What to Wear in Naxos: Grippy Shoes for Marble Alleys, Mount Zas Trainers and Wind Layers

Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Naxos has a wonderfully relaxed, unpretentious family and foodie atmosphere, smart-casual linen, cotton sundresses, shorts and flat leather sandals take you everywhere on the island. Here is one piece of good news for your suitcase: because Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki and Alyko all have pure, stone-free sandy bottoms, you do not need water shoes on Naxos's main beaches. Instead, focus on these four practical items. Before setting out, review our naxos travel guide and things to do guide so you can coordinate local transport, walking distances and seasonal daylight hours across each neighbourhood.

Four Practical Packing Rules for Naxos

1. Rubber-Soled Flat Sandals or Trainers (For the Polished Marble of Apeiranthos & The Kastro): while the beaches are soft sand, the stepped medieval alleys of the Chora Venetian Kastro and the gleaming white marble pavements of Apeiranthos are polished as smooth as glass by centuries of footsteps. Never wear slick leather-soled slides or heels; wear flat sandals with real rubber tread or trainers.
2. Proper Trail Trainers for Mount Zas, Kouros & Potamia Valley: if you plan to hike up to the Cave of Zeus and the 1,003-metre summit of Mount Zas (or walk the shaded stream trail through the Potamia watermills to the Kouros of Flerio), pack closed-toe cushioned trainers with good ankle support.

3. A Light Windbreaker, Denim Jacket or Cardigan for Portara Sunsets & Mountain Villages: walking out across the open sea causeway to the Portara at sunset or dining outdoors at 600 metres elevation in Apeiranthos / Rotonda in the evening is breezy, even after a 29°C August day, you will be glad to have a light long-sleeved layer.
4. A Snug Sunhat, Sunglasses & A Modest Scarf for Byzantine Churches: keep a light cotton scarf or sarong in your daypack so you can step respectfully inside 6th-century Panagia Drosiani, the Catholic Cathedral in the Kastro, and Filoti's church. Check seasonal weather before boarding your ferry.