A Detailed Guide to Naxos Chora: The Best Attractions, Restaurants & Hotels
This Naxos Chora guide aims to show you the best of the town, including what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and the best accommodation options.
The beating drum of Naxos is its charming town centre, Naxos Chora (or Naxos Town).
Although not blessed with the picturesque beauty of Santorini’s Oia, the old-world charm of Naoussa, or the hedonistic bliss of Mykonos, Naxos Chora is equally fascinating and in many ways more appealing.
The historic quarter is as authentic as they come, a myriad of narrow laneways and arches, seemingly designed to confuse the heck out of pirates in the early days.
Although now a little dilapidated, the whitewashed homes and marble-lined streets that make up the old town are more enticing with each further step. It feels like Greece here, instead of the Disneyland vibes of Mykonos Town or Oia.
Standing like a beacon above the town is the 13th century Venetian castle, from which all roads lead from. The views from here are epic, especially over to Portara Gate, Naxos’ emblematic ancient ruins, which is where you must visit for sunset. Trust us.
Beyond the historic old town lies enticing beaches, world-class restaurants and sunset bars just waiting to be explored. It all makes for a thoroughly wonderful little town, and one which, if given time, you’ll learn to love.
This Naxos Chora guide aims to show you the best of the town, including what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and the best accommodation options.
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NAXOS
CHORA
SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Naxos Island, Cyclades
WHAT TO SEE | Chora Old Town, Portara Gate, Venetian Castle, Sample Naxian Cuisine, Sunset Cocktails
WHERE TO EAT | To Elliniko, Dal Professore, Barozzi, Cafe Ouzerie Barabbas
WHERE TO STAY | Ampelos Suites, Naxos Downtown Apartments
WHERE IS NAXOS CHORA
Naxos Chora is the capital of Naxos Island, located in the Cycladic Archipelago, Greece. Naxos Chora is situated in the west of the island, almost directly opposite Paros.
Chora is the main Port on Naxos, and as a result, is the main starting point to almost all Naxian adventures.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN NAXOS CHORA (NAXOS TOWN)?
You can see and experience the best things to do in Naxos Chora in a day, as the town is small enough to walk to each major attraction. However, given the myriad of restaurants and bars in the town, we’d recommend visiting more than once, depending on how long you plan to visit Naxos Island.
We spent four weeks on the Island, so visited Chora many times, and each time we further warmed to it - it’s no Mykonos, Naoussa, or Oia, but it’s quite an authentic town with history hidden on almost every corner.
WHERE TO STAY IN NAXOS CHORA
Naxos Chora is the perfect place to base yourself to experience the best of the Island.
From here, all bus connections leave, as well as catamaran day tours around the island. Plus, there’s an excellent selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy the famous Greek hospitality.
Our recommended Chora hotels are listed below:
AMPELOS SUITES | Gorgeous, luxurious, and modern self-contained apartments and suites located in downtown Chora, right in the heart of the action. Check prices and availability
NAXOS DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS | Super modern (which is hard to find in Greece!) apartments located in Naxos Chora, 400 m from Agios Georgios Beach. Location is everything here, as are the sleek modern finishes. Check prices and availability
KATERINA ROZA APARTMENTS | Affordable self-catered studios located in the heart of Naxos Chora. Surprisingly modern and cute, considering the price. A rare find! Check prices and availability
Other Chora accommodation to consider:
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN CHORA, NAXOS
WATCH SUNSET AT PORTARA GATE
A right of passage for any visitor to the Island, watching the sunset from the iconic Portara Gate is a must-do on Naxos.
Perched on the islet of Palatia close to Chora lies the unfinished marble ruins of a temple dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Lygdamis, the tyrant of Naxos, started building the temple in the 6th-7th century BC, however, due to war (which was common at the time), it was never completed, and the Portara, the lintel of the temple, is all that stands today.
The gate now guards over the island and is one of the most iconic sights in all of the Cycladic island. At sunset, droves of tourists head across the small strip of land to Palatia and head up the hill to watch the sunset through the gate and over the Aegean.
The scenic view back towards Chora is wonderful, especially when lit by the light orange glow of the setting sun.
