Moving around in Naxos without car

We just got back from Naxos. We did not go to these places but a hike to Mount Zas is definitely reachable by Naxos bus. Buying the tickets for that and taking the bus from the port area is very easy . It appears that Apollonas is also reachable that way. I may have a bus map. If I find it, I'll let you know. I think there are also bus tours from the port that may visit these sites. We did not do that.

A word about the buses. They are great but do not run that frequently. You can get a schedule easily and plan accordingly.

The other option that I am aware of would be to take a tour. I thought these were quite expensive. IMO you are right not to attempt driving but many people do.

If you do take the bus to these two locations, they will take up the better part of each day leaving you one day to explore Naxos Chora. We visited Chalki and some of the further beaches.

I'll see what I can find in the papers that I brought home and let you know.

Naxos has an extensive bus network that takes y ou most places.... but those 2 places are a bit beyond the busses. Mt. Zas (are you a GOOD climber??) has an access path outside the town of Filoti I believe... you can check a guidebook for this, or google it. The local bus to the top of the island turns around at Apollonas.... the Kouros is about a mile or 2 beyond. There probably would be a taxi in the village... Also, daily there are several good bus tours that take you to ALL the major landmarks on the island, for about €23 -- check TA reviews; here's one: http://www.naxossun.gr/tours-adventures.html The bus system itself offers a t our but I'm not sure in April - http://www.naxosbustransfer.com/ -- these are the most time-effective ways of seeing the dramatic landscapes of Naxos ... I took a bus tour the 2nd day of my first visit to Naxos ... a great investment. I then knew what places I wanted to return to, and could take a local bus straight there.

However, be aware that in off-season busses are mainly for convenience of locals who want to get to work and back. For instance, you may take a local to Filoti at 9;30 or 10, and there won't be a return for 4 or 5 hours. What you could do is take a taxi one way, and bus the other... check the timetable & make your choice. If you want a taxi BACK from a destination, take a card with a phone #, and use your mobile. Ascertain beforehand what the charge will be. Your hotel can help with this.

Not much to add to the responses already provided. One thing I might ask where in the port area are you planning to stay? Although this is April and beach is not on your radar I still might suggest you look at St George beach. Its a short stroll into Naxos town and the port. There is a good chance that you will have a couple of hours of nice sun to just relax on the beach.
Here is the kind of things you will see on the round the island bus trip. These images were taken over a three day period with a rental car but the highlights of the bus tour are all in the album.
Trip around Naxos. https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689

We climbed Mt. Zas. It is about a two hour climb up. Very doable but you need to be prepared for the rigor. There really isn't much to see until you climb so not worth the effort unless that is your intent.

We rented a car for part of our time on Naxos. It is very tricky (and I looked into it) to get to where you climb Mt. Zas without a car.

thank you all for the sharing your views and experiences.

I am not exactly a good climber actually and we do intend to visit St George Beach :)

After hearing from all of you, I'll most likely replan my itinerary and reduce the end to end travelling.