A Detailed Guide to Naxos Chora: The Best Attractions, Restaurants & Hotels
Explore Naxos Chora with our comprehensive guide: discover top attractions, where to eat and drink, and the best hotels in the heart of Naxos Town.
UPDATED JULY 2025
At the heart of Naxos island, both geographically and culturally, you’ll find Naxos Chora (Naxos Town).
Often overshadowed by the flashier capitals of its Cycladic neighbours, Naxos has, until recently at least, largely avoided much of the high-gloss tourism that defines other parts of the region.
At first glance, it feels like a functional tourist port: ferries come and go, suitcases clatter across uneven cobblestones, and the hum of cutlery and chatter from touristy eateries buzzes all around.
But wander into any of the narrow, twisting alleys off the main promenade and you’ll find an authentic, lived-in town that time and tourism has largely left untouched; somewhat surprising considering that Chora has played host throughout history to traders, invaders, and now a new generation of Google Maps-wielding travellers.
Birds skitter past dozing cats in the marble laneways, neighbours stop to chat in quiet corners, shopkeepers close for a midday siesta, and the scent of bougainvillaea and grilled eggplant wafts through the heat.
All winding lane - which once may have confounded marauding invaders and now confuse tourists instead - eventually lead to the hilltop Kastro, the 13th-century Venetian fortress with stunning views over the town.
It’s worlds away from the island’s packed beaches and the iconic Portara Gate ruins (a sunset must!), and there’s a lot to love about that.
There are rooftop sunset bars, delicious eateries and boutique stays, yes — but they sit comfortably alongside homes that have been lived in for generations. It all makes for a thoroughly wonderful little town, and one which, if given time, we think you’ll come to love.
This Naxos Chora guide shows you the best of the town, including what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and the best accommodation options in Naxos old town.
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NAXOS
CHORA
TRAVEL GUIDE
WHERE | Naxos Island, Cyclades
WHAT TO SEE | Chora Old Town, Portara Gate, Venetian Castle, Sample Naxian Cuisine, Sunset Cocktails
WHERE TO EAT | To Elliniko, Dal Professore, Barozzi, Cafe Ouzerie Barabbas
WHERE TO STAY | Ampelos Suites, Naxos Downtown Apartments
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO NAXOS CHORA
WHERE IS NAXOS CHORA
Naxos Chora is the capital of Naxos Island, located in the Cycladic Archipelago, Greece. Naxos Chora is situated in the west of the island, almost directly opposite Paros.
Chora is the main port on Naxos, and as a result, is the main starting point to almost all Naxian adventures.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NAXOS
Long-time readers of this blog already know that no matter the destination, we always suggest visiting during shoulder season (either side of peak).
For Naxos, this means late April - early June, when the island is green and lush, and mid-September - October, when the tourists have departed and the island slows down again.
For Naxos Chora, if you’re planning a day visit, try to arrive early to avoid the harsh midday sun. Alternatively, arrive in the late afternoon to see the city in golden light, before settling down for a cocktail with a view, and dinner under fairylights.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN NAXOS CHORA (NAXOS TOWN)?
You could easily see and experience the best things to do in Naxos Chora in a day, as the town is compact enough to walk between most key attractions.
However, given the myriad of restaurants and bars in the town, we’d recommend visiting more than once (if you’re not staying within its reaches, of course), depending on how long you plan to visit Naxos Island.
We spent four weeks on the island, so visited Chora many times, and each time we further warmed to it - it’s no Mykonos, Naoussa, or Oia, but it’s quite an authentic town with history hidden on almost every corner.
WHERE TO STAY IN NAXOS CHORA
Naxos Chora is the ideal base for exploring the island.
It’s where all bus connections depart, where catamaran day tours leave from, and where you’ll find some of the best restaurants and bars on the island to enjoy that famous Greek hospitality.