We’re not going to lie, it gets pretty hectic here during the Summer, and any sense of calm is negated by the constant hum of drones, and millions of photoshoots occurring.
It’s for this reason that we actually recommend coming here for sunrise. Sure, you might not get that iconic photo of the sun setting through the gate, but you’ll have a peaceful experience on one of Naxos’ most emblematic attractions.
THE DETAILS
Where | Portara Gate, Naxos
WALK THE TWISTING LANEWAYS OF THE OLD TOWN
For those willing to take a few steps away from Naxos promenade, up the crumbling stairways and down the winding stone streets and white-washed alleyways, there’s a whole other side to Naxos town that many tourists never get to see.
In these twisting laneways, that time seems to stand still.
There’s the colourful fruit stall, selling the best of Naxos’ produce, an old woman watching the world below from her window, the clatter of cutlery and the waft of delicious Greek food being prepared, and the ever-present radio relaying the latest news.
Locals greet each other in doorways, pausing to chat before continuing on their way. Quaint boutiques peek out from almost-hidden alcoves, selling traditional Naxian goods. Birds skitter along white-washed cobblestones, and in places around the Venetian Castle, it’s so quiet you can hear the echo of your own footfall.
This is a world away from the jam-packed beaches and touristy Portara Gate, and there’s a lot to love about that.
It’s easy to get wonderfully lost in these rustic stone streets - in fact, it was one of our favourite things to do on the island! - so leave the map at home and let the cobblestones take you on a journey through Naxos Town as the locals know it.
It’s worth noting, that much of the town close for a siesta in the mid-summer heat - so come early, or later in the day (5 pm) to appreciate Chora’s charms.
EXPLORE THE VENETIAN CASTLE OF NAXOS
High above Naxos, overlooking the white-washed roofs and walls of Naxos old town and the shimmering harbour lies the Venetian Castle of Naxos (Castro).
Built by the Venetian Conqueror, Markos II Sanoudos in 1207, the fortified settlement has been inhabited ever since.
The narrow, covered laneways, historic churches, and cute courtyards make for a picturesque stroll, and there are also a number of churches and museums which are worth your time, including:
The Roman Cathedral dating from the 13th century
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos
The Della Rocca Barozzi Venetian Museum
Church of Panagia Theoskepasti
Strolling through this historic quarter is one of the best things to do on Naxos, so to understand it better, we recommend joining this walking tour.
NAXOS HARBOUR
It’s a curious thing in the Greek Islands that harbours tend to be the ugliest parts of the island - a kind of get in, get out place best avoided after dark.
Naxos Harbour, though, is the place to be as the sun starts its slow descent into the Aegean.
Small, picturesque and with the pretty backdrop of Naxos Castle, an afternoon stroll, followed by a lazy cocktail at one of the many bars, is essential.
The southern end is where the best tavernas, bars and vibes are at, including our favourite Dal Professore.
ENJOY COCKTAILS AT A CHORA SUNSET BAR
Watching a Greek summer is a ritual, and watching it with a cocktail in hand is an essential part of said ritual.
Each day, the Naxos harbour is bathed in golden light and people from all over descend on the myriad of top-class rooftop bars to watch the show.
Not only is the view achingly beautiful, so too is the visual spectacle as the sun dips behind the mountains in the west. Thankfully, the cocktails are wonderful, too.
There are a huge array of bars in Chora, but our favourite is 520 Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, a boho-chic bar serving some of the best cocktails on Naxos, and with views for dayyyyyys.
For something different to Aperol Spritz, try the Jungle Bird, a delicious mix of rum, pineapple, Campari and bitters.
If 520 is full, there are heaps of other sunset bars which you can settle into.
WANDER THE NAXOS OLD MARKET
Deep within the old town is Naxos market, a labyrinth of typical tourist stores selling souvenirs such as linen, shirts, magnets, soaps etc, and boutiques, art, design, jewellery and craft stores.
We actually found Naxos market the best in the Cycladic islands, with reasonable prices, original pieces and a more laidback shopping experience than those found in Santorini, Mykonos or Paros.
Stop by Pocket Gallery for some great contemporary ceramics (we’d have bought them all if we weren’t travelling) and art pieces.
