Naxos: Our Third Stop After Athens and Santorini

Naxos was our third stop, following Athens and Santorini. By choosing Naxos, we knew we were stepping slightly off the beaten path, venturing away from the typical tourist circuit—and we were excited for that change of pace.

The island is about two hours by ferry from Santorini, and roughly one hour from Mykonos. A word of caution, though: if you’re traveling on a smaller boat, that one-hour ride to Mykonos can feel much longer—it was bumpy and borderline nauseating for some of us.

As we approached the port, the iconic Marble Gate of the Portara greeted us, a majestic welcome to the island. Accommodation within walking distance of the main port is certainly an option, but we had chosen a hotel a little outside the town center. It was near the beach, and it had a pool—a great bonus.

Day 1 – Walking Exploration

We spent our first day exploring Naxos Town (Chora) on foot, winding through its charming narrow alleys. This kind of relaxed wandering is one of the best ways to get a feel for the place. There’s no need for a map—getting lost is part of the experience.

Day 2 – Attempting a Road Trip

On our second day, we had rented a car to explore more of the island. Unfortunately, unexpected delays meant we got a late start. The roads are generally in good condition, but once you’re out of the main areas, they can become narrow and confusing, sometimes feeling like one-way streets that lead to nowhere—not ideal when you’re trying to make the most of limited time.

Despite this, we made it to Plaka and Agia Anna beaches, and they did not disappoint. With their soft golden sand, relaxed seaside restaurants, and beachfront resorts, they invite you to stay for hours—and we did. Even though we had planned to continue exploring, the atmosphere was just too good to leave.

Unfortunately, that meant our discovery of the rest of the island was cut short.

Final Thoughts

Naxos is more than five times the size of Santorini, with green valleys, mountain villages, and stunning beaches scattered across its landscape. While we had hoped to explore more, we quickly realized that our schedule didn’t allow for it. We returned the car earlier than planned and chose to relax and enjoy our immediate surroundings instead.

We didn’t see everything we intended to, but what we did experience, we truly appreciated.

There’s no doubt that Naxos has much more to offer, but for now, I’ll simply share what we had the chance to see—and enjoy.

Chora / Naxos City

If you’re arriving in Naxos by ferry, you’ll land right in Naxos Town, also known as Chora—the heart of the island’s activity.

From the port, several landmarks immediately catch the eye: the impressive Venetian castle, the iconic Portara (the ancient marble doorway standing on a nearby islet), the whitewashed cube-like houses reminiscent of a Mediterranean Minecraft scene, and the restaurants lining the waterfront.

Chora is lively both day and night, with its charming narrow pedestrian alleys leading to a variety of shops, tavernas, cafés, and historical sites—including the castle. The town invites you to explore at your own pace, with something to discover around every corner.

If you’re planning to stay only in Chora, you’re still in for a complete island experience. Agios Georgios Beach, with its soft golden sand and seafront restaurants, is just a short walk away.

Arriving in Syros

Much like Naxos, arriving in Syros by ferry places you right in the middle of the action. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a perfect day trip that combines relaxing on the beach, exploring historical landmarks, strolling through town, and ending the day with a delicious meal by the sea at sunset.

Arriving in Naxos: A Town Full of Life at Your Feet

As soon as you step off the ferry, you’re instantly immersed in the heart of Naxos Town (Chora). Everything is within walking distance—whether you want to explore the winding alleys of the Kastro district, visit a local museum, browse shops filled with souvenirs and regional products, admire the iconic Portara, head to the beach, or simply enjoy a meal or drink by the sea. The short stroll is filled with photo-worthy moments at every turn.

The Waterfront & Square

Right by the water, you’ll find the main square, Plateia Evripeou, a lively hub with a beautiful fountain, the statue of Petros Protopapadakis, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés to suit every taste. Benches along the waterfront invite you to pause, soak in the views, and look out across the water toward the Panagia Mirtidiotissa, a small but symbolic island church.

Panagia Mirtidiotissa

Perched on a tiny islet just offshore, this charming white church seems almost unreachable. Yet for the people of Naxos, the Panagia Mirtidiotissa has long served as a protector of sailors and symbol of faith. Its solitary beauty is striking from the port—particularly at sunrise or sunset.

The Main Square – Plateia Evripeou

This is where locals and visitors cross paths daily. You can grab a cold bottle of water from a convenience store, or enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or coffee at one of the surrounding terraces. The fountain and statue of Petros Protopapadakis give the square a touch of historical depth.

Statue of Petros Protopapadakis

Standing prominently in the main square near the port, this statue honors Petros Protopapadakis, a native of Naxos and a former Prime Minister of Greece. His political career ended tragically—just six months into his term, he was held responsible for the Asia Minor military disaster of 1922 and was subsequently executed. The statue reminds visitors of a dramatic chapter in Greek history.