Greek Getaway: The Allure of Naxos

Will next summer be the one where you finally go on that Greek island holiday you've been dreaming of? Here, photographer and Expat Living contributor SILKE DIETZ makes a compelling argument for putting Naxos at the top of your list of potential destinations.

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Crystal-clear, turquoise-shimmering water. White beaches. Deep blue sky. Piles of delicious food on the table. And a friendly Greek waving at me, shouting: “Sit, eat, yamas!” That's not the script of a travel influencer. That's just what I see every time I close my eyes and think of Greece, or more specifically, Naxos.

Naxos is the largest and most fertile island in the Cycladic group. Think lush landscapes, rivers that actually flow, olive groves that go on forever, and enough agriculture to feed a small kingdom. No wonder Zeus himself was supposedly raised here, according to mythology.

The Naxians have a kind of hospitality that runs deep. It’s not a performance. They actually care how you're doing. Within minutes of arriving, you don't feel like a visitor. You feel like someone's long-lost cousin.

Exploring the island

Chances are, you'll arrive by ferry. It takes around four hours from Piraeus, the port of Athens, and brings you right into Chora - Naxos Town. It’s a picturesque maze of whitewashed houses, Venetian mansions, and narrow alleyways that twist and turn like they were designed to get you happily lost.

And above it all sits the Kastro, a medieval castle with breathtaking views and the perfect spot to enjoy a sundowner and watch the sun melt into the sea.

If your idea of a holiday involves doing nothing on a beach, you're in the right place. Naxos has more beaches than it knows what to do with, each with its own vibe. Agios Prokopios and Plaka Beach are long, wide, golden stretches with soft sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, ideal for lazy days and salty naps. Then there's Mikri Vigla, the go-to spot for kite- and windsurfers, thanks to the steady local wind known as the meltemi. It’s considered one of the best surf beaches in all of Greece.