Naxos Travel Guide

Naxos (Greek: Νάξος) is the largest in the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea and was the centre of ancient Cycladic culture. The most fertile of the Cyclades islands, Naxos earns much of its income from agriculture. It has a mountainous interior with a great variety of lush green valleys and villages, easily reachable by a well-maintained road system. The two municipalities of Naxos and Drymalia comprise the island. The largest town and capital is Chora (or Hora) or simply 'Naxos' or 'Naxos Town', with most of the shops and restaurants frequented by visitors. A number of beach communities extend south along the coast from Chora. The island has stunning Mediterranean beaches with white granite sand.

Naxos is a central hub in the sea transport system, and has multiple connections from and to all directions. Naxos is about 5 1/2 hours by regular ferries from Piraeus, 3:25 or 3:55 by fast ferries from Piraeus, and about 2 hours by regular ferry from Santorini.

In Chora, many areas are pedestrianised, making it easy to amble from beach to cafe to shop. Outside Chora, there are many footpaths, but they are not always easy to follow. Footpaths up Zas are easy and clearly marked. Walking on the roads is fine, with caution, as cars are infrequent, but drivers tend to go fast. In rural areas, locals will almost always offer a lift, especially if you can speak a little Greek.

Naxos is generally a safe island.

As on most islands, a phalanx of touts greets each arriving ferry waving placards advertising rooms for rent and (usually) offering free transport. In the months of July and August you should book in advance; but otherwise, these immediately available rooms are often the best value. Bargaining is usually possible. Be sure and establish the location of the accommodations first—as distance can add to expense.