The largest of Greece’s Cyclades islands, Naxos is located in the heart of the Aegean Sea and was once known as the centre of Cycladic civilization and culture. Today it boasts a seemingly endless number of historic villages, temples, and ancient monuments. The mountains, green valleys, white sandy beaches, and crystal blue waters give the island a unique, natural landscape that is hard to experience elsewhere, and the fertile Naxian soil provides for a mouth-watering dining experience, full of local produce, free-grazing meats, aromatic herbs, and fresh cheeses.

With breathtaking sunset views, scenic hiking paths through the island’s mountainous villages, local shops and markets, and waterfront activities like swimming and sailing, you could easily spend an entire holiday exploring this island. There are, however, several other islands just a short ferry ride away that only amplify the Greek island experience and make day trips a popular choice among visitors.

Naxos Island National Airport (JNX) only receives direct flights from Athens International Airport (ATH), which is a 40-minute flight. The Naxos airport is located 10 minutes from the island's capital, Naxos Town. Ferries provide an alternate method of reaching the island from Athens, as well as several other nearby cities and islands. All ferry services arrive and depart from Naxos Town. Buses, taxis, and car rental services are available; however, many choose to explore the island on foot or bike. Moped and bicycle rentals allow travellers to fully experience the breeze and warmth of the sun, while visiting villages and scenes that are off the normal path.

The Mediterranean climate in Naxos is known for its warm, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. The warm summer months provide the perfect weather for the many water activities, while a breeze helps keep the temperatures pleasant for non-water related activities. The Naxos Summer Festival in Bazeos Tower, which hosts a variety of cultural events, musical performances, and art displays, takes place the first weekend in September. This makes the summer season a popular time to book Naxos villas.

Spring and fall are considered the best times to visit Naxos for hiking, biking, horseback riding and other outdoor sightseeing experiences, though it’s a tad too cold to enjoy the waters of the Aegean Sea. While winter may experience slightly cooler temperatures and more rainfall, it also brings about the biggest carnival event in Greece. This weeklong celebration showcases the rich history of the island with parades, musical performances, and feasts, making it an ideal time to seek holiday rentals in Naxos.

Temple of Apollo

What began around the year 530 B.C. with the intention of becoming the tallest building in Greece was never completed once a war broke out and the Naxos ruler was overthrown. Today, the remaining parts of the Temple of Apollo have become a popular place to experience the surrounding sea and serene sunsets.

Village of Chalki

Once the capital of Naxos, Chalki is now known for its well-preserved architectural structures and groves of olive trees surrounding the village. The village's stone paths are lined with cafes and small family-run shops of local produce, art, and woven clothing items. Visitors can also do a tour and tasting at the oldest kitron distillery in Naxos, which now operates mostly as a museum.

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos

Located in a 17th-century Venetian building in Naxos Town, the Archaeological Museum of Naxos showcases art and everyday items from life as early as the Late Neolithic period. The five-story building was built as a school for the island; however, it was transformed into a museum in 1972 and now displays unique artifacts of the island's past.