Europe / Greece · TRAVEL GUIDE

Naxos - Mikres KykladesSouthern Aegean · Greece

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DISCOVER · PLAN · GO

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YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.

Naxos and the Small Cyclades capture the very best of the Aegean: millennia of history, mountainous landscapes, and pale-sand bays washed by turquoise waters. From the famous to the beaches of Koufonisia, every stop reveals a different and unforgettable side of the Cyclades.

6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map

THE PLACES THAT TELL NAXOS - MIKRES KYKLADES

Worth seeing, worth remembering.

All places on the map ↗

(Temple of Apollo)

The monumental marble gateway is the symbol of Naxos and what remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo. At sunset, its silhouette on the islet of Palatia offers one of the island’s most celebrated views.

Kastro of Naxos

The medieval quarter preserves cobbled alleys, historic residences, and traces of Venetian rule. Walking through its walls lets you discover the city’s oldest face.

Temple of Demeter

Near the village of Sangri, this 6th-century BC sanctuary is a remarkable example of Ionic marble architecture. The small site museum helps reconstruct its history and later transformations.

Perched in the mountains of Naxos, the village is known for its stone houses, cobbled lanes, and local traditions. Its museums and views over the countryside invite you to explore it at leisure.

On the northeastern coast of Koufonisia, this crescent-shaped beach is famous for its pale sand and clear water. The bay is surrounded by rock formations that make the scenery especially striking.

Chora of Koufonisia

The island’s main settlement retains the charm of a Cycladic village, with whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, and a lively little harbor. It’s an ideal place for strolling and setting off to discover nearby beaches.

CHOOSE YOUR PACE

How much time
do you have to get lost?

From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.

An essential journey through ancient archaeology and the Venetian charm of Chora.

1Portara (Temple of Apollo)
2Kastro of Naxos Chora
3Temple of Demeter (Sangri)
4Agios Georgios Beach

Explore on the map

Explore the mountainous hinterland of Naxos and enjoy a romantic escape to the Small Cyclades.

A full immersion in Aegean culture, from the peaks of Mount Zeus to the unspoiled beaches of Donoussa and Iraklia.

GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE

The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.

BEFORE YOU GO

A well-planned trip.

Getting around

In Naxos, buses connect Chora with various towns and beaches, but services can be less frequent outside the summer season: check the updated schedules, especially for the return trip. To explore the interior or reach less-served coves, a rental car offers greater freedom; scooters and quad bikes are an option only for experienced riders and with caution on the roads. For the Small Cyclades, you travel by ferry from Naxos, with frequencies varying depending on the season and sea conditions. On the smaller islands, often best explored on foot, transport services are limited. In high season, book vehicles and ferries in advance.

When to go

From May to June and from September to early October, the weather is pleasant and the crowds are generally lighter than in July and August. Summer is ideal for the sea, but it can be very hot and busy; the meltemi, the typical Cycladic wind, can make the sea rough and affect ferry connections. In spring and autumn, some services and links on the smaller islands may be reduced: check availability and timetables before you leave.

Where to eat

In Chora and the villages of Naxos, you’ll find tavernas and restaurants serving Cycladic cuisine: try local cheeses, Naxos potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and fish, keeping in mind that availability and prices vary. In the smaller centers of the Small Cyclades, choices are often limited and opening hours may follow the rhythm of the season. For a quieter meal, check opening times and book during busier periods.

Quick tips

Check ferry times and leave a buffer: wind and sea conditions can cause changes or cancellations.
Bring water, sunscreen, and suitable shoes if you plan to explore beaches or trails with limited facilities.
In summer, book accommodation, a car, and connections to the Small Cyclades well in advance.
Before heading to a remote beach, check access, road conditions, and the availability of services.

YOUR STARTING POINT

Wake up in the right place.

Where to stay · Naxos - Mikres Kyklades

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1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children

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