Sunset Spots in Naxos: Where Daylight Bows Out

Portara – The Icon

Can a ruin feel timeless at sunset?
The Temple of Apollo — better known as Portara — is perhaps the most famous sunset spot on the island. Framed by sky and sea, the giant marble gate is all that remains of a temple that never quite came to be. But when the sun sets through its opening, it feels complete.

🏛️ Local Note: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to enjoy the changing light. The golden glow on the marble is as striking as the sun itself.

Grotta Viewpoint – Local’s Favorite

What if the best view isn’t where everyone else is standing?
Just above the Grotta neighborhood in Naxos Town, a quiet spot behind the archaeological museum offers panoramic views of Portara, the harbor, and the glowing sky beyond. It’s where many locals go to avoid the crowds on the causeway.

📍 Good to Know: Bring a drink, find a wall to sit on, and let time slow down.

Stelida Hill – Raw and Windy

Looking for space and silence?
The rocky hill of Stelida, just past Agios Prokopios, offers wide views over the sea toward Paros. It’s raw, rugged, and often completely empty at dusk. The unmarked paths feel like secret trails through golden stone and wild thyme.

🌬️ Tip: Go when the wind is low — this spot is beautiful but exposed. Wear shoes, not sandals.

Mikri Vigla – Sunset by the Surf

What if your sunset came with salt spray and wind?
On calmer evenings, Mikri Vigla becomes a dramatic place to watch the sun vanish into the waves. Kite sails ripple on the horizon, and the sky reflects off the wet sand. It’s energetic, elemental, and utterly alive.

🏄 Good to Know: The south side is quieter and better for sitting. Bring a towel or mat if you stay for a while.

Kastro Roofs – Old Town Glow

Ever watched the sky change from a medieval rooftop?
The rooftops of the Kastro district in Naxos Town offer a layered, romantic view as day fades. Stone walls, domes, and sea all light up with evening color. Find a quiet staircase or terrace and settle in.

🕯️ Local Note: Some bars and guesthouses open their rooftops to non-guests in the evening — ask politely.

Plaka Beach – Laid-back Sunset

Want to end your beach day with a soft fade?
It might take some planning and a 20-minute drive from Naxos Town, but Plaka Beach is ideal for watching the sunset. With shallow waters and west-facing views, you can sit right at the edge of the waves or choose a beachfront café.

🍹 Good to Know: A good choice if you want dinner to follow. Several tavernas serve food right up to the waterline.

Eggares or Galini – Countryside Gold

How does sunset feel in the valleys?
For a more inland experience, head to Eggares or Galini. These villages, surrounded by farmland and fruit trees, glow beautifully in the late light. The sun slips over fields and stone walls, painting the valley in deep, honeyed tones.

🚲 Bonus Idea: Rent a bike and ride the loop around sunset — low light, empty roads, and fig-scented air.