Long beaches, mountain villages and the deepest food culture in the Cyclades.
Naxos combines the Portara and ancient sanctuaries with broad sandy beaches, highland villages, fertile farms and Mount Zas, the Cyclades' highest peak.
Naxos is the largest Cycladic island and one of the most varied. The Portara frames the harbour at sunset, while ancient kouroi, the Temple of Demeter and Venetian towers appear across the interior. Mount Zas rises above villages such as Filoti and Apiranthos.
The island's fertile valleys produce potatoes, citrus, wine and acclaimed cheeses, giving tavernas a strong local foundation. Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka form a long western beach corridor; the east remains wilder. Naxos has enough depth for a full holiday rather than a quick island-hop.
Practical information
Ferries and flights arrive near Naxos Town. Buses serve western beaches and major villages, but a car is useful for the east and mountains; avoid rushing narrow inland roads.
