-11pm excellent value pita gyros Phone: +30 2285 026774 at very reasonable prices. Internet: www.annasorganicnaxos.blogspot.se Grills are extremely More Info: By the Police Station appetizing - add fresh vegetables and tzatziki to your liking. Seating available outdoors. The spot is great for those travelling on a budget. Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Photo: baldovina/Shutterstock.com Milkato Gelateria (Naxos Town) Address: Court Square, Naxos Town At Milkato Gelateria, the Opening hours: Daily 12.15pm-2am chilling dessert comes in Phone: +30 22850 24847 many delicious varieties Internet: www.souvlakia-naxos.gr (e.g. parfait) and avours. Bossa Cafe (Naxos Town) Apart from plain ice The elegant cafe with a cream, guests are rather sophisticated vibe welcome to order freshly-made waes topped oers front-row seating to with a selection of mouthwatering extras. the spectacular Naxian Outdoor seating available overlooking the sunset, pairing the oer waterfront promenade. with a pleasant selection Photo: AnjelikaGr/Shutterstock.com of food and drink. Excellent for breakfasts on an Address: Protopappadaki Street, Naxos Town airy outdoor terrace by the water, overlooking Phone: +30 2285022548 the town harbour. Cafe Lotto (Naxos Town) Photo: Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.com The port-side cafe oers a Address: Marina, Naxos Town selection of scrumptious Phone: +30 6942444581 More Info: Southern end dishes (a typical meal includes a variety of meat Rendez Vous (Naxos Town) of your choice served Rendez Vous is the go-to with a side of french fries place for dessert in Naxos and vegetables), and breakfasts that are Town. The selection of rumored to be some of the best value in town - treats is extensive, with a food and drink rells are complimentary. whole variety of local and international desserts Photo: Lolostock/Shutterstock.com Address: Paralia, Naxos Town present. Try the local "baklava" paired with a Phone: +30 2285023386 strong cup of traditional Greek coee, or - for a more substantial snack - the Greek honey donuts. Flisvos Beach Cafe (St.George Beach) The traditionally Photo: AS Food studio/Shutterstock.com whitewashed yet very Address: Waterfront, Naxos Town Opening hours: Daily 7am-2.30am trendy beach cafe invites Phone: +30 2285023858 vacationers to an evening cocktail or even a full-blown meal in the waterfront veranda - try the "surf and turf" mixed grill plate, or go with one of the lighter snacks abundant on the menu. In the evenings, various events are hosted. Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Photo: Thoom/Shutterstock.com options. Menu items range from burgers and Address: St.George Beach, Naxos pizza to desserts and a whole list of coees. Phone: +30 22850 22935 Internet: www.isvos-sportclub.com Photo: Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com Address: Main Street, Agios Prokopios Del Mar Cafe (Agios Prokopios) Phone: +30 2285 041989 The pleasant cafe is simply not to be missed Cedar Cafe (Plaka Beach) by those staying in Agios The beach bar's thatched Prokopios - it oers roof provides sea-view seating and is much-needed shade on run by a lovely Italian one of the island's most couple, who have added distinct Italian avor to beloved beaches, inviting the cafe's menu - from pizzas to high-quality guests to stop by for a Italian coee. relaxing break with seats oering direct views over the water. Select a dish from the cafe's Photo: Sara Winter/Shutterstock.com extensive menu or enjoy one of the many Address: Agios Prokopios, Naxos refreshing drinks. Phone: +30 2285 044142
Photo: Budimir Jevtic/Shutterstock.com Golden Beach Patisserei (Agios Prokopios) Address: Plaka Beach, Naxos The pleasant waterside Opening hours: Daily 9am-2am cafe oers great value Phone: +30 2285041005 breakfasts, with international breakfast Banana Beach Bar (Agia Anna) classics such as Attractive both day and omelettes, fried eggs, night, the waterfront bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Banana Beach Bar is a Multiple pastry varieties are on oer. Repeat great spot in Agia Anna customers are welcomed with exceptional that oers complimentary warmth. beach sunbeds to customers. The food and drink menus are varied, Photo: margouillat photo/Shutterstock.com with a wide selection of dishes and cocktail Address: Beach Road, Agios Prokopios creations available.
