Naxos holidays

Its lush, green landscape gives Naxos a decidedly different feel to many other Greek islands. It also allows the island to produce its own food, making it a great destination for those who love eating local while away. Feast on meals containing local cheeses, potatoes, olives, lemons and meat, and toast to an excellent holiday with a glass of kitron, a sweet liqueur distilled from the leaves and fruit of citrus trees.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Naxos, although you can reach it by boat from either neighbouring Mykonos or Santorini, or Athens (where you can fly from too). It’s only a positive though; Naxos remains a laid-back secret. You’ll arrive into the harbour of its charming capital Chora (also known as Naxos Town and Hora) which is overlooked by a Venetian castle and has a labyrinth of alleys to get lost in.

If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, read up on all of the legends of the island before your visit. Zeus is said to have been brought up on Naxos and the island’s tallest mountain, Zas (or Zeus), is named after him. Dionysus, the god of wine, was also born here and is said to have blessed the island with its fertile land and vineyards.

Then, of course, there’s the beaches. Naxos’ southwest coast is a heaven for those who love sand between their toes and salt in their hair, with pristine stretches such as Ágios Prokópios often topping lists as one of the best beaches in the Greek islands and even Europe.

For the ultimate combination of pleasant weather, quiet beaches and little rain, May, June and September are the best times to visit Naxos. In May, temperatures can reach 22C with around 11 hours of sunshine, which is warm enough to visit the beaches, but not too stifling to sightsee.

July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures in the mid-20s, but expect the island to be at its busiest and accommodation prices at their highest. The Naxos Summer Festival is also held during these months with musical performances held at Bazeos Tower.

You’ll be able to find some cheap holiday deals outside of the summer months, but before you book, check on the frequency of ferries and the opening hours of any facilities you wish to use as many places shut down towards the end of September.

While there are enough beaches on Naxos to keep you seaside during your entire holiday, there’s plenty more to explore on the island. Windsurf along the turquoise water, travel back in time learning about the island’s history and get lost in the winding lanes of traditional villages.

Kastro district, Chora

Dip in and out of museums and historic buildings in this lovely 13th-century neighbourhood in Naxos’ capital – and allow time to get lost in its narrow alleyways.

Start in the Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum, just inside the district’s northwest gate, where you can see a rotating art exhibition and imagine how its wealthy Venetian owners lived. Then, look out for the Tower of Crispi, the only remaining medieval tower in Kastro (it’s estimated there were 12 originally). It’s now the Byzantine Museum and has a fantastic view of the harbour.

Beaches

Whether your ideal day by the sea consists of a good book in peaceful surroundings, watersports or coastal rambles, there will be a beach for you on Naxos.

The southwest coast has a swathe of golden sand from stunner Ágios Prokópios downwards. Windsurfers and kite-surfers head to Mikri Vigla, where you’ll find a watersports school as well as a taverna. The 4km-long (2.5 miles) dune-backed Plaka beach is a favoured spot with families looking for a more secluded spot – but be aware there are sections popular with nudists.

Temple of Apollo

Don’t miss one of Naxos’ most photographed spots, its famous landmark, the unfinished Temple of Apollo.

On an islet connected to Chora harbour by a causeway, it’s a giant marble gateway that has stood since the 6th century BC. It’s spectacular at sunset, so expect to have company if you visit the site when it’s dappled in orange light.

Bazeos Tower

Around a 20-minute drive southeast from Chora, near Sangri, is the 17th-century Bazeos Tower. Originally a monastery, it was bought in the 19th century by the Bazeos family who used it as a summer residence.

The tower is now a space for cultural activities with changing art exhibitions. In the summer, musical events are held there as part of the Naxos Festival.

Panagia Drosiani

One of the oldest and most important churches in Greece, Panagia Drosiani is in the centre of the island, around a five-minute drive from Moni. One theory behind its name Drosiani (dewy) is that the Virgin Mary blessed the area with rain after a period of drought.

Admire its historic frescoes dating back to the 7th century (but be aware that no photographs are allowed) and look around its chapels and graveyard.