Cyclades
Naxos
The island that has everything — and somehow stays relatively sane about it.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Naxos
Naxos is the largest Cyclades island and arguably the best all-rounder. It has the longest sandy beaches in the Cyclades, excellent local food (the island is agriculturally self-sufficient, producing cheese, potatoes, meat and citrus), Venetian towers, ancient marble quarries, and a beautiful fortified old town. It doesn't have the extreme glamour of Santorini or Mykonos, which is precisely what makes it so good.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Limited nightlife. The interior and mountain villages require a car to explore properly.
Hidden gem
Drive into the Tragea valley and find the 9th-century Panagia Drosiani church — the oldest in the Balkans, almost no one stops.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Naxos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Naxos? +
- The best months to visit Naxos are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Naxos from Athens? +
- Naxos has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry (about 5.5 hours).
- Is Naxos good for couples? +
- Naxos is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Naxos good for families with kids? +
- Naxos is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Naxos expensive? +
- Naxos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Naxos? +
- You'll want a rental car on Naxos — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Naxos? +
- Limited nightlife. The interior and mountain villages require a car to explore properly.