When we started planning our trip through the Greek islands, we intentionally skipped some of the better-known destinations. We weren’t looking for beach clubs or late-night parties—we wanted to experience islands that still felt authentically Greek, where life moved a little slower and the focus was on local culture, great food, and beautiful scenery.
After spending a few days exploring Athens, we boarded a short flight to Naxos, our second stop before continuing on to Santorini. We could have taken the ferry, but with limited time we decided the quick flight was worth it.
Almost immediately, Naxos felt different. It wasn’t trying to impress anyone. The island had a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that invited us to slow down, wander without a plan, and simply enjoy being there. Over the next three days we explored the charming streets of Chora, ventured into the mountain villages on a guided island tour, sampled local food, and discovered why so many travelers quietly call Naxos their favorite island in Greece.
If you’re looking for an island that offers authentic villages, incredible food, fascinating history, and a more relaxed pace than some of its famous neighbors, Naxos deserves a place on your itinerary.
Getting to Naxos
From Athens, you have two options: take a ferry or fly.
Many travelers choose the ferry, but after several busy days exploring Athens, we decided to save time and booked a short flight instead. The flight took less than an hour and was an easy, stress-free way to reach the island. Looking back, we’d make the same choice again, especially if you’re trying to maximize your vacation time.
If you enjoy traveling by sea or have more flexibility in your itinerary, the ferry is also a great experience and offers beautiful views of the Aegean.
Where We Stayed
We based ourselves in Chora (also called Naxos Town), and we couldn’t have chosen a better location.
Everything was within walking distance—restaurants, shops, the waterfront, the ferry port, and the winding streets of the Old Town. It gave us the perfect balance of convenience during the day while still feeling peaceful in the evenings.
We stayed at Naxos Evilion Luxury Apartments & Suites which was about a 13 minute walk from town.
If it’s your first visit to Naxos, we would absolutely recommend staying in Chora.
Day One: Exploring Chora
After checking into our apartment, we spent the afternoon simply wandering through Chora.
Like many Greek towns, getting a little lost is part of the experience. Narrow marble streets twist between whitewashed homes covered in colorful flowers, family-run shops, cozy cafés, and hidden squares where locals gather.
As we climbed higher through the old Venetian neighborhood, we found beautiful viewpoints overlooking the harbor before making our way to the island’s most recognizable landmark.
The Portara—the enormous marble doorway that has stood overlooking the sea for more than 2,500 years—is even more impressive in person than it is in photographs. Watching the sun begin to set behind it quickly became one of our favorite memories from the island.
We finished the evening with dinner along the waterfront, enjoying fresh seafood while watching the ferries arrive and depart.
Day Two: Discovering the Rest of the Island
Although Chora is wonderful, Naxos is much more than its capital.
We joined the guided Highlights of Naxos tour, and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made during our stay. Instead of trying to navigate the mountain roads ourselves, we were able to relax and learn about the island’s history while visiting places we likely would have missed.
The tour took us through traditional mountain villages where life still moves at a slower pace. Walking through the narrow streets, watching local artisans at work, and stopping at family-owned businesses gave us a completely different perspective of the island.
We sampled local products, learned about Naxos’ famous cheeses and spirits, visited historic villages, and enjoyed spectacular views across the mountains and valleys.
If you only have a few days on the island, we highly recommend setting aside one day for a guided island tour.
Day Three: A Slower Pace
Our final full day was intentionally unplanned.
We wandered through Chora one last time, revisiting some of our favorite streets, stopping into shops we had passed earlier, and picking up a few souvenirs to bring home.
Without a schedule to follow, we found ourselves noticing little details we’d missed before—the colorful doors, sleepy cats napping in the shade, locals chatting outside cafés, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes Naxos so enjoyable.
Sometimes those slower travel days end up becoming the ones you remember most.
Food in Naxos
One of the things that truly stood out to us was the food.
Because Naxos is one of Greece’s most fertile islands, many restaurants serve ingredients produced locally. Fresh vegetables, cheeses, potatoes, olive oil, seafood, and locally raised meats all play a role in the island’s cuisine.
We quickly realized that even the simplest meals tasted incredibly fresh.
If you visit, don’t miss:
- Naxian potatoes (they really are worth the hype)
- Local cheeses, especially Graviera
- Fresh seafood along the harbor
- Traditional Greek tavernas tucked away in the side streets
- Kitron, Naxos’ signature citrus liqueur
Is Three Days Enough?
For us, three days gave us a wonderful introduction to the island, but we easily could have stayed another day or two.
It allowed enough time to explore Chora, experience the island beyond the main town, enjoy excellent food, and still have a slower day before moving on to Santorini.
If you’re looking for nightlife, another island may be a better fit. But if you’re searching for authentic Greece, beautiful scenery, welcoming locals, and a place where you can simply enjoy being present, Naxos is difficult to beat.
Final Thoughts
Naxos may not receive the same attention as some of Greece’s more famous islands, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
It offers history without overwhelming crowds, incredible food without inflated prices, beautiful beaches without constant noise, and villages that still feel genuinely Greek.
As we boarded the ferry to Santorini the next morning, we both agreed on one thing: Naxos had quietly become one of our favorite stops during our time in Greece.
Sometimes it’s the places you expect the least from that leave the biggest impression.
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