Sure, Santorini has the dramatic clifftops, the stunning sunsets and the whimsy walkways – but the one thing it’s lacking? Dreamy beaches.
This is where Naxos steps in. Just a two-hour ferry from Santorini, a five-hour ferry from Athens or a 40-minute flight from the Greek capital, if you are so inclined. The largest of the Cyclades is often overlooked for its glitzier neighbours (Paros and Ios are also right next door).
Yet, if you want a holiday where you can find hidden beaches and won’t be vying with other tourists for the same sunset pic, head to Naxos where the sea shimmers and the beaches are plenty.
Where to eat & drink
Lefto's Souvlaki Kebab House
For your gyros fix (Greek fast food consisting of pork meat, fries, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki wrapped in fresh pita bread), head to the island’s most popular beach – Agios Prokopios and tuck into a gyros at Lefto's Souvlaki Kebab House. At just €2.80 for a gyros, you can’t go wrong here. Afterwards, the Greek yoghurt with honey will satisfy any lingering sweet cravings you have as well.
O Giorgis
A traditional taverna in the village of Melanes, O Giorgis is a family-run restaurant that serves up hearty Greek dishes like stuffed pork, clay-pot stews and spit-roasted meats (including roasted rooster). Be sure to try the house-made wine and cheese as well.
Antamoma
In Chora, Antamoma serves up some of the highest-quality Greek dishes found on the island. Try the 60-day dry-aged beef steak or the handmade Naxos pastries and cheeses. Sit outside for sunset when the light is at its prettiest.
Where to stay
Naxian Collection
Perfect for a family or group, Naxian Collection’s luxury suites and villas are a dreamy place to escape for your island holiday. Opt for one of the white-washed villas – each come with a private pool – to have your own secluded hideaway. The a la carte breakfast is particularly delicious – try the authentic thick Greek yoghurt drizzled with lashings of local honey.
Rooms from £270 per night, naxiancollection.com/
Nissaki Beach Hotel
If you want to base yourself closer to the main town of Chora, this five-star hotel offers minamalist luxury in the centre of town. Just a 15-minute walk to the Instagrammable Apollo Temple, and a quick stroll into town the hotel is central but, with its location on Saint George Beach, feels worlds away from the busy town streets.
Rooms from £196 per night, nissaki-beach.com/
Naxian on the Beach
A view of the alluring azure waters right from your abode? Check. These beach-y apartments are the sister property of Naxian Collection and the perfect place to bunker in for a week beside the beach. With direct access to one of the island’s prettiest beaches – Plaka – this boutique hotel offers the best beach bar on the coast with the wicker-lined bar stocked with 120 different types of Greek wine.
Rooms from £311 per night, naxianonthebeach.com/
What to do
No visit to Naxos is complete without a day spent on a yacht, cruising around the island and the small Cyclades nearby.
Actionseaze docks in Naxos port and offers a daily sailing tour to the Rina Cave in the south of Naxos and to the small Cyclades. While the yacht takes two and a half hours to reach its first destination, it's well worth the trip as the bay surrounding Rina Cave boasts striking azure waters, so clear that you can see the small fish swimming near the sea floor.
Snorkel gear and stand up paddle boards are supplied so be sure to slap on some goggles to see the the fish for yourself. Summer is, of course, the best time to go for warmer waters and to see the barren smaller Cycladic islands and bays that can only be reached by boat. Lunch is provided but bring your own sunscreen - and remember to reapply throughout the day.
If boats aren’t your thing, a car rental is a necessary Naxos accessory to get to the more secluded beaches on the island, like Sahara, Maragas, Alyko and Orkos where you’ll be away from the crowds. The beaches here boast white sands and cyan waters and many are nudism-friendly, if that’s your thing.
A car is also necessary if you want to explore the island’s biggest peak, Mount Zas – not only the highest peak in Naxos but the highest point in the Cyclades. Drive to the car park and make your way up in the morning before the midday heat sets in, the return hike should take around four hours.
Actionseaze Daily Sailing Tour to Rina cave & Small Cyclades with Sailing Yacht is €90 for the full day. actionseaze.com/
