Planning to visit Naxos soon? This is the best 3-day Naxos itinerary you could follow to enjoy your perfect time there and see most sights.
Naxos is a jewel of the Cyclades, ideal for couples, families, and all types of travelers. As an island, it is known for its wonderful beaches, with beautiful turquoise waters as well as the small, picturesque villages up its mountains, with breathtaking views and great food!
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Helpful Information for Your 3-Day Naxos Itinerary
Here you will find everything you need to know about the island, from how to get there to how to move around the island. There are also some great accommodation options that we trust and highly recommend.
Best Time to visit Naxos
Like most Cycladic islands, Naxos has mild weather all year round, although it is prone to high winds. The best time to visit Naxos is anywhere between May to September when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the sun and swim in its majestic waters. If you want peace and quiet, avoid August as it is the most crowded month and the month with the meltemia (periodic summer winds in the Aegean.)
How to get to Naxos
For your 3-Day Naxos itinerary, you can get to the island both by air and by sea. Here’s how:
Fly to Naxos from Athens
Naxos has a National Airport (JNX) located approximately 3 km from the city of Naxos. This flight route from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is mainly operated by Olympic Air/Aegean and Sky Express. Although the airport is quite small, it offers a convenient way to get to Naxos from Athens. Flying to Naxos takes about 44′ minutes, and you can find cheap tickets if you book well in advance.
Hop on a ferry to Naxos.
Another way to get there is by ferry. The ferry trip lasts between 3 and a half to 5 hours approximately, depending on your ferry type. The route from the port of Piraeus is mainly operated by Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Fast Ferries, and SEAJETS.
Blue Star Ferries offers three routes daily, with the earliest beginning at 07:25 a.m. and the latest at 17:30, depending on the day of the week, while SEAJETS offers about six routes on a weekly basis. Prices usually start from 32€ and vary according to season and availability.
You can also go to Naxos Island from the port of Lavrion in Athens. It only has one weekly ferry crossing, which lasts for 8.5 hours by Blue Star Ferries, and prices start at 22 Euros for a single ticket. The earliest ferry departs at 8 in the morning.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your ferry tickets
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How to get around Naxos
Reached the port and want to learn how to move around the island? Here’s all you need to know about transportation during your 3-Day Naxos itinerary:
Rent a car
Naxos is a big island with a lot of things to see. You could rent a car to go anywhere, anytime. Generally, for most destinations on the island, a compatible car is enough, especially for your 3-day Naxos itinerary. However, there might be places or hidden beaches that are approached only by dirt roads, so consider a compatible vehicle if you plan to visit these locations.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars, where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Take the public bus
Naxos has frequent buses which go around the island. These are the local bus lines (KTEL) operating on a daily basis. The public bus can get you to and from various destinations, such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Chora, Port, Apollon, Apeiranthos, and many more. You can always find contact information and schedules here.
Tip: Not interested in renting a car? You can join this Highlight Bus Tour that includes a visit to Demeter’s Temple, a visit to Apiranthos and Halki villages, the gigantic statue of Kouros at the ancient marble quarries, and a swim stop at Apollonas bay, among others. Click here for more information and to book this tour.
Where to stay in Naxos
Looking for good accommodation options for your 3-day Naxos itinerary? Here’s what we recommend!
Agios Prokopios Hotel (Agios Prokopios): This lovely family-run hotel is located just 2 minutes from stunning Agios Prokopios beach. It offers rooms, studios, or apartments and lovely surroundings with an outdoor pool, warm lighting, and a cozy atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and helpful with useful information. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Saint George Hotel (Ag. Georgios Beach Chora): This luxurious resort has the best views over Agios Georgios beach. It is located by the seaside and next to restaurants and bars. The suites are decorated in traditional minimal Cycladic style, and breakfast is available! We highly recommend it, as it is located in a top area in Chora! Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Anemomilos (Agia Anna): This modern resort is located 50 meters from Agia Anna, one of the best beaches in Naxos. It offers luxury, comfort, and privacy. It also has a large outdoor swimming pool and sun beds to lounge and enjoy drinks. The staff is extra helpful, and they can recommend places to go. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
A Perfect Naxos Itinerary
- Day 1: St George Beach, Chora and Kastro, Sunset in Portara
- Day 2: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna or Plaka Beach, Kouroi of Naxos, Apiranthos, and Halki villages
- Day 3: Day trip to Mykonos and Delos, or the Small Cyclades.
