Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades. Unlike many Cycladic islands that rely heavily on tourism, Naxos still has a thriving agricultural economy and an all-year-round local population. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks and potatoes. Although having some pretty villages inland, in my opinion it doesn’t have quite as much charm as some of the smaller islands. Here’s a run down of where I’ve eaten below.
📝 The best way to explore the Greek islands is by ferry. In summer ferry tickets can sell out quick so I recommend buying them ahead of time. The best website to book your tickets is on ferryhopper.com. I also find it useful to check ferry routes here.
📝 As Naxos is a big island you will definitely need a car to explore it properly. I recommend using Naxos Akrogiali Rent A Car & Moto in Naxos Town. Cars start at around €45 per day, their office is three minutes walk from the port, and you can pre-book on their website but pay on arrival. They were also recommend to us by our hotel.
Notes:
📝 Naxos is famous throughout Greece for its exceptional produce. The island is particularly known for its potatoes, which are considered among the best in the country due to the island’s fertile soil.
📝 Naxos is also renowned for its cheeses, especially graviera Naxou, a semi-hard cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.
📝 Naxos is home to some of the finest beaches in the Cyclades, including Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Mikri Vigla. Many of the beaches feature long stretches of soft sand and crystal-clear water, making them ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
1. Stou Vasilarakiou (Στου Βασιλαρακιού)
📍Kinidaros. Founded in 1931, this is one of Naxos’ most respected tavernas for charcoal-grilled meats. Located in the mountain village of Kinidaros in the heart of the island, it operates alongside their butcher shop. The menu is rooted in traditional Naxian cooking and includes house-made sausages, lamb chops, local cheeses, dakos, and zucchini fritters. A yogurt with strawberries is served at the end complimentary. Standouts include the tender but crispy lamb chops and the Naxian pork sausage stuffed with cheese. I don’t smoke, but they also have a wide selection of cigarettes for sale.
2. Ο Αμοργινός (The Amorgian)
Located in the marble mountain village of Apeiranthos on Naxos, Ο Αμοργινός is a highly regarded traditional taverna that showcases authentic Apeiranthian and Naxian cuisine. This village is about an hour inland and you have to walk up a lot of steps to get here which isn’t ideal when you’re carrying a three year old and pram. I went for rosto (a Naxian slow-cooked pork in tomato sauce with lots of garlic), gemista, and feta in filo. The rosto was standout.
3. Taverna Axiotissa
📍Kastraki. Often considered one of the top restaurants on Naxos, the menu at Axiotissa is mix of traditional Greek as well as wider Mediterranean and Middle Eastern too. I’ve been here twice now but on my recent visit I tried the fava, aubergine topped with almonds and pesto, feta in filo, slow-cooked lamb and fries and a chocolate pie for dessert. Everything was delicious. Definitely book ahead as it gets increasingly busy.
4. Paradiso Taverna
📍 Maragkas. Located near the beach, Paradiso is known more for its setting as its food. It’s great to go for sunset. To get a good table you may want 📍Maragkas. Located right on the beach, Paradiso is known more for its setting than its food. It’s great to go for sunset. To get a good table you may want to book ahead. The menu features classic Greek dishes, fresh seafood, and grilled meats. On my recent visit I went for the mixed plate of boiled greens which included Horta, green beans, beetroot and zucchini, fava, sea bream and a Naxian dish called Kalogeros which includes veal, aubergine, tomato, potatoes and Graviera Naxou cheese. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Kalogeros here but the rest of the food was solid. The portions were generous. Watermelon comes free at the end. book ahead. The menu features classic Greek dishes, fresh seafood, and grilled meats served in a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
5. Ta Filarakia (Τα Φιλαράκια)
📍Naxos Town. A casual and friendly taverna known for generous portions and classic Greek comfort food. The menu includes a mix of grilled meats, seafood, and traditional meze dishes. It’s a welcoming, low-key option for an easy less-touristy meal in Naxos Authentic. Service can be a little slow though.
6. Tradizionale Caffè Ristorante Galanis
📍Chalki. Located in the village of Chalki, this traditional family-run café and restaurant is best known for its homemade galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastry with syrup). The venue combines the atmosphere of an old Greek kafeneio with a taverna serving authentic Naxian dishes, grilled meats, local cheeses, and homemade specialties. I noticed they were also grilling souvlaki which I would have loved to try but didn’t have the stomach space.
7. Giorgis (Ταβέρνα Ο Γιώργης)
📍Melanes. A family-run taverna in the village of Melanes. Many of the ingredients come directly from the family’s own land. I came to this spot in 2020 for kontosouvli which was epic but unfortunately they only serve it on weekends. This time I could only go during the week so went for the Kokora kokkinisto me makaronia (rooster in red sauce with spaghetti). It was good but I usually prefer it with a thicker pasta. I also got a Greek salad which was excessively priced at €10. The atmosphere was four people shouting at each other aggressively loud in Greek. I’d say this one to visit if you’re here on a weekend and go for the kontosouvli, otherwise don’t go out your way.
8. To Elliniko Restaurant
📍Naxos Town. This was one of the most highly recommended restaurants in Naxos Town but I didn’t really like it. To Elliniko serves traditional Greek cuisine and a few Naxian classics in a modern environment. I went for the kleftiko, moussaka, fries, tzatziki, and gigantes (beans). All the food was good except the kleftiko which was probably the worst I’ve ever had. It was so undercooked. The potatoes and carrots still had crunch, the onions hadn’t caramelised, and the lamb wasn’t fall-apart. I told this to the waiter but he didn’t seem to care. I ended up taking it to go so my daughter could feed it to some cats. I found the place a little soulless too and they have a weird process they bring you receipt each time you order something. If you’re looking for an authentic taverna in Naxos Town then Ta Filarakia is your best bet.
9. Ntoyzenia Tavern
📍Lionas. I didn’t manage to make it here but it’s supposed to be the best spot for fish on the island. It’s located in the small seaside fishing village of Lionas on the far northeastern side of the island. The photos of this place look great. The only problem is it takes just over an hour to get to from Naxos Town and the last part of the journey is down a dirt path.
Souvlaki
1. Souvlaki of Makis
📍Naxos Town. Widely regarded as one of the best souvlaki spots on Naxos, Makis is famous for its loaded gyros and souvlaki pitas, quick service and excellent value. It’s a casual, no-frills place if you’re after a quick meal.
2. To Spitiko Naxos
📍Naxos Town. Another traditional grill house serving souvlaki, gyros, and mixed grill platters in Naxos Town. Portions are generous, the service is quick, and it’s a popular choice for both lunch and late-night meals.
Bakeries
1. Naxos Bakery
📍Naxos Town. A popular all-day bakery offering a wide selection of breads, pastries, pies, sandwiches, and coffee. It’s a reliable stop for breakfast or a quick snack before heading out for the day. Their traditional Greek pies are especially popular.
2. Lagogiannis Bakery
📍Naxos Town. A long-standing local bakery known for traditional breads and savory pies. It has a strong reputation among locals and is a great place to sample authentic everyday Naxian baked goods. The focus is on quality and tradition rather than elaborate pastries.
3. Artos Lagogianni
📍Plaka. A convenient bakery for anyone staying around Plaka Beach, offering fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. It’s particularly useful for grabbing breakfast before a beach day or picking up provisions for an afternoon by the sea.
James Dimitri 