Cafe Hide Away (Agios Prokopios) Photo: Navistock/Shutterstock.com The well-run cafe oers a Address: Agia Anna Beach, Naxos truly international Phone: +30 6978733402 selection - breakfasts come in Greek, Continental, German, and English varieties - plus an added bonus of a "healthy" and "hangover" Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
BARS & NIGHTLIFE Opening hours: Daily 7.15pm-1am Phone: +30 2285 027199
Kitron Cafe Naxos (Naxos Town) The waterside establishment with a view specializes in "kitron" - a citrus-derived drink produced at a nearby distillery (Valindras in Cor Meenderinck/Shutterstock.com Halki). Guests are invited to sample multiple varieties of the island's signature drink and other Nightlife in Naxos is relatively low-key, with only citrus-based products crafted there, such as a handful of dance venues in operation. Most candy. establishments are concentrated in and around
the island's Hora and along the "Paralia" Photo: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com (waterfront), with a couple bars present in the Address: Beach, Naxos Town majority of larger Naxian coastal settlements. Phone: +30 22850 27055 The most popular format for whiling away an Naxos On The Rocks Bar (Naxos Town) evening is savouring a drink at one of the many bars with a view - whether up on the Kastro or A lively venue with a down by the water. The island also serves host to massive display of liquor two cultural festivals - the Naxos Festival (runs behind the bar, On The from the middle of July till September) and Rocks serves quality Domus Cultural Festival (from June to October), drinks and frequently both featuring concerts, lm screenings, and hosts karaoke nights various art projects. where patrons sing their hearts out in multiple European languages. The bar is one of the rare La Vigne Wine Bar (Naxos Town) spots on the island that oer shisha service. Apart from its broad Broadcasts football. collection of local and Photo: thanosquest/Shutterstock.com international wines Address: Hora, Naxos Town (organic wines and Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 6pm-3am, Fri-Sat 6pm-5am French champagne Phone: +30 2285 029224 imports, for example), the La Vigne Wine Bar oers rst-class dining on The Ocean Club (Naxos Town) Greek, French, Asian, and Caribbean One of the island's go-to cuisine-inspired dishes in an intimate and nightlife venues, The welcoming atmosphere. Ocean Club boasts an airy outdoor terrace for Photo: Christian Delbert/Shutterstock.com low-key evening cocktails Address: Old Town, Naxos and an indoor dancing Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
area that comes alive every weekend during the Banana Beach Bar (Agia Anna) high season. In the winter, the venue remains One of the standouts in open hosting (less frequent) concerts and guest Agia Anna, Banana Beach DJs. Bar is where sun-kissed vacationers come to while Photo: sad444/Shutterstock.com away an evening to the Address: Ariadnis, Naxos Town sound of waves rustling Phone: +30 2285027034 (or live music tunes - with relative frequency).
Jazz & Blues (Naxos Town) Serves delightful cocktails and a wide array of meat and seafood dishes. Jazz & Blues caters to a mature audience, putting Photo: nd3000/Shutterstock.com on regular live music Address: Agia Anna Beach, Naxos performances in the Phone: +30 6978733402 evenings. Oers seating in an intimate, dimly-lit SHOPPING outdoor area. A selection of drinks is served (wines, beers, cocktails and spirits). Prices tend to be lower than in most waterfront bars.
Photo: Geo Goldswain/Shutterstock.com Address: Old Town, Naxos Phone: +30 22850 27394
520 Bar (Naxos Town) Housed inside one of the Albert Nowicki/Shutterstock.com delectable whitewashed The place to go for some of the best shopping on Cycladic houses, the 520 Naxos is, of course, the island's Hora. Items Bar oers some of the typical of Naxos are olive-derived products, local best views among sweets and candy, organic foods such as cheeses evening establishments in and herbs, wines, and "kitron" (citrus liquor). Naxos Town, its terrace directly overlooking the When it comes to souvenirs, explore the variety port sunset. Cocktails are artisan, containing of Naxian handicrafts - from hand-woven fabrics some quintessentially Greek ingredients (e.g. to ceramic pieces to hand-made artisan mastiha liquor). jewellery.
