How to Spend a Day in Naxos, From Plaka Beach to Sunset in Chora

Naxos is a big island. A beautiful big island. And if you really want to see it properly, you need a car. We usually organise one once we arrive. There are plenty of rental spots around the town. Prices are similar and we’re not fussed about the make, so it’s always easy. Also with Australians you don’t even need an international licence anymore. Grab the keys and go.

Our first stop is always coffee and pita. Greek breakfast on the go. A frappe and tiropita for JK, a freddo cappuccino and prasopita for me. We go to our favourite little local in town, O Fournos tis Plateias. Nothing fancy. Just good coffee, warm pastries and that first morning feels of being back in Greek Islands.

Then comes the daily debate. Villages or beach? In Naxos you are spoilt for chose, you really can’t go wrong with either, it just depends on what sort of day you want. We had just arrived from cold Melbourne and needed sun on our skin and warmth in our bones. Beach it is.

Plaka isn’t far from Naxos Town. It’s a lovely drive to reacquaint yourself with the island. Through Naxos town, past Agios Prokopis, weaving through Agia Anna and Maragas, then suddenly on sandy road, you are there. The water here is crisp blue. The stretch of sand is long and wide, perfect for a long beach walk. It never feels cramped.

We set ourselves up at Tortuga. Sunbeds range from about €30 to €70 depending on the row, but there’s so much sand that if you don’t want to hire one, you can just lay your towel down and enjoy your day.

Swim. Dry off. Read. Repeat.

By the time Greek lunch comes around, 2pm, you start thinking about food. And are you even at a beach club if you don’t order a club sandwich? These were excellent. There’s something about eating a club sandwich at the beach. The sea breeze, the salt on your skin. Simple and perfect. The afternoon slips by the same way. Another swim. A walk. A snooze under the umbrella. Before you know it, it’s time to head back, shower and get ready for the evening.

We had booked Naxos Apothecary, right by the Portara. We’ve watched plenty of sunsets from the Portara itself over the years, so this time we decided to sit back and let the sunset come to us. Like its big sister in Athens, there’s a small retail component here too. Love their lotions and fragrances. Beautiful products thoughtfully named after towns in Naxos, a quiet nod to the island. The owner is Naxian and you can feel that connection and pride for the island in the details.

The space itself is refined and restrained, a little different from the usual island taverna. We ordered a herb infused gin cocktail and a wild horta pita that was honestly outstanding. And if you travel with my husband, any cheese croquettes on the menu must be ordered. The pasta is exceptional here as well.

We sat there watching the sky change colour over the water, a soft breeze rolling through and the sound of rebetika songs drifting across the port.

A full and deeply satisfying day in Naxos.

For my full list of accommodation, beaches, villages, food spots and so much more, you’ll find it in my Naxos guide. LINK HERE

The Details From This Day

Hotel
Tesoro Suites, Naxos

Bakery
O Fournos tis Plateias, Naxos Town

Beach
Plaka Beach, West Coast Naxos

Beach club
Tortuga Beach Bar, Plaka

Sunset drinks and dinner
Naxos Apothecary, Naxos Chora