
When it comes to sightseeing, both islands have a lot to offer. Sightseeing and activities in Mykonos and Naxos The traditional stone houses and Venetian towers are very typical of Naxos, and you will get the chance to observe the local life. People who like exploring local villages should visit Apeiranthos, Filoti, Chalki and Koronos. These settlements are popular with visitors because of their long, sandy beaches that provide many services. Naxos, on the other hand, has several interesting inland villages, most of which are up on the mountains.Ī few kilometres south of Naxos Town, you will find the coastal towns of Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka. Chora Mykonos is more upscale, with several gourmet restaurants and exclusive shops.Īpart from the main town, Mykonos has very little to show in terms of traditional villages, as most of the other settlements are tourist resorts. Tou will find numerous tavernas, cafes, souvenir shops and travel agencies all around. Naxos town is defined by the impressive Venetian castle. You can literally wander around the narrow, white-washed alleyways for hours, and explore the Cycladic architecture. They are both on the coast, and Naxos town is also the island's port town. The two island capitals, Mykonos town and Naxos town, are among the biggest in the Cyclades. Let's explore the two Cycladic islands in more detail. In Naxos, visitors can explore a few ancient sites and iconic statues. Mykonos itself doesn't have much in terms of ancient ruins, but history enthusiasts will love Ancient Delos, a small island nearby. On the other hand, Naxos has several traditional villages, which isn't really the case in Mykonos. While Naxos isn't thought of as a party island, there is adequate nightlife in some areas. Mykonos is world famous for its party scene. Naxos has more natural beaches than Mykonos, and you will need your own wheels to explore all of them. You will see the famous white-washed houses and blue domed churches, typical of the Cycladic architecture.īoth islands offer incredible sandy beaches, which is what made them famous in the first place. The first thing that will strike you in both Mykonos and Naxos are the large capital towns, which are both called Chora. If you are thinking to visit both islands, I would suggest spending longer on Naxos, as there is a lot to do. Mykonos, on the other hand, is possible to explore in a couple of days, not counting beach time, or party time. It would take you several days, maybe weeks, to explore the whole island, even if you are driving yourself. Naxos is about five times the size of Mykonos. Mykonos is drier, and much of the terrain is occupied by holiday homes, villas and resorts. Naxos has a few olive groves and fertile areas, where farmers grow the famous Naxos potatoes and other vegetables and crops. You won't see any lush forests like the ones in Kefalonia, Lefkada or the Sporades islands, still you will love the beautiful scenery. Like most of the Cyclades, Mykonos and Naxos are overall dry, with lots of rocky terrain.

This comparison of Mykonos vs Naxos will help you decide which one is best for you.

However, each island might appeal to different types of people. The large, mountainous island is one of my favourite places in Greece. If I had to choose just one of the two, I would recommend Naxos.

I was lucky to explore both Naxos and Mykonos without the crowds, which was a really unique experience. I visited the two islands in the last couple of years. They are only about an hour away from each other on the ferry, so you could visit them both on the same trip. The two islands belong to the Cyclades group of islands, and are close to the famous Santorini. Naxos or Mykonos: Which Greek island is better for you? This article will help you decide which one to visit. Despite their proximity, the two popular islands are quite different to each other. People who visit Greece are often torn between Mykonos and Naxos.
