This Beautiful Greek Island Is Often Overlooked by Tourists — and It Has Some of the Best Beaches in the Country

Get ready for plenty of art, food, and fantastic beaches.

There are roughly 6,000 islands in Greece, more than 275 of which are inhabited. You could spend a lifetime exploring them all, getting to know and love each one. But we're here to tell you why you should start with Naxos.

"Naxos is often overlooked by tourists when compared to other Greek islands, like Santorini," Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with Travel + Leisure. "The island boasts some of the best white-sand beaches throughout all of Greece." Colayera isn't alone.

"Naxos is one of my favorite islands to visit and a huge hit with our clients time and time again because it has something for everyone," said Devaki Das, founder of Weave a Thousand Journeys. "If you're dreaming of a relaxed vacation, this island has miles of sandy beaches and dunes waiting for you. Some are lively with beach bars, while others are untouched and serene. And if you're into beach sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, Naxos has some of the best spots you could ask for."

Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, is indeed a place where every kind of traveler can find their vacation bliss. Below, find the best hotels, things to do, places to eat, and spots to explore to make the most of your time on this spectacular island.

Related: This Little-known Greek Island Has Near-empty Beaches, Rugged Hiking Trails, and a Postcard-perfect Town — and It's Less Than an Hour From Santorini

Best Hotels & Resorts

Villa Marandi Luxury Suites

Villa Marandi Luxury Suites, located on Stelida Beach, is an intimate retreat that feels removed from everything, but sits just outside the town of Naxos. The rooms here are as crisp, bohemian, and whitewashed as you'd expect on a Greek island. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's pool overlooking the sea, hike down to the nearby shoreline, or dig into locally sourced cuisine at the in-house Naxian Terra restaurant.

Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites

Find more high design at Naxian Collection Luxury Villas & Suites, situated near Agios Prokopios Beach. The resort, as its name implies, offers private villas and suites, each with a contemporary Cycladic aesthetic. However, if you're looking for privacy, level up to a villa, which comes with private pools and breathtaking views of the sea. Guests can also indulge in all the resort's high-end amenities, including spa services, gourmet breakfasts, and private excursions.

Nissaki Beach Hotel

Nissaki Beach Hotel offers all that whitewashed magic Greek islands are known for, along with the standard amenities you'd expect from a luxury property: a gorgeous pool (including a hydrotherapy section) surrounded by chaise loungers, a fantastic on-site restaurant, and exclusive excursions. However, where this hotel really shines is its location. It sits directly on Agios Georgios Beach and is a few minutes from the town of Naxos, providing guests with the best of both worlds.

Ammothines Cycladic Suites

Find yourself on the shores of Plaka Beach, feeling every sea breeze and smelling the salty air during a stay at Ammothines Cycladic Suites. The retreat-style hotel has a contemporary design, including minimalist rooms with balconies covered by thatched roofing, a private pool filled with milky blue water, and direct beach access. The property is also home to a delicious on-site restaurant serving old family-style recipes using locally sourced products. It's also happy to teach you a thing or two in the kitchen with its hands-on cooking lessons. That way, you can return home and share the Naxos food experience with your friends and extended family.

Best Things to Do

Explore the Portara (Temple of Apollo).

Make time to explore the island's main historical landmark — the Temple of Apollo. The massive marble structure, standing nearly 20 feet tall, is hard to miss. It's the last remaining piece of a temple built in 530 B.C. to honor Apollo, and a particularly popular place to visit during sunset thanks to the breathtaking views over the water. Head over then to be a part of the crowd or go earlier in the day to beat the rush.

Visit the Old Town (Chora).

Spend part of your Naxos vacation wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Chora, a.k.a. Old Town. Here, travelers will find a mix of Venetian and Greek buildings housing adorable cafes and restaurants, along with plenty of shops selling all kinds of sovenirs — from jewelry to ceramics, magnets to T-shirts, and everything in between.

