Naxos—The Perfect Greek Island for Families

Naxos should be a key destination in any Greek island-hopping itinerary, as it might be the perfect island, especially for families. We had the pleasure of visiting Naxos for the first time this summer, and it quickly became a favorite for all of us.

Naxos offers the ideal setting for a week-long stay. It’s beautiful, scenic, laid-back, and packed with activities to entertain the entire family. Here are a few things we learned about Naxos and why it was the perfect island for us:

Naxos is conveniently located in the Aegean Sea, surrounded by numerous Greek islands, making it a perfect base for day trips or an island-hopping adventure. The island of Paros is visible from Naxos and makes for a great day trip. Popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos are less than a two-hour ferry ride away.

Naxos is one of the more accessible Greek islands, which significantly influenced our decision to visit. You can travel to Naxos from Athens by plane or ferry. The island has a small, easily accessible airport just a few minutes outside Chora, the main town. We opted for the ferry from Santorini, which took under two hours. The ferry to Athens is also straightforward and manageable.

Choosing where to stay on Naxos was challenging. We wanted to be close to the hustle and bustle of Chora but we also desired the peace and tranquility of the countryside. We found the perfect balance by staying in a villa in Agia Anna, a small beach village with a port and a string of tavernas lining the sandy shores. Our villa was just a five-minute walk to the beach and a seven-minute drive to Chora. This location provided the best of both worlds, though it did require renting a car to explore the island fully.

The beaches on Naxos are some of the most idyllic I’ve ever seen. The sand is soft, the water is calm, and the mesmerizing shade of blue is unforgettable. Many tavernas and restaurants set up chairs and umbrellas for rent, often with food and drink service—a luxury we thoroughly enjoyed. For those who prefer, there are plenty of spots to bring your own beach gear. Our favorite beaches were Plaka, Agia Anna, and Agios Prokopios.

Greece is famous for its cuisine, and Naxos stands out for its extraordinary delicacies. The island is more fertile than many other Cycladic islands, producing various delicious crops. We participated in a traditional wood-fired cooking class at Perivoli Farms, where we discovered the incredible taste of Naxian potatoes and cheeses—not to be missed.

We spent a day exploring some of the mountain villages on Naxos with our rental car. Although we planned to visit Filoti, Halki, and Apeiranthos, we spent so much time in Filoti that we didn’t make it to the other two before our cooking class in Melanes. We thoroughly enjoyed Filoti and highly recommend exploring these charming villages.

Chora, the main town on Naxos, quickly became one of our favorite spots. It’s always bustling but never chaotic. We spent several evenings wandering the white-washed streets, browsing shops, and soaking in the ambiance. The old Venetian castle in town adds a historic touch, and the dining options are excellent. A few of our favorite restaurants include Flamingo, Apostolis, and Metaxi Mas.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Naxos is the absence of cruise ships, meaning no swarms of tourists. After experiencing the crowded streets of Santorini, Naxos felt like a breath of fresh air—a place where we could truly relax.

The Temple of Apollo is Naxos’s most famous archeological site, welcoming you as you step off the ferry. But it’s just one of many historical treasures on the island. Other must-see sites include the Melanes Kouros Statue, the Temple of Demeter, and the Kastro (Naxos Castle).

Our week on Naxos was nothing short of magical. From its stunning beaches and charming villages to its rich history and mouthwatering cuisine, Naxos offers something for every type of traveler.  For families, Naxos is ideal, providing a safe, welcoming environment with plenty of activities to entertain everyone.

If you’re planning a Greek island-hopping itinerary, include Naxos—it’s a destination that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of what this incredible island has to offer.  You can read more about Naxos and other Greek islands we visited in my post, A 12-Day Greece Itinerary with Kids.