Nestled in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Naxos boasts crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and a vibrant culinary scene. For foodies who love to combine their passion for food with boating, Naxos is the perfect destination. Embark on a boating adventure and explore the island’s rugged coastline, hidden coves, and secluded beaches. Stop at local fishing villages and sample freshly caught seafood, including octopus, squid, and sardines, grilled to perfection over an open flame. Indulge in traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki, made with locally sourced ingredients and bursting with flavor. Explore the island’s interior and discover the rich agricultural landscape that produces some of Greece’s best-loved products, including olives, olive oil, and cheeses. Visit local farms and taste the variety of cheeses, including feta, graviera, and kefalotyri, accompanied by homemade bread and locally produced wine.
The port of Naxos town is a great place to dock, with a wide range of restaurants and tavernas nearby that serve fresh seafood, traditional Greek cuisine, and local wine. The town also has a lively atmosphere and is home to some of the island’s top cultural attractions. Plaka beach is a long stretch of sand with crystal-clear waters and several restaurants and beach bars that offer a variety of fresh seafood, Greek dishes, and cocktails. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery after a day of boating. Another popular spot with several restaurants and tavernas that serve traditional Greek food, fresh seafood, and local wine is Agia Anna. The beach is also known for its stunning sunset views. Mikri Vigla is a beautiful and secluded beach that’s ideal for anchoring. There are a few tavernas nearby that serve fresh seafood and traditional Greek cuisine, making it a great spot for a peaceful and romantic dinner.
Barozzi is a high-end restaurant and cocktail bar located in Naxos Town that opened in 2017. It has quickly become a popular destination for both tourists and locals due to its contemporary design, exceptional service, and outstanding gastronomic experience. The restaurant is well-known for using high-quality raw ingredients and for having world-renowned chefs and mixologists on staff. If you’re looking to try excellent Naxos cuisine, Axiotissa is a must-visit tavern located in Kastraki, 18 km south of Naxos Town. A bit further away, 30 km from Naxos Town, the tavern Matina and Stavros is located in the village of Koronos, if you’re willing to make the trip. This restaurant has been serving classic Greek dishes for years, and it’s a favorite among locals. The menu includes homemade stews, stuffed dumplings, lemony lamb with potatoes, braised goat, and omelets with local greens, all made with products from their own production. Lefteris is a famous tavern located in Apiranthos, Naxos’s most famous mountain village. It’s known for its beautiful courtyard and delicious food, including a juicy burger stuffed with Naxos gruyere, local greens, cheese pies, and beef steak. In Vasilarakiou is a butcher’s tavern located in the small mountain village of Kynidaros. The restaurant offers a variety of expertly grilled meats, including lamb and goat ribs, various cuts of beef steak, homemade sausages, kokoretsi, and kontosouvli, all of which come from their own butcher shop. Taverna Haris is a family-run restaurant located in Eggares village, away from Naxos Town. It serves traditional Naxian recipes made with care and thought, including a huge and hearty omelet made with at least ten eggs, local potatoes, and Naxos gruyere cheese.
Visiting local markets in Naxos is a great way to immerse yourself in the island’s culture and cuisine. You can taste the fresh produce, meet local vendors, and find unique local specialties to take home as souvenirs. The main market in Naxos Town is the largest on the island, offering a great selection of fresh produce, local cheeses, and other specialties like Naxian Kitron liqueur. However, there are also smaller markets in the villages that are worth exploring. For example, the market in Apollonas is known for its fresh fish, while the market in Filoti is well known for its cheeses and dairy products. If you’re looking for local honey, nuts, and dried fruits, the market in Potamia is a great place to visit. Meanwhile, in Koronos, you can find homemade pasta made by local women using traditional methods, as well as other local products like fresh produce, cheeses, and meat.
Now that you have experienced the delicious and traditional Greek cuisine on the island of Naxos, it is likely that you may be interested in learning how to prepare these dishes yourself. Fortunately, there are many cooking courses available that can teach you how to cook authentic Greek cuisine using fresh and local ingredients.
Cooking classes on Naxos typically take place in a traditional kitchen, where you’ll learn how to make authentic Greek dishes using local ingredients. Classes may be taught by a local chef or home cook and can be customized to your preferences and dietary needs. Some classes may focus on classic Greek dishes like moussaka and tzatziki, while others may explore regional specialties like Naxian cheese pie. Classes may also incorporate the use of organic and seasonal ingredients and may include a visit to a local market or farm. In addition to cooking classes, there may be culinary tours or experiences available on Naxos, where you can learn about the island’s food culture and history while sampling local delicacies. These tours may include visits to local producers, restaurants, and wineries.
If you’re looking for an immersive way to explore Naxos’ local culinary scene, a foodie boating tour might be just the thing for you! Consider this itinerary:
Day 1
Visit a local dairy farm in the village of Filoti to sample Naxos’ famous cheeses and dairy products. Afterwards, stop at a local bakery to try traditional Naxian pastries like “amygdalota”. In the evening, anchor in a picturesque bay and indulge in a dinner featuring local cheeses and other Naxian specialties.
Day 2
Explore the local markets in the village of Potamia, tasting local honey, nuts, and dried fruits. Stop by a local winery for a wine tasting and learn about the local grape varieties. For dinner, find a beautiful bay and enjoy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and paired with local wine.
Day 3
Sail to the village of Koronos and visit a local pasta workshop to learn how to make traditional Naxian pasta. Stop by a local restaurant for lunch and try the local dish “patoudo”. End the day by dropping anchor in a bay near Naxos Town and savoring a farewell dinner featuring Naxian specialties.
