5 Best Things to Do and See in Naxos
Exploring Naxos on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Naxos, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Naxos. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Temple of Apollo (Portara)
At the entrance to Naxos Harbor, the Temple of Apollo, better known as the Portara, offers one of the island’s most iconic silhouettes. Here, visitors discover a massive marble gateway, the remains of an ancient sanctuary, standing against the sea and sky. The site is as appealing for its historical significance as for its spectacular setting, especially at sunset. From this promontory, the view opens onto the bay, the harbor, and the Aegean horizon, making the visit both contemplative and highly photogenic.
2. Eggares Olive Oil Museum
A few kilometers from Naxos, the Eggares Olive Oil Museum invites visitors to discover the traditional world of olive oil in a restored old mill. Here, you can see the equipment and the production stages, from pressing the olives to extracting the oil, while understanding the central role this ingredient played in Cycladic rural life. The visit also lets you explore a simple, authentic heritage space, where you can better appreciate local know-how and the importance of olive cultivation on the island.
3. Alyko Beach
Alyko Beach is a wild beach located on the southwest coast of Naxos, Greece, in a preserved and lightly developed setting. It features a long stretch of pale sand lined with dunes, rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, with clear turquoise water. The atmosphere is peaceful, ideal for swimming, walking along the shore or simply enjoying the calm. Its natural setting, more secluded than some of the island’s busier beaches, makes it a favorite for visitors looking for tranquility and authentic scenery.
4. Naxos Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos, located in the town of Naxos, offers a fascinating overview of the island’s history through collections spanning from prehistory to the Roman era. It is especially notable for objects from local excavations, including ceramics, tools, statuettes, jewelry, and other everyday remains. The exhibition helps visitors better understand the ancient civilizations of the Cyclades and the importance of Naxos in the Aegean world. It is an ideal visit to complete your discovery of the island’s heritage.
5. Kouros of Farangi
The Kouros of Farangi is a unique historical site in Naxos, where visitors can see an ancient kouros, that is, a large unfinished male statue carved from marble. Set in a peaceful natural setting, it bears witness to the skill of the sculptors of the time and to the important role of the island’s marble in ancient Greek art. The visit lets you observe the sculpture directly in its surroundings, with its impressive dimensions and traces of abandonment, offering a fascinating glimpse of a worksite left unfinished since Antiquity.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
