A Guide to Chora Naxos Town & Agios Georgios Beach

Are you planning to visit Chora Naxos Town?

Steeped in history and Cycladic heritage, Chora Naxos is the island’s bustling capital and its port town. It welcomes the visitors with a lively harbour and its most impressive landmark – the iconic Portara. This post is a comprehensive guide to visiting Naxos Chora and its nearby Agios Georgios Beach.  

If you’re looking where to stay in Naxos, Chora amongst Plaka Beach and Agia Anna Naxos, is one of the best Naxos towns, especially if you’re a first-timer.  

I have spent quite some time in Chora writing for my website and exploring the island with a camera in hand, taking photos of this incredible island. On this page, I’m sharing with you my best tips!

Where is Chora Naxos & Agios Georgios Beach?

Naxos island is the largest island in the Cyclades, situated next to Paros (west) and Ios island (south of Naxos). The island of Mykonos can be found north of Naxos. Chora Naxos Town is the capital town and the port of Naxos and where all ferry visitors arrive. You can find Naxos Town on the western coast, 3 km north of Naxos Airport Apollon. 

Chora Naxos Map

Naxos Chora – Quick Guide 

Chora Naxos – What to expect

Chora Naxos is the capital town of the island and the arrival point for all travellers coming by ferry. Naxos town is home to the island’s most prominent landmark – Portara Naxos, a huge marble door frame that is what’s left after a temple of Apollo Naxos. Naxos Town also boasts a charming old town with whitewashed alleys and sugar cube houses typical of Cycladic architecture.

Strolling through the Naxos Old Town is one of the best things to do in Naxos. The old town is littered with quaint Cycladic churches, interesting museums, galleries and small boutiques selling hand-made crafts and traditional Cycladic products perfect for bringing home as a souvenir or a gift. 

Naxos Town Greece is also known for its lively atmosphere with a wide selection of fantastic restaurants located on the promenade in Naxos port as well as inside the old town. Chora Naxos is also an excellent location for a night out with a huge selection of the best bars in Naxos.  

Chora meaning | Chora means ‘town’ in Greek, and it is often used to refer to the main town on Greek islands followed by the name of the island itself, such as Chora Naxos, Chora Mykonos or Chora Ios. 

Chora Naxos History

Naxos island was inhabited for almost 200,000 years, with the first evidence of the human settlements found in Stelida. Naxos was mentioned a few times in Greek mythology where Zeus was raised, specifically in a cave on Mt. Zas near the village of Filoti.

The patron and the island’s protector – Dionysus, god of wine and festivities, fell in love with Ariadne that Theseus abandoned on Naxos after she helped him in killing the Minotaur.  

During ancient times, Naxos was the most prosperous island of the Cyclades, dominating commerce in the region. Naxos was conquered by the Venetian ruler Marco Sanudo in the 13th century, and the Venetian rule lasted until the 16th century. The Venetians ordered the dismantlement of the temple of Apollo and used the marble to build the castle of Naxos – Kastro and other buildings in the old town. After the Venetians came the Turks that stayed on the island until the 19th century, when Naxos finally became part of Greece.  

Where to stay – Chora Naxos Town or Agios Georgios Naxos?

If you’re a nightlife enthusiast and enjoy staying in lively locations or in places steeped in history, Naxos Old Town is the perfect place for you. For all the beach lovers, Agios Georgios Beach will be more suitable, where they’ll be able to walk to the beach within a few minutes. 

If you don’t want to decide between Chora Naxos and Agios Georgios Beach, you can stay in one of the hotels located between the two, such as Naxos Hotel Poseidon, from where you’ll have a short walk to the old town as well as the beach. But, at the end of the day, both places are reachable on foot, so this shouldn’t be a hard choice at all. 

Best Accommodation Naxos Town

If you’re looking for accommodation in Naxos Chora, this section will take you through the best hotels Naxos & apartments Naxos for any budget. Booking Naxos Chora accommodation is not hard because the town has many excellent affordable options; here are the top pics. 

Luxury Hotels Naxos Chora 

Midrange Accommodation in Naxos Town Greece 

Budget Naxos Chora Hotels

Things to do in Chora Naxos 

Staying in Chora or Agios Georgios Beach area has many advantages, and one of them is being near to the best Naxos things to do!

