Naxos with Kids: Beaches, Things To Do & Where to Stay

Is Naxos Good for Families?

Absolutely. Naxos is one of the easier Greek islands to visit with kids, and is especially appealing with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids. You can get a little bit of everything in a single island experience. You can combine sandy beach days with a walkable town, casual restaurants, and a little sightseeing. There are plenty of ways to spend a day that everyone can enjoy.

It felt like a good balance. We could swim and play for hours, eat a delicious lunch barefoot at a beachside table, and still head into town that evening. It was a good Greek island vacation for the parents as much as the kids.

Naxos isn’t perfect, of course; nowhere is. Summer can be hot, and reaching more distant beaches or inland villages requires transportation. But for a family that wants beaches, exploring, and a little bit of Greek history, Naxos is an excellent choice.

Best Beaches in Naxos for Families

Naxos’s sandy beaches are one of its biggest draws for families. During our July 2021 trip, we visited Agia Anna, Plaka, Maragkas, and Agios Georgios. My favorite was Agia Anna, but the best beach for your family depends on whether you prioritize facilities, space, or being able to walk there.

Agia Anna beach: our favorite with kids

Of the beaches we visited, Agia Anna was my favorite. I loved the pretty little cove-like areas and having restaurants, sunbeds, and umbrellas right at the water. We rented a spot and stayed a while playing, eating, and relaxing.

One of my favorite memories from Naxos is sitting down for a long, delicious lunch at a table right on the sand. We didn’t even put our shoes back on. It was such an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

I’d start here if you want the convenience of a well-equipped beach without giving up the lovely setting. Just remember that water conditions can vary with the wind; a sheltered-looking bay doesn’t guarantee calm water every day.

Plaka and Maragkas beaches: room to spread out

We visited Plaka and Maragkas together. They flow into the same long stretch of coastline, so I wouldn’t plan them as two separate beach excursions.

During our visit, both felt more open and natural than Agia Anna, with Maragkas seeming even less built up. The beach was beautiful, and we liked having more space. We still found sunbeds to rent at Plaka, so there were still amenities.

Today, Plaka is also described as an organized beach with beach bars, tavernas, and umbrella rentals. Facilities vary along its length. Since we visited in 2021, when tourism was still affected by the pandemic, I wouldn’t assume that today’s crowds or development look exactly like what we saw.

Agios Georgios beach: best for staying close to town

Agios Georgios is right beside Naxos Town, and that convenience is a big deal with little kids. You can walk from nearby accommodations to the sand without needing a taxi, bus, or rental car.

Its shallow, gradually deepening water is a major reason it’s recommended for younger swimmers. There are also restaurants and beach facilities nearby.

We did visit, but personally preferred the beaches farther south. I remember the sand feeling less soft and the water looking less clear than at Agia Anna and Plaka. Still, if you want to avoid the hassle of arranging transportation with car seats and beach gear, Agios Georgios might be the smartest choice for your family. Convenience counts!

Agios Prokopios beach: another option to consider

Agios Prokopios was on our list, but we enjoyed Agia Anna so much that we didn’t feel compelled to squeeze in another stop.

It’s a popular, organized beach with coarse sand, clear water, restaurants, sunbeds, and accommodations nearby. It’s also served by public buses from Naxos Town. I can’t compare it from personal experience, but it’s worth considering if you’re choosing a beach area to stay in or want to try somewhere else.

Best Things To Do in Naxos with Kids

There’s more to Naxos than swimming. We especially enjoyed wandering around Chora, the island’s main town, and mixing easy sightseeing into our beach days.

Explore Naxos Town (Chora)

Naxos Town has whitewashed buildings, winding lanes, little shops, and a harbor lined with restaurants. We loved walking around without much of an agenda, seeing where the streets led us.

The kids enjoyed watching boats in the harbor and investigating the shops. One shopkeeper even took the time to show them seashells outside a store. Those little interactions are often what they get excited about.

The lower town and waterfront were generally manageable with our stroller, although the terrain changes as you move into the older, uphill streets.

Walk to the Portara (Temple of Apollo)

You can see the huge marble doorway of the Portara as you arrive by ferry. It’s the surviving gateway of an unfinished sixth-century BC temple, standing on a small islet connected to town by a walkway.

We walked out to see it with the kids, and it’s absolutely worth doing. The one thing I remember being uncomfortable was the July heat. There is no shade, so I’d go in the morning or later in the day, carry water, and keep a close eye on young children around uneven ground and rocky edges.

Wander through the Kastro and old town

Above the waterfront, Naxos’s historic Kastro district is a maze of stone lanes, arches, stairs, and old buildings. It’s a fun area to explore slowly and gives the island another dimension beyond the beach.

