What to Do in Naxos

As the island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, you’ll want to spend at least a day at one of them, or sampling many. Take your pick as there are many, from popular Plaka, a 2.5-mile-long stretch with everything from a secluded section for nude sunbathing to family-friendly areas, to Saint George with its shallow waters ideal for tiny tots who want to splash around.

Agios Prokopios is also popular among families as it’s naturally protected from the wind and includes plenty of eateries, markets, and beach clubs at the southeastern end while the northwestern point provides plenty of tranquility. For a remote stretch, Pyrgaki is ideal, with fine white sands and shallow cobalt waters spread across three small coves. There are no umbrellas, sunbeds, or beach clubs but you will find some traditional tavernas and plenty of peace and quiet.

There are a couple of different routes that will get you to the summit of soaring Mount Zeus, bringing a panoramic vista of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands. The ancient Greeks believed that this was the birthplace of Zeus, and you can even visit the cave of Zeus that the mythological legend refers to, complete with stalactites and stalagmites.

The easiest route is the trail that begins from Aghia Marina Church, winding about 2.5 miles to the top, but you might want to head back down along the track that passes the caves, ending in Filoti. It’s easier on the descent and the village offers a number of enticing eateries, perfect for enjoying a lunch of traditional moussaka after concluding your scenic trek.

Chora, or Naxos Town, is a maze of marble-paved streets and alleyways, with steep lanes that lead to the Kastro (castle). They rise from the waterfront, providing a fabulous place to stroll, where one could easily wander for hours enjoying the enchanting, traffic-free atmosphere, whitewashed homes splashed with blue doors, draped in bougainvillea and occasionally complete with a cat in the window.

There are surprises around nearly every corner, like rooftop patios that suddenly reveal the glistening blue expanse of the sea. You’ll find plenty of galleries to browse and shops selling souvenirs, handmade jewelry, and other artisan goods, along with plenty of cafes, tavernas, and bars. No matter where you stop for a bite to eat, you’re bound to be impressed, just plan to leave full as dessert is almost always included.

Apeiranthos and Chalki are two of the most impressive mountain villages in Naxos. A steep and scenic winding road will bring you to Apeiranthos, a place that feels as if time has stopped. Managing to retain its unique authenticity, Venetian buildings, ruins of an old windmill, and Panagia Apeirathitissa church showcase its rich past. Enjoy a bite to eat at one of the tavernas and you’re likely to notice the locals have a distinct dialect, revealing their Cretan origin.

The village of Chalki (or Halki) is the former capital of Naxos, hosting neoclassical buildings at the heart of the island in an area known for its olive cultivation. In addition to the magnificent old mansions, there are Venetian towers and historic churches like the 9th-century Church of Panagia with Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes. Visit the Vallindra Kitron distillery to learn how Kitron liqueur is made, with a tasting included.

Kitron liqueur is the signature drink of Naxos. An aromatic, mild drink made from the leaves and the fruit of a citron tree. The large citrus fruit was exported from Naxos in large quantities for several centuries. The trees were found in abundance on the island through the 1960s before they began to be replaced by other crops, and the liqueur became less popular due to the introduction of alcoholic drinks from other countries. It has a flavor similar to orange and lemon, but it’s less bitter with a slightly pungent taste.

Its history dates back to at least the early 19th century with Vallindras Distillery, the oldest still-active producer, established in Chalki in 1896. Visiting the distillery brings the chance to learn more about how kitron is made and enjoy a tasting. There’s a small museum that displays machinery, tools, and traditional items used in the distillation process.

The village of Chalki (Halki) is a great place to indulge your sweet tooth. Particularly renowned for its traditional sweets, its signature dessert is Galaktoboureko, a creamy custard-filled pastry wrapped in delicate phyllo and drenched in syrup. A local tradition, the recipe is passed down from parents to children, ensuring its authenticity. Its popularity has spread throughout the country and even the world, with Greeks enjoying it for generations now.

Patisserie shops offer homemade sweet pies like orange pie, a cake with a unique pudding-like texture that’s soaked in a rich orange syrup. Melachrino is another must-try. It’s a traditional cake with walnuts and raisins, offering the intense citrus taste the island is known for. At the Chalki Food Market, held weekly on Tuesdays in the town square, you can try all sorts of freshly made sweets, including Loukoumades (a Greek donut) drizzled with cinnamon and honey.