Ready to explore beautiful Naxos? Good, because I’ve got the perfect 3-day itinerary for you!
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, but it feels a lot more local and less crowded than popular spots like Santorini and Mykonos. It boasts both golden beaches and traditional mountain villages, and the food here has to be some of the best in Greece.
I traveled to Naxos to test out and perfect this itinerary – it’s a hard job, but somebody’s got to do it! Now, I’m going to share all of my insider tips and favorite activities with you to make sure you have the best possible time on this wonderful Greek island.
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My Top Choice
The tour I loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
My personal FAVORITE thing I did was this luxury catamaran cruise! I had the best day cruising around the Aegean and swimming in the crystal-clear water – it was amazing!
Itinerary Overview
I had the best time following this itinerary because it really gave me an amazing overview of Naxos, from its traditional mountain villages and agriculture to its insanely pretty waters. I learned how to cook Greek food on a beautiful farm, cruised around the Aegean, and visited several ancient sites. And of course, I ate a lot of great food along the way – the island of Naxos is actually known for its huge portion sizes!
I strongly recommend staying in Chora, aka Naxos Town. It’s a super walkable area with lots of great restaurants, and the main bus hub is here, as well as the marina, so you’ll be able to get to the tour meeting points in just a few minutes on foot – no need to hire a car! The only time I needed to arrange my own transport was a taxi for the cooking class on day three, and it was super easy to do this through my hotel.
Day 1: Get to know Naxos on a full-day island tour, which includes ancient temples, mountain villages, and tiny beach towns, before heading back to Chora for sunset on the beach.
Day 2: Spend the day sailing around Naxos, Paros, and the Small Cyclades on this dreamy catamaran cruise, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling along the way. Then, head back to Naxos Town for dinner by the marina and a golden hour stroll to the Portara.
Day 3: Enjoy some beach time at Agos Georgios this morning before lunch and souvenir shopping in Chora’s charming Old Market. Then, round off your time in Naxos with this amazing farm-to-table cooking class, complete with flowing wine and plate-smashing. Opa!
*This itinerary was crafted around staying in the Chora area of Naxos
Naxos is a sprawling island, and choosing the right area to stay can make a difference. We’ve created this itinerary based on staying in Chora, aka Naxos town. Argo Boutique Hotel is our favorite hotel in the area because it offers luxury without breaking the bank. Read our blog about Where to Stay in Naxos for more detailed info about hotels and areas.
Day 1
Morning/Afternoon – Get to know Naxos like a local on a full-day adventure
For your first full day in Naxos, I recommend booking this comprehensive island tour. Naxos is much bigger and more varied than a lot of people expect, so this is the perfect way to get a proper overview of the island early on.
The tour meets at the bus station at 9 am and gets back to Chora at around 5 pm, so expect this to take up most of the day. But it’s definitely worth it because you get to see such a different side of Naxos! There’s ancient history, traditional villages, mountain scenery, local products, and beautiful coastal stops, so it really shows you how varied the island is.
One of our first stops was the Temple of Demeter, which was a beautiful historical stop and a nice change from the beaches and towns. Then, we stopped at a ceramics workshop, where we learned about the Pythagoras cup, which drains if you pour yourself too much wine! Then we visited Chalki, a cute mountain village with pastel buildings and lots of authentic local products.
Apeiranthos was another highlight for me. It’s a picturesque mountain village on the edge of a valley with winding streets and lots of old buildings. We had time for lunch here, and then it was onto the pretty seaside town of Apollonas. I grabbed some homemade lemonade and a snack here, and couldn’t pass up the chance to snap some photos in front of the big, blue-domed church!
All in all, this tour is such a good way to see the island beyond Naxos Town. It would have been really tricky to link all of these places together on my own, and I got a much deeper feel for Naxos’ landscapes and local culture.
Sunset – Paradise Beach Cafe
The bus tour will get you back to the bus station in Naxos Town at around 5 pm. I headed back to my hotel to freshen up, and then walked over to Paradise Beach Cafe on Agios Georgiou Beach for sunset. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the bus station if you’d prefer to go straight there!
The beach cafe has sun loungers as well as tables, and the prices here are super reasonable. Plus, the sunset from here is absolutely beautiful, so grab a drink and enjoy it! You can also grab a snack here if you’re feeling peckish and need something to tide you over. I had the most delicious feta-stuffed peppers.
Dinner – Elliniko
Several people on today’s bus tour recommended Elliniko to me, so that’s where I went for dinner! It’s a gorgeous open-air restaurant that serves up big portions of traditional Greek food, and it’s just an 8-minute walk from Paradise Beach Cafe.
I didn’t book a table here, and I only had to wait around 10 minutes. However, it’s probably best to make a reservation if you’re visiting during July and August, as those are the busiest months in Naxos, and this place is clearly in demand! The sun sets around 8:30 pm in summer, so book for 8:45 pm. Don’t worry, Greeks eat late, and the food at Elliniko comes out really fast.