A lightweight stroller can be handy elsewhere in town, but I’d expect to fold or carry it on some of these streets. If you have a baby or a toddler who isn’t walking confidently, a carrier may be easier here.

Other activities for a longer stay

We didn’t venture far inland during our three nights. If you have more time or a rental car, these are worthwhile options to research:

• Traditional villages: Explore places such as Halki, Filoti, and Apeiranthos for another side of island life.
• Temple of Demeter: Visit the ancient site near Sangri if your kids enjoy mythology or history.
• Outdoor activities: Look into a sailing outing, horseback riding, or age-appropriate water sports. Check minimum ages, conditions, and equipment before booking.

I wouldn’t feel obligated to fit all of these into a short family trip. We had a fantastic visit without them.

Where to Stay in Naxos with Kids

For families, I’d choose where to stay based on what you want to do and how you plan to get around. Being near Naxos Town is useful for sightseeing and dinners on foot; staying along the western beaches makes sense if swimming most of the day is your main priority.

Best Areas to Stay in Naxos for Families: At a Glance

Below, I’ll break down what it’s like to stay in each area and which accommodations I’d recommend for families.

Naxos Town and Agios Georgios: Best for walkability

We stayed in Naxos Town, and I’d recommend this area for a first visit, especially if you’re not renting a car. You can walk to restaurants, shops, historic sights, and Agios Georgios Beach, making it a convenient base for exploring with kids.

Just pay attention to your accommodation’s exact location. The historic old town has steep streets and steps, so staying near the flatter waterfront or Agios Georgios may be more practical if you’re traveling with a stroller.

Family-friendly hotels to consider:

• Polis Boutique Hotel: This is where we stayed for three nights. It’s a small, simple hotel, nothing extravagant, but clean and modern. Our room had a double bed, a sofa that converted to a single bed, an additional rollaway bed, a bathroom, and a tiny balcony. It wasn’t especially spacious, but it worked for our family of four. The location was convenient for walking around town.
• Nissaki Beach Hotel: A beautiful beachfront boutique hotel on Agios Georgios Beach, with a swimming pool, restaurant, and easy walking access to Naxos Town. A great option if you want more hotel amenities while still being able to explore on foot. Its one-bedroom suites can accommodate families of four.
• Anasasmos House: A spacious, modern three-bedroom vacation apartment in Naxos Town, accommodating up to six guests. It has a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, living room, and balcony, making it particularly appealing for larger families or those who prefer more space and privacy. It’s within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the old town, and Agios Georgios Beach. One thing to note is that although two bedrooms have additional showers, there’s only one toilet, and the apartment is on an upper floor.

For families who want to explore Naxos without renting a car, I think this is one of the most convenient areas to stay. And whether you prefer a simple hotel, a beachfront property with a pool, or a spacious apartment with separate bedrooms, there are good options for different travel styles.

Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios: Best for beach-focused families

If we returned to Naxos for a longer beach vacation, I’d seriously consider staying near Agia Anna. We loved the beach here, and having restaurants, sunbeds, and umbrellas right along the water makes it easy to spend most of the day without going far.

Neighboring Agios Prokopios is another popular option, with a beautiful sandy beach, restaurants, shops, and plenty of accommodations. Both areas have public bus connections to Naxos Town, so you don’t necessarily need a rental car, although you’ll be farther from the harbor and historic sights.

Family-friendly hotel to consider:

• Iria Beach Art Hotel: A beachfront hotel right on Agia Anna Beach, with family suites that accommodate four guests. Some offer separate living and sleeping areas, which can be especially helpful when traveling with younger kids. It’s a great location for families who want to spend their days at the beach with restaurants and other amenities steps away. Note that some suites are accessible only by stairs.

Plaka and Maragkas: Best for relaxed beach stays

Plaka and Maragkas are great areas to consider if your family wants a beautiful sandy beach and a more laid-back atmosphere, whether you prefer restaurants and beach facilities nearby or somewhere a little more secluded.

When we visited in 2021, this stretch of coastline felt noticeably more spacious and less developed than Agia Anna. The northern end, around Maragkas, has more restaurants, beach clubs, and activity, while farther south along Plaka Beach, things tend to be quieter and more spread out.

I’d pay particular attention to your accommodation’s distance from restaurants, grocery stores, and bus stops. Some families will love the peace and privacy of a more secluded location, while others will prefer having everything within a short walk.

