Naxos, an island renowned for its delicious local cuisine, offers visitors a culinary experience to remember. After visiting the monumental ruins at Portara and Kouroi head to the many restaurants and tavernas found throughout the island, where there is no shortage of mouth-watering dishes and refreshing drinks to enjoy.
Whether you prefer a hearty meal at a mountain village steakhouse or a taste of the sea at a fish tavern by the coast, make sure to visit the following places while exploring Naxos Hora to complete your gastronomic journey.
Waffle House: As there is no summer without gelato
Follow the crowd down one of the main streets in Hora and let the buttery aroma of freshly baked cones guide you to your next dessert destination. Trust us, the locals know best.
But before you dig in, remember you’re on a Cycladic island, so be sure to try some of the unique flavors that change throughout the day. Our top picks? The Aegean sea salt, a mix of traditional cream with fleur de sel, dark chocolate chunks, and salted pistachios, and the Chocolate with Chios mastic, Naxos citron, and whole Aegina pistachios.
Feeling adventurous? Go for the Naxian cheesecake or Naxos Graviera ice cream, where the smooth taste of the famous local cheese is paired with chunks of pasteli (a traditional Greek honey sesame brittle). And for the ultimate indulgence, pair your ice cream with a freshly baked waffle, made with a recipe that’s been perfected for 20 years. Only then will you understand why the Waffle House is a must-visit spot on the island.
Address: Dimokritou Street Phone: +30 2285023007
Aktaion; Greek summer in one bite
For a truly unforgettable culinary experience, be sure to visit Aktaion, the premier boutique pastry shop on the island of Naxos. Here, you’ll discover a range of delectable treats that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The shop’s signature offering is its award-winning macaroons, which are truly a masterpiece of confectionery art.
Featuring an array of colors and flavors, the macaroons at Aktaion are inspired by the unique tastes and aromas of Greece. Standout flavors include anise with fleur de sel, olive oil with basil and bergamot, and Thyme honey with organic lavender from Naxos. Additionally, you’ll find unique flavors such as citron and skamno, a Naxian berry, with rum and chocolate. Each macaroon is a true work of art, and you’ll find it hard to resist trying one, or even two.
In addition to the macaroons, Aktaion also offers macaroon-flavored ice cream, which is a true delight. And, before you leave the island, be sure to take some of your favorite flavors with you, packaged in one of the shop’s stylish boxes, which feature photographs of the Aegean Sea by photographer Leda de Piart. This unique collaboration of nature, art, pastry, and photography is sure to evoke sweet memories of your holiday on Naxos long after you’ve returned home. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind culinary experience at Aktaion.
Address: Ring road Phone: +30 2285 026111
Probonas; the top choice for traditional and delicious home-crafted Naxian products
The Probonas family, with their privately-owned citron orchards, has elevated the production of citron products to an art form.
Whether you’re in the mood for an aromatic liqueur or a refreshing drink, the traditional flavors of citron are sure to please both locals and visitors alike. Indulge in the sweet and tangy loukoumia, a traditional Greek treat akin to Turkish delights, or savor the rich, vanilla-flavored ypovrihio, served chilled in a glass of cool water. These treats are perfect for a nostalgic taste of childhood summers.
For a more portable option, consider taking some candied citron peels, pasteli, or halvadopites – traditional Greek sweet snacks made with almonds, honey, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla – with you to enjoy on the beach. And when it comes time to head home, don’t forget to bring back a jar of the famous spoon sweets or jams as a delightful memento of your visit.
The fourth generation family business is dedicated to continuing the legacy of their forebearers by infusing their passion and expertise into the production of various types of liqueurs and citron-based drinks at the family distillery, which has been in operation since 1915. These products are truly exceptional, whether enjoyed chilled or as a component of special cocktails.
In addition to the liqueurs and drinks, the Probonas family also offers a selection of other traditional, homemade products, such as lemonade, tart cherry juice, and Limoncello made from locally-sourced lemons. It’s easy to see why Probonas is considered the top choice for pure, traditional, and genuine Naxian products.
Address: Protopapadaki Phone: +30 2285 022258
Naxos Chora Map
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