Naxos Holidays
Naxos Holidays – Simple charm and true Greek character in the Cyclades Islands
The largest of the Cyclades Island, Naxos offers an authentic destination, where the emphasis is on plenty of sun, sea and sand, with a traditional Greek character. Boasting a glorious coastline and a lush fertile interior, the island is a haven for peaceful relaxation, whether you’re looking to sunbathe on golden sandy beaches, learn to windsurf, or hike through the spectacular countryside. Still largely unspoilt, Naxos has a simple charm, and is ideal for couples and families looking for a laid-back scenic holiday in Greece.
Naxos presents a delightful slice of charming island life, in the heart of the Aegean Sea, where there’s plenty of coastline to explore, dozens of quaint little towns and villages to visit, and a rich heritage to discover, especially in the colourful Naxos Town. Easy to get around, this green and mountainous island offers something for everyone, being home to a number of archaeological sites, as well as churches and historical remains.
When to go to Naxos
The tourist season in Naxos runs from May to October, with the peak season weeks always the most popular. July and August are very busy in the Greek Islands, with Naxos being no different, and these high-season weeks seeing the most crowds on the beaches, high prices and the hottest weather.
An early or late season Naxos holiday can be ideal, with May and June seeing the lush green countryside at its finest, and the cooler temperatures suiting outdoor activities. Autumn enjoys lovely hot weather, with the long sunny days of September and October still perfect for the beach.
The weather in Naxos
The island experiences a typically Mediterranean climate, and enjoys long hot summers, with plenty of sunshine, and short mild winters. July and August see the hottest weather, with highs of 28C, and as much as 14 hours of sunshine each day.
Naxos does see strong meltemi winds, which blow across all the Cyclades Islands, and help to temper the heat in the summer. May and June experience highs of between 23C – 26C, and up to 13 hours of daily sun, with the months of September and October hovering around 24C – 25C, and receiving between 7-11 hours of sunshine. October to April sees the wettest weather, and the low-season winters are mild, with temperatures of above 14C.
Getting the best deals to Naxos
To get the very best deals to Naxos, it’s advisable to be flexible with your travel dates so you can make the most of any bargains available. Avoid the peak season and the busy school holiday weeks if you can, as prices remain high, and there’s less availability. You’ll see much lower fares during the low-season months of May, September and October, with a better choice of accommodation and flights too. Leaving at the very last minute can mean considerable savings, too, so search our offers below, and visit our late deals page to look for bargains.
Airport and Transport Need to Know
To get to Naxos, fly to either Mykonos (JMK) or Santorini Airport (JTR), with departures from London Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham, and a flight time of just under 4 hours. Package holidays to Naxos usually include transfers, with the ferry crossing to the island taking 1 hour from Mykonos, or 2.5 hours from Santorini.
There is a domestic airport on Naxos, and you can fly here from Athens International Airport (ATH), a short 30-minute journey, or travel from the capital by catching either a high-speed ferry (a 3.5 hour journey), or a regular ferry (cheaper but slower, taking 6 hours).
On the island, Naxo’s bus station and taxi station are both located in the capital, Naxos Town, with a good local bus service operating around the island, and taxis available. A car is recommended on Naxos, as the island is quite big, but driving is straightforward, with scooters, mopeds and bikes for rent, too.
Best beaches in Naxos
The beaches are the main focus of a holiday to Naxos, and you’ll be spoilt for choice here. The best spots are generally on the more sheltered southwest coast, where there’s a succession of long sandy stretches offering excellent conditions for sunbathing and swimming. The southern tip sees strong winds, making the area great for watersports, whilst the east coast remains more rocky and secluded. Here are our picks for the best beaches on Naxos:
Best beach for sunbathing – Agios Prokopios
One of the best beaches on the island, Agios Prokopios lies 6km southwest of Naxos Town, and features a golden stretch extending for 1.5km, backed by sand dunes. Here, you’ll find a gloriously sheltered beach with spectacular blue waters, and plenty of convenient facilities.
Best beach for activities – Mikri Vigla
Mikri Vigla is one of the best spots in Greece for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the strong meltemi winds that blow along the shore, with crystal-clear waters and fine soft sand adding to the appeal. Located on the south coast of Naxos, there are two sections of this beach, with a calmer, more protected area ideal for families.
Best beach for isolation – Ayiassos
Ideal if you are looking for a quiet peaceful base for the day, Ayiassos Beach on the southwest coast offers a tranquil scene, just 25km from Naxos Town. There is a taverna here for refreshments, but no sunbeds or umbrellas – so a lovely natural setting.
Useful Links
Ferries from Mykonos to Naxos: http://www.greecelogue.com/ferries-from-mykonos-to-naxos-and-return.html