Family-friendly accommodations to consider:

• Cosmos Hotel: A modern boutique hotel near the northern end of Plaka, around Maragkas, where there’s a bit more going on. It offers family apartments and larger villas, including options with kitchens and separate bedrooms. There’s also a swimming pool and children’s pool. A great option for families who want more space and hotel amenities while staying near the beach and restaurants.
• Nivius Boutique Houses: A boutique vacation home option farther south in the quieter Plaka area, about a five-minute walk from the beach. The property offers modern residences with private pools and outdoor space, including two-bedroom maisonettes with kitchens and separate living areas. Particularly appealing for families who want more privacy, space, and a peaceful place to retreat after a day exploring.

Our stay at Polis Boutique Hotel

We spent three nights at Polis Boutique Hotel in Naxos Town. It was small and simple, nothing extravagant, but clean, modern, and a good fit for that trip.

Our room had a double bed, a sofa that converted into a single bed, a rollaway bed, a bathroom, and a tiny balcony. It wasn’t particularly spacious, but it worked for the four of us at the time.

The location was the real advantage. We could walk to the places we wanted to see and eat around town. For a longer stay, I’d probably look for more space, but I was happy with our choice at the time. Check current room layouts and occupancy rules rather than assuming the exact configuration we had in 2021 is still available.

If your group needs more bedrooms or a different sleeping arrangement, my guide to finding hotels for a family of five also explains how to search for larger rooms and apartments. Those tips are useful for smaller families who want separate sleeping spaces, too.

How Many Days in Naxos with Kids?

I’d aim for at least three nights in Naxos with kids. That was enough for us to enjoy several beaches and spend time in town, but I’d gladly stay four or five nights next time. Five to seven nights would give you more breathing room for villages, farther beaches, and slower days.

Keep in mind that three nights might mean only two full days, depending on your arrival and departure times.

A three-night Naxos itinerary with kids

This is how I’d plan a short trip today, based on what we enjoyed. It’s a suggested itinerary, not an exact reconstruction of our schedule.

Arrival day: Get settled in Chora. Check in, walk by the harbor, and enjoy dinner in town. Don’t plan a major outing if you’re arriving late or tired from the ferry.

First full day: Agia Anna and the Portara. Have a beach day at Agia Anna, including lunch near the sand. Return to town and visit the Portara later when the sun isn’t so strong.

Second full day: Plaka and the old town. Explore Plaka and Maragkas together, then spend the evening wandering the Kastro streets and eating along the waterfront.

Departure day: Keep it flexible. Depending on your ferry or flight, you might fit in breakfast by the water or a quick walk to Agios Georgios. Leave plenty of time for luggage and transfers.

If your family would rather revisit a favorite beach than move around, do that instead. And if you have a longer stay, add an inland village outing or an extra no-plans beach day.

Getting to Naxos with Kids

You can reach Naxos by ferry from Athens and several nearby islands, or by a domestic flight from Athens. It’s a convenient stop on a Cyclades island-hopping itinerary.

Taking a ferry to Naxos

We came from Santorini aboard the Blue Star Delos, a crossing of about two hours that ran on schedule during our trip. We arrived in Naxos in the late afternoon and arranged a short taxi transfer to our hotel.

From Athens, ferries generally leave from Piraeus, with crossings ranging from roughly four hours on faster services to six hours or more on conventional routes. There are also connections with Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos, although routes and schedules vary by season.

With kids, I’d compare more than just the advertised travel time. Consider vessel size, boarding with luggage, where you’ll sit, and what happens if strong winds delay the trip. I often prefer a larger conventional ferry when seasickness is a concern.

For the wider island-hopping logistics, including how Naxos fits with other destinations, see my Greece with kids travel guide.

Flying to Naxos

Naxos has a small domestic airport (JNX), with flights from Athens (ATH) taking roughly an hour. This can be useful if you’re arriving in Athens and would rather skip the transfer to a ferry port and a longer sea crossing.

Seats and schedules are more limited than on routes to Greece’s bigger airports, so check options early for summer trips.

Arriving at Naxos Port

The ferry port is beside Chora, which makes arrival fairly straightforward. Some accommodations are walkable from the port, depending on your luggage and the kids’ energy levels.

Our hotel helped arrange a taxi. With young children, I’d confirm transfers and any necessary car seats before arriving rather than leaving it to chance at a busy port.

Getting Around Naxos with Kids

We explored Naxos without renting a car. Walking worked well around town, and we used taxis to reach beaches farther south. That suited our three-night stay, but a car would be more useful if you want to roam widely around the island.

Walking and strollers

Much of the lower part of Chora was manageable on foot with our children and stroller. The harbor area in particular made it easy to get around, while the uphill Kastro streets involved steps and uneven paving.