BUY SOME ICONIC GREEK SANDALS
Name a more iconic souvenir from the Greek Islands than your own pair of handcrafted traditional Greek sandals. We’ll wait.
If you agree with that statement, then boy do we have a treat for you.
Down a narrow side street in old town Naxos, just a stone’s throw from the bustling port, you’ll find Pagonis Sandals, the family business that’s been crafting custom made traditional Greek Sandals with love here for more than 80 years.
Now in its third generation of shoe-making and with a small team producing hundreds of shoes by hand each week in the workshop attached to the store, Pagonis is the name to know when it comes to quality shoes in the islands.
Pop by their bustling shop to pick up a pair of your own sandals, either straight off the shelf or by ordering a custom size or design of your choosing, and stay to watch as the team transform leather into fashion right before your eyes.
Be sure to visit early in your trip though, orders can take a minimum of 3-4 days to make, (sometimes more during peak travel periods) — and take it from Mim who has worn her own pair of custom Pagonis sandals almost every day since our visit, you don’t want to miss out!
THE DETAILS
Where | Paparigopoulou, Naxos
When | Hours vary, but generally from 10am - 2:30pm, then 6pm - 11pm
Tips | If you’re after a custom-made pair, visit the shop early on in your trip to avoid disappointment. Shoes take at least 3-4 days to produce and you don’t want to miss out!
Read | Meet the Craftsmen Behind Pagonis Sandals, Naxos' Most Famous Shoes
KIRIAKOS TZIBLAKIS LOCAL PRODUCTS
Recommend by our local friends, Tziblakis Local Products is a traditional market store which is Naxos’ oldest.
Traditional baskets hang outside this picturesque store, however, it’s inside where the magic happens - it feels like stepping back in time to the era of Silk Road traders.
Adorning the walls from roof to the floor is a range of traditional goods - a range of nuts, dried fruits, Greek honey and herb and spice mixes on display - but make sure to taste (and buy) the local olive oil & olives, the homemade marmalades, and the delicious Naxian cheeses made from local shepherds (xinotiro, kefalotyri, xinomizithra, graviera and mizithra).
If you really want to understand the history and culture of Naxos, you could do worse than visiting here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tziblakis Local Products
TRY YOUR HAND AT WINDSURFING OR PADDLEBOARDING
Naxos is home to some of the best windsurfing and windfoiling conditions in the world, bring people from all around the world to take advantage of the summer winds.
If you’re like us and have never windsurfed in your life, this is the place to learn.
Thankfully, just a short walk from Naxos Chora is Agios Georgios Beach and its flat-water lagoon, which provides the perfect conditions for both high speed and aerobatic windsurfing.
Flisvos Sports Club is the perfect place to join a lesson, and learn the essentials of windsurfing. The staff here are absolutely amazing - not only do they live and breath the sport, they’re also awesome teachers who will heap you watch the first gust of wind easily.
If windsurfing isn’t your vibe, or the wind is low, do what we did and jump aboard a paddle board to explore the lagoon and beach down to Chora. It’s super nice to explore Naxos via the water, and paddle boarding is such a fun way to do it.
You can check rental and lesson prices here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Flisvos Sports Club, Naxos
Cost | 3-day beginner Lessons start from €190
SAMPLE SOME DELICIOUS LOUKOUMADES
No trip to Greece, and indeed Naxos is complete without a serving of diabetes-inducing Loukoumades, Greek doughnuts served in a sea of honey and topped with cinnamon.
We stopped by Padelis Coffee Shop on the recommendation of a local, and the loukoumades we sampled were easily the best we tried in the Cycladic islands - crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and with delicious local honey to top it off.
They really are a treat, but maybe share one serving between two!
THE DETAILS
Where | Padelis Coffee Shop
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN NAXOS CHORA
Hungry? You’ll need to be on Naxos.
Home to some of the best produce on the Mediterranean, Naxos is a food-lovers dream destination. Its vast range of natural springs and mineral rich soil, which ensures a sufficient yield for local farmers - and this bounty of goods is heaven for tourists interested in sampling the local food culture.
