Naxos Sailing Cruise with Lunch and Snorkelling

Naxos Harbour and the Portara

The cruise begins on the Paralia, the harbour promenade of Naxos town, lined with cafés and fishing boats. At the harbour entrance stands the Portara, the huge marble gateway of an unfinished Temple of Apollo begun around 530 BC on the islet of Palatia. Above the port rises the old town, with the Venetian Kastro of the 13th century crowning the hill and white houses tumbling down to the sea.

Sailing out of the harbour, you see the Portara framed against the sky from the water, one of the best photo moments of any Naxos boat trip. Your captain sets the course for the day according to the wind and sea, explaining the route and safety on board before the sails go up. The return in the late afternoon brings you back past the same view, often in softer, golden light.

The West Coast Beaches of Naxos

South of Naxos town, the west coast is a long chain of sandy bays: Agios Georgios at the edge of town, then Agios Prokopios with its golden sand, the small port of Agia Anna and the endless beach of Plaka backed by dunes and fields. Further south, the headland of Mikri Vigla separates two bays that are popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. From the sea, you see how wild and open this coast still is.

Along this coastline the skipper looks for sheltered coves away from the busy beaches for swimming stops. The water is crystal clear, and over sand it turns a bright turquoise that looks almost unreal. If you are wondering whether a sailing cruise in Naxos is worth it, this is the reason: you reach quiet corners of beautiful beaches that are crowded on land but empty from the water.

Snorkelling Coves and Swim Stops

Full snorkelling equipment with masks and snorkels is provided, and the crew shows beginners how to use it. Around rocky points you can see bream, wrasse, colourful starfish and sea urchins, sometimes an octopus hiding between stones. The swim stops last long enough to enjoy the water at your own rhythm, while others rest on deck or in the shade.

The exact coves change daily. Like every boat trip in the Cyclades, this cruise follows the weather: in July and August the northerly meltemi wind can blow strongly, and the captain chooses the most protected side of the island for comfort and safety. In calmer conditions the boat may cross towards the coast of Paros, opposite Naxos, for a swim in a different setting.

Lunch on Board and Sailing Between Naxos and Paros

Around midday the yacht anchors in a calm bay and the crew serves a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch, inspired by traditional Greek family cooking, followed by seasonal fruit and coffee. Vegetarian dishes are available on request. Halal food is limited on Naxos, so if you have dietary needs tell us when booking and we will check what can be arranged.

In the afternoon, with the wind filling the sails, you experience the best part of the day: the quiet hiss of the hull through the water, Paros on the horizon and Naxos's mountains, crowned by Mount Zas, behind you. The best time to go sailing in Naxos is from late May to early October, when the sea is warm; June and September usually offer the gentlest winds.

Private Sunset Sail and Private Full Day

Besides the shared full-day cruise, two private options let you have the yacht with its captain and crew member only for your party. The private sunset sail lasts about two hours from 18:30, watching the sun drop behind Paros with fresh fruit, soft drinks and water. It is a favourite with couples and families who want a short, memorable evening on the sea.

The private full day lasts about seven hours from 10:00, with lunch, snacks, fruit, coffee and soft drinks, snorkelling gear and a stand-up paddleboard. The route and the pace follow your wishes, within what the wind allows. Both private options leave from the Naxos town waterfront, and you can choose them in the booking panel on this page.