Awesome Things to do in Naxos with Kids

Naxos is one of the Cyclades islands in Greece and is a great place to visit with your entire family! This is one of the largest Greek islands where you can explore ancient ruins, wander through villages, and relax on the beach. Here are some of the best things to do in Naxos with kids. 

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The island of Naxos is one of the best places for a family vacation. It is centrally located to several other islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros, yet it retains its small island charm. Families will enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and simply enjoying the island’s slower pace of life.

Travel to Naxos Greece

There are a couple of ways to reach Naxos, depending on your departure point. If you are in Athens, there are direct flights to the Naxos airport. The Athens to Naxos flight takes about 45 minutes.

The other option is to take a ferry from Athens to Naxos (it can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on the ship and ferries leave from Piraeus port). We took the ferry from Santorini to Naxos, but you can also reach the island from Paros and Mykonos quite easily.

BOOK YOUR FERRY TICKETS HERE

Car Rental in Naxos

It’s quite easy to explore by foot in the heart of Naxos Chora, but if you are staying away from town or want to explore the island, you’ll want to rent a car. There are several rental car offices in the port, making it very convenient to just get off the ferry and go.

If you are flying to Naxos from Athens, you will need to arrange for your rental ahead of time. Some rental car companies may bring the car to you at the airport, others will require taking a taxi to their offices.

Fun Things to do on Naxos with Kids

1. Naxos Beaches

There are so many amazing child-friendly beaches on Naxos. Most (if not all) beaches on this island have beach clubs where you rent a chair and palapa for ½ day or a full day. Here are a few of the best beaches for families on Naxos. 

Agios Prokopios

One of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos is Agios Prokopios beach. It is one that will instantly relax you and you’ll want to stay here forever! The water here is very clear, with shallow waters, making it a great choice for families. 

Agia Anna

Agia Anna Naxos is another great beach to visit. It is one of the busier beaches because it is so popular, but it is not overly crowded. This beach is organized nicely with umbrellas and beach chairs and has soft, golden sand. 

Agios Saint George

Agio St. George (also known as St George Beach) is one of the most popular beaches for tourists as it is a short walk from Naxos Chora. Here you will find umbrellas, sunbeds, and water activities. The main beach tends to be more sheltered from the strong winds than the other beaches.

Plaka Beach

Plaka might be the most visited of Naxos’ beaches as it is very long and there is enough space for everyone to spread out. Children of all ages will love playing in the sand and crystal clear waters, and parents can reserve beach chairs that have full service from local restaurants and snack bars. There’s so much to do here, you might have a hard time getting everyone to leave!

2. Walk to the Temple of Apollo – Portara of Naxos

The Temple of Apollo is a monument worth seeing and easily visible from Naxos Chora. It is within walking distance (about 15 minutes) of town, and worth a quick climb for the view.

Once you reach the top you will see the Portara (great door) and the remainder of the ruins of this temple. Be sure to wear good climbing shoes and go at sunset for the best views.

3. Wander through Naxos Town (Chora Naxos)

This is the main town of Naxos and one of the best things to do here is wander. Your entire family will love exploring what Old Naxos Town has to offer.

Grab some delicious food and ice cream and visit the shops. Here you will find countless souvenirs and interesting stores to walk through. And there are plenty of tavernas to choose from!

Be sure to explore the alleyways as Naxos Chora is full of history and mythology too. The Castle of Naxos is also worth a visit. See how many cats your kids can spot because this town is filled with them! 

4. Visit the Olive Museum in Eggares

The Olive Museum in Eggares is one of the oldest remaining olive mills in Naxos. Here you can go on a free tour of the mill and see how olive oil was made back in the late 1800s.

Afterwards, you’ll visit the olive shop where you can taste many different infused olive oils and other delicious treats made with olives! This museum is fascinating, fun, and budget-friendly. 

5. Try a Marble Sculpting Workshop 

Do your kids want to learn how to sculpt marble and create their own masterpieces? Take a marble sculpting workshop and learn all of the best tricks for creating a beautiful sculpture.

You will sit under the olive trees and carve as an expert teaches you what they know. Kids will love this hands-on experience! 

When you finish with the workshop, go on a trip to see marble quarries and explore the marble village of Apeiranthos.

Your children will be in awe as they see just how marble is taken from the earth and processed. This village is unlike anything else you will see with its stone houses and marble-paved alleys. 

6. Visit Chalki and Stop at Rotonda for Lunch 

Chalki is the former capital of Naxos and one of the inland villages that’s worth a visit. Here you will find cobblestone alleys and stunning architecture from Venetian times. Kids will love exploring this old town.

If you are looking to sample local spirits, head over to Vallindras Distillery. This small distillery and museum shows how they made the island’s citron liqueur back in the day. You can also taste this delicious drink after the tour. Kids are welcome.

After you finish exploring, head over to Rotonda for lunch, where you will find 360-degree island views! With delicious food and a view of the island and sea you won’t find anywhere else, you may never want to leave. 

7. Explore the Ruins of the Temple of Demeter

The Temple of Demeter is located in Sangri. Some believe this temple was built back in the 6th century BC with some of the best marble that was available. It is simply amazing that you can still see some of it today! The temple was destroyed somewhere around the 6th century AD. 

In the 1950s the ruins of this ancient temple were discovered. During the 1990s, it was partially rebuilt using both old and new stones. You can go and see the ruins of this once magnificent temple and imagine how beautiful it used to be. 