Day 1 of your Naxos Itinerary
You’re ready to explore the island! Here’s what you can’t miss on your Naxos itinerary!
Head to the beach of St George (In Chora)
There is nothing better than going to the beach just after you arrive at Naxos. In Chora, you will find the lovely bay of St. George. It is a long, sandy beach of amazing turquoise waters where you can chill after your trip and enjoy a drink or some snacks.
The beach is organized with beach bars that offer sunbeds, umbrellas, and anything you could need. Since the beach is quite wide and long, you can also head to its unorganized space for some peace.
It is also a popular spot for windsurfing, and there are instructors offering lessons. Nearby, you’ll find taverns and restaurants for fresh fish and other traditional dishes.
Explore Chora and Kastro
During the afternoon and after your swim at Agios Georgios beach, you should head to Chora. There, you will have the opportunity to get to know Naxos’ real character.
Walk around the promenade and the port and then head towards the Old Town, with the cobblestone alleyways and little souvenir shops, where you should do some shopping. This labyrinth of alleyways called “sokakia” is ideal for romantic walks and exploring.
You should head to Kastro, an old castle at the top of the hill, which is a Venetian fortress built by Sanudo in 1207. It offers stunning views of the endless blue Aegean Sea.
After you have explored everything, head back to the alleys and find some lovely restaurant to eat in, or go to one of the many fancy but laid-back bars to enjoy a drink or a cocktail and meet Naxos by night.
Check out: Things to do in Chora, Naxos.
Head to Portara for sunset
Of course, the best is reserved for the end of the day. While in Naxos, you can’t miss Portara, the imposing ‘great door.’ It is a huge door made of marble, which is a remnant of the ancient Temple of Apollo in antiquity.
The surrounding view of the endless Aegean Sea is amazing at sunset hour. Stroll the promenade, get to Portara in time, and experience one of the most stunning sunsets you could find in Greece. The perfect romantic way to close your first day in Naxos!
You might also like the following: Naxos Castle Walking Tour and Sunset at the Portara.
Day 2 of your Naxos itinerary
Head to the Beach of Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna or Plaka
For your second day, you should choose another one of the lovely beaches on the island. Agios Prokopios is located 5 km from Naxos town and has the most crystal-clear waters.
The sandy bay is long and organized, with beach bars offering umbrellas and sunbeds. It is also ideal for water sports such as windsurfing, and its northern part is unorganized and attracts naturists.
Agia Anna Beach is another great choice. It is right next to Agios Prokopios, so you could do some beach hopping. It also has thick sand and calm waters, and on one end of the beach, you will find some traditional fishing boats moored.
It is a bit quieter than Agios Prokopios, although it is also very popular. You can find the village nearby, with accommodation options and restaurants to eat at.
Last but not least, Plaka is an ideal beach to visit. It used to be the beach of nudists, but now it attracts everyone. It has thick golden dunes and turquoise waters, which gradually deepen. It is 4 km long so that you can enjoy both its organized and unorganized parts. You can access all these beaches above by asphalt road.
You might also like: The best beaches in Naxos.
Check out the Kouroi of Naxos
Naxos is known for the historical monuments of Kouroi, which used to be standing sculptures of men of a considerable size found scattered around the island. You should visit Kouros of Apollonas, also known as the Colossus of Dionysus.
