Villa Zeypyr

Naxos features numerous notable beaches, particularly on the west coast, such as Plaka, Aliko, Agios Prokopios, and Sahara, all known for their white sands and clear waters. Plaka is popular for watersports, while Kastraki Beach offers fine sand, clear water, and waterfront tavernas in a quiet setting. Aliko Beach is backed by a protected cedar forest. Agios Prokopios provides watersports and refreshments, and nearby Agios Anna is quieter, with pink salt lakes attracting birds. On the island’s east, Moutsouna harbour is a good spot for fresh fish, with a scenic coastal route leading to Panormos Bay.

Naxos is renowned for its marble, fertile land, pottery, and cuisine. The island has ancient buildings, monasteries, and churches, with impressive sculptures such as the Kouri statues in Melanes and Apollonia. Local cuisine includes dishes like pig rosto and various cheeses.

Naxos Town is close to the villa, featuring a Venetian castle, narrow cobbled streets, white architecture, ancient churches, antique shops, bars, and restaurants. Summer music festivals and art exhibitions are held at the castle. The old town, known as Kastro, features Venetian mansions, churches, and colourful bougainvillaea. The new town, near the main port, has many restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Portara, a marble doorway from 522 BC, stands at the port entrance and is a popular spot for sunset views.

Exploring Naxos includes visiting its mountains, valleys, and villages such as Tripodes, Filoti, Halki, and Apeiranthos. Halki is charming with neoclassical architecture and shops, while Apeiranthos is known for its well-preserved marble structures and tavernas serving local meat dishes. The island’s significant sites include the Demeter Temple, the Kouros statues, the Panagia Drossiani Church, the Monastery of Fotodotis, and the Kalamitsia Monastery.

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As you sail into the island, be in awe of the Portara of Naxos, the vast marble gate to the Temple of Apollo. Crowds gather at the iconic emblem to admire the sun setting in this spectacular setting.

It’s not just Naxos’ rich history which attracts visitors to the largest island in the Cyclades. It may be relatively less known compared to Mykonos and Santorini yet those in the know come to Naxos for its glorious beaches, verdant landscapes and charming villages. Ferries arrive into Naxos town from Mykonos, Santorini, Piraeus and Rafina or you can fly into Naxos Airport from Athens.

Starting off in Naxos town, potter around the picturesque streets and soak up its rich heritage as you catch idyllic glimpses of the sea. Narrow lanes of bougainvillea-clad houses wind through the Kastro district towards the fortified Venetian castle. Get lost in the old town with its arched pathways, little shops and pretty cafes, spotting sleepy cats as you explore, and be enchanted by the authentic Greek charm all around you. As the evening approaches the town comes to life with its restaurants and cocktail bars, many with rooftop terraces and great views.

The sandy beaches near Naxos town are much loved by tourists and locals alike – hire summer sunbeds and parasols at the likes of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna and make the most of the turquoise-coloured Aegean for snorkelling and diving. Seek slightly quieter shores further south as you come across the fine white sand of Plaka Beach and the more remote Hawaii Beach protected by rocks. Meanwhile, Mikri Vigla, also on the western coast, is popular with watersport enthusiasts (kite-surfing, windsurfing).

Then there’s the traditional villages dotted across the island amongst olive groves, citrus orchards, byzantine churches and mountains. Chalkio is often referred to as the most beautiful with its flower-filled lanes, white-washed houses, art galleries and traditional tavernas serving locally sourced dishes. Apeiranthos is another gem of Naxos with its unique architecture, marble alleys and museums alongside locally-owned shops and shady café terraces.  

In spring and autumn, follow hiking trails between coast, mountains and historic villages, passing wild flowers, herbs, olive trees and ancient ruins, a fine way to appreciate Naxos’ incredible nature. Horse-riding excursions can be arranged with mountain and sea views (as well as donkey rides for younger guests) or explore the island by boat with day trips to visit the sea caves, rocky shores and even the neighbouring islands of Paros and Antiparos.