As part of my TTG Sustainable Travel Ambassador training, I was given the opportunity to visit Naxos - a gem of the Greek Cyclades with Greek National Tourism Organisation.
The island's charm instantly captured our hearts as we checked into the stunning Princess Luxury Suites, an adults-only retreat near Agia Anna Beach. This elegant escape offered everything we needed for a relaxing stay: air-conditioned suites, plush bathrobes, and even private pools for some suites (mine included!). With room service, a peaceful garden, and bicycle rentals for exploring, the Princess Luxury Suites set the perfect tone for our adventure on the island.
After a quick freshen-up, we kicked off our first evening with a sunset dinner at Sanjana Beach Club Restaurant. Situated right by the beach, the breath taking views of the sun melting into the Aegean Sea made for an unforgettable introduction to Naxos. The island’s warm embrace was just beginning.
A Culinary Adventure
The next morning, breakfast was delivered straight to our room - breakfast by my private pool! After fuelling up, we headed to one of the highlights of our trip: a cooking class with the wonderful team at Naxian Experiences. At a traditional farm, we were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Juliana, who taught us how to prepare stuffed vegetables, lamb, courgette fritters, and feta bread using an outdoor wood fire.
We were joined by Nikola from the award-winning Nikola Pittaras Creamery, and Anni from Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF).
Nikola introduced us to the local graviera cheese. With 220 Holstein cows and 150 sheep, this creamery produces some of the island’s finest dairy products. Anni gave us an overview of their work, highlighting how CPF supports sustainable initiatives and promotes the preservation of the Cyclades' unique natural beauty. As an environmental organisation, their vision is to drive positive environmental change by building networks, empowering local communities, and supporting sustainable solutions across the islands.
The smell of fresh herbs filled the air, and as we sat down to enjoy our feast, it really felt like we were part of a huge Greek family. Sharing this delicious cheese and meal with everyone was a heart warming experience that I’ll never forget.
Exploring Naxos by Foot and Sea
After lunch, we headed out for a walking trail in Kouros with Tasos, the mastermind behind the island’s scenic trails. These paths weave through Naxos’ villages, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty and cultural richness. While short on time, we opted for a swim at Agia Anna Beach. The golden sands and clear, turquoise waters were refreshing, with the underwater meadows of Posidonia (sea grass) lending an extra clarity to the water.
Our evening took us to Filoti, the largest village on Naxos, for a walking tour. The vibrant streets were lined with bars, restaurants, and gift shops, and we visited both a local folklore museum and the village church. The rich history and warm atmosphere continued as we travelled to the village of Apeiranthos, where we visited a fascinating three-in-one museum featuring geology, folklore, and fine art. Our day ended with a traditional Greek meal in a local taverna, solidifying our deepening love for Naxos and its people.
Immersing in Sustainability and History
Day three brought another lovely breakfast, followed by a visit to a family-run bio farm nestled by a secluded cove. The farm grows fruit trees, vegetables, and aromatic plants, and even produces sea salt. With a commitment to permaculture and sustainable farming methods, this family is entirely self-sufficient, and they treated us to a meal made entirely from their harvest. It was a feast for both the senses and the soul.
We then explored the village of Chalki, known for its historic Kitron Distillery. This liqueur, made from citron leaves, has been produced since 1862, and we got a first hand look at the distillation process (with a taste test, of course!). Chalki is also home to some stunning walking trails, and Natasa from Smitili Nature Walks led us on a journey through the local landscape to Kaloxylos, where we stopped for an olive oil tasting at the Ergostasio Olive Mill, a beautifully restored 19th-century mill.
Our day continued with a visit to an organic bee farm, where we learned about the importance of bees to the ecosystem and tasted honey straight from the hive. Honey and sesame dumplings, made by the beekeeper’s mother, were the perfect sweet treat to cap off the experience.
That evening, after a quick dip in my pool, we met with Naxos Wildlife Protection, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. As the sun set on the beach, they shared their passion for the island’s wildlife and their mission to protect it. The day ended with dinner at the picturesque Tortuga Beach Bar in Plaka, where we dined under the stars with stunning views of the coast.
A Farewell Tour of Naxos
Our final day began with breakfast at the Naxian Collection Luxury Villas and Suites. With fresh produce from their gardens and eggs from their own chickens, it was a delicious start to the day. After a tour of the property, we headed to Chora, Naxos’ capital, for a walking tour of the medieval castle and town. The stone-paved streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, making it the island’s bustling commercial hub while maintaining its old-world charm.
No visit to Naxos would be complete without seeing the island’s most iconic landmark -the Portara. This monumental marble gateway was intended to be part of a temple dedicated to Apollo but was never completed. Standing at the edge of the sea, the Portara is a symbol of Naxos’ rich history and a perfect spot for that final postcard - worthy photo.
For lunch, we headed to Sto Ladoxarto, a restaurant overlooking the harbour, where we enjoyed a final feast of fresh, local ingredients while taking in the stunning view of Naxos’ bustling port.
Leaving Naxos - But Keeping It Close to Our Hearts
As our trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on how deeply Naxos had touched my heart. From the warmth of the people to the island’s natural beauty, Naxos is an authentic Greek paradise. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or a history buff, this island has something for everyone.
For those seeking an immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience, Naxos is the perfect destination. I’ve left a piece of my heart here and can’t wait to return. Until then, I’ll be sharing stories of this magical place and encouraging anyone with a passion for Greece to explore the beauty of Naxos. Get in touch for more information and to book.
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