A Cultural Journey Through Naxos’ Museums

five Must-See Museums in Naxos

1. Archaeological Museum of Naxos (Chora Town)

Location: Inside the Venetian Castle in Chora, current temporary exhibit at Saint Ursula Cultural Center 
Opening Hours:

  • Winter (Nov 1–Mar 31): 09:00–14:00, closed Tuesdays

  • Summer (Apr 1–Oct 31): Same hours, closed Tuesdays 
    Admission: Free year-round 
    Highlights: Cycladic figurines, Mycenaean and Roman artifacts, ancient mosaics, marble sculpture fragments — a vital snapshot of Naxos’ archaeological breadth

2. Site Museum of Naxos Mitropolis (Chora)

Location: Naxos Town, at the excavation site of the old cathedral 
Opening Hours:

  • Winter: Visit upon request (Nov–Mar), closed Tuesdays

  • Summer (Apr–Oct): 08:30–15:30, closed Tuesdays 
    Admission: €5 per person
    Highlights: Artifacts preserved in situ—Mycenaean vessel workshop, Geometric-period tomb, and Roman-era residences—unique for their exact archaeological context 

3. Archaeological Collection of Yria (South of Chora)

Location: On the site of the Dionysus sanctuary in Yria
Opening Hours:

  • Winter (Nov–Mar): 08:30–15:30, closed Tuesdays

  • Summer (Apr–Oct): Same hours, closed Tuesdays
    Admission: €5 (includes access to the archaeological site) 
    Highlights: Finds from the sanctuary in use from the Late Bronze Age through Roman times—archaeology imbued with spiritual history 

4. Archaeological Collection of Apeiranthos (Michalis Bardanis Museum)

Location: Apeiranthos village (~32 km from Chora) 
Opening Hours:

  • Winter (Nov–Mar): 08:30–15:30, closed Tuesdays

  • Summer (Apr–Oct): Same hours, closed Tuesdays 
    Admission: €5 per person 
    Highlights: Prehistoric marble figurines, clay vessels, tools, rock paintings, and hammered plaques from “Peak of Aroni”—a deep dive into ancient Cycladic heritage 

5. Archaeological Collection of Gyroulas (Sangri)

Location: At the Temple of Demeter site in Gyroulas, Sangri (~11 km from Chora) 
Opening Hours:

  • Winter (Nov–Mar): 08:30–15:30, closed Tuesdays

  • Summer (Apr–Oct): 08:30–15:30 except Tuesdays; summer Sunday: 08:00–20:00 
    Admission: €5 (includes temple site)
    Highlights: Thoughtfully designed into the temple grounds (Europa Nostra award)—displays excavated pottery and ritual objects spanning Archaic to early Christian periods

✅ Extra Visiting Tips

Avoid Tuesdays — most museums are closed.

Last entry 20 minutes before closing — check signage onsite 

Free admission days: First Sunday Nov–Mar, International Museums Day (May 18), National Holidays, etc. 

Combine visits by area: e.g. Yria and Sangri museums; Chora’s Castle Museum and Mitropolis.

Bring small cash: Some collections have separate ticket areas or limited card options.

Check on Google Maps: Some museums might be temporarily closed for maintenance or other reasons

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