Our recommended Chora hotels are listed below:
AMPELOS SUITES | Gorgeous, luxurious, and modern self-contained apartments and suites located in downtown Chora, right in the heart of the action. Check prices and availability
NAXOS DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS | Super modern (which is hard to find in Greece!) apartments located in Naxos Chora, 400 m from Agios Georgios Beach. Location is everything here, as are the sleek modern finishes. Check prices and availability
KATERINA ROZA APARTMENTS | Affordable self-catered studios located in the heart of Naxos Chora. Surprisingly modern and cute, considering the price. A rare find! Check prices and availability
Other Chora accommodation to consider:
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN CHORA, NAXOS
WATCH SUNSET AT PORTARA GATE
A rite of passage for any visitor to the island, watching the sunset from the iconic Portara Gate is a must-do on Naxos.
Perched atop the islet of Palatia close to Chora are the marble ruins of an unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo. Lygdamis, the tyrant of Naxos, started construction in the 6th-7th century BC, however it was abandoned mid-build due to war.
Today, only the grand lintel remains silently watching over Naxos - one of the most iconic sights in all of the Cycladic islands. At sunset, droves of tourists head across the small strip of land to Palatia and up the hill to watch the sunset through the gate and over the Aegean.
The scenic view back towards Chora is wonderful, especially when lit by the light orange glow of the setting sun.
Tip: Now, we have to say it does get pretty hectic here during the Summer, and any sense of calm is negated by the constant hum of drones, and millions of photoshoots occurring.
It’s for this reason that we actually recommend coming here for sunrise. Sure, you might not get that iconic photo of the sun setting through the gate, but you’ll have the site virtually to yourself. It’s a far more peaceful way to experience one of Naxos’ most emblematic sights.
THE DETAILS
Where | Portara Gate, Naxos
WALK THE TWISTING LANEWAYS OF THE OLD TOWN
As you’ve probably already gleaned from our intro, the best way to get to know Naxos Chora is to simply spend some time wandering the winding stone streets and crumbling stairways and soaking in the side to Naxos town that many tourists don’t actually see.
There’s the colourful fruit stall selling the best of Naxos’ produce, a yiayia watching the world below from her window, the clatter of cutlery and the waft of delicious food being prepared, and the ever-present radio relaying the latest news.
Locals greet each other in doorways, quaint boutiques stocked with traditional Naxian goods peek out from almost-hidden alcoves, and in places around the Venetian Castle it’s so quiet you can hear the echo of your own footfall.
It’s easy to get wonderfully lost in these rustic stone streets - in fact, it was one of our favourite things to do on the island! - so leave the map at home and let the cobblestones take you on a journey through Naxos Town as the locals know it.
Note: Much of the town closes for a siesta in the mid-summer heat - so come early, or later in the day (5 pm) to appreciate Chora’s charms.
EXPLORE THE VENETIAN CASTLE OF NAXOS
Standing guard over the white-washed roofs and marble walls of Naxos Chora is the Venetian Castle of Naxos (Kastro).
Built by the Venetian Conqueror, Markos II Sanoudos in 1207, the fortified settlement has been inhabited ever since.
The narrow, covered laneways, historic churches, and cute courtyards make for a picturesque stroll, and there are also a number of churches and museums which are worth your time, including:
The Roman Cathedral dating from the 13th century
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos
The Della Rocca Barozzi Venetian Museum
Church of Panagia Theoskepasti
Note: If mobility is an issue or the thought of climbing all those stairs is too much, you can take the elevator which will deposit you at Avaton Cafe
Strolling through this historic quarter is one of the best things to do on Naxos, so to understand it better, we recommend joining this castle walking tour
NAXOS HARBOUR
It’s a curious thing in the Greek Islands that harbours tend to be the ugliest parts of the island - a kind of get in, get out place best avoided after dark.
Naxos Harbour, though, is the place to be as the sun starts its slow descent into the Aegean.
Small, picturesque and with the pretty backdrop of Naxos Castle, an afternoon stroll, followed by a lazy cocktail at one of the many bars, is essential.
The southern end is where the best tavernas, bars and vibes are at, including our favourite Dal Professore (more restaurant recommendations below!)
ENJOY COCKTAILS AT A CHORA SUNSET BAR
Watching a Greek sunset is a ritual; watching it with a cocktail in hand is an essential part of said ritual.
Every day, the Naxos harbour is bathed in golden light and people from all over descend on the many bars to watch the visual spectable as the sun dips behind the western mountains. .