#1 Hike to Portara Naxos 

At the top of the list of things to do Naxos is known for is visiting its most impressive monument – Temple of Apollo Naxos or what’s left from it – impressive in size – Naxos Portara, which marks the entrance to what was in the past a temple. In the 6th century BC, tyrant Lygdamis ordered the construction of a temple dedicated to the god Apollo that would resemble the temple of Olympic Zeus in Athens. The impressive temple dimensions were 59 metres in length and 29 metres in width. The gate that we can see today comprises four parts, each weighing a whopping  20 tonnes! The temple stood on the islet Palatia, and it was a place dedicated to Ariadne. According to Greek mythology, the Greek god of wine and festivities, Dionysus, obducted Ariadne here. Today, a footpath connects the island to the mainland, making Portara easily accessible from Naxos Town. 

The best way to enjoy Portara Naxos is visiting during the golden hour. The hill where Portara stands is the best place to see the sunset in Naxos Town. 

#2 Dine at the Naxos Marina

Another excellent activity to enjoy in Chora Naxos is eating your way through the town! The town has an excellent range of Chora restaurants and the Naxos marina is a superb place to start your culinary journey of the best of Naxos foods. All Chora Naxos restaurants line up the promenade in the harbour so just stroll its length and look for the place that appeals to you the most. Here, you’ll find waffle and crepe shops, Greek tavern, pizza and Italian restaurants and bars. Check out the best restaurants in Naxos Chora section, further down for some more recommendations.  

#3 Take a boat trip 

All-Inclusive Catamaran Day Cruise 

One of the best Naxos Greece things to do is taking a Naxos boat tour! Take a catamaran cruise to chill on its deck for the day and explore the stunning Naxos coast and hidden caves. The boat will stop in some excellent snorkelling locations where you will be able to explore the underwater world. The cruise also includes a Greek lunch and unlimited drinks, including alcohol. 

All-Inclusive Boat Tour Naxos to Small Cyclades 

If you rather take a boat trip to a more defined location, visit the small Cyclades, which is one of the best Naxos boat trips! As you board, the crew will welcome you with a light breakfast. There will be multiple swimming and snorkelling stops to enjoy the crystal clear water during the trip. If you wish, an onboard photographer can snap some professional photos of you and your group, and there also is a BBQ lunch and soft & alcoholic drinks provided during the trip. 

#4 Stroll whitewashed alleys of Naxos Old Town

Chora Naxos Old Town is extremely beautiful, and strolling through its whitewashed alleys, taking in the charming Cycladic architecture, is one of the best Naxos to do things!

If you’re a photographer, make sure you’ll bring your camera fully charged with you as Naxos Chora is packed with picturesque buildings, streets and corners full of charm and cuteness. For the best light, visit Chora in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and mellow, perfect for snapping quality shots. 

#5 Explore Naxos Castle

The castle, also called Kastro Naxos, occupies the primary position in the old town. Naxos Kastro Castle was built by ​​Marco Sanudo – a Venetian ruler that conquered the island at the beginning of the 13th century. He built the medieval fortification recycling materials from the ancient Naxos buildings. The Venetian rule lasted until the 16th century and was replaced by Turkish dominance.

Today, the Chora castle Naxos is undergoing major restoration works, and when they’re complete, the complex will also have a museum. Visit the castle and stroll along with its inner courtyards and quaint passages. One of its oval towers – Glezos Tower, has been fully restored, so make sure you check it out. 

Location | Naxos Kastro 

#6 Shop for souvenirs & crafts at Old Town Naxos

Chora Naxos also boasts an excellent selection of small souvenir shops, craft workshops and boutique shops selling unique and hand-made items. If you enjoy shopping or window-shopping for special and unique souvenirs like jewellery, Cycladic style home decor, textile, island produce such as olive olives, honey and olive oil, you’ll love Chora.  This is the perfect place to get your souvenir shopping done or buy a gift for someone that you care for. 

#7 Go on a food tour through Chora Naxos Old Town 

If you’re a foodie, then you should book yourself onto a private food tour through the Naxos Chora Old Town! The food tour is one o the best way of experiencing the authentic local culture, and I personally always try to go to at least one in a country that I’m visiting. You get to find out some fun facts and curious local stories and taste delicious food. On this particular tour, you’ll get to sample the local cheese and candies made at a family business in Naxos as well as locally produced liqueur – Kitron. In the end, you’ll enjoy a light sunset dinner at the Naxos marina. 

#8 Visit Archeological Museum

For those that want to learn more about the ancient heritage of Naxos, a visit to the Archeological Museum is a must. Here you will find a wide collection of different artefacts, mosaics, pottery, statues and small objects such as jewellery. Everything has a brief description in English, and it’s easy to follow. And, don’t forget to check out an impressive floor mosaic on an open-air terrace. 

*The Chora museum is currently undergoing a major renovation that will last until Sept 2024. One room is still open to the public, and the entrance is free. 

