Naxos is a stunning island often overlooked for its more well-known sisters, Santorini or Mykonos, even though it’s the largest island in the Cyclades. Despite the snub, Naxos continues to be a popular destination for those looking for an off the beaten path Greek island getaway, full of Mediterranean sun and fun but not necessarily the huge cruising crowds. The island is a foodie paradise, considered the gourmet hotspot of the Cyclades with organic and farm-to-table cuisine, and the perfect place to enjoy it on the long stretches of beach overlooking the deep azure waters. You’ll certainly find the island large enough to accommodate your wish for some solitary exploration or a chance to wander around ancient ruins.
60-Second Geography
Naxos, Greece
According to mythology, the king of the Greek gods, Zeus, was raised in a cave on Naxos. The island was inhabited as early as the Neolithic era when residents used tools made of copper and stone. During the Classical era, Naxos was a trade power in the Cyclades islands and widely considered to be the richest and wealthiest of the Greek islands. During the 16th to 19th centuries the Ottoman Turks took control of the island, but their control was tenuous at best and in 1832 the Cyclades became a member of the state of Greece.
Naxos, unlike its more jet-set neighbors Mykonos or Santorini, is ideal for including in any quiet and relaxing island-hopping tour. The island is also ideal to be included in your honeymoon getaway. The residents here are brimming with warmth and generosity, which you’ll find every time you sit down to a meal or stroll through a market stall. In the mountains among the whitewashed churches, shepherds herd their flocks of goats and sheep in no real hurry. For the visitor looking for a quiet escape from the draining rat race of everyday life, then Naxos is exactly what you’re looking for.
Naxos is considered the central hub of the Cyclades for family getaways, and it’s no secret why. Even though it lacks the larger beach resorts of some of the more popular islands, it offers a quiet oasis of adrenaline-filled water sports, yachting, sailing, horseback riding, hiking, and good old-fashioned beach fun. The laid-back atmosphere, smaller boutique hotels, and friendly locals make this a more intimate environment for parents and children looking to get away to a simpler holiday experience. The main town, Chora, holds most of the chic and established restaurants and boutiques. It’s also quite easy to hop from Naxos to one of its neighboring islands, including Paros, to continue their exploration of the Greek Isles.
The cuisine of Naxos is mouth-watering, and any visitor would be ecstatic to eat their way around the island… and can! You’ll find small family-owned restaurants and taverns in every village on the island, serving family recipes including traditional lamb with tomatoes, fried zucchini blossoms, dishes made from goat and rabbit, and rich desserts such as panna cotta with fruit sauce or liquer-flavored cheesecakes. Baked pies are also a specialty, and no trip would truly be complete without a sampling of spanakopita or myzithropitakia.
Once part of a temple dedicated to the god Apollo, the Portara is a poignant sight as an empty doorway that leads to nowhere. The temple’s construction was demanded by Lygdamis, a vengeful ruler, who swore to make the monuments on Naxos the grandest in all of Greece. He was overthrown only two decades into his reign, and the temple was never complete. The ruins are a beautiful sight in themselves, but also offer stunning views of the island and town beyond.
One of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the town, Kastro was built in the 13th century. This waterfront area is speckled with white chapels, many steps, and stone walls, perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon exploring. Some of the most brilliant Venetian architecture has survived the test of time in sprawling mansions, as well as what remains of the castle at the Tower of Sanoudos.
Like many of the Greek islands, the beaches on Naxos are gently lapped by sparkling turquoise waters over golden sands with the Mediterranean sun warming your skin. However, the beaches on Naxos stretch much further and longer, with the beach at Plaxos being the longest. Visitors will find all sorts of beaches, from family-friendly to clothing-optional, depending on their taste. Visitors will find the beaches here perfect for wind- and kite-surfing, as well as simply sunbathing on the warm sands.
Escape to Naxos with Cloud Tours Inc.
Island Hopping: Naxos and Santorini
Lagos Mare: 4 days / 3 nights in an ariadni sea view room with daily breakfast, service fees and taxes.
Cliffside Suites: 4 days / 3 nights in a double superior room with caldera view including daily breakfast, service fees and taxes, wine, fruit, and water
Regular roundtrip transfer to and from the hotel in both Naxos and Santorini
Hydrofoil included
Greek Domestic Air and taxes included
Rates begin at $1149 per person
Island Hopping: Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini
Petinos Beach: 4 days / 3 nights in standard double room with sea view including daily breakfast, service fees and taxes. A bottle of complimentary wine is presented to your room upon your arrival.
Lagos Mare: 4 days / 3 nights in an ariadni sea view room with daily breakfast, service fees and taxes.
Cliffside Suites: 4 days / 3 nights in a double superior room with caldera view including daily breakfast, service fees and taxes
Regular roundtrip transfer to and from the hotel in Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini
Hydrofoils included
Greek Domestic Air and taxes included
Rates begin at $1619 per person
Deluxe Naxos and Santorini
Naxian on the Beach: 4 days / 3 nights in deluxe sea view suite with outdoor jacuzzi with daily breakfast & dinner, service fees and taxes. Complimentary wine and cheese tastings.
Astra Suites: 4 days / 3 nights in a junior suite with caldera view including daily breakfast, service fees and taxes. Honeymoon Package includes:
Bottle of Santorini wine, fresh fruit, flowers, upon arrival
Room specially decorated with flower petals, candles & koufeta (traditional white almond candy)
The second day at sunset receive a bottle of champagne with chocolates
Hospitality gifts
Free use of the relaxation area (steam room & Jacuzzi) for 1 1/2 hours
Private roundtrip transfer to and from the hotel in both Naxos and Santorini
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