Naxos Island

Island · Cyclades, 🇬🇷 Greece

Population 17,930

Area 427 km²

Time zone Europe/Athens

Official website www.naxos.gr

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Featured Lists

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

Naxos Unmissables

Explore Naxos through its ancient ruins and medieval architecture. The 13th-century Venetian Castle in Chora houses the Tower of Sanoudos and the Archaeological Museum, while the iconic Portara gate stands on Palatia islet. Inland, the unfinished 10-meter Kouros of Apollonas and the Temple of Sangri showcase Naxian marble craftsmanship. Natural landmarks include Zas Cave on the Cyclades' highest peak and the extensive sandy coastlines of Plaka, Kastraki, and Agia Anna.

11 places

Raffaele Sale / CC-BY-SA

Beautiful Beaches

Naxos features a diverse coastline ranging from the shallow, family-friendly waters of Saint George near Chora to the expansive dunes of Plaka. This selection includes Mikri Vigla’s southern side, which remains sheltered from the strong Meltemi winds, and the quiet, cedar-lined stretches of Kastraki and Glyfada. These beaches are characterized by fine golden sand and clear Aegean waters, offering varied environments from organized seaside resorts to more secluded, natural landscapes.

5 places

Ioannis Billias / CC BY-SA 4.0

Ancient Archaeological Sites

Naxos's archaeological landscape spans from the Early Cycladic period to the Venetian era. This collection features the iconic Portara, the colossal unfinished Kouros statues of Flerio, and the 6th-century BC Temple of Demeter at Sangri. Explore the sophisticated Archaic aqueduct system, Hellenistic defensive structures like Pyrgos Kheimarrou, and the medieval fortifications of Apalirou and Apano Kastro. These sites reveal the island's long history as a center for marble quarrying, advanced engineering, and maritime power.

17 places

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

Sacred Sites and Places of Worship

Naxos hosts a diverse collection of religious monuments, ranging from the 6th-century Byzantine frescoes of Panagia Drosiani to the 13th-century Catholic Cathedral in Chora's Kastro. The island's landscape is dotted with ancient ruins like the Temple of Demeter at Sangri, 9th-century cruciform churches like Agios Mamas, and fortified monasteries such as Moni Fotodotis. These sites reflect the island's complex history under Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences, showcasing unique marble craftsmanship and architectural evolution.

20 places