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Greece · Cyclades

Naxos travel guide

Long sandy beaches, mountain villages and great food

The Portara. Photo: Manfred Werner (Tsui), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 45mflight from London
JNXnearest main airport
25° in Augwarmest month
13° in Jancoolest month

Naxos is the biggest of the Cyclades, and one of the most varied. It has long sandy beaches on the west coast, marble villages in the mountains and some of the best local food in the islands.

It's more relaxed and better value than Santorini or Mykonos, and good for families. Ferries make it easy to combine with Paros or Santorini.

Good forBeachesFamiliesFoodHiking

What Naxos is known for

  • The Portara

    A giant marble doorway of an unfinished temple.

  • Sandy beaches

    Long stretches of sand such as Plaka and Agios Prokopios.

  • Local produce

    Potatoes, cheese and kitron liqueur.

  • Mountain villages

    Marble lanes in Halki and Apeiranthos.

Top things to do in Naxos

  1. 1

    The Portara

    Watch the sunset through the ancient gateway.

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  2. 2

    Plaka beach

    Miles of golden sand on the west coast.

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  3. 3

    Halki

    A pretty village known for kitron liqueur.

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  4. 4

    Mount Zas

    A hike to the highest peak in the Cyclades.

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See all tours and tickets in Naxos

Where to stay in Naxos

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Best time to visit Naxos

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. June and September: hot, sunny and with a warm sea, without the August crowds.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
13 C13°J13.1 C13°F14.3 C14°M16.1 C16°A19.4 C19°M23.1 C23°J24.8 C25°J25.3 C25°A23.5 C24°S20.5 C20°O17.4 C17°N14.4 C14°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Naxos, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 45m from London to JNX, and flights from most UK airports.

Buses run to beaches and villages. A hire car makes the mountains easier.

Find flights to Naxos (JNX)

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Good to know

  • The meltemi wind can be strong in July and August.
  • Try the local graviera cheese.
  • Ferries to Paros take about 45 minutes.
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Naxos FAQ

Is Naxos good for families?

Yes. Its shallow sandy beaches are ideal for children.

How do I get to Naxos?

Fly to Athens and connect, or take a ferry from Piraeus or Santorini.

More places in Greece

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