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Trip ideas  /  Europe  /  Greece  /  Naxos, South Aegean  /  6-day itinerary
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Rest & Recharge
Naxos, South Aegean: 6 days in Naxos and ParosPhoto: Zde, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
Rest & Recharge ExhaleOff the Beaten Path FindTrip idea · Naxos, South Aegean

6 days in Naxos and Paros

The 7-day plan, rearranged for 6 days: the best-ranked places stay, and each day keeps to one part of town.

6 daysAnyoneLate September18 places
Copy this plan to your own trips, then change anything you like.
Naxos
Photo: Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
Naxos
Photo: Manfred Werner (Tsui), CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
How many days?Pick yours and the plan rearranges.
Rearranged from the 7 day plan. See it as written

Best time to go

June to September are the best months for a beach trip.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Arrival day

Before Day 1. Naxos is a big, calm island, so there is no need to rush to anything on the first evening.Details
By air
The small airport on Naxos sits close to the main town and the west coast beaches, and many people reach the island through Athens. Taxis and hotel transfers meet the flights. Check ahead for the schedule, which changes with the season.
By ferry
Most visitors arrive by ferry from Piraeus, with others coming from nearby islands. The port is right beside the old town, so you can often walk to your hotel. Check ahead for the day and the time, since the timetable changes with the season.
Getting around
Buses run between the main town and the west coast beaches. A rental car is the easy way to reach the mountain villages. A scooter is common, but the roads wind and the wind gusts, so take it slowly and only ride if you are confident.
First evening
Walk along the waterfront in Naxos Town as the light goes and have an early supper. Day 1 begins at the great stone gate, a short stroll from the harbor, so you will already be close.

Day 1. Naxos Town

3 stops · 0.4 km

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

  1. 1
    MiddayWorth the time

    Naxos Town

    The island’s main town, with a harbor front, narrow whitewashed lanes and small shops. Wander without a plan and stop when something looks good.

    Go when Late morning, when the shops are open and the lanes are not yet busy.

    Local tip The harbor front is lively, but the back lanes are quieter. Keep walking uphill and you reach the old quarter without a sign.

    Naxos Town, Naxos: aerial photo of bridge near concrete buildings
    Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash
    About 2 min walk0.2 km
  2. 2
    AfternoonWorth the time

    Kastro of Naxos

    The Venetian quarter on the hill above the town, built in the thirteenth century. Narrow stone lanes, old coats of arms above the doors and a quiet museum. Walk it slowly, with no goal.

    Go when Afternoon, as the heat drops and the stone turns gold.

    Local tip Look for the old family crests above the doors. The lanes are steep and uneven, so wear shoes with a grip.

    Kastro of Naxos, Naxos: aerial photo of bridge near concrete buildings
    Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash
  3. Lunch

    Naxian potatoes and local cheese

    The island is known for its potatoes, fried in thick golden wedges, and for its cheeses: soft, creamy graviera, and the sharp, aged arseniko. A simple plate for a slow lunch.

    Local tip Order a plate of cheese to share, and ask which one is local.

    About 3 min walk0.2 km
  4. 3
    EveningWorth the time

    Portara

    A huge marble doorway on a small peninsula by the harbor, all that remains of an ancient temple. Walk out along the causeway and look back at the town. It is a lovely place to start a slow day.

    Go when Late in the day, around sunset (about 7:26 PM), when the marble gate frames the sky.

    Local tip Walk out along the causeway and stand under the doorway, then look back at the town. It is windy on the headland, so bring a light layer.

    Portara, Naxos
    Photo: Jean Housen, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
  5. Dinner

    An early dinner by the harbor

    Grilled fish, a plate of vegetables and a cold white wine, at a table with the old town in view. An early supper suits a slow first day.

    Local tip Choose a table at the edge of the harbor, and eat as the light goes.

If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.

Day 2. The west coast of Naxos

3 stops · 9.5 km

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

  1. 1
    MorningWorth the time

    Agios Prokopios

    A wide sandy bay with shallow water, a short bus ride from Naxos Town. A good place for a long morning swim. Check ahead on the wind and the sea.

    Go when Morning, when the sea is calm and the sand is cool.

    Local tip The wind can pick up in the afternoon, so swim early. Check ahead on the wind and the sea before you decide where to sit.

    Agios Prokopios, Naxos
    Photo: Ildebrando on Wikimedia Commons
    About 10 min walk0.8 km
  2. 2
    MiddayWorth a short stop

    Agia Anna

    A busy little beach village with a long stretch of sand, close to Agios Prokopios. Walk the shore at the edge of the sea and find a quiet patch.

    Go when Midday, between a swim and a long lunch.

    Local tip It is the busiest of the beaches, so walk away from the village for more room. A short walk along the sand joins it to the next bay.

  3. Lunch

    A beach lunch of fish and salad

    Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta, a plate of fried calamari and a cold drink. A simple lunch, close to the sea.

    Local tip Share a few plates and stay at the table for the whole afternoon.