Throughout Naxos Chora, tavernas champion local produce and dishes, including Naxian Potatoes, Naxian Gruyere, seafood and local game.
Below is a list of our recommended restaurants, which served up very good fare. Some are on the pricier side, and some are hidden gems:
DAL PROFESSORE | Exceptional Italian with sunset views on Naxos Harbour. Pasta is fresh and expertly cooked. Try the Ravioli di magro (ravioli with butter and sage), and
TO ELLINIKO RESTAURANT | Set in the backstreets of Chora Naxos, To Elliniko is casual dining at its finest. Except the food here is really good. The zucchini fritters, fried cheese and home made pie are gorgeous but the real star for us was the fresh sea bass
BAROZZI NAXOS RESTAURANT | Fine dining on Naxos is a rarity, but Barozzi does an exquisite 6-course Aegean degustation menu. Expensive, but worth it
SARRIS RESTAURANT | Non-descript, affordable restaurant in the heart of Chora. Seafood is a must - try the Dakos salad and fresh local Naxian Mackerel
CAFE OUZERIE BARABBAS | A local secret hidden in the streets between Chora and Agios Giorgios, Barabbas serves extremely good Naxian cuisine. Seafood is the winner here, but the stuffed eggplant is a thing of beauty
TAVERNA KASTRO | It’s not so much about the food here, as it is about the view and ambience. Come for sunset, and enjoy an Aperol while watching the day end, before tucking into a Greek meze
NAXOS BAKERY | Sure, bakeries are everywhere in Greece, but
Food, dishes, and drinks we recommend sampling at restaurants in Naxos Chora include:
Naxian Potatoes | Naxos’ main food export, these potatoes make for great fries, their waxy texture unique and flavoursome
Naxian cheeses | Perhaps the best of all Naxian produce, Naxian cheeses are varied and delicious. Gruyere is the most famous, a hard table cheese with a robust flavour, Xinomyzithra is a slighty sour cream goat’s cheese, and Arseniko, a sheep’s cheese hard in texture and salty in flavour
Naxian Graviera Saganaki | Flavoursome saganaki served with honey and sesame seeds
Seafood | An obvious one, considering the abundance from the Mediterranean. Calamari, Octopus, and Anchovies are always winners
Patoudo | Lamb stuffed with chard, fennel, herbs and garlic
Wild rabbit | Rabbit braised in lemon
Rooster served with pasta | Eaten in villages, slow-cooked rooster is served with pasta
Kitron | The local Naxian liqueur made from leaves of citron tree. Kitron comes in three varieties: green (sweet), yellow (strongest) and clear (the middle ground)
NAXOS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NAXOS
No matter where we suggest to travel to in Europe, be it Paris or Hvar Island, we always suggest to visit during the shoulder seasons (either side of the peak seasons).
In the case of Naxos, this is between late April - early June, when the island is green and lush, and mid September - October, when the tourists have departed and the island slows down.
During this time, the days are still long and the weather and sea, warm, but the crowds are smaller and more manageable, making the island extremely pleasant. What's more, the price of accommodation, food and drinks are cheaper during the shoulder period - and you’re helping reduce the environmental impact, while extending the tourism season locals.
Naxos is also prone the summer Northern winds (called Meltemia), which can make the most popular parts of the island extremely windy. During our visit in June and early July, the winds were just starting to increase, with the peaks around July and August.
Now, if you’re a windsurfer, these winds are heavenly. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, then can be a little frustrating.
Alos, visiting during the peak summer months of mid-June to August means you'll have to contend with upwards of 20,000 daily visitors to the island, which in our opinion is unsustainable to is to the detriment of the tranquil nature of Hvar.
HOW TO GET TO NAXOS?
Naxos is well connected by ferry to Athens and to nearby islands such as Paros and Santorini. There are also direct flights from Athens during the peak months.
BY FERRY
Despite being a somewhat lesser-known island in the Cyclades, Naxos is super well connected by ferry to all other major islands and the mainland.
Ferries were our preference for getting around the islands, both for cutting down on unnecessary short flights, and also because they're generally the faster, more comfortable, and more affordable option.
We booked all our ferry tickets through the Ferry Hopper App which is super easy to use.
