Naxos: Greece's Quiet Cyclades Gem Luring Travelers to Stay

Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands in Greece, continues to draw travellers who fall so deeply under its spell that they choose to stay. For decades, this Aegean gem has lured those seeking quiet corners amid the Mediterranean's growing crowds, offering abundant sunshine, pristine seas, mouthwatering cuisine, postcard villages, and ancient ruins—all at a fraction of the cost of its flashier neighbours.

Unlike Instagram favourites Mykonos and Santorini, Naxos lacks an international airport and sees far fewer visitors. Its small port in Chora, the island's heart and capital, cannot accommodate the massive cruise ships that dominate the region, many of which head straight to Santorini instead. The result is a serene escape where traditional Cycladic architecture—whitewashed homes with blue shutters, weathered by time—lines terraced streets fragrant with sea air.

Chora's old town, or kastro, unfolds as a labyrinth of narrow alleys watched over by a medieval Venetian castle atop the hill. Balconies overflow with geraniums and bougainvillea, while stone arches provide shade for cats and browsers hopping between shops. Overlooking the harbour stands the Portara, the striking remnant of a sixth-century BC temple, framing the sea like a giant window.

South of Chora, endless beaches stretch along the coast, empty outside peak July and August months. Spots like Mikri Vigla, Alyko, Plaka, and Kastraki boast kilometres of fine, warm sand and turquoise waters scattered with tiny shells. Visitors can walk for ages without encountering another soul, hearing only gentle waves, occasional gulls, or hushed conversations. Nearby tavernas tempt with the scent of grilled fish cooked over slow fires.

Beyond the shore, a winding inland road snakes through vineyards, olive groves, and mountains topping 1,000 metres, dotted with cliffside Orthodox churches and charming villages. Key stops include the Temple of Demeter in Sangri, dating to 530 BC—a peaceful site for contemplating classical Greece without tourist hordes—and Apeiranthos, the "White Village," built entirely of marble. Sixty steps lead to its maze of lanes and tavernas, where locals linger over coffee.

For now, Naxos remains a hidden treasure, but planned expansions to its port and airport could soon bring larger vessels and flights, filling beaches with loungers and roads with traffic, as has happened across the Mediterranean. Roads are wide, well-signed, and traffic-free, though quad bikes are ideal for reaching remote coves via dirt tracks.