Naxos 3 night itinerary suggestions

We spent a week on Naxos several years ago. Although we didn’t rent a car, I think it would be great to do so! We used the convenient bus system. One of our favorite hidden gems for a few hours was the village of Apiranthos. It’s all paved in marble. A charming village to stop for lunch. I can recommend a couple of restaurants near your hotel, Our favorite was Nostimon Hellas. We ate twice in their lovely garden. Another favorite was To Elliniko. We also stayed on St George Beach. Great location to walk to sites & restaurants. Enjoy Naxos!! https://www.voyagetips.com/en/things-to-do-in-naxos/

The suggestion of visiting Aparanthos is a good one. It is high up in the mountains. An interesting day would be a mountain villages drive. First stop would be Chalki. There are trails around the village with several ancient churches. You can easily spend half the day in Chalki. Then continue going up to Aparanthos.

Other places would be the west coast beaches pf Prokopios, Aggia Anna and our favourite Plaka beach. They are 7km south of Naxos town.

You may want to visit the Statue of Kouros in Melanes. This is an interesting area with some water features, a Roman Era Aqueduct and a Jesuit Monastery ruin in the hills on the far side of Melanes.

If you have time find Demeters temple. It is a very old site with several buildings including a temple that was repurposed into a church which was destroyed. When the site was discovered in modern times they realized about 75% of the marble was stil there so they reconstructed it half church and half temple.

You don't need a car to wander the old town and harbour area of Naxos town. Be sure to be in Naxos town for sunset over the portera. Its a must see.

This is Naxos
Naxos town https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094558042
Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689
Naxos sunsets https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157700728046481
Naxos 2017 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157663620712358
Naxos 2019 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157711294807761

When we go to Naxos, we have our host meet us at the port, drive us to our villa and then we don't leave for 7 days. We just walk to the Plaka each day and eat at a local restaurant. I guess we are boring, but it is the best time.

You seem to have planned a busy schedule for 2 full days. As far as light hiking, I think that wandering around Naxos town's numerous back alleyways and the local's shopping district could occupy as much time as you care to use. We found enough to interest us for over 2 days in just the town . The entire island is a delight to travel around but justifies more time than you have. Enjoy what you can and plan to return.

Good comment by Larry. What else are you planning for this trip. Tell us your full plans. You are gong to need a week in Naxos to see 75% of the sites I have suggested. Do you have a plan that can be altered?

Thank you for all of the suggestions! We will definitely make it a week in the future. Great driving around the island by car to visit all of the villages, the Kitron distillery, beaches and eating everything offered. I would recommend the following restaurants in Naxos town:

• Meze2 for seafood
• Oniro for amazing food and a view against the remnants of the castle
• To Elliniko

For those venturing outside of Naxos town to eat (or drink):

Apolafsi Restaurant

A very good large tavern/restaurant in Kastraki with excellent typical traditional Naxian cuisine (with a menu full of potatoes, the specialty of Naxos).
Large outdoor terrace, atmosphere of local families and gourmet tourists.

booking is recommended https://www.apolafsinaxos.gr/en/

Nikos Taverna

In Apollonas (1 hour by car from Naxos town) a small village and quiet fishing port in the northeast of Naxos.
Simple and excellent dishes in a family atmosphere.

https://m.facebook.com/Nikostavernanaxos/

In the category small isolated tavern by the beach:

Tavern Κοτακη (Koutaki)

At Pyrgaki beach (south west of Naxos).
To eat or just for a drink.
Two severe-looking grannies (sisters) who cook simple and cheap.
The large sandy beach is quiet (unorganized) and not even 50 meters from your table.

To get there take the direction of Aliki, before Aliki turn left on the dirt road towards Pirgaky (direction sign: Πυργάκι), the tavern is about 500 meters further.

No website, no facebook, just two grannies and a kitchen.

In Kastraki in the same style but without the two grannies and in a more touristy version:

Paradise Tavern.

https://paradisekastraki.business.site/

Not far from there, and after being sickened by the Kitron tasting from the Vallindra distillery in Chalkio, the ideal place to watch the sunset by the beach while drinking good cocktails prepared by a friendly bartender:

Blue Lagoon bar

https://www.facebook.com/BlueLagoonKastrakiNaxos/

Thank you for the additions JoLui! We did have lunch in Apollonos at Nikos Taverna with the most fresh fish and amazing views!

When I was in Greece you could just wing it and decide on the day the islands are built in tourists so there's accommodation available. Check the ferries and if they run both days then you could just get to Naxos and decide whether you want to stay another night or ship out to Santorini. Santorini I've been to, there's more than enough stuff to do there to fill 3 days, 3 days will fly by let alone 2, there's the obvious tourist spot by the Caldera to go to but there are also quiter spots inland or spots around the island. We found a nice black sand beach to go to, not sure about Naxos, it looks quieter so it depends on what you're after. Santorini will be busier as it's more popular.

We did have lunch in Apollonos at Nikos Taverna with the most fresh
fish and amazing views!

Ram54csu74, next time try Apolafsi restaurant in Kastraki.

About Tavern Κοτακη, if you arrive late and are the last customer of the diner you can chat with the grannies in a Greek-English mix, then help them clean the tables to have a second free dessert! :))