Relax on Plaka Beach.

Naxos is home to plenty of beaches worth visiting, but none may be as spectacular as Plaka. The soft white sand here gives way to glittering azure waters, making for a picture-perfect afternoon. Plaka also happens to be the longest white-sand beach on the island, meaning you'll easily be able to find a spot to call your own.

Hike Mount Zeus (Zas).

Get your heart rate going and see a different side of the island with a hike up the highest peak in the Cyclades, Mount Zeus. The 5.7-mile out-and-back trek is rated as "hard" on AllTrails due to its distance and elevation gain. However, it rewards those who put in the effort with fantastic panoramic views of the island and sea.

Best Places to Eat

Metaxi Mas

Find traditional Greek fare in Old Town at Metaxi Mas, a cozy tavern that will make you feel right at home. Order the moussaka, stuffed Naxos vegetables, or the popular lamb chops to satisfy your hunger.

Axiotissa

Head to Kastraki, just outside of Old Town, to find Axiotissa, an adorable little tavern serving locally sourced bites alfresco. The restaurant's gorgeous outdoor patio overlooks the island's verdant hills, making for the ideal backdrop when dining on local pork sausage, freshly caught shrimp, or refreshing tomato salad.

To Elliniko

You'll feel like you're dining at yiayia's (Greek grandmother) house at To Elliniko. The restaurant, located in Old Town, uses recipes from their "mama Katerina's" personal recipe book. Start with tzatziki and follow it with saganaki, zucchini croquettes, and a plate of octopus for good measure.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Naxos is during the island's shoulder seasons: late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). This is when the destination's weather is at its prime, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s.

"June in Naxos is an absolute dream and, in my opinion, the perfect time to visit," said Das. "The weather is nearly flawless — warm but not scorching — making it ideal for all sorts of activities. The high season doesn't kick off until July, so you get the dual benefits of manageable crowds and still-affordable prices."

However, as both Das and Colayera noted, autumn is a fantastic time to come as well. "If June doesn’t work out, September is a solid plan B," added Das. "The days are a tad shorter, but the weather is still spot on — not too hot or chilly. And as summer winds down, the island takes on this wonderfully laid-back atmosphere as locals start to relax, and the whole place slows down."

How to Get There

By Plane: The fastest way to get to Naxos is by hopping on a flight from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to National Airport of Naxos. Several airlines, including Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines, and Sky Express, offer daily flights, which take about 45 minutes from takeoff to landing.

By Ferry: Another easy way to reach Naxos is by ferry. Travelers can board a ship from Piraeus port or Rafina in Athens. There are several direct trips that will get you there in about 3.5 hours. There are also plenty of island-hopping ferries that take about five to six hours. Travelers can get on the ferry from other popular spots, too, like Mykonos, arriving in Naxos in under two hours.

Related: The First-ever Helicopter Airline in Greece Launches — and Fares Are Actually Affordable

Best Villages to Visit

Halki

Halki, the former capital of the island, is located in the center of Naxos. Here, visitors can explore the winding streets lined with neoclassical buildings, including some of the island's oldest churches. Make sure to visit the church of Panagia Protothroni, which has been continuously holding services since 1052.

Apeiranthos

Make your way to the mountains to experience the picturesque village of Apeiranthos. In the town, travelers can walk along the marble-paved streets and view the traditional houses. Visitors can also check out one of the many museums, including the Geological Museum.

Filoti

Before you set off on a hike up Mount Zeus, make sure to explore the village of Filoti, the largest on the island. It has plenty of cafes and taverns to fill you up pre- and post-trek.

Apollonas

Explore the island's shoreline with a visit to the fishing village of Apollonas. Like the other spots on this list, there are plenty of taverns, cafes, and shops here, along with beautiful beaches to lay out on all day. However, the town's coolest feature is the unfinished 32-foot statue of Kouros, which dates back to the eighth century.  

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