Photo: Yellowj/Shutterstock.com The larger villages of Halki, Apiranthos, and Address: Waterfront, Naxos Town Filoti oer further shopping opportunities. For everyday needs, several vendors' stalls and mini-markets are usually in operation on and around the large beaches. Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Kastro (Naxos Town) Photo: Arnon.PT/Shutterstock.com Hora's old quarter known Address: Platia Halki, Naxos as Kastro is the island's Phone: +30 2285 031771 Internet: www.sh-olive-creations.com shopping hot spot - its windy streets are packed Naxia Sweet Home (Naxos Town) with tiny stores and The tiny family-run boutiques selling all Naxian boutique manner of things, from clothing and beach specializes in artisan paraphernalia to local delicacies and souvenirs, candy, made with including Naxian foods and ceramics. quintessentially local avors such as sage, Photo: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock.com Address: Kastro, Naxos Town citrus, mastic, and even ouzo. Candy is made directly before the eyes of the visitors, who are Anna's Organic Shop (Naxos Town) welcome to sample several varieties before The tiny shop run by one taking a pick. organic produce enthusiast doubles as a Photo: Ruth Black/Shutterstock.com Address: 45 Exarxopoulou, Naxos Town cafe (do try one of the Phone: +30 22850 22529 breakfasts in the adjacent garden!), and sells a Limpertas Manolis Pottery (Naxos Town) moderate selection of biological foods, fruit, This artisan pottery shop vegetables, organic wines, and even a few baked is where the talented host goodies. invites visitors to watch as the one-of-a-kind Photo: TravnikovStudio/Shutterstock.com creations emerge from Address: Paparigopoulou Street, Naxos Town Opening hours: Daily 9am-2m & 6-11pm under his hands. The Phone: +30 2285 026774 tucked away studio oers a selection of exquisite More Info: By the Police Station creations that make perfect souvenirs to bring home with you. Ask for directions to nd your Fish & Olive (Halki) way. Those who venture out on
a hike to to the scenic Photo: v.s.anandhakrishna/Shutterstock.com Halki will be duly Address: Damalas, Naxos Town rewarded by a chance to Phone: +30 2285032820 marvel at the masterful ceramics and exquisite jewellery by the well-regarded local Fish & Olive brand. The boutique also stocks a fabled extra-virgin olive oil produced by the Mercouri family. Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Melissinos Jewellery (Naxos Town) very moderate fee. This family-run jewellery shop oers unbeatable, Photo: luminaimages/Shutterstock.com personal customer Address: Hora, Naxos More Info: North of the port, behind Meze 2 restaurant service and a selection of unique, artisan items Tziblakis (Naxos Town) designed locally as well Naxians themselves as by well-established Greek designers (Stella frequent Kiriakos Deligianni, Margoni and Sarina, among others). Tziblakis - a longstanding Conveniently located in Naxos Town's Court local store, that packs an Square. assortment of authentic cheeses (made by the Photo: Luba V Nel/Shutterstock.com Address: Court Square, Naxos Town managing family), wines and raki, honey, a Phone: +30 22850 26613 variety of spices and so-called "spoon sweets", Internet: www.melissinos-art.com rare teas, and even a few ceramic pieces and handicrafts. Pagonis Leather Center (Naxos Town)
The Pagonis leather store Photo: Cylonphoto/Shutterstock.com specializes in hand-made Address: Hora, Naxos shoes and sandals, and Phone: +30 22850 22230 sells all manner of natural Flisvos Sports Gear (Naxos Town) leather goods from bags For water sports to belts - for men and enthusiasts (or those women. The family-run enterprise aims to inspired by Naxian waters represent local Greek producers, and has been in on-the-spot), Flisvos business since 1940. Sports Gear oers a
Photo: Anastasios71/Shutterstock.com ready-made solution, Address: Old Post Street, Naxos packing its small space to the brim with water Phone: +30 2285 024501 sports attire and all sorts of equipment for wind- Internet: www.greek-sandals.com and kite-surng.
