
Naxos Old Town & Kastro
Explore the ancient Venetian Kastro and charming maze-like streets of Naxos Old Town, a historic gem with artisan shops and stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Naxos Old Town & Kastro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Venetian Kastro and charming maze-like streets of Naxos Old Town, a historic gem with artisan shops and stunning views.
"It's fun to walk through the ancient streets and discover the shops, art gallery and cafes."

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and uneven paths are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
🗺️ Embrace Getting Lost
The maze-like alleys are part of the charm. Don't stress, just enjoy the discoveries!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Venetian Kastro
Naxos Town
Explore the ancient Venetian castle, a maze of alleys and historic architecture designed to ward off pirates.

Old Market Streets
Naxos Old Town
Wander through charming, narrow streets filled with artisan shops, galleries, and cafes.

Naxos Archaeological Museum
Kastro
Discover artifacts and learn about the history of Naxos within the former boarding school.

Temple of Apollo (Portara)
Near the port
Iconic marble gateway offering stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Labyrinth
Restoration in Progress
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and uneven paths are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
🗺️ Embrace Getting Lost
The maze-like alleys are part of the charm. Don't stress, just enjoy the discoveries!
☀️ Beat the Midday Heat
Explore early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and biggest crowds.
🏛️ Check Restoration Status
Some areas of the Kastro are under renovation, but it's still worth exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
Cobblestone streets and uneven paths are everywhere. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
🗺️ Embrace Getting Lost
The maze-like alleys are part of the charm. Don't stress, just enjoy the discoveries!
☀️ Beat the Midday Heat
Explore early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and biggest crowds.
🏛️ Check Restoration Status
Some areas of the Kastro are under renovation, but it's still worth exploring.
🛍️ Shop for Local Crafts
Discover unique jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs in the old market streets.
🐱 Friendly Felines
You'll likely encounter many friendly cats lounging around the old town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Naxos Old Town and Kastro for its charming, labyrinthine streets, rich history, and authentic atmosphere, often comparing it favorably to more crowded islands. The ongoing restoration is seen as a positive effort to preserve its heritage, though it can lead to temporary closures.
"It’s fun to walk through the ancient streets and discover the shops, art gallery and cafes. There’s is a lot of restoration happening at the moment which is nice to see. One worker let us peak our heads inside a door and see the gigantic beautiful room they were restoring. You can get a feel for what it was like back then and pretty amazing to imagine how they lived. The museum is nice and can see the old boarding school that it later became with some photos and brief history. Lunch on the roof top cafe was fabulous- food and service !"
Lisa Cefalu
"The town was built around the castle as a maze to fend off pirates. There are tiny doors and windows as you walk around the castle and some ruins to show how they protected their belongings and is fascinating to walk around."
j lai
"Great place to visit in Naxos. I went here at the recommendation of a friend and it’s a sprawling area with some little shops and a museum and cute little alleyways. Up some amount of stairs but not difficult to get to at all."
Sarah Chou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Naxos Old Town and Kastro are located right in Naxos Town, adjacent to the ferry port. If you arrive by ferry, it's a short walk. Taxis are also readily available from the port to take you to the entrance of the old town.
Parking can be challenging in the immediate vicinity, especially during peak season. It's often recommended to park a short walk away and explore on foot.
Naxos Airport (JNX) is small. Taxis are the most convenient way to get from the airport to Naxos Town and the Old Town/Kastro.
Naxos Town, including the Old Town and Kastro, is best explored on foot. The streets are narrow and often pedestrianized.
While buses serve the wider island, Naxos Town itself is very walkable. If arriving from another part of the island, buses will likely drop you near the port, which is a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Naxos Old Town and the Kastro itself is free. You can wander through the streets and explore the exterior architecture without purchasing a ticket.
The Kastro is an open area and can be explored at any time. However, individual shops, cafes, and the museum within the Kastro will have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to visit the Naxos Archaeological Museum located within the Kastro. Check current prices upon arrival.
While not as common as in larger cities, you might find local guides offering tours, especially during peak season. It's also easy to explore independently.
The Kastro is accessible at night, and it can be a magical experience with fewer people. However, be mindful of lighting and ensure you have a flashlight if exploring very late.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can wander through charming alleys, discover artisan shops and galleries, visit the Naxos Archaeological Museum, and enjoy rooftop cafes with stunning views. The Kastro offers a glimpse into medieval architecture.
The Kastro is a Venetian castle built in the 13th century to protect residents from pirate raids. It's a maze of narrow streets, tiny doors, and historic buildings, offering a unique historical experience.
Yes, the old market streets are lined with numerous shops selling local crafts, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and art.
It can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season and midday. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds.
Naxos Old Town is known for its many resident cats, often seen lounging in sunny spots. They are generally friendly and accustomed to people.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are many tavernas, cafes, and restaurants scattered throughout the Old Town and Kastro, many offering rooftop seating with great views.
Absolutely! Many rooftop cafes and restaurants offer fantastic views of the town and the Aegean Sea, especially beautiful during sunset.
You'll find traditional Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, and local Naxian specialties. Many places offer a charming dining experience.
Yes, numerous cafes are perfect for a coffee break, a refreshing drink, or a light snack while exploring the old town.
Certainly! Several bars are located within the Old Town, offering a great atmosphere for evening drinks, some with live music or DJs.
📸 📸 Photography
The narrow, winding alleys, the Kastro's architecture, colorful doorways, and the Portara at sunset are all incredibly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow. Sunset at the Portara is a must-capture moment.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be respectful when photographing private residences or inside museums.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the narrow streets and expansive views. A zoom lens can be useful for details within the Kastro.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially over historical sites or residential areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the Naxos Archaeological Museum for a brief educational stop, though it might be more engaging for older children. The open spaces within the Kastro and the nearby waterfront provide areas for kids to move around. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for uneven terrain.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can comfortably dine alone, perhaps enjoying a rooftop view or people-watching. The friendly cats also provide some charming company. The safety of the area is generally high, making it a comfortable destination for solo exploration.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the Portara at sunset for iconic shots. The Old Market Streets are also fantastic for capturing vibrant scenes of local life, shops, and the ubiquitous cats. Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon will yield the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Venetian Kastro
While much of the original structure remains, significant restoration efforts are currently underway. This means some areas might be temporarily closed, but it also provides a unique opportunity to witness the preservation of historical sites. Visitors can still get a strong sense of the Kastro's past, imagining life within its walls centuries ago. The museum offers a deeper dive into the island's history, showcasing artifacts found within the Kastro and beyond.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be uneven and steep in places. The Kastro is best explored at a leisurely pace, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden corners.
The Charm of Naxos Old Town Streets
Many visitors describe the Old Town as having a similar charm to Mykonos or Santorini but with significantly fewer crowds, especially outside of peak season. This makes it a more relaxed and authentic experience. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to clothing and local delicacies. The atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, inviting you to linger and explore at your own pace.
Don't miss: Keep an eye out for the many friendly cats that call the Old Town home; they often add to the picturesque scenes. The area is also home to several churches, such as the Church of Pantanassa and Saint Triada, adding to its historical and cultural appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit