Destination guideGreece
FROMLON
ABOUT 4 HRS ✈️
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Holidays in Naxos

Long sandy beaches, shallow warm water and a giant marble doorway at sunset. Here's what Naxos is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏖️ Beach, 🏛️ Culture & history, 🍷 Food & drink
NIGHTS AWAY7 to 10
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSJun, Sep
Add Naxos to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Naxos at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 4 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
2 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANQuiet, quieter
  2. FEBQuiet, quieter
  3. MARCool, quieter
  4. APRCool sea, quieter
  5. MAYWarm, a good time to go
  6. JUNWarm sea, best time to go
  7. JULHot, windy, a good time to go
  8. AUGHot, busy, a good time to go
  9. SEPWarm sea, best time to go
  10. OCTMild, a good time to go
  11. NOVRainy, quieter
  12. DECQuiet, quieter

June and September have warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, and the strong meltemi wind can make some beaches choppy. Many hotels and tavernas close from November to April.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Portara

A huge marble temple doorway on an islet by the harbour. Walk over the causeway at sunset.

FREE

Agios Georgios beach

A sandy beach right next to Naxos Town, with shallow water that suits small children.

FREE

Plaka beach

Miles of golden sand on the west coast, with plenty of space even in summer.

TICKETED

Mikri Vigla

A windsurf and kitesurf spot with lessons for older children and teenagers.

OUTDOORS

Mount Zas

The highest mountain in the Cyclades. A half-day walk for older children, with views over the islands.

FREE

Kouros of Melanes

A giant ancient marble statue lying unfinished in a farmer's garden in the hills.

Naxos: common questions

Is Naxos good for a family holiday?

Yes. It has some of the best sandy beaches in Greece with shallow water, good food and a relaxed feel. It's bigger and greener than many Cycladic islands, with lots to explore.

How many nights do you need?

A week is about right for beaches and a few days out. Ten days lets you add another island by ferry.

How do you get there from the UK?

Most families fly to Athens, then take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or a short flight to Naxos. Greece is in the EU, so British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New EU entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Do you need a car on Naxos?

Buses link Naxos Town with the main west coast beaches, which is enough for a beach holiday. Hire a car for a few days to explore the mountain villages.

If you like Naxos

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Naxos on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

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