Papyrus (Naxos Town) Photo: Steve Heap/Shutterstock.com What once was a small Address: St.George Beach, Naxos used book shop has now Phone: +30 22850 22935 turned into a store with a Internet: www.isvos-sportclub.com More Info: South of St.George Beach rather impressive selection of literature in a variety of European languages - an estimate of 15 000 editions altogether. A special book-swap system is in place, allowing customers to exchange books at a Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Promponas Wines and Liquors (Naxos Town) Photo: ConstantinosZ/Shutterstock.com The store is a good place Address: Halki, Naxos to stock up on the citrus Phone: +30 69860 83477 liquor ("kitron") Penelope (Halki) indigenous to the island, The artisan crafts shop in as well as browse through Halki village is run by its a nice selection of locally talented namesake produced wines and sweets ("spoon sweets" - Penelope, who puts the fruit and vegetables preserved in a thick syrup knowledge passed down without articial additives). to her through
Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock.com generations to practice and creates unique Address: 1 Dimitris Prombona, Naxos Town traditional designs of bed linens, table cloths, Phone: +30 22850 22258 items of clothing, and other souvenir-perfect pieces. Techni (Naxos Town)
If you're in the market for Photo: Orxan Rzayev/Shutterstock.com some exquisite authentic Address: Halki, Naxos embroidery, rugs, bed Phone: +30 2285032988 linens, and other home TOURIST INFORMATION decor items made of fabric, look no further - Techni stocks an incredible selection of artisan pieces, both old and new, many being one-o examples of hand-made Naxian art.
Photo: Dimitrios/Shutterstock.com Address: Old Market, Naxos Town Phone: +30 2285024767 Internet: www.naxos-art.gr Yiannis Papadimitriou/Shutterstock.com More Info: Located in the Old Market
Gallery El (Halki) A Naxian local, who had Airport spent a good three The Naxos National decades living abroad in Airport is located a mere New York, has returned couple of kilometers home only to start this outside the town center. exquisite gallery-cum-art At the moment, the store, packed with artisan items inspired by the airport only serves the verdant island. Olive tree motives dominate the capital city of Athens. art work - from home decor pieces to jewellery. There is a bus service to the city - buses run at Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
half-hour intervals from the bus stop just outside Taxi the airport. Further destination on the island If travelling short may be reached from the main bus station in distances, taxis may be a Naxos Town. good option. Cabs are Taxis are available for hire at the airport's taxi often concentrated stand. around the port area and popular tourist spots. Photo: Juan Garces Radiotaxi Naxos +30 22850 22444 Ferry
Getting to Naxos is Photo: ArrivalGuides possible by ferry from Athens (Piraeus), passing Post through Santorini on the Stamps may be way - perfect for those purchased at many local looking to island-hop. In vendors and small stores. the summer, multiple ferries connect Naxos to Look out for yellow post other islands in the area, such as Paros, Crete, boxes, which may be Mykonos, and others. found in most settlements around the island. Photo: ArrivalGuides The main post oice is located in Naxos Town, Public Transport behind the City Hall. There is a well-developed
bus network on the Photo: Andy Fuchs island, so reaching nearly Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-2.30pm Phone: +30 8011138000 any settlement (especially during high season) Pharmacy shouldn't present much Pharmacies are widely diiculty. Tickets must be bought prior to available throughout the boarding and are always sold at bus stations Hora, and there is usually and/or ticket machines. at least one on all major In Naxos Town, the bus station is located right beaches and in various by the port, not for from the Tourist Information settlements. Ask around Center. to be guided to the nearest one.
Photo: Pierre-Luc Auclair Photo: Gemma Garner Destination: Naxos Publishing date: 2019-11-20
Telephone Greece +30 Area code 22850
Photo: Jardson Almeida
Electricity 220 volts
Photo: Stirling Tschan
Population 18,904 (2011)
Currency 1 Euro = 100 cents
Opening hours Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours in the summer. Some business targeted primarily at tourists do not operate during low season.
Newspapers Aegean News Ekathimerini
Emergency numbers Emergency: 112 Tourist police: 171
Tourist information Naxos Tourist Information Center Naxos Town (opposite the quay, by the central bus station)