A journey to Naxos is like entering a true paradise. This contrasting Cycladic island enchants with the beauty of its pristine beaches, the charm of its traditional villages, and its fascinating cultural heritage. Whether you are a nature lover, a historian, or simply seeking unforgettable adventures, the island has everything you need. From undiscovered corners to unique flavors, this island is full of surprises and experiences that will surely captivate you at every turn.
What to see on Naxos?
There are many attractions worth seeing on the island of Naxos!
The first is Portara – ancient ruins on a high hill with a giant marble portal, a remnant of an unfinished temple complex from the 6th century BC.
Another attraction is the Castle of Naxos (Kastro) – a medieval fortress built by the Venetians, full of narrow streets, impressive towers, and castle walls.
The Archaeological Museum is also a place worth visiting to see numerous artifacts from the Neolithic, Minoan, Mycenaean, and Hellenistic periods.
Naxos is also known for its beautiful beaches, both sandy and wide, perfect for families with children, and more wild and rocky, attractive to water sports enthusiasts.
The island also has many charming villages, such as Chalki, Apeiranthos, or Filoti, where you can admire traditional architecture, narrow streets, and historic churches.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Naxos offers – an island full of natural beauty, rich history and culture, perfect for exploring and sightseeing.
When is the best time to visit Naxos?
The best time to visit Naxos depends on the traveler’s preferences. The island has a mild Mediterranean climate, which means warm summers and mild winters.
The tourist season runs from April to October, but the most popular period is the summer season, which includes June, July, August, and September when the temperature reaches around 25-30 degrees Celsius, and the sea water is warm for swimming. If you prefer fewer crowds of tourists, April, May, and October can also be a good time to visit Naxos.
Spring offers beautiful blooming meadows and fewer crowds of tourists, while autumn is a quieter time with lower prices and milder weather. It is worth checking the weather forecast and availability of accommodation before planning a visit to Naxos to choose the optimal period according to the traveler’s preferences.
What to try?
On Naxos, like on other Greek islands, you can try many delicious dishes that are characteristic of the local cuisine. Here are a few dishes worth trying:
„Kitron” – This is a local alcoholic drink made from citron, a small lemon-like fruit that is characteristic of the island of Naxos. It is a unique and refreshing drink with a sweet and sour taste, often served as a liqueur or in cocktails.
„Naxian Potatoes” – Naxos is famous for growing exceptional potatoes that are sweet and juicy. They are often used to prepare various dishes, such as potatoes fried in olive oil, potato pancakes, or potato soup.
„Naxian Cheese” – This is a local cheese with a unique taste and texture, produced from goat or sheep milk. You can try it in various variations, such as „arseniko” – a hard matured cheese, „xynotyro” – a sour cheese with a lemony taste, or „anthotyro” – a soft, fresh cheese.
„Lambriati” – This is a traditional meat dish from Naxos, consisting of pieces of meat (usually lamb) stewed in red wine with herbs and spices. It is an aromatic dish with a deep flavor, often served with classic Naxos bread.
It is worth exploring local taverns and restaurants to try authentic dishes that are part of the island’s rich cuisine. Naxos flavors are unique and a real treat for the taste buds, and food is part of the culture and traditions of this beautiful Greek island.”
Is Naxos safe?
Yes, Naxos is generally considered a safe island. However, as with any destination, it’s always important to take basic safety precautions and adhere to common sense safety guidelines while traveling.
Here are a few general safety tips:
- Exercise caution on beaches and follow safety guidelines while swimming. Observe weather conditions, adhere to warning signs and follow lifeguard recommendations.
- Be cautious when using rental vehicles such as cars, scooters or bicycles. Follow traffic rules, wear a helmet and drive carefully.
- Be mindful in crowded areas such as city centers, markets or bustling tourist spots.
- Avoid displaying valuables and expensive items.
- Take care of your belongings and don’t leave valuable items unattended.
- Use hotel safes to store important documents, money or valuable items.
- Be mindful of your health and exercise appropriate caution while engaging in water sports, climbing, hiking or other outdoor activities.
As with any trip, it’s always a good idea to be alert, follow local rules and customs, and practice basic safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Naxos or any other destination.
Naxos is a safe and tourist-friendly destination, offering a wealth of attractions for history and culture enthusiasts, as well as those seeking relaxation on beautiful beaches or outdoor activities.
If you’re interested in Naxos, we encourage you to further explore this fascinating island and check out other articles on Greece that you can find on our website.