This can be found in Apollonas village, near an old quarry. It is a ten-meter statue of a man built around the 6th century BC. Another sight to see is the Kouroi of Flerio Melanes, located in the Flerio region. You can see two Kouroi lying down there, both unfinished due to an accident.
Explore the villages Halki and Apeiranthos.
Halki is a picturesque village that used to be the capital of Naxos. It has neoclassical houses, beautiful architecture, imposing Churches, and colorful alleyways. You should stroll around and see the Byzantine Churches and the remains.
Go to the Church of Panagia, dating back to the 9th century with its frescoes. You should also head to the kitron distillery Vallindra Kitron where the local liqueur is produced. You can take a tour there.
Near the village, you will find a broader region of olive groves, where some important sights are, such as Agios Georgios Diassoritis, Panagia Damiotissa, and Panagia Drossiani. Panagia Protothroni is also a sight as the Barozzi Tower.
Another village you can’t miss is Apeiranthos. It is a lovely, quaint village in the mountains, with the best views of the mountain ranges of the island. It looks like a fortress with houses dating back to the Venetian occupation.
Stroll around and see the pebble-stoned alleyways and head to Nikos Glezos library and the Museum of Natural History. Head to the Tower of Zevgoli, built in the 17th century, and the historic Church of Agia Kyriaki.
Day 3 of your Naxos itinerary
Take a day trip to another island.
Naxos is ideally located in the Cyclades for some island hopping. Take this opportunity and go on a day trip to another island. A good choice is the Delos to Mykonos full-day trip. It starts from the small port of Naxos.
You make a stop at Delos Island, a sacred island with lots of sightseeing. There, you have some free time to see the ancient sanctuary of Apollo and the excavated ruins.
You then set sail for Mykonos, the cosmopolitan island, where you have 3 hours to roam and explore Little Venice and the alleyways. Guided tours of Delos can be hired upon arrival, or you can book them in advance.
Click here for more information and to book your day trip to Mykonos and Delos.
Another day trip worth exploring on your Naxos itinerary is The Small Cyclades Sailing Cruise. This is a cruise for adventurous souls who wish to explore the majestic deep blue waters of the Aegean.
The sailing boat takes you to hidden places and secluded bays that can’t be reached any other way. You dive into tranquil waters, enjoy the sun, marvel at the imposing surroundings of the wild Small Cyclades, or enjoy drinks on board. The route is not set but is decided based on the various weather conditions and the season. It’s the perfect adventure for your last day in Naxos.
Click here for more information and to book this sailing trip.
More than three days in Naxos?
Do you have more than a 3-Day Naxos itinerary? Check out these options:
Check out more beaches
You can explore more of its beaches by going to Orkos, Lionas, Apollonas, Alyko, Azalas, Kalados, and Kastraki, among many others.
Visit the Paleochristian Church of Panagia Drosiani
It is the oldest Christian Church in Naxos, built in the 6th century AD. It has a beautiful view over Tragea Valley, and it is a must-see.
Visit the Ancient Temple of Dionysus at Iria
This is a temple close to Glinado village dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine. It is a temple sanctuary from 1400 BC that serviced the fertility cult that used to host ceremonies there.
Visit Dimitra Temple
It is located in Sangri village, 10 km from Chora, and it is an imposing temple dedicated to Demeter, the Goddess of agriculture. It is a sight of extreme beauty and historical significance.
Check out the towers of Naxos.
Naxos is also known for its towers. These have historical value and are considered one of the greatest sights. Go to Bazeos Tower in Sangri, on the road to Chora and Cheimarros Tower in Filoti.
Hike Mount Zas and go to Zas Cave
Are you the adventurous type? Naxos has the tallest mountain in the whole Cyclades complex. Zas, the mountain of Zeus, has an altitude of about 1000 meters and great panoramic views of the whole island. You can hike it by following the trail and also see the famous Zas Cave along the way. It is an ancient cave thought to be the shelter of Zeus, the Father of Gods.