There are a huge array of bars in Chora, but our favourite is 520 Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, a boho-chic bar serving some of the best cocktails on Naxos, and with views for days.
If 520 is full, a few other recommendations are:
WANDER THE NAXOS OLD MARKET
Within the old town is Naxos old market street, a labyrinth of typical tourist stores selling souvenirs such as linen, shirts, magnets, soaps etc, and boutiques, art, design, jewellery and craft stores.
We actually found Naxos market the best in the Cycladic islands, with reasonable prices, original pieces and a more laidback shopping experience than those found in Santorini, Mykonos or Paros.
Stop by Pocket Gallery for some great contemporary ceramics (we’d have bought them all if we weren’t travelling) and art pieces.
BUY SOME ICONIC GREEK SANDALS
Name a more iconic souvenir from the Greek Islands than your own pair of handcrafted traditional Greek sandals, we’ll wait.
Down a narrow side street in old town Naxos, just a stone’s throw from the bustling port, you’ll find Pagonis Sandals, the family business that’s been crafting custom made traditional Greek Sandals with love here for more than 80 years.
Now in its third generation of shoe-making and with a small team producing hundreds of shoes by hand each week in the workshop attached to the store, Pagonis is the name to know when it comes to quality shoes in the islands.
Pop by their bustling shop to pick up a pair of your own sandals, either straight off the shelf or by ordering a custom size or design of your choosing, and stay to watch as the team transform leather into fashion right before your eyes.
Tip: Be sure to visit early in your trip, orders can take a minimum of 3-4 days to make, (sometimes more during peak travel periods) — and take it from Mim who has worn her own pair of custom Pagonis sandals almost every day since our visit, you don’t want to miss out!
THE DETAILS
Where | Paparigopoulou, Naxos
When | Hours vary, but open most days
Tips | Visit the shop early on in your trip to avoid disappointment: shoes take at least 3-4 days to produce
Read | Meet the Craftsmen Behind Pagonis Sandals, Naxos' Most Famous Shoes
KIRIAKOS TZIBLAKIS LOCAL PRODUCTS
Recommend by our local friends, Tziblakis Local Products is Naxos’ oldest traditional market store.
Traditional baskets hang outside this picturesque store, however, it’s inside where the magic happens. Adorning the walls from roof to the floor is a range of traditional goods - a range of nuts, dried fruits, Greek honey and herb and spice mixes on display - but make sure to taste (and buy) the local olive oil & olives, the homemade marmalades, and the delicious Naxian cheeses made from local shepherds (xinotiro, kefalotyri, xinomizithra, graviera and mizithra).
If you really want to understand the history and culture of Naxos, you could do worse than visiting here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tziblakis Local Products
TRY YOUR HAND AT WINDSURFING OR PADDLE BOARDING
Naxos is home to some of the best windsurfing and wind foiling conditions in the world, bringing people from all over the globe to take advantage of the blustery summer winds.
Just a short walk from Naxos Chora is Agios Georgios Beach and its flat-water lagoon, which provides the perfect conditions for windsurfing, paddle boarding, and all manner of watersports.
Flisvos Sports Club is the perfect place to join a lesson and learn the essentials of windsurfing. The staff here are absolutely amazing - they live and breath the sport, and they’re also awesome teachers who will help you catch the first gust of wind easily.
If windsurfing isn’t your vibe, or the wind is low, do what we did and jump aboard a paddle board to explore the lagoon and beach down to Chora instead
Check rental and lesson prices here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Flisvos Sports Club, Naxos
Cost | 3-day beginner Lessons start from €230 (as of 2025)
SAMPLE DELICIOUS LOUKOUMADES
No trip to Greece, and indeed Naxos is complete without a serving of diabetes-inducing Loukoumades, Greek doughnuts served in a sea of honey and topped with cinnamon.
We stopped by Padelis Coffee Shop on the recommendation of a local, and the loukoumades we sampled were easily the best we tried in the Cycladic islands - crisp on the outside, moist on the inside, and with delicious local honey to top it off.
THE DETAILS
Where | Padelis Coffee Shop
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN NAXOS CHORA
Hungry? You’ll need to be on Naxos.
Home to some of the best produce on the Mediterranean, Naxos is a food-lovers dream destination. Its vast range of natural springs and mineral rich soil, which ensures a sufficient yield for local farmers - and this bounty of goods is heaven for tourists interested in sampling the local food culture.
Throughout Naxos Chora, tavernas champion local produce and dishes, including Naxian Potatoes, Naxian Gruyere, seafood and local game.
Below is a list of our recommended restaurants, which served up very good fare. Some are on the pricier side, and some are hidden gems:
DAL PROFESSORE | Exceptional Italian with sunset views on Naxos Harbour. Pasta is fresh and expertly cooked. Try the Ravioli di magro (ravioli with butter and sage), and
TO ELLINIKO RESTAURANT | Set in the backstreets of Chora Naxos, To Elliniko is casual dining at its finest. Except the food here is really good. The zucchini fritters, fried cheese and home made pie are gorgeous but the real star for us was the fresh sea bass
DOUKATO | For delicious Naxian fare with flare you’ll definitely want to check out Doukato, with its gorgeous courtyard, mouthwatering food and friendly service. Get the octopus, and make a reservation!
SARRIS RESTAURANT | Non-descript, affordable restaurant in the heart of Chora. Seafood is a must - try the Dakos salad and fresh local Naxian Mackerel
CAFE OUZERIE BARABBAS | A local secret hidden in the streets between Chora and Agios Giorgios, Barabbas serves extremely good Naxian cuisine. Seafood is the winner here, but the stuffed eggplant is a thing of beauty
TAVERNA KASTRO | It’s not so much about the food here, as it is about the view and ambience. Come for sunset, and enjoy an Aperol while watching the day end, before tucking into a Greek mezze (as of July 2025 this taverna is temporarily closed)
NAXOS BAKERY | Sure, bakeries are everywhere in Greece, but Naxos Bakery is truly full of the good treats!
HUG ME NAXOS | A bit of a brunch/lunch/drinks all-rounder given they’re open from 8am - 3am, but if you’re after a decent breaky feed and good coffee then this is your place.
Food, dishes, and drinks we recommend sampling at restaurants in Naxos Chora include:
Naxian Potatoes | Naxos’ main food export, these potatoes make for great fries, their waxy texture unique and flavoursome
Naxian cheeses | Perhaps the best of all Naxian produce, Naxian cheeses are varied and delicious. Gruyere is the most famous, a hard table cheese with a robust flavour, Xinomyzithra is a slighty sour cream goat’s cheese, and Arseniko, a sheep’s cheese hard in texture and salty in flavour
Naxian Graviera Saganaki | Flavoursome saganaki served with honey and sesame seeds
Seafood | An obvious one, considering the abundance from the Mediterranean. Calamari, Octopus, and Anchovies are always winners
Patoudo | Lamb stuffed with chard, fennel, herbs and garlic
Wild rabbit | Rabbit braised in lemon
Rooster served with pasta | Eaten in villages, slow-cooked rooster is served with pasta
Kitron | The local Naxian liqueur made from leaves of citron tree. Kitron comes in three varieties: green (sweet), yellow (strongest) and clear (the middle ground)
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN GREECE
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CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
THE BEST OF NAXOS | Top things to do on Naxos, These are the best beaches on Naxos, Where to stay on Naxos Island, A guide to the pretty town of Halki, A guide to Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, How to get from Athens to Naxos
EXPLORE PAROS | The best things to do on Paros, Things to know before visiting Paros Island, A guide to Naoussa town, A guide to Lefkes, A short guide to Parikia Paros, Where to stay on Paros, The best hotels in Naossa, How to get from Athens to Paros Island
SANTORINI ATTRACTIONS | Our complete Santorini Guide, The best things to do in Santorini, A complete guide to Oia, Santorini, Exploring the stunning Ammoudi Bay, A guide to Megalochori Town, Our guide to hiking Skaros Rock, How and where to find the best Santorini sunsets, where to stay in Santorini, How to get from Athens to Santorini
MYKONOS DREAMING | What to see and do on Mykonos, How to get from Athens to Mykonos, A guide to Mykonos Chora
PLAN YOUR GREEK SUMMER WITH OUR USEFUL GUIDES
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