    A beach lunch of fish and salad
    Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons
    About 16 min by car8.7 km
  4. 3
    AfternoonWorth the time

    Plaka Beach

    A very long beach of fine sand and dunes, with plenty of room even on a busy day. Walk to the far end for more space. Check ahead on the wind and the sea.

    Go when Afternoon, with a hat and plenty of water.

    Local tip There is room to spread out even on a busy day. Walk toward the far end for fewer people. Check ahead on the wind and the sea, which can be rough.

    Plaka Beach, Naxos
    Photo: Vihou World, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
  5. Dinner

    Grilled octopus at sunset

    Octopus, hung to dry in the sun and grilled over charcoal, is a classic of the Greek islands. Eat it by the sea with bread and a squeeze of lemon.

    Local tip Watch the sun drop into the sea, and order a second plate if you are still hungry.

If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.

Day 3. The beaches of Paros and Parikia and Naoussa

3 stops · 26.0 km

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

  1. Travel from Plaka BeachAbout 25 min by car or transit10.5 km
    Where Day 2 ended.
  2. 1
    MiddayWorth a short stop

    Golden Beach

    A long beach of golden sand on the southeast coast, well known for its wind. Check ahead on the conditions, since it can be rough, and pick a sheltered end.

    Go when Midday, if the wind is calm. Check ahead.

    Local tip The beach is long and exposed, and the wind is strong on many days. A sheltered end often has calm water when the rest is rough.

    Golden Beach, Naxos
    Photo: Trond Arild Ydersbond, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
    About 29 min by car or transit13.0 km
  3. 2
    AfternoonWorth the time

    Naoussa

    A fishing village on the north coast, with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea and small cafes. Walk the lanes, then sit by the water.

    Go when Late afternoon into the evening, when the lanes are lively.

    Local tip Walk the back lanes with their flowers and small shops, and keep the harbor for the sunset. There is no rush.

    Naoussa, Naxos
    Photo: Smtunli , Svein-Magne Tun…, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons
  4. Lunch

    A light lunch in Parikia

    A salad of tomato and caper, a cheese pie and a plate of grilled vegetables, at a table near the church. Light food for a warm day.

    Local tip Look for a small shop along the old lanes, not the waterfront.

    About 10 min by car or transit2.5 km
  5. 3
    AfternoonWorth the time

    Santa Maria Beach

    A wide beach on the northeast coast with soft sand and clear water, close to Naoussa. A relaxed place for a long swim.

    Go when Afternoon, for a long and lazy swim.

    Local tip The sand is soft and the water clear. Check ahead on the wind, which can make the north coast rough.

  6. Dinner

    A supper in Naoussa

    A table by the harbor, a few small plates and a glass of local white wine. Keep it simple, and finish with a sweet.

    Local tip Book ahead if you want a seat at the water.

If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.

Day 4. Parikia and Naoussa

3 stops · 20.0 km

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

  1. Travel from Santa Maria BeachAbout 26 min by car or transit11.3 km
    Where Day 3 ended.
  2. 1
    MorningWorth the time

    Parikia

    The main port of Paros, with a maze of whitewashed lanes behind the waterfront and a Venetian castle wall built from ancient marble. Wander the old town slowly.

    Go when Late afternoon, when the lanes cool and the waterfront fills.

    Local tip The Venetian castle wall includes pieces of an old temple. Look at the stones and see if you can find the columns built into it.

    About 2 min walk0.1 km
  3. 2
    MiddayWorth the time

    Panagia Ekatontapiliani

    One of the oldest churches in Greece, in the heart of Parikia, an early Christian church that is still in use. Step into the quiet courtyard and look up at the dome. Dress modestly.

    Go when Morning, when the courtyard is quiet.

    Local tip Cover your shoulders and knees. The name means the church of a hundred doors, and a local story says you can only find ninety nine of them.

    Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Naxos
    Photo: Andrant83, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
    About 21 min by car or transit8.6 km
  4. 3
    EveningWorth the time

    Venetian Harbour of Naoussa

    A small harbor with the remains of a Venetian fortress at its mouth and colorful fishing boats tied up at the quay. A lovely place for an evening walk.

    Go when Evening, around sunset (about 7:26 PM), when the boats turn gold.

    Local tip The old fortress at the harbor mouth is partly underwater. Sit at the quay and watch the fishermen fix their nets.

  5. Dinner

    Fresh fish by the harbor

    Fish grilled over charcoal and served whole, with lemon, boiled greens and local wine, at a table on the quay.

    Local tip Ask to see the fish before it is cooked, and share a whole one.

    Fresh fish by the harbor
    Photo: ChesPal (Debra Heaphy), CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons
If it rains. Panagia Ekatontapiliani is covered, so keep it. Move Parikia and Venetian Harbour of Naoussa to a dry day if you can.

Day 5. The mountain villages of Naxos

3 stops · 47.5 km

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

  1. Drive from Venetian Harbour of NaoussaAbout 38 min by car24.8 km
    Where Day 4 ended.
  2. 1
    MiddayWorth the time

    Filoti

    A large mountain village on the slope of Mount Zas, with white houses climbing up the hillside. A shady square makes a good place for a long lunch.