8. Day Trip to Paros or Mykonos

Day trips are exciting and filled with many adventures, which kids love. Spend a day in Paros or Mykonos. Each of these places has awesome activities for the entire family. You can easily travel to both of these islands within 1-2 hours using local ferries. 

Paros 

There are two main towns in Paros, Naoussa and Parikia. If your kids don’t want to stroll around town and shop, consider trying some of the island’s fun water sports.

Golden Beach offers a variety of activities including: kayaking, windsurfing, beach volleyball and wake boarding. It’s a beautiful sandy beach, but be sure to bring swim shoes as there are rocks under the water.

Mykonos

Spend some time in the sun at Agia Anna beach in Mykonos. There is a swing on the beach that is great for photos, and you can also rent equipment.

Go check out the famous windmills after touring the island and eating. If you have older children looking for adventure, consider renting ATVs to explore the island or ride the go-karts at Mykonos Raceland.

9. Cheesemaking Class with Philema Tours 

If your child loves cheese, take a cheesemaking class! Philema Tours takes you on an adventure that was created with kids in mind. During this all-day tour, you will head to a cheese farm where your children will feed the farm animals and ride a tractor. You will then make your own cheese. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch on the farm before heading to the next adventure when you are finished. After lunch the tour will take you to a local pottery shop where your kids will learn how to create something with clay. 

From there, you will visit a beekeeper and watch the bees making honey. You will get to taste this honey as well.

Finally, you will finish off the tour exploring a local village and eating handmade ice cream from another farm. This tour will keep your children busy, happy, and learning the entire day. 

10. Take Kitesurfing or Windsurfing Lessons 

For older kids, have them learn to kite surf or windsurf on the beautiful beaches of Naxos. You can take lessons in a private group if you prefer. These lessons are tailored to your ability, and equipment is provided.  

Agios Georgios beach, Glyfada, Laguna, and Mikri Vigla beach are the best ones for learning how to kite surf and windsurf. For young children, it is probably best to play at the beach while the older kids learn to surf. 

11. Find the Kouroi of Flerio

The Kouroi of Flerio are two abandoned statues that are quite interesting. By the village of Melanes is a hill where they used to get their marble from for statues and buildings.

These were supposed to be statues of two men, but they were broken during transport and left behind. It is an amazing sight to see and is easily accessible with kids. 

12. Take a Cooking Class with the Locals

Taking a cooking class with your family is such a great way to bond and enjoy your trip to Naxos. Try to take one class with a local so you can cook an authentic and delicious meal.

This class takes half a day where you go to a few places around the island to learn about its rich agricultural history. In the village of Galini, you will cook alongside a local and prepare a dinner dish. Then, you get to eat the dinner you’ve prepared. What a great way to make new friends!

13. Cine Naxos – Open Air Movie Theater

One of the best things to do in Naxos with kids is to visit the open-air movie theater, Cine Naxos. Enjoy the latest movie outside under the stars while eating popcorn and snacks. This is an experience your kids might not get anywhere else. 

Where to Stay in Naxos with Kids

Nissaki Beach Hotel

This luxury hotel is very popular and is known as the best family beach hotel for its great location and excellent service. The property is located on St. George beach and is walking distance to the old town.

There are several options for lodging from their standard rooms to suites. We recommend the Two Unit Suite for families as it can sleep up to four and has very spacious rooms.

The property has a beachfront restaurant (we highly recommend), two bars, and a swimming pool for those who want a break from the beach.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AT NISSAKI BEACH HOTEL

Spiros Hotel

Spiros Hotel is another good options for families. It is walking distance to Saint George Beach and town.

All of their rooms are suites, and they sleep from 2 to 5 people. Their two-roomed suites are the perfect family rooms because everyone can spread out. There is a large pool, fitness center, and breakfast room.

Villa Marandi

You will need to rent a car to reach this property, but we promise it will be worth it. The hotel is located in Stelida, which is a 10 minute drive from Naxos Chora.

It is a beautiful property that is walking distance to the beach, and families will love the pool area and playground. This is an all-suite hotel, so rooms are spacious, sleeping 2 to 4 people. The Cycladic Grand Suite can sleep up to 6.

There is a restaurant on property, beautiful gardens, a library, and a pool bar with drinks and snacks.

Rent an apartment in Naxos

We rented an Airbnb in Naxos that would be perfect for 2 to 3 people. It’s called Cycladic Lifestyle Apartment and it’s walking distance to restaurants, a grocery store, town, and the beach. Here’s the apartment: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/38060828

If you are looking for a vacation rental in Naxos, we would recommend using VRBO or Plum Guide.

Where to Eat in Naxos

You will find plenty of dining options in Naxos, from tourist spots to local gems. These are some of our favorites:

Breakfast

Soulatso – omelets, pancakes, and other breakfast treats.

Naxos’ Bakery – coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.

Lunch

To Souvlaki Tou Maki – gyros, souvlaki, and burgers.

Pizzadelia – Aristidi Protopapadaki, Naxos 843 00, pizza, calzones, and salads.

Dinner

Oasis – traditional Greek taverna, delightful owner and delicious food.

Typografio – Greek cuisine with a modern twist. Beautiful al fresco dining in town.

We think Naxos is the best Greek island for families because it’s very easy to navigate and there are some awesome beaches and activities (not to mention delicious food). These are some of our favorite things to do in Naxos with kids and we think you will agree!