Since I was by myself, I ordered the cheese pie, which was meant as a starter, but it was still a lot of food for one person! Sharing is definitely the way to go here. It was absolutely delicious, though, and in true Greek style, the waiter also brought me free dessert and a shot of raki at the end of the meal.
Just one small note: people do tend to dress up a bit here. You don’t need to go crazy, but I did feel a little out of place in my denim shorts!
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Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Cruise the Aegean on a luxury catamaran
Today we’re heading out on the water for a luxury catamaran cruise. This was an absolute dream of a day, and the cruise was one of the best things I did not only in Naxos, but in the whole of Greece!
The cruise starts at 9:30 am from the marina in Naxos Town, so if you’re staying in Chora, it’s super easy to get there. Just make sure to bring your own towel, and don’t forget it on the boat at the end like I did – oops!
The boat was lovely and modern, and the captain, Akis, was so funny and had us all laughing throughout the day. As for the sea we swam in, it was some of the clearest and prettiest water I’ve ever seen – and yes, that includes the Maldives! It was so beautiful that it almost didn’t feel real.
There were three swim stops in total, and our first stop of the day was just off Paros. The water was so calm that I jumped off the boat and swam all the way to shore so that I could say I’d been to Paros! This was also when the beer and wine started to flow.
This cruise isn’t a big, rowdy party boat, but my group definitely made the most of the all-inclusive drinks on board! I really liked the food, too. At lunchtime, Akis served each of us a big plate of moussaka with bread and salad, but we got snacks at all the stops, including fresh fruit with cinnamon and yummy sponge cake.
This cruise was seriously fun! I thought 7 hours might feel like a long day, but it absolutely flew by, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. Our group bonded so much that a few of us even went for dinner together afterward!
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Late afternoon – Relax or explore Naxos
After the catamaran cruise, you can either head back to your hotel for a shower and a little reset or spend some more time wandering around Naxos Town. I’d probably see how you feel on the day, because after a full day in the sun, you might be ready for a quick break!
If you’ve still got some energy, this is a great time to do a bit of souvenir shopping and explore the Old Market. The winding whitewashed streets are really pretty, and there are lots of little shops selling some really nice clothes and sandals, as well as local products like honey and olive oil.
Dinner – Irini’s Restaurant
When you’re ready for dinner, head back to the waterfront area and grab a table at Irini’s. It’s a traditional Greek tavern that overlooks the port, and the food here is amazing! You don’t need a reservation, either, so just turn up when you’re ready.
I ordered the chickpea salad, which came with some freshly toasted bread and olive oil, and the waiter brought me a free dessert afterward – as you may have guessed by now, this is very common in Naxos! This time, it was milopita, which is a delicious apple and cinnamon cake, dusted with icing sugar.
Evening – Stroll to the Portara at golden hour
As you finish up dinner, golden hour or sunset should be approaching, so head to the Portara to enjoy it! This is the iconic marble doorway at the Temple of Apollo, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from Irini’s Restaurant. It’s Naxos’ most famous landmark, and it’s actually perched on a small islet that’s connected to the town via a narrow causeway. Admission is free, and heading up to the Portara also gives you sweeping views of Chora and the Aegean Sea – it’s so pretty!
Now, if you don’t make it here tonight, no worries. I had planned to, but the weather started to turn, so I headed back to my hotel after dinner. The Portara is so close to Naxos Town that you can just pop over anytime, although I would love to come back and catch a sunset from here next time.
Day 3
Breakfast – Naxaki Beach Lounge Bar & Restaurant
Start your final day in Naxos with breakfast at Naxaki Beach Lounge Bar & Restaurant. It opens at 9 am, so aim to get there around then so you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast and still have plenty of beach time afterward!
The menu has lots of good breakfast options, including fresh fruit bowls, omelets, pastries, and smoothies, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find something you like! The location is perfect, too, as Naxaki is right next to Agios Georgios Beach. In fact, there are loungers here as well, so you can even go straight to swimming and sunbathing after you’ve finished eating.
Morning – Relax and recharge at Agios Georgios Beach (St. George Beach)
Agios Georgios Beach is a long, golden beach with calm, shallow water, so it’s an ideal swimming spot. After you’ve finished eating, grab a lounger and chill out here for a few hours. Naxaki Beach Bar has plenty, so there’s no need to move spots!
This beach is fairly popular as it’s the main one in Naxos Town, but it wasn’t crazy busy when I visited. More people tend to arrive in the early afternoon, so it should be fairly quiet and relaxing this morning.
Lunch – Scirocco
After you’ve finished soaking up the sun, walk from Agios Georgios Beach to Scriocco for a delicious local lunch. Of course, you can always make a quick stop back at your hotel to rinse off the sand and sunscreen along the way! Either way, aim to get here at around 12 pm for a fairly early lunch, as there’s going to be a LOT of food at tonight’s cooking class.
I absolutely loved Scriocco. It’s a family-run spot that was opened by two brothers back in the 90s, and it’s still going strong to this day! The service is super friendly, and they also brought me a frozen limoncello at the end of my meal, which was a lovely, refreshing treat.
