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Naxos

One Day in Naxos: Portara, the Old Town and a Mountain Village

How to spend one day in Naxos: sunrise or sunset at the Portara, the Kastro and free Archaeological Museum, Agios Georgios beach, and the bus to Halki or Apiranthos.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

By the iLoveGreece editorial team · Last reviewed 2026-11-14 · 2 sources listed below

Quick answer

Start at the Portara, the marble temple gate on the islet by the port, then walk up through the old town to the Kastro and the Archaeological Museum (free, 09:00–14:00, closed Tuesdays from April to October). Swim at Agios Georgios beach, on the edge of town, or take the KTEL bus to the mountain villages of Halki and Apiranthos. Come back to the Portara for sunset.

The day, hour by hour

  1. Morning

    The Portara

    The marble gate of an unfinished temple on the islet by the port. Free and open.

    The Portara

  2. 09:30

    Old town and the Kastro

    Climb the lanes to the Venetian quarter at the top of town.

    Old town and the Kastro

  3. 11:00

    Archaeological Museum

    Free; 09:00–14:00, closed Tuesdays from April to October.

    Archaeological Museum

  4. 13:00

    Lunch in Chora

    Naxos is known for its graviera cheese and potatoes.

  5. Afternoon

    A beach, or the mountain villages

    Agios Georgios beach is on the edge of town; the KTEL bus goes to Halki and Apiranthos.

    A beach, or the mountain villages

  6. Sunset

    Back to the Portara

    The classic Naxos sunset, through the gate.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

Make this plan from where you arePlan my day picks what's open near you, with walking times.

Opening hours and getting around

  • Archaeological Museum of Naxos: free entry, 09:00–14:00. From 1 April to 31 October it's closed on Tuesdays; from November to March it opens every day. Last admission is 20 minutes before closing.
  • KTEL buses leave from Chora, across from the KTEL ticket office just before the port, for Halki, Filoti, Apiranthos and the beaches at Agios Prokopios and Plaka. Buy tickets in advance at the office.
  • Bus times change with the season: check the current timetable at the KTEL office or on naxosdestinations.com.

If it's windy or cool

  • On a windy day, choose the villages over the beach: Halki and Apiranthos are good in any weather.
  • Plan my day picks indoor stops and cafés when rain is likely.

FAQ

Is one day in Naxos enough?

For the town, the Portara and one village or beach, yes. The island is big; three days or more lets you see the mountains and the long southern beaches.

Can I do Naxos as a day trip from Paros?

Yes: the ferry between Paros and Naxos is short, and the port is right in Naxos town.

Is the Archaeological Museum free?

Yes, entry is free all year. It opens 09:00–14:00 and is closed on Tuesdays from April to October.

Plan my day near me →Paros to Naxos ferry →Naxos vs Paros →

Sources

Related guides

Updated 2026-11-14. General planning guidance. Check with operators and local authorities.