What is Naxos like?
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and combines what Israelis love about Greece: long sandy beaches with shallow water, a port town with a Venetian castle, and mountain villages where life still runs the old way. Compared with nearby Mykonos and Santorini it feels calmer and more family-friendly, and it is big enough to fill a full week. Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, rises in the middle of the island.
When is the best time to visit Naxos?
The main season runs May to October. June and September are the sweet spot: warm sea, fewer crowds and lower prices than July and August. In summer the strong meltemi winds sometimes blow, affecting sailings and exposed beaches. In winter most tourist services close.
How to get to Naxos
By ferry: ferries sail from Piraeus all year, and for most of the season (April to October) also from Rafina, which is closer to Athens airport. According to Ferryhopper, the fastest crossing from Piraeus takes about 3 hours 20 minutes; conventional ferries take longer. Naxos also connects to Paros, Mykonos, Santorini and other islands, so it fits easily into island hopping.
By air: Naxos has a small airport with domestic flights from Athens (about 45 minutes according to the Greek National Tourism Organisation). We found no direct Tel Aviv–Naxos flight confirmed for 2026 on airline or airport websites. The usual route is to fly to Athens and continue by ferry or domestic flight. Check current fares from Tel Aviv on Yavanet's flights page, updated every morning. Seasonal summer routes sometimes open, so check close to your dates.
Top things to do in Naxos
- The Portara: the huge marble gateway of the Temple of Apollo on the islet by the port, the classic sunset spot.
- The old town (Chora) and the Kastro: lanes, arches and houses bearing Venetian family crests inside the castle.
- Apeiranthos: a marble-built mountain village with paved lanes and lots of character.
- Halki and the Tragea valley: a village with Byzantine churches and a distillery of the local kitron liqueur.
- Filoti and the hike up Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades.
- The giant unfinished kouros statues left in the ancient quarries near Melanes and at Apollonas.
- The Temple of Demeter near Sangri, a restored ancient temple amid fields.
- Sunsets and beach time at Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna.
- Water sports: windsurfing and kitesurfing at beaches such as Mikri Vigla.
- Day cruises to the Small Cyclades (Koufonisia) or neighbouring Paros.
Best beaches in Naxos
- Agios Georgios: a sandy town beach with shallow water, great for kids.
- Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna: golden sand with restaurants and facilities.
- Plaka: a long, open beach, calmer.
- Mikri Vigla: good for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- The south-coast beaches (e.g. Alyko): quieter, best reached by car.
Where to stay in Naxos
Chora (the town): easiest without a car, close to the port, restaurants and Agios Georgios beach.
Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka: right on the beach, good for families and beach-focused trips.
Mountain villages (Filoti, Halki, Apeiranthos): quiet and authentic, but you need a car.
Getting around Naxos
Local buses run from the town to the main beaches and villages, but to explore the mountain villages and southern beaches it is worth renting a car, at least for a few days. Before you rent, read our guide to renting a car in Greece.
What to eat in Naxos
Naxos is known for its potatoes, local cheeses (such as graviera), kitron liqueur and produce from the island's farms. Village tavernas serve plenty of vegetable and fish dishes, which helps if you keep basic kosher-style eating.
Shabbat & kosher in Naxos
We have not verified a Chabad house, active synagogue or kosher restaurant in Naxos. Our Shabbat times & kosher in Greece page lists candle-lighting times and the kosher places we have verified around Greece. You can order kosher groceries and meals in advance from Chabad's e-kosher.gr, which delivers across Greece, including the islands. Order a few days before you arrive, especially ahead of Shabbat.