For lunch here, I ordered the chicken orzo as it was listed as one of their specialties, and that proved to be a great decision! It was so rich and hearty – I thoroughly recommend trying it!
Early afternoon – Wander back into town for some souvenir shopping
After you’ve eaten, walk off your lunch with a stroll around Chora. I used this time to head up into the narrow streets of the Old Market and grab some final souvenirs. The alleys are very maze-like, and it’s easy to get lost, but if you do, just head downhill, and eventually you’ll find yourself back at the waterfront.
Actually, getting a little bit lost here is a really nice way to spend a leisurely hour or two before the cooking class. And if you want to sit down, you can always head up to Avaton 1739 for a drink with a sweeping view of the island. It’s a little bit hidden, but the views and the creative cocktails made it well worth finding!
And if you didn’t make it over for sunset last night, now is also a good time to go and visit the Portara! It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Old Market, and it’s super scenic, as well as a quick and easy stop.
Late afternoon – A delicious afternoon in a Naxian village kitchen
This cooking class was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had on my travels! It takes place at a family farm where almost all of the ingredients are grown right there, and I loved getting a glimpse of a more traditional, rural way of life in Naxos.
The class starts at 3:30 pm, so I booked a taxi from my hotel at 3 pm. It’s a really popular activity, the drivers know where to go and will pick you up again afterward.
The experience started with a tour of the farm with our instructor, Jack. I couldn’t believe how lush and beautiful it was, and there’s even an old Venetian tower on site. Along the way, we met Pandora the donkey, and we were accompanied by Gracie the French bulldog, who kept interrupting because she wanted us to throw sticks for her!
Once we got back to the kitchen, we began preparing the food step by step and learning family recipes from Jack. The wine was flowing throughout – and yes, it’s all made right here on the farm! I also highly recommend trying their homemade lemonade, as it was super refreshing.
When dinner was served, we had all of the dishes we had helped prepare, and more! My favorite dish was the stuffed banana peppers, but the pork shoulder, tzatziki, and omelet were also standouts for me.
When we had all finished eating, Jack took us outside for some traditional Greek dancing and plate smashing, which led to a lot of laughter and cries of “opa!”. It was actually a bit of a bucket list moment for me! This whole experience was truly the perfect way to round off my trip to Naxos, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Related Read: Need a few more activities to fill your time? Check out our list of the best things to do in Naxos – there’s no shortage of epic experiences here!
Where to Stay in Naxos, Greece
To make following this Naxos itinerary as easy as possible, I highly recommend staying in Chora, aka Naxos Town! It’s Naxos’ central tourist hub, and it’s compact and walkable, so getting around is a breeze. This is where I stayed, and I had zero problems with transport or navigation – it was all super easy.
And Chora isn’t just convenient, either. It’s also a really lovely town that boasts a beach, the iconic ancient Portara, a Venetian castle, and tons of great restaurants – what’s not to love?
Luxury – $$$
Spiros Hotel is a chic hotel built in that classic Cycladic style, with bright white walls and lots of arches. It has a lovely outdoor pool and a gorgeous spa with a hot tub, sauna, and hammam for when you’re craving some rest and relaxation.
The location couldn’t be better, either! It’s just a minute’s walk from Agios Georgios beach and a 10-minute walk from the waterfront and the Old Market.
Rooms here start from around €300 per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Argo Boutique Hotel is a charming mid-range stay in Naxos Town, just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and historic sites. The stylish rooms and suites feature a blend of traditional and modern decor, with some offering private balconies, spa baths, and even hot tubs! Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the spa area, and have a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant to refuel after a day of exploring.
Prices usually start at around €200 per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Georgia Mare is where I stayed in Naxos, and I would definitely stay here again! It’s a fairly simple property, but it’s spotlessly clean and very well-maintained. It was honestly the owners who really made it special, though. The hotel is run by Spiros and his daughter Georgia, and they’re incredibly kind and welcoming – they really showed me true Naxian hospitality.
I also have to mention how amazing the hotel breakfast was. Every morning here, I woke up to a fantastic spread of cakes, pastries, local cheeses, Greek yogurt, and delicious bread. I always wanted to eat more than I was physically able to!
Rooms at Georgia Mare start at around €120 per night, including breakfast. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay here!
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Naxos here!
Related Read: For even more great hotel options and a full breakdown of the best areas to stay in Naxos, check out our detailed Where to Stay guide!
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If a trip to a Greek Island has been on your bucket list for a while, this 3-day Naxos itinerary will definitely deliver! I loved cruising around the Aegean, enjoying the beach, visiting ancient sites and mountain villages, and eating ALL the food, of course!
Before you go, check out our other Greece blogs to plan your trip. We have guides on city itineraries, top things to do, our favorite tours, and more, all for your use! Here are a few related blogs to get you started:
How to Spend TWO DAYS in Mykonos, Greece: 2-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE Days in Milos, Greece: 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Rhodes, Greece: 3-Day Itinerary
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