The Castro old walled city section, on its elevated ground overlooking the harbor, provides some of the quietest and most photogenic alleyways to be found in the town. It survives from the days when Naxos was an outpost of the Venetian empire.
Daytime activities center around the beaches, especially those to the south of town, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna and Plaka being the most famous ones. Naxos beaches, like those on many Greek islands, offer clothing options. Generally, nude sunbathing is more frequently encountered in southern beach communities that have sand dunes blocking the view from the access road - such as in Plaka.
At the end of Plaka beach nearest to Ag. Anna there is a group of rocks and small coves, and this area is excellent for naturists. It is hidden from the road by trees, yet is an easy 300m walk along a flat beach from the bus stop at Paradiso taverna.
For those who love adventure, the island offers many opportunities for active sports. Bluefindivers Naxos Diving Center (http://www.bluefindivers.gr), located at Agios Prokopios beach, offers beautiful and safe diving/snorkeling trips around the island. Excellent conditions are formed among meadows of sea weed Posidonia Oceanica, sand banks, reefs and vertical cuts along with shipwrecks, not only for marine life but also for the divers/snorkelers who explore them.
Truly ancient ruins are limited to the Portara gateway, visible from the harbor, and a rather modest half-finished Kouros statue uncovered in a quarry near Melanes Kouronohori as well as a larger version near Apollonas on the northern coast. Special attention has been given in recent years to the sites of Dimitra's temple at Sangri, and Dionysus' temple below Glinado village, where the Ministry of Culture organizes full moon concerts in July and August.
The tiny harbors of Lionas and Moutsouna on the East coast are very picturesque and quiet even in the summer months. Both have tavernas and a beach. A newly asphalted road from Moutsouna down to Panermos is also very much worth exploring, as it passes by several secluded bays.