 #9 Shop for unique jewellery at Naxos Sweet Dreams

As you stroll the network of old town alleys just by the main church, you will find the jewellery workshop of a local designer – Diana. All pieces are handmade and have been inspired by the beauty of the Naxos island. Here, you will find collections of unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings. 

Location | Naxos Sweet Dreams

#10 Check out Cathedral of the Presentation of the Lord

Right in the heart of Naxos Old Town, you’ll find the Chora’s main church – the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Lord. This quaint church represents a mixture of architectural styles, and it’s an interesting building to check out when exploring Naxos Chora. The temple has been raised on what was in the past the ancient acropolis, and you can see inside how the ancient columns were incorporated into the church. A small square surrounds the temple, where you can take a break from sightseeing under a large tree that provides a nice shaded area.  

Location | Chora Church 

#11 Visit Petalouda Art Gallery

If you’re a contemporary art enthusiast, visit this small art gallery located right by the Archeological Museum of Naxos. The gallery is privately owned and displays high quality paintings, drawings and sculptures of different artists. 

Location | Petalouda Art Gallery

#12 Dine at Typografio in Naxos Town Chora

For those that enjoy the fine dining experience, Typografio Restaurant, located in the heart of the old town in Naxos, is an excellent option to satisfy culinary needs. Typografio boasts a lovely terrace and a courtyard where you can dine with views over the castle and the old town. The restaurant specialises in Greek cuisine with a modern twist and is a perfect choice to enjoy a celebratory dinner on your holiday. Try their veggie moussaka and strawberry soup!

Location | Typografio Restaurant Naxos Chora

#13 Take a cooking class at a traditional village

Taking a cooking class is another excellent activity to experience the local culture in an authentic way and sample some delicious food that you cooked! This is a 4-hour cooking class in the traditional village of Potamia in a family-owned tavern – Basiliko. The experience starts by collecting the ingredients in a lush garden and a short walk to the river. After cooking the meal and learning some family recipes, you get to enjoy the meal accompanied by local wine. This is a fantastic activity to enjoy with a partner or with friends! Potamia village is located 10 km east of Naxos Town. 

#14 Go on a sunset walking tour through Chora Naxos Greece

If you crave to find out more about the fascinating history of Chora Naxos, take a relaxed walking tour with a local guide. The tour takes you through the streets of Naxos Old Town, revealing fascinating facts from the island’s history as well as its current customs and culture. The tour ends at Portara Naxos just in time for sunset!

#15 Hike to Stelida

For all the outdoor lovers, the island is a fantastic place for doing some hiking! Most Naxos hiking trails start from Halki Naxos and Filoti, but there is at least one that you can do from Naxos Town. Start the hike at Agios Georgios beach and continue south along the coast until you reach a hill in Stelia. From here, you’ll have an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding areas, and with a bit of luck and good weather, you’ll be able to spot other nearby islands. You can then continue on foot to Agios Prokopios Beach for a refreshing swim and lunch. On the way back, you can either take the local Naxos bus or walk back.  

Details of the route | Hiking in Naxos 

Naxos Chora Restaurants

MEZE 2 | One of the best restaurants Naxos town harbour, seafood 

Typografio | Best restaurant in Naxos town, the old part, traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist

Lithos | Best restaurant Naxos town, the old part, local cuisine, well priced

Agios Georgios Beach Naxos Greece

Naxos Agios Georgios Beach is the closest beach to Naxos Town and an excellent place to base yourself if you’re a first-timer to the island. Paralia Agios Georgios is situated no longer than a 15-minutes walk from the heart of the old town. The beach stretches over a few kilometres and boasts soft, golden sand and clear, shallow waters. 

As you approach the beach of Agios Georgios Greece from its northern side or Chora Town, you can walk on a wooden bridge built along its edge. This part of the beach is mostly quiet, with a few beach bars, and restaurants lined up along it. There are also a few places that rent umbrellas and sunbeds and offer drink service throughout the day. There is also a lifeguard on-site, and the water is super shallow and calm, perfect for kids. Perhaps, because of that, families in particular like this part of the beach. But the beach is super chill and really is good for anyone. The only thing that may be a little annoying is that the water is very, very shallow, and it takes quite a long walk in before it gets deep enough to swim.

I particularly enjoyed staying in this part of the beach and spending time spinning a cocktail or a beer in Vammos Beach Bar Naxos. 

Going further south, the beach crowd gets a little younger, and beach bars and restaurants a little fancier. In this part of Agios Georgios Naxos beach, the vibe is more lively with music playing in the beach bars and cocktails being served, and people partying until the sunset and beyond. If you’re looking for the best Agios Georgios nightlife spot, come to this part. 

