Best things to do in Naxos Town

Time stands still in Old Town of Naxos. The cobbled walkways and narrow streets lead to restaurants where home-cooked specialities are served in blue-and-white buildings constructed in the early 20th century. Many of these eateries are adorned with antique furniture and artifacts from the townspeople dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Arches and tunnels break through the buildings, and the beach is not far away.

Watch the sunset from a Mykonos beach, go for a stroll among the shops, restaurants, and bars, and observe the mix of culture and architecture at Little Venice. The name of this attraction comes from the quaint, whitewashed houses that stand just upon the shoreline, resembling Venice itself. Visit the houses, now turned into clubs and bars, restaurants serving Greek cuisine, and stores with a wide range of merchandise. Take a camera with you an capture your own picture of one of the most photographed places in Europe. Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the paths by the sea can get slippery.

All that's left of a temple to Apollo, The Temple of Apollo – Portara forms a dramatic frame of ancient colonnades against the sky and has become an icon of the town. Located on the island of Palatia, the attraction represents the remains of the cultural and trade center of ancient Naxos. The rest of the temple was used to construct a castle in the city center by the Venetians.

A fortification built to help protect and house the citizens of Naxos, Kastro now hosts museums, galleries, churches, and shops, as well as a number of residential homes. Wander through the four-story Venetian construction to discover a wide range of historical attractions and activities, or simply relax and take in the superb views. History buffs should tour the on-site museum to learn more about Venetian rule of the island. Stores offering elaborate textiles and pottery works are ideal for souvenir shopping.

The Windmills (Kato Milli) are the first thing approaching ships see on arrival to Mykonos. Many of the windmills were constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century. From the time they were built until the mid-20th century, these structures fueled the local economy by grinding wheat. Although the mills' grinding days are over, they remain much loved by the locals. Just below this spot you'll find cafes and restaurants that serve local fare where you can admire a view of the windmills and the sea. Although you cannot enter the windmills, you can approach them for photographs.

Protected by a bay and two islets, Panormos Beach offers a large sandy beach, a nearby village, and clear waters. Pleasure boats often anchor in the bay to allow passengers to jump into the calm waters directly from the boat deck. The village provides traditional cooking near the beach, as well as shops with locally made crafts. Thick greenery encloses the beach and covers the hilly islets as well as some of the buildings.

Arguably the most popular of the 400 churches on the island of Mykonos, features five whitewashed chapels built on top of one another. One of the Aegean's architectural highlights, the church stands out in dazzling white and provides a favorite photographic backdrop for the island's many visitors. Built in stages between the 14th and 17th centuries, the multi-layered structure's main feature is its domed church of the Virgin Mary on the top, which can be reached by an external staircase made of stone. At dusk the soft light of the setting sun creates good conditions for dramatic snapshots.

The sun-kissed Paradise Beach may be largely responsible for Mykonos' nickname the "Ibiza of Greece." Considered one of the island's main party beaches, this slice of tropical paradise attracts visitors with bars, clubs, and restaurants that serve cold cocktails and both Italian and Greek cuisine. The parties start early at this beach and extend into the wee hours of the night, with the largest crowds arriving well after midnight. You can party and dance until the sun comes up, but if you prefer daylight beach activities and wish to escape the noise for a few hours, take a guided diving adventure to the bottom of the sea.

One of Mykonos' more tranquil spots, sits in a crescent-shaped bay just a short drive from the island's main city. The wider waterfront area offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, while the beach itself features several snack bars and small cafes. You can swim or snorkel here all day, or use the beach as your base to take long boat tours up and down the coastline. The beach features a watersports club, where you can rent banana boats and snorkeling equipment, or arrange for waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons. To explore other popular beaches along the island's southern coastline, use the taxi-boat service departing from a nearby jetty.