There are multiple daily ferries from Piraeus (the mainland Athens port) as well as nearby Cycladic islands and is serviced by Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines, Seajets and Fast Ferries. Check departure times and book tickets here.
We highly recommend booking your tickets well in advance of travel dates in summer.
From Athens, the journey time is around 4 - 6 hours depending on many factors, so we recommend grabbing foot and drinks before stepping onboard.
The ferries can get super busy in summer, so we suggest you hustle as hard as you can to get on board quickly, then head to the upper deck where you’ll have a better chance of securing a seat or sofa.
If you’re road-tripping Europe, a Greek native can also take your car via ferry to Naxos.
BOOK | Check departure times and book ferry tickets through FerryHopper
FLY
You can fly from Athens to Naxos year-round, however there are no direct flights from European countries.
Flights from Athens take around 30 minutes, and the journey from Naxos airport to Chora takes around 10 minutes.
We wouldn’t suggest flying to Naxos as the flights are expensive and the airport relatively small - a ferry is by far the easiest option.
If you do wish to fly, an easy alternative could be to fly directly to Mykonos or Santorini and then take a ferry to Naxos, if you wish to avoid Athens.
HOW TO GET AROUND NAXOS
There are a few ways to get around Naxos, although which one you should opt for kind of depends on how long you’re planning to visit, and whether you’re planning to explore, or relax by the sea.
RENTING A CAR ON NAXOS
Normally, we wouldn’t advocate hiring a car when visiting a Greek Island, but Naxos is huge, and if you have your own set of wheels, especially an air-conditioned set, it will make your life so much easier and allow you to see all the best things to do on Naxos.
Compared to other Greek Islands such as Santorini, Car rental on Naxos is actually quite affordable, especially during the shoulder seasons.
Expect to pay around €25 - €50 per day for car rental on Naxos.
Plenty of locals talked about 30-minute drives stretching into traffic-clogged 2+ hours through July and August, especially leading into Agios Prokopios, and into Chora, so keep that in mind.
TOUR
If you’re not keen on driving or simply want to see the best things to do on Naxos in one day, you can join this popular tour of the Island.
The tour visits a number of key attractions on Naxos, including Halki Village, the Temple of Demeter, the Kouros of Apollonas, and many other attractions.
BOOK | Naxos Day Tour
SCOOTER OR ATV
For those on a budget, hiring an ATV or scooter might be a better option to explore Naxos.
ATV’s and scooters afford great flexibility and freedom, however, due to the size and undulation of Naxos, it can take a lot of time to get from A to B, and the comfort levels are just not there - so if you’re planning to explore the island, we’d definitely recommend a car, regardless of your budget.
For those looking to stay fairly central, and explore some of the closer beaches such as Agios Prokopios and Plaka, an ATV or scooter is perfect, and allows you to find a parking space during the peak months (a seriously underrated feature!).
Note that to rent a scooter in Greece you'll need to show proof of a motorbike license.
LOCAL BUS
Buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport on Naxos, and the network is pretty good and reliable, especially between Chora and the main beaches of Prokopios, Plaka, and the mountain towns of Chalki, Filoti and Apeiranthos.
Most tickets between major hubs generally cost around €1.80 (the most we paid was €2.50 for a ticket). Tickets for the Naxos bus service need to be bought prior to boarding, and can be found at tourist markets throughout the Island.
Most buses connect in and out of Chora, but also along Plaka and Prokopios beaches hourly.
See the Naxos bus timetable here
The buses themselves are decent; they're air-conditioned and comfortable, although in peak season they fill up seriously quickly and you may find yourself standing. They run frequently, although the timings are sometimes a little limiting when you want to pack lots of Naxos's best things to do into a single day.
During the peak of summer, we'd recommend getting to the bus stop early, and be prepared to queue for a while (it can also get pretty pushy!).
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
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Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, Things to do in Chora Town, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best of Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, A guide to Naoussa town, The best Naoussa Hotels, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, A guide to Mykonos Town (Chora), inc. what to see, eat and do, How to get from Athens to Mykonos
GREECE SAILING | This is what it’s like to sail the Greek Saronic Islands with Medsailors
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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