Naxos
The largest island in the Cyclades, combining historic Naxos Town, long sandy beaches, traditional villages and dramatic Aegean coastline.
Discover Naxos
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and one of the most varied destinations to explore from Paros.
The island combines a historic main town, long sandy beaches, traditional villages and a coastline that changes dramatically from busy resort areas to quieter bays and sea caves.
Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is famous for its waterfront, Venetian Old Town and the Portara, while beaches such as Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla are known for clear water and long stretches of sand.
For travellers staying in Paros, Naxos can be explored on a suitable private full-day cruise focused either on Naxos Town & Beaches or the southern coastline toward Rina Cave, Kato Koufonisi and Schinoussa.
Naxos at a Glance
Location
East of Paros
Known for
Beaches, history & traditional Cycladic life
Main town
Naxos Town / Chora
Access from Paros
Private boat or ferry
Best for
Beaches, culture, swimming & island hopping
Ideal visit
Full-day cruise or longer stay
Combine with
Kato Koufonisi · Schinoussa · South Naxos
Why Visit Naxos?
Historic Naxos Town
Naxos Town combines a lively waterfront with narrow Old Town streets, Venetian architecture and the famous Portara overlooking the harbour.
Beautiful Beaches
The western and southern coasts include some of the island’s best-known sandy beaches, with clear water and excellent swimming conditions when the weather allows.
Diverse Island Landscape
Naxos offers much more than beaches, combining coastal scenery, historic settlements, mountain landscapes and traditional Cycladic villages.
Explore Naxos from Paros
FULL-DAY CRUISE
Naxos Town & Beaches
Explore Naxos on a private full-day cruise combining time around Naxos Town with some of the island’s best-known beaches.
The route can include the historic town, Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla, creating a day that combines sightseeing, swimming and coastal scenery.
Highlights
- Naxos Town
- Portara
- Agios Prokopios
- Mikri Vigla
- Swimming & snorkeling
- Private boat experience
South Naxos, Kato Koufonisi & Schinoussa
Travel deeper into the Small Cyclades on a private cruise combining the southern coastline of Naxos with Kato Koufonisi and Schinoussa.
The itinerary can include the Sea Cave of Rina before continuing toward turquoise swimming waters and quieter island landscapes.
Highlights
- Rina Sea Cave
- South Naxos
- Kato Koufonisi
- Schinoussa
- Swimming & snorkeling
- Small Cyclades island hopping
Naxos Town
Naxos Town, or Chora, is the island’s main settlement and one of the most interesting towns in the Cyclades.
The waterfront leads into narrow streets filled with restaurants, cafés and shops, while the older part of town climbs toward the Venetian Castle.
At the entrance to the harbour, the Portara — the monumental marble doorway of an unfinished ancient temple — has become one of the most recognisable landmarks of Naxos.
A visit to Naxos Town adds a cultural and historic element to a private cruise that can also include swimming along the island’s western coastline.
Beaches of Naxos
Naxos is particularly well known for its long sandy beaches and clear Aegean water.
Agios Prokopios is one of the island’s most famous beach areas, while Mikri Vigla combines golden sand with vivid blue water and a more open coastal landscape.
Exploring by private boat allows guests to experience the coastline from the sea and combine suitable swimming stops with time around Naxos Town.
Exact swimming locations depend on wind, sea conditions and the captain’s judgement on the day.
Rina Cave & South Naxos
The southern coastline of Naxos offers a very different experience from Naxos Town and the island’s western beach resorts.
One of its most distinctive natural highlights is Rina Sea Cave, a striking coastal formation surrounded by clear Aegean waters and dramatic rock formations.
Rina Cave can be included in a longer private cruise continuing toward Kato Koufonisi and Schinoussa, creating a full-day itinerary focused on swimming, natural scenery and island hopping.
Nearby Destinations
Kato Koufonisi
Uninhabited island in the Small Cyclades, known for turquoise lagoons, secluded beaches and clear Aegean waters.
Schinoussa
Uninhabited island south of Antiparos, known for secluded coves, clear waters and the important ancient Sanctuary of Apollo.
South Paros
The southern coastline of Paros combines sheltered bays, sea caves, clear waters and peaceful swimming spots best explored by boat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naxos
Where is Naxos?
Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and lies east of Paros in the Aegean Sea.
Can you visit Naxos from Paros?
Yes. Naxos can be visited from Paros by scheduled ferry or on suitable private boat itineraries.
Can you visit Naxos on a private day cruise from Paros?
Yes. Paros Voyages offers suitable full-day cruise routes focused on Naxos Town and beaches as well as South Naxos and the Small Cyclades.
What is Naxos known for?
Naxos is known for its long sandy beaches, Naxos Town, the Portara, traditional villages and varied Cycladic landscape.
Can you visit Naxos Town by private boat?
Suitable private cruise itineraries can include the Naxos Town area, depending on the selected vessel, operating conditions and itinerary.
Which beaches can be included on a Naxos cruise?
A suitable Naxos Town & Beaches itinerary can include areas such as Agios Prokopios and Mikri Vigla, subject to weather and sea conditions.
Can you visit Rina Cave from Paros?
Yes. Rina Cave on South Naxos can form part of a suitable full-day private cruise from Paros.
Can you combine Naxos and Kato Koufonisi in one day?
Yes. A suitable full-day itinerary can combine South Naxos, Rina Cave, Kato Koufonisi and Schinoussa.
Can every boat operate the Naxos routes?
No. Longer-distance itineraries depend on the selected vessel, availability, weather and sea conditions.
Plan Your Naxos Experience from Paros
Explore Naxos Town and its beaches or travel farther south toward Rina Cave, Kato Koufonisi and Schinoussa on a private cruise from Paros.
Send us your preferred date, number of guests and travel plans and our team can recommend the most suitable vessel and itinerary.
