Naxos is the island you can experience variable activities while on vacation. Starting from swimming in outstanding beaches and sightseeing in historical archaeological and religious monuments, you can also try excursions in nature, musical festivals, our local gastronomy and refreshing nightlife. To help you here is a to-do-list with the top activities in Naxos.
Water sports
Swimming
Choose from a list of great sandy beaches to enjoy- from long, famous and organized like Agios Prokopios, Plaka and Kastraki( hot spots with beach bars and restaurants) to family- friendly Agia Anna, Moutsouna and Saint George or distant but really worth-visiting Aliko, Panormos, Kalados and Lyonas.
Scuba-diving and snorkeling
PADI qualified center in Agios Prokopios can provide you with special equipment and/ or organize you a learning course to our crystal-clear sea. Do not miss this wonderful exp erience.
Windsurfing and kite-surfing
Laguna beach and Mikri Vigla every year attract a significant amount of water sport lovers, as they are mainly windy, easy to approach and have special tutors, if you are a beginner.
Sightseeing
Archaeological and Venetian sites
The Venetian Castle in Chora with the 2 museums ...(Archaeological-Cycladic and Venetian), the Catholic Church, the old Ursuline nuns’ school and the family mansions is the easiest place to experience a part of Naxian history. Of course, you also shouldn’t miss the sunset at Portara (the big statement monument door near the port- which is the symbol of our island), the ancient Dimitra’s temple in Sagkri, the Iria’s sanctuary, the Tower of Agia and the one at Kalamitsia and the well-known lied statues of Kouros in Melanes and Apollon village.
Religious sites
There is a bunch of beautiful and really old small churches all around the island like Panagia Drosiani in Moni(one of the oldest in Cyclades) and great monasteries opening for audience in special occasions like the monastery of Fotodoti near Chalki, Saint Chrisostomos in Chora, Panagia Faneromeni near Eggares.
Activities in nature
Hiking and mount-climbing
There are signed footpaths all around the island for nature lovers like the one reaching at Routsouna’s waterfall in Keramoti and the one at the river in Milli and you can also try to reach the top at Mount Zas near Filoti for its breathtaking and amazing view.
Cycling
In most villages and Chora, the moto rental offices can give you a bike to wander around.
Horse-riding
Near the top beaches of the island like Saint George and Plaka, you can participate in the beginners’ or experienced 2 or 3-hour courses to ride a horse by the sea.
Cruises
Smaller or bigger cruise ships in Agia Anna and Chora organize all-day cruises to the nearby islands like Delos and Mykonos, Paros, Koufonisia and Santorini or excursions to the south of Naxos and Rina’s cave(which can only be approached by the sea) with food and beverages.
Gastronomy and nightlife:
You can have authentic local meals in village restaurants in the inland like Filoti, Apeiranthos, Koronos, Eggares and Potamia, socialize and dance at clubs in Chora, participate in full-moon parties in Plaka and Agios Prokopios or enjoy various and tasty cocktails in bar terraces or cafes by the sea in Chora and all the famous beaches.
Local festivals:
Last but not least summer festival in villages celebrating local Saints with live music and local delicacies are common in the island, adding also the well-known celebration of Saint Nicodimus in Chora’s port with the firework display on the 14th of July and the yearly potato festival in Agia Anna. In winter, do not miss the Carnival fest with the special torchbearers’ wandering. Be sure that in Naxos you never get bored!!!!
"At Semeli Hotel, we make every effort to make your holidays unforgettable and to experience the well-known Greek hospitality!"
Agios Prokopios, 84300 Naxos Island Cyclades, Greece
Tel: +30 22850 41977 , Fax: +30 22850 41926
info@hotelsemeli.com
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