If you need to use a stroller, check the terrain between your accommodation and the places you expect to visit, not just the distance on a map.

Taxis and car seats

We took taxis to Agia Anna and the Plaka area. I don’t remember the exact fares or how easy every pickup was, so I wouldn’t use our 2021 trip to promise a particular price or waiting time today.

If your children need car seats, ask your hotel or transfer company to help arrange a suitable vehicle ahead of time. Families of five should also confirm passenger capacity rather than assume a standard taxi will fit everyone.

Public buses

Naxos’s KTEL buses connect Chora with Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and a range of inland villages. We didn’t use them ourselves, but they’re an alternative for families who prefer not to drive or take taxis.

The main bus station is near the port. Timetables and service frequency change by season, and the official tourism website advises obtaining an up-to-date schedule and purchasing tickets in advance. Check the latest details with KTEL Naxos before setting off.

Do you need to rent a car?

Not for the kind of trip we took. If you stay near Chora or Agios Georgios and want beaches, restaurants, and a few historic sights, you can manage without one.

But Naxos is a large island, and visiting several inland villages or less accessible beaches is easier with your own vehicle. I’d make the decision based on your accommodation location, the number of days you have, and how comfortable you are using buses or taxis with your kids.

Eating in Naxos with Kids

We really enjoyed eating out in Naxos, especially around Naxos Town (Chora). The waterfront is lined with outdoor restaurants, one after another, serving everything from traditional Greek dishes to pizza, pasta, and seafood. With so many options in one place, finding somewhere to eat with the kids was pretty easy.

We also loved the little tavernas tucked into the old town’s winding streets and the beachfront restaurants where you can dine with your feet in the sand.

Here are some of the restaurants, cafés, and dessert spots we visited during our three nights in Naxos.

Beachfront Dining in Agia Anna

One of my favorite meals in Naxos was at a beachfront restaurant in Agia Anna. We spent the day at the beach, then settled into a table right on the sand for a leisurely lunch. No shoes necessary!

The food was fresh and delicious, the setting was beautiful, and it was just such an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

Based on our photos, I believe we ate at LIATERO Beach Bar Restaurant, which is still located right along Agia Anna Beach. I can’t confirm with complete certainty that it was the same restaurant, but it’s a good place to start looking.

There are several beachfront tavernas in Agia Anna, so I’d recommend walking along the beach, checking out the menus, and choosing whichever appeals to your family.

Where We Ate in Naxos Town

Most of our other meals and food stops were around Naxos Town, which has an excellent variety of restaurants within walking distance of one another.

• Capriccio Restaurant: We enjoyed eating here along the harbor. More than any single restaurant, I particularly loved this entire stretch of waterfront dining, with one outdoor restaurant setup after another facing the water. It’s a great area to wander, compare menus, and find somewhere for dinner.
• Oniro Wine Bar Restaurant: One of our more memorable dining spots. This restaurant has a beautiful rooftop terrace with views over Naxos Town and the harbor, especially around sunset. The food was excellent, too. It felt a little fancier than our other meals, but was still somewhere we enjoyed with the kids. I’d consider reserving a table around sunset.
• Metaxi Mas: We stopped here for a snack and drinks while exploring the old town. The restaurant is tucked into one of those idyllic narrow alleyways, surrounded by whitewashed buildings. Even if you don’t eat here, I’d recommend exploring the surrounding Old Market streets.
• Maro’s Taverna: Our first-night dinner. We chose this traditional Greek taverna near our hotel for a simple, convenient meal. It’s a good option for classic Greek dishes without needing a waterfront setting.
• Yasouvlaki! Naxos: A casual spot for souvlaki, gyros, and other easy Greek food. Perfect when you want something straightforward rather than a longer sit-down meal.
• Relax Café Restaurant: Located along the waterfront near the ferry port. We stopped here while waiting for our departing ferry and ordered smoothies and crepes. A convenient option if you have some time to fill before boarding.

If you’re staying in Chora, I’d particularly recommend exploring the harborfront restaurant strip and the Old Market area. They offer two different dining atmospheres, and you’ll have plenty of choices even if none of these specific restaurants catch your eye.

Ice Cream, Waffles, and Pastries in Naxos

And of course, we made time for sweets! Gelato is a great motivator to keep going! There are plenty of dessert shops around Naxos Town, including a few we stopped at:

• Waffle House: A yummy dessert stop known for its ice cream, waffles, and freshly made waffle cones. A fun treat after dinner.
• Hans & Gretel Naxos: Another ice cream and frozen Greek yogurt dessert stop while exploring town.
• Mathiasos Pastry: We stopped to admire the beautiful display of pastries and sweets. Worth a peek if you enjoy exploring local bakeries and pastry shops.

