Cities, Towns & Villages in Naxos
Chora
This is the capital and main port of the island. It features a famous castle and a maze of narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants.
Filoti
This is the largest village on the island and sits at the bottom of Mount Zas. It has a lively main square with many cafes under large plane trees.
Apeiranthos
People call this the marble village because the streets and houses are made of marble. It has four small museums and feels very traditional.
Halki
This village was once the capital and is famous for its neoclassical buildings. It is the home of the Kitron distillery where they make a local liqueur.
Apollonas
This is a quiet fishing village on the northern coast. Visitors come here to see a huge ancient statue that lies unfinished in a quarry nearby.
Main Ports in Naxos
Naxos Port (Chora)
This is the only major ferry port on the island and is located right in the capital city. All large passenger ferries and high speed boats from Athens and other islands dock here. It is very busy in the summer and has many cafes and travel agencies right next to the water.
Getting around Naxos
Getting around Naxos is easier than on many other Cyclades islands because there is a well organised public bus system, plenty of taxis and a wide choice of car and scooter rentals. Most routes start from Naxos Town by the port and run frequently to the main west coast beaches such as Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka, as well as inland villages like Filoti and Apeiranthos, especially in the summer months.
You buy bus tickets at the KTEL station near the harbour or at marked mini markets or at Kiosks or get a private bus company, and fares are low, so many visitors happily explore Naxos without a car by combining beach buses with occasional village trips. Taxis wait at the port and in town and can be booked by phone for airport transfers, evening journeys or direct trips when buses are less frequent. Car and scooter hire is widely available in Chora and the main beach resorts, and renting for a day or two gives you more freedom to reach remote coves, high mountain villages and trailheads for hikes such as Mount Zas. Naxos also has a network of walking paths linking villages, ancient sites and viewpoints, so many travellers mix bus journeys with scenic walks to discover quieter corners of the island.
How to get to Naxos
You can travel to Naxos by ferry or by plane. Ferries leave from the Piraeus or Rafina ports in Athens and take between three and six hours depending on the speed of the boat. You can also fly from Athens International Airport directly to the Naxos Island National Airport which takes about forty minutes. There are also frequent ferry connections from nearby islands like Paros and Santorini.
More attractions in Naxos
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Naxos
What is the best time to visit Naxos?
The best months are June and September when the weather is warm but not too hot. July and August are also great but can be quite busy.
How many days do I need in Naxos?
You should spend at least three to five days here. This gives you enough time to see the main towns and relax on the beaches without rushing.
Do I need a car on the island?
It is a good idea to rent a car if you want to explore the mountain villages. The island is big and public buses may not go to every beach or remote area.
Is Naxos good for families with children?
Yes it is one of the best Greek islands for families. The beaches are sandy and shallow and the atmosphere is safe and quiet compared to party islands.
Is Naxos better than Paros?
Naxos is bigger and has more mountains and agriculture while Paros is smaller with more nightlife. Naxos is usually better for nature lovers and those who want a more traditional feel.
