Apollonas is a tiny coastal village that you might not have heard of when planning your trip to Naxos. It’s often overlooked by travelers who stay in the capital city or the more well known beach towns. While we ended up visiting Apollonas Beach by accident, it turned out to be one of our favorite places on Naxos! Here’s some fun tips from our experience, and why you shouldn’t miss out on Apollonas.
Where is Apollonas Naxos?
Apollonas is located on the northern tip of Naxos Greece. Over the years, it’s drawn in nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts who want to explore more of the remote areas of the island.
It’s not near the more popular beach towns of the western coast like Agios Prokopios so not as many visitors make the trip. However, those who do immediately see the charm of this old fishing village.
The easiest way to get to Apollonas is to rent a car. Read our tips for renting a car on Naxos and check the prices here. From where the ferries arrive, you can drive along a winding, but well-maintained asphalt road. From island’s capital of Chora it will take about one hour to Apollonas Naxos.
This route is a scenic and fun way to go while seeing the sights along the way. For those who want to pack as much in as possible, can follow our one day in Naxos guide. We went up into the mountains and then cut down to the village of Apollonas after an afternoon of adventure.
This was a long and wild day, but was the perfect way to experience a different side of Naxos. Honestly, we can’t blame you if you’d rather just relax on the gorgeous beaches. Yet, if you want to see something different, then we highly recommend this drive.
Our Visit to Apollonas Naxos
At some point during our road trip, we spotted a coastal town on the map leading down from the mountain roads. There wasn’t much about it online, but we were super hungry and ready or some lunch.
Wasting no time, we took a chance and pulled into Apollonas Naxos late in the afternoon. We would soon find out that this village is known for its fresh fish, delicious meat dishes, and local products.
There aren’t many places to stay here so most travelers include it as part of a day trip. However, if you do want to spend the night, there is a very cute hotel called Adonis Hotel Naxos.
The property is built in a simple Greek style which is common with accommodations around Naxos. It has rooms that overlook the town and Apollonas Beach.
Driving into Apollonas can be a little tricky if you’re not used to the tight roads of Greece. In fact, they’re so small in some sections that you might think they are one way!
Be patient on your Naxos road trip and don’t take any unnecessary risks around the corners. Look for a spot in the main parking lot (location) and pick somewhere where you won’t get blocked in.
After parking, we took a stroll through the scenic harbor. The town is very small, with the main highlights being the seafront restaurants and Apollonas Beach in Naxos. Our breakfast had long worn off by now, so it was time for lunch!
Delicious Seaview Lunch
We perused the different menus at the local tavernas and decided to get lunch at Kalimera Grill. All the meat here comes from their local farm which is just outside of Apollonas Village. We started with a massive Greek salad which is how we kick off most of our meals in Greece.
For our mains, we decided to go with two of our all time favorites in moussaka and grilled lamb! We spent over an hour sipping on cold wine, eating a delicious lunch, and taking in the beautiful sea view.
It ended up being one of our favorite lunches on the entire island hopping trip. Not only was the meal amazing, but the authentic feel was what you dream of when planning a vacation to Greece.
Swimming at Apollonas Beach Naxos
After a delicious lunch we headed down to the water. Apollonas Beach in Naxos may be small, but it’s the perfect place to get some sun and have a refreshing swim.
The northern winds can get quite strong on Naxos’s northeastern coast. However, if you are visiting in the summer months it should be plenty warm enough to take a dip!
The soft golden sand is soft and a nice switch up from the many of the rocky beaches you see around Greece. If Apollonas Beach happens to be crowded, you can walk down to the right side along the Aegean Sea. This will take you to a long stretch of sand where you can find your own space to lay out.
Is Apollonas Naxos Worth Visiting?
Yes! If you couldn’t tell, we absolutely loved our visit to Apollonas Naxos. It was just a small part of our full day road trip, but an afternoon we’ll never forget.
Many travelers opt to stay near the Old Town and just hit the beaches nearby. Yet, if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you will find so many unique sights and small towns to discover.
Trust us when we say that the traditional feast was well worth the drive itself! Also, don’t miss out on the Kouros of Apollonas, which a 10 meter tall statue dating back to 8th century BC.
Be sure to check out more of our favorite things to do in Naxos here before your visit. Read our ferry guide if you’re heading to Paros after Naxos. Below we share some of our best money saving travel resources to help plan your trip.
- ⛴ Use FerriesinGreece to compare different routes, prices, and companies.
- 🐎 Find hundreds of activities using Get Your Guide in Greece.
- 🎒 Scan through our packing lists, electronics gear & flight essentials.
- ☎️ Get a Greece E-Sim before you arrive to stay connected!
- 🛩 Check out Skyscanner for cheap flights.
- ☀️ Never travel abroad without insurance like SafetyWing.
- 🏨 We search both Booking.com and Agoda to find places to stay. Also, visit Hostelworld if you’re on a budget.
- 🚘 Use Discover Cars to explore the islands with a car (as low as $15 a day!)
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own experience in Apollonas Naxos? Let us know in the comments below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