The very southern edge of Agios Georgios Naxos Greece Beach gets a lot of wind, and it’s where you’ll see lots of windsurfing enthusiasts. And, thanks to the decent amount of wind and super shallow water, this area is perfect for trying windsurfing for the first time. If you ever wanted to learn this incredible water sport, this part of Agios Georgios village is excellent with a couple of local windsurfing schools to choose from.  

Agios Georgios Town Naxos 

Agios Georgios town is much quieter than Chora Naxos but still has a good selection of cafes and restaurants and a really decent range of hotels for all budgets. Most of the hotels, shops and cafes are located in the northern part of Agios Georgios and in my opinion, this is the best area to stay on Naxos – near some of the best beaches in Naxos but also close to great bars and restaurants. 

Agios Georgios Hotels

Luxury Agios Georgios Naxos Hotels

Midrange Agios Georgios Apartments & Hotels

Budget Agios Georgios Hotels

Agios Georgios Restaurants

Nissaki Restaurant since 1971 | Best restaurant in Naxos Agios Georgios Beach for a fancy dinner, beachfront

Kavouri | Traditional Agios Georgios restaurant, family-owned, Greek food, beachfront

Oasis Restaurant | Excellent Greek food 

Ag Georgios Naxos Beach Bars

Vammon Beach Club Naxos | Excellent to spend a lazy day or for sunset drinks

Asteria Beach Cafe Bar | Good for sunbeds hire, cocktails and lunch

Paradise Restaurant Café | Great Greek food and seating area

Nearby Attractions to Naxos Chora Greece

Chora Naxos and Agios Georgios Beach are one of the best towns in Naxos to stay. Not only they are awesome, but also they are located close to some epic beaches of Naxos island.

Plaka Beach Naxos 

Plaka Beach is considered to be the best beach on Naxos, with kilometres of pristine, underdeveloped beach, perfect for spending a relaxing beach day.

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Agia Anna Naxos 

The village of Agia Anna is a charming fishing harbour with cute beach cafes and a picturesque coastline. 

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Agios Prokopios Naxos  

A few minutes walk from Agia Anna, you’ll find one of Naxos best beaches – find Agios Prokopios beach. 

How to Get to Naxos?

Direct Flights to Naxos

The only direct way via an aeroplane to the island is Athens to Naxos flight. Several airlines serve this connection and these are Olympic, Sky Express and Aegean. Use a flights browser such as Kayak to find the cheapest or best flight. 

Naxos airport is situated on the western coast of the island, an 8-minutes drive from Chora. You can hire a car, take a taxi or a bus to get to your Naxos accommodation. 

How to get to Naxos from the UK?

As there is no direct flight between the UK and Naxos, you will need to fly to Athens and then go on a flight Athens to Naxos, which operate multiple times per day. You can also take a ferry to Naxos from Pireaus Port in Athens. Check the next section for more information.

Naxos Ferries 

The most common way of getting to Naxos is taking a ferry either from Athens or, if you’re island hopping in the Cyclades, from another island. Several companies service the route between the Cycladic islands in Greece such as Seajets, Blue Star Naxos, and Hellenic Seaways. 

If you want to save some money on the ferries that can be costly, especially if you’re island hopping, I recommend booking your fares way in advance. I always use Ferry Scanner to look for the best tickets. If you’re planning your trip to Naxos at peak season, booking your ferry in advance makes even more sense, especially if you’re not very flexible on dates. If you book online, Ferry Scanner offers an extended free cancellation period in case your plans change. 

When searching for tickets, you will also notice that slower ferries can be a lot cheaper, so if you don’t mind a 2-3 hours longer trip, booking a slower ferry can be a good way of saving some money. 

Travelling on ferries is an experience in its own right! Remember to arrive early as the boarding process and loading the vehicles is swift, and boats don’t wait around and usually leave on time. Also, always check ahead of time if your ferry is scheduled to go on time. Ferry services rely on good sea conditions, and cancellations are common, especially in September and October when there are more chances of strong winds. 

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Ferries to Naxos from Athens

Athens to Naxos ferry is the most popular route and the most frequent service. Ferries Athens to Naxos leaves multiple times a day from Piraeus or Rafina ports to Naxos Town. Depending on the ferry, the journey takes anything from 3 to 5 hours. For ferry schedules and prices, check Ferry Scanner. 

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Ferries Santorini to Naxos

A ferry Santorini Naxos is another popular route with multiple ferries scheduled daily. The trip takes from 80 minutes to 3 hours, and during summer holidays, ferries get booked out quickly, so consider booking online if you’re travelling during that time. 

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Ferries Mykonos to Naxos

The same applies to ferry Mykonos to Naxos. The journey takes between 35 minutes to just under 2 hours, and online booking is recommended for travels between July and August. Because the two islands are so close to each other, taking a day trip from Naxos to Mykonos is a popular form of visiting the more expensive Cycladic sister island. 

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Ferries from Crete to Naxos

A ferry Crete to Naxos is way less popular and less frequent. There is only one ferry from Crete to Naxos with Seajets that takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re not flexible on dates and travelling during the peak season, make sure you prebook your Crete to Naxos ferry online. 

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Ferries from Paros to Naxos

Ferries Paros to Naxos are frequent, and the journey takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the route of your ferry Paros Naxos. If you are short on time, you can also visit Paros on a day trip from Naxos if you take a fast ferry. 

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Ferries from Milos to Naxos

Milos island is quite far from Naxos, and there is only one ferry per day with a journey time of almost 4 hours. 

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Ferry from Ios to Naxos

There are a few ferry services per day between Ios and Naxos. Ios is a much smaller island. It takes around 60 minutes to get there by ferry, which means you can also visit Ios on a day trip.  

Car Rental Naxos 

Car Rental in Naxos is super common and widely available on the island. I found that online car rental costs the same as doing it in person on arrival, and it saves you the hassle of shopping around on the island. It also makes sense to prebook the car online if you’re travelling during the peak season. 

I usually use DiscoverCars to search for the best car rental option and always opt-in for the full insurance cover to save myself unpleasantries such as paying an excess fee for damages. Also, check if you need an international driving licence to drive in Greece. If you’re from one o the EU countries or the UK, you can legally drive in Greece with your country’s driver’s licence. 

Car Hire Naxos Deals

Best Naxos Tours

A great way of exploring the island is by taking an organised tour. This is a particularly good option if you don’t have enough time. Here are some of the best hand-picked Naxos excursions, Naxos boat tours and best day trips from Naxos island. 

ATV Rental Naxos

Riding an ATV vehicle is also a popular form of exploring the island. ATVs are easy and fun to drive, and they are good at riding off-road. If you’re planning to visit places like Plaka Beach, Aliko Beach, Hawaii Beach, Pyrgaki, you may want to consider getting an ATV as an alternative to a car. I was travelling on a scooter in that area, and at times the road was very tricky with sandy, slippery surfaces.    

The downside of renting an ATV is they are almost as expensive as car rental and may be unpleasant to drive in windy conditions. The prices start at €50 per day. If you decide on an ATV vehicle, make sure you rent it from a reputable dealer. Always check their reviews and get yourself insured. You may also require an international driver’s licence. 

TIP | If you want to rent it for more than one day, try negotiating down the price. You may also offer a cash payment to get a better deal. 

Scooter Rental Naxos 

Probably the cheapest way how to get around Naxos other than the bus is renting out a scooter. Since I lived in Bali for a long time, this was my preferred way! I rented a scooter in Naxos Town for €20 a day in September and I paid cash. 

You will probably need to negotiate a little and pay in cash to get a similar rate, but it’s entirely possible! Before you decide on renting a scooter, make sure you have the appropriate driving licence suitable for scooters. They actually check it in every rental shop! If you’re from the UK, a full driving licence is sufficient. 

Naxos Bus System 

If renting a car in Naxos is not your cup of tea, you can also travel around the island on Naxos buses. There is a private bus Naxos company that runs several lines connecting all the places worth visiting on Naxos such as Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Glyfada, Aliko, Halki, Filoti and even Vivlos with Naxos Town and making using buses in Naxos easy. Bus ticket prices are also very reasonable costing anything between €1.8 and €5 for a single trip. I’m leaving a link to the Naxos bus schedule below.

Bus Timetable Naxos 

Best time to visit Naxos?

Naxos experiences its peak season during July and August when the island receives the most visitors, hotel prices are at their highest and so are the daily temperatures averaging around 27 degrees Celsius. 

June, September and October are the perfect months to visit Naxos island. You can expect plenty of sunshine, temperature averaging in the mid-twenties degree Celcius with seawater staying at above 20 degrees Celsius as well, which is ideal for swimming. During this time you can also grab some good deals on accommodation and rentals and enjoy half-empty Naxos beaches.  

How many days in Naxos?

Naxos is the biggest Cycladic island which is impossible to visit on a day trip. Luckily, all the most exciting things to do in Naxos and Naxos best beaches are concentrated on its western coast. To fully appreciate the island’s beauty and the best of Naxos, I recommend spending here at least one week. 

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