Whether just browsing or looking to buy, Naxos features pockets of buzzing little shopping districts with interesting shops and fine gifts that are sure to be appreciated by you and/or your loved ones back home. Here is a quick roundup of where to go and what to buy.
Whether just browsing or looking to buy, Naxos features pockets of buzzing little shopping districts with interesting shops and fine gifts that are sure to be appreciated by you and/or your loved ones back home: from leather sandals and funky t-shirts, to dozens of delicious local cheese varieties, hundreds of organic herbs to contemporary marble works of art and coffee table books.
On Naxos, traditional souvenirs, useful bric-a-brac, yummy local food products, traditional from-the-loom linens, handmade jewelry, mouth-watering sweet preserves, interesting liqueurs, Naxian marble object d’art, wooden sailboat models, ceramics, embroideries, baskets and organic olive oil soaps and beauty bars, are just some of the items worth seeking out.
The shopping districts are located in downtown Chora, in the Old Town, and in some of the larger villages, namely Chalki, Filoti, Apiranthos, Damalas and around the popular beach areas of Agios Prokopis, Agios Georgios, Agia Anna and Apollonos.
Keep in mind that when visiting in the off-season, the shopping is mostly centered around town, the Old Town and the more populated villages, such as Chalki, Apiranthos and Filoti.
Here is a quick by-are guide of where to browse, shop and dine in between:
Downtown Naxos: The main shopping streets of downtown Naxos start along the port where many restaurants, cafes, bars, tourist shops are located and continue, southeast, to Socrates Papavasiliou, the main shopping street off the main port with rows of stores carrying casual wear, shoes, electronics, and accessories. Heading east, the street meets Aristidi Protopapadaki and the main square known as Plateia Protodikeiou aligned with restaurants. In between are little offshoot streets with restaurants, little shops and boutiques.
Local “musts” include:
At the port: a visit to Promponas and Citron Café for products and beverages made with the local liqueurkitro; the supermarket of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Naxos for a great selection of their special local cheeses and wide selection of Greek products; on Papavasiliou street: the shops, Tziblakis, Tyrokomia (Koufopoulos) Naxou and Veronis each offering a variety of traditional goods, wares, herbs and selection of cheeses.
Old Town, Naxos: Just behind the main port, in a maze of streets that head up to the Kastro, is the Old Town and Palia (old) Agora. Here is a bounty of little shops and markets with Greek products, T-shirts, scarves, jewelry, cafes, bars, bakeries, restaurants, museums and art shops. Musts here include: Fresh bread from the Velonis bakery, a visit to the Vintzileos market.
Shopping by the beaches at Agios Prokopios, Agios Georgios, Agia Anna and Apollonos: for traditional beachy summer souvenir shops flip flops, hats, etc.
Village Shopping: A tour of the shops in the picturesque villages offer visitors another experience, from the traditional unique handmade woven to contemporary works of art.
Don’t miss:
In Apiranthos: This village is buzzing in the summer with charming restaurants, cafes and tavernas.Shoppers don’t miss the variety of handmade traditional woven items direct from the women’s cooperative of Apiranthos and the small shop with a great selection of herbs and spices. Also in summer, check out the shops at the village’s museums.
In Chalki: In recent years, this picturesque village, that was once the capital of the island, has become a very interesting place to visit for several of its art galleries, unique restaurants, coffee and pastry shop.
Don’t miss a visit to the traditional Vallindras Citron Distillery for tour and chance to taste and buy different varieties of citrus liqueur produced by the family since 1896.
Damalas: Visit the pottery workshop of Manolis Lybertas. The workshop provides the chance to witness thepotter in action, providing insight into the island’s ancient skill and historic form of art. You are sure to be amazed at the large number of ceramics and pottery on the shelves.
Tip: Just driving through the villages, you will come across outdoor and ceramic and marble galleries and workshops compelling you to stop and shop or simply enjoy the browse.