    Go when Midday, with a long lunch under the trees.

    Local tip The village climbs the hillside, so walk uphill for the view. Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, rises behind it.

    Filoti, Naxos
    Photo: Stepanps, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons
    About 11 min by car or transit3.1 km
  3. 2
    AfternoonWorth the time

    Apeiranthos

    A mountain village where the streets, steps and walls are made of marble. Stone towers, small museums and a feeling of another time. Walk it slowly.

    Go when Early afternoon, then stay for the quiet before dusk.

    Local tip The lanes are paved with marble and can be slippery. A few small museums in the village are worth a look. Check ahead for opening days.

    Apeiranthos, Naxos: Stone steps in a narrow alleyway lined with potted plants between white buildings
    Photo by Tim G on Unsplash
  4. Lunch

    A mountain lunch of grilled meat

    The mountain villages are known for grilled lamb and goat, local cheese and thick bread. A big, slow lunch under the plane trees.

    Local tip Order simply, share plates and leave time for a short walk afterward.

    About 29 min by car19.5 km
  5. 3
    EveningWorth a short stop

    Kouros of Apollonas

    A huge unfinished statue of a young man, lying in an ancient marble quarry above the village of Apollonas. It is a long and winding drive, so make it the end of the day, and the sea nearby is a good swim.

    Go when Late afternoon, when the light on the quarry is soft.

    Local tip It is a long, winding drive, and the statue was left unfinished long ago. Plan a swim in the village below and drive back before dark.

    Kouros of Apollonas, Naxos
    Photo: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons
  6. Dinner

    Dinner by the sea at Apollonas

    A few small tavernas on the water in the village below the quarry. Grilled fish, a plate of greens and a glass of wine as the light goes.

    Local tip Eat early, so the winding road back is not in the dark.

If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.

Day 6. The mountain villages of Naxos and the hills and villages of Paros

3 stops · 54.9 km

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

  1. Drive from Kouros of ApollonasAbout 40 min by car28.2 km
    Where Day 5 ended.
  2. 1
    MorningWorth the time

    Lefkes

    A mountain village once the capital of the island, with white houses, marble lanes and a big church on the hill. A quiet morning stroll, with views down to the sea.

    Go when Morning, before the heat.

    Local tip Park at the edge of the village and walk in. The lanes are narrow, and the best views are from the steps near the big church.

    About 34 min by car or transit20.3 km
  3. 2
    MorningWorth the time

    Halki

    A quiet village in a fertile valley with old stone mansions, a Byzantine church and small shops. The old center of the island, and a calm first stop.

    Go when Morning, before the heat and the day visitors.

    Local tip Walk the main lane with its old mansions, then look for the small Byzantine church. It is a gentle place to begin a day of driving.

  4. Lunch

    A farmland lunch

    Simple village food: baked beans, fresh salad, bread, olives and whatever the cook has from the garden that day.

    Local tip Ask what is cooking that day and order two or three small plates.

    About 17 min by car or transit6.5 km
  5. 3
    MorningWorth the time

    Temple of Demeter

    The ruins of a temple to the goddess of the harvest, in quiet farmland near the village of Sangri. A small museum stands beside it. Come early, when the fields are still and cool.

    Go when Morning, when the fields are still and the air is cool.

    Local tip It is a small site in a quiet valley. Read the signs, sit on a stone and listen. Check ahead for the opening days of the museum beside it.

    Temple of Demeter, Naxos
    Photo: Triptolemos Painter (epon… on Wikimedia Commons
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.

Departure day

After the last day. Paros has its own port and a small airport, so work back from your ferry or flight and keep the last morning slow.Details
Last night on Paros
Pack the evening before and sleep close to the port in Parikia if you leave by ferry. Ask your hotel to hold your bags if you check out early and want a final swim.
Onward by ferry
Ferries from Paros go on to Athens and to other islands. The timetable changes with the season and with the weather, so check ahead and have a margin before any flight you must make.
Onward by air
The airport on Paros is small and a short taxi ride from the main town. Many flights go through Athens. If you cannot find a direct one, a ferry to Naxos and its airport is another way.
If you have a few hours
Walk the lanes of Parikia once more, have a last coffee by the harbor or swim at a beach near town. Keep it light, and leave early for the port.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to visit Naxos?

By average weather from 2021 to 2025, June to September are the best months for a beach trip to Naxos. This plan is built for late September, which is one of the best months. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.

How many days does this plan cover?

It covers 6 days in Naxos, planned for late September. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.

Who is this plan for?

It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.

Is anything on this plan booked?

No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.

Can I plan my own days like this?

Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.

Can I change this plan?

Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.

How much walking is there?

Each day has about 0.4 to 26.7 kilometers between its stops, and 83.5 kilometers in all across 6 days. A short hop is a walk and a longer one a ride. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.

Keep exploring

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Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash

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A trip idea · Updated October 2026

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