Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, boasts stunning beaches, charming villages, and a rich history. For us, it was the best all-around find for families. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy—exploring ruins, playing at the beach, and even hiking to Zeus’ cave.
Here’s a list of fun things to do with kids in Naxos:
Explore the Portara: Apollo’s Temple
Perched on a hill at the entrance to Naxos Port, the Portara (or Apollo’s Temple) is one of the island’s most iconic sights. This towering marble doorway is all that remains of what was meant to be a grand temple—construction halted when the ruler who commissioned it was overthrown.
Today, the solitary frame stands watch over the Aegean, catching the golden light of sunset like a portal to the past. Easily accessible by foot, it’s a must-see that blends history and mythology.
Worldschooling Tip
Before our trip, we introduced our kids to the Percy Jackson series. These fast-paced books, following a boy who learns he’s the son of Poseidon, helped the boys connect with Greek mythology. As part of our homeschooling, they each researched a Greek god and temple. Jackson chose Poseidon’s Temple, while Mason studied Apollo and proudly acted as our tour guide at the Portara.
Visit the Beaches
Prokopios Beach was one of our favourites—family-friendly, with soft sand, calm waters, and lots of nearby restaurants. The kids, especially, loved the crepes and gyros from the kiosks along the beach road. While most beaches are packed in summer, Prokopios still felt manageable. Umbrella and lounge chair rentals were available for €25–30 per day.
Graffiti Art Hotel
One of our most memorable days was spent exploring an abandoned hotel in Alyko that has been transformed into an outdoor graffiti gallery. Originally intended to be a luxury resort, the project was abandoned midway through construction. What could have been an eyesore has become a canvas for street artists, who have covered the crumbling concrete walls with vivid, captivating murals. We spent about an hour wandering the ruined corridors, admiring the art and picking our favourites.
Hotel Ruins Alyko (Graffiti), Naxos 843 02, Greece
Just a short walk away is a quiet, stunning beach with a small cove and crystal-clear water—perfect for cooling off post-exploration. It’s ideal for kids who love snorkelling, wave jumping, or sandcastle building. But, come prepared: there are no bathrooms and only one small food stand, located about 20 minutes away. Pack your towels, snacks, and a few tissues for a full-day outing.
Watch the Kite Surfers
Naxos is known for its wind—and with it, the kite surfers. All day long, they fly across the water and soar through the sky, sometimes catching so much air it seems like they might never come down. We considered taking lessons, but the training was intense and didn’t quite fit into our timeline. So instead, we enjoyed the show from the beach or our apartment patio, mesmerized by the colourful kites.
Try Windsurfing
For kids, windsurfing is a better option. Though we didn’t get to try it on Naxos, we did give it a go on Paros. After some basic instruction on land, we spent 40 minutes on the water. It’s trickier than it looks—Mason was disappointed not to zoom across the bay—but we all had fun trying to turn and balance (and occasionally falling off).
Hiking Trails in Naxos
Village Trail (Melanes, Myli, and Kouroi)
This easy-to-moderate hike connects the villages of Melanes, Myli, and Kouroi, taking approximately 2–3 hours to complete. We moved slowly, stopping for photos and taking in the beautiful farmlands, whitewashed churches, and occasional donkeys.
At times, it felt like we had stepped back in time, following gravel paths lined by stone walls, and orchards of fruit trees. The only downside is the trail offers little shade, so it’s best to start early to avoid the midday heat. The trail loops back to Melanes and is approximately 6 km long.
Mount Zas Hike to Zeus’ Cave
There are two hikes in the Mount Zas area: one to the summit and one to the cave. We chose the shorter but steeper hike to the cave, which involves some scrambling over rocks. It was challenging but worth it—both for the view and the mythology. Legend has it that Zeus hid here as a child, and our boys were thrilled to stand in a place where the ruler of the gods once walked.
The hike is approximately 800m uphill and takes about 20 minutes to ascend. For more info on hiking Mount Zas, read our full post-
Wander the Old Town of Chalki
Chalki, once the island’s capital, is full of charm. We sampled local jams (our favourite was sour cherry) and were drawn in by the smoky scent of meat roasting over charcoal. It was hard not to stop for a second lunch.
The main attraction here is the Vallindras Distillery, home to Naxos’ signature citron liqueur, kitron. The small museum and distillery tour showcase the traditional process—and end with tastings. The drink wasn’t a hit with Derek, but the experience was worth it.
Marvel at the Marble in Apeiranthos
Apeiranthos is a mountain village where even the streets are paved in marble. The views and architecture are gorgeous, and you can see marble quarries cut into the mountainsides as you drive in.
If you’re interested in stonework, consider booking a quarry tour to learn how the marble is processed—and maybe try your hand at sculpting.
Indulge in the Flavours of Eggares
The Olive Museum in Eggares is a quick stop—just one room with displays and historical olive processing machinery—but the highlight is the tasting room. We sampled flavoured olive oils (chocolate, truffle, curry), olive jam with Greek yogurt, and chocolate chip olive oil bread. Delicious and memorable! Pick up a few goodies for your next beach picnic—perfect for adding a little local flavour to your day.
Tip: Chalki, Apeiranthos, and Eggares make a great inland day-trip.
Demeter’s Temple
Set among farmland and rolling hills, the Temple of Demeter offers a quiet break from the beach. Built entirely of white marble, the site dates back to the 6th century BC and was dedicated to the goddess of grain and fertility. A small on-site museum helps bring the ruins to life, with reconstructions and recovered artifacts.
Getting to Naxos
We arrived in Naxos via a 4-hour ferry from Athens, using a Greek Island pass. There was a brief stop in Paros along the way. For more insights on what to expect, check out our post: Navigating Greek Island Ferries: Know Before You Go.
Tip: Naxos is a large island, so renting a car helps explore beaches, villages, and hiking trails.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in a small but charming Airbnb with two rooms and four single beds. The larger room had a kitchenette and small table. Best of all, it was right near a beautiful beach with strong winds—perfect for watching kite surfers soar across the water from the spacious patio.
Naxos: A Family Favourite
Naxos surprised us. We came for the beaches but found so much more—windy adventures, stunning art, mountain villages, and ancient legends. Whether wandering quiet alleyways or watching the sunset behind the Portara, we felt like we had room to breathe—and reason to stay just a little longer.
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