Making the most of Naxos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Sailing into Naxos harbor, you’ll pass the Portara, the columned portal of a 6th-century BCE temple of Apollo that was never completed.
Ships dock in the center of town.
The largest and most fertile of the Cyclades Islands, Naxos in fact gains much of its income from agriculture rather than solely from tourism. The main town, referred to as 'Hora' on maps, but also as simply 'Naxos' or 'Naxos Town', contains most of the shops and restaurants frequented by visitors. A number of beach communities extend south along the coast from Hora.
Naxos is well known for its wonderful beaches, some with advantageous winds for prime windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Getting around
Within town walking is the best method of transport.
Be aware of rental scams, especially with agencies working only with motorbikes and ATVs. They are offering only basic insurance but will present it like full insurance.
Nearby places
Villages in the countryside hold many pleasures, such as the Byzantine frescoes at the monastery of Panagia Drosiani in the village of Moni.
The Sanctuary of Demeter, built in 530 BCE, stands in splendid isolation, while the Venetian Bazeos Tower can be visited en route to the village of Halki, home to a distillery and museum dedicated to the aromatic liqueur Kitron.
Money
Euro
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.