Best beaches of Naxos

Naxos, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, is appreciated for its fine sandy beaches, its beautiful crystal-clear sea, its green hinterland, and its charming towns, including Chora. It is also dotted with numerous Byzantine churches and chapels. Here are the main attractions.

Naxos (Chora)
The capital hosts most of the island's inhabitants and is a lovely town with white houses in perfect Cycladic style but with several references to Venetian architecture. Highlights include the small church of Panagia Myrtidiossa on the islet in the middle of the port, the famous large portal of an unfinished temple on the island of Palatia next to the port (very beautiful at sunset), the Latin cathedral, the church of Aghia Kiriaki, an archaeological museum, and the Venetian castle with the beautiful medieval citadel waiting to be explored.

Grotta
It is the northernmost beach of the capital where there are several caves and where the ancient Mycenaean city of Naxos stood, partially submerged.

The Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Chrisostomos
Located above the Grotta coast, behind the capital, it is a fortified female monastery in a very panoramic position. The chapel-cave of Teologaki near the monastery is also very suggestive.

Kuros
On the island, you can see at least two marble "kuros" (youths): one in Naxos in the gardens of Melanes and the other, a 10-meter one, just sketched, in Apollonas.

Apollonas
A picturesque fishing village perched over the sea.

Chalki
A beautiful town with neoclassical houses, ancient frescoed churches, and high towers where the inhabitants took refuge to escape from pirates.

Filoti
A beautiful town among the olive trees from which the path to the "cave of Zas," a place of worship of Zeus, starts and which also leads to the highest peak of the island with a beautiful panorama over the Cyclades.

Apeiranthos
It is the most fascinating village on the island, almost entirely in white marble, with a large Venetian castle. It is also famous for its textiles and wine. The Archaeological Museum and the Zegoli Palace, which belonged to Venetian nobles, are interesting.

Koronos
An intriguing village made of houses overlooking a ravine in the emery mining area.

The Small Cyclades
With a day trip, you can reach these very beautiful, wild islets with sandy beaches, clean sea, and ideal for staying in touch with nature.

Popular Festivals
Curious is the carnival in the villages of Apeiranthos and Filoti with the presence of characters with cowbells causing a deafening noise. On June 23, there is the beautiful festival of Aghios Ioannis with the lighting of fires.