And keep an eye out for loukoumades, traditional Greek doughnut-like balls, usually drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. We had them a couple of times in Greece, and they were so good! Definitely a treat worth trying with the kids.

Kid-Friendly Food in Naxos

You don’t need particularly adventurous eaters to enjoy dining in Naxos. Greek restaurants commonly serve easy foods like grilled chicken, souvlaki, gyros, pita bread, fries, pasta, and pizza.

Naxos is also known for its locally grown potatoes and cheeses, so it’s worth trying some local specialties alongside the familiar favorites.

My biggest dining tip? Don’t feel like you need to plan every restaurant in advance. Keep a few names saved, explore the different dining areas, and see what looks good when you’re hungry. Some of our favorite dining moments in Naxos were really simple and not heavily planned.

Best Time to Visit Naxos with Kids

For a beach-focused trip, I’d generally look at June through September. Summer brings warm swimming weather and the widest choice of seasonal restaurants and services, while September can offer warm seas with somewhat lighter crowds.

• May and early June: Better for sightseeing and milder days, though the water may feel cool and not everything seasonal will be operating yet.
• Late June through August: Full beach season, along with heat, higher demand, and busy ports.
• September: A good balance of swimming and exploring if your school schedule allows.
• October: Quieter, but with less predictable beach weather and reduced seasonal services.

We visited in late July and had a wonderful time in the water, but I’d avoid exposed sightseeing at midday. The Meltemi, a seasonal northerly wind most associated with July and August, can also affect beach conditions and ferry crossings. Check the forecast rather than assuming every day will be calm.

Visiting Naxos with a Baby or Toddler

Our youngest was three during this trip, so my firsthand perspective is from the toddler and preschool stage, not from visiting Naxos with an infant. If you’re bringing a baby, I’d pay particular attention to these practical details:

• Choose a walkable base. Staying close to Agios Georgios or the lower part of Chora can reduce the need for car-seat arrangements and long transfers.
• Bring a compact stroller and consider a carrier. The waterfront is much easier than the old town’s steps, and sand is obviously another challenge.
• Prioritize shade and easy food access. Sunbeds with umbrellas and nearby restaurants made our beach time at Agia Anna more comfortable.
• Schedule exposed sightseeing thoughtfully. Bring water and sun protection, and save places like the Portara for cooler parts of the day.
• Confirm the sleeping setup. A hotel room that technically accommodates everyone isn’t necessarily comfortable for naps or early bedtimes.

FAQs About Naxos with Kids

Is Naxos or Santorini better with kids?

For an easy mix of sandy beaches and exploring, I’d choose Naxos. Santorini has spectacular scenery, and our kids have loved it, but the steep terrain and crowds make the logistics different. I’ve visited both with children, and I break down the Santorini side in my Santorini with kids guide. For comparisons across more islands, see Best Greek Islands for Families.

Is Naxos worth visiting for only two nights?

Yes, especially if it fits naturally into an island-hopping route. I’d focus on Chora, the Portara, and one beach rather than trying to cover the whole island. Three nights gives you a little more flexibility, and that’s the minimum I’d personally prefer with young kids.

Naxos, We’ll Be Back!

Naxos remains my top all-around Greek island recommendation for families. Agia Anna was our favorite beach, the historic town gave us plenty to explore, and we had a really enjoyable three nights with our little kids.

I’d happily return for longer, maybe with a beachside base and a day to explore the villages we missed. If you’re planning your first family trip to Naxos, I wouldn’t overcomplicate it. Pick a convenient place to stay, leave time for the beach, and enjoy the island.

Planning Your Naxos Family Vacation: Next Steps

Ready to start planning your own trip to Naxos? Here’s where I’d start:

1. Decide how long to stay. Three nights worked well for us, but I’d recommend four or five if you have the time. Consider how Naxos fits into your overall Greece itinerary.
2. Choose your home base. Look for accommodations in Naxos Town if walkability is important, or around Agia Anna and the western beaches if you want a beach-focused vacation.
3. Figure out transportation. Compare ferry and flight options, and decide whether you’ll rent a car, use taxis, or rely on public buses.
4. Save a few favorite spots. Pick a couple of beaches, restaurants, and attractions you’re interested in, but leave room for spontaneous exploring.

Still planning the rest of your trip? Check out my Greece with kids travel guide for more family travel tips and logistics, or compare destinations in my Best Greek Islands for Families guide.

And if you’re considering visiting more than one island, my Santorini with kids guide shares our experience visiting another one of Greece’s most famous destinations with young children.