Anthony Bourdain visited the Greek islands as part of his show “Parts Unknown,” as a guy who opted for authenticity over tourist brochure destinations, he opted for Naxos.

Naxos: Marble and History

Unlike most Greek islands, which are overrun by selfie-stick-wielding tourists, Naxos has its own thriving ecosystem of businesses and a unique culture rooted in its history. Imagine all Cycladic beauty, but at scale, it’s the largest island in the Cycladic archipelago.

If you plan to splurge on your new patio with marble, look nowhere but Naxos - nowadays is commercially known as Naxos Crystallina. The stone is nonporous, which makes it sturdier and weather-resistant. It has a bright hue, a faint translucency, and a bit of sparkle. This makes it a prized possession; you can find Naxian marble in palaces, top-notch penthouses, and museums.

The Temple at Sangri and the Temple of Apollo are constructed entirely of gleaming Naxian marble. The Temple of Apollo is a must-visit, located just north of the central port city on a tiny islet.

Local tip: You can visit it anytime for free. It's perfect for that sunrise shot. You’ll pretend it was spontaneous, but it was probably planned for Instagram. Thanks to our subscriber, Nick, for the pics and the tip! 😊

Feed your belly, eyes, and heart!

Okay, enough with history. Let’s move on to the main part of this post: the outstanding culinary experience one can taste in Naxos. Think of Greek cuisine but on Steroids.

These three-hand-picked restaurants are so good that they would have likely turned down Anthony if he applied to become a head chef. Yes, they are that good. 🥸 

Nikos and Maria 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 

Borrowing some words from A.B., “This is no place for the menu-fumbling tourist; it’s where real travelers come to eat,” and yes, it will leave you questioning your life's choices.

Started in 1974, it is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Naxos. It is located on Plaka Beach and offers a laid-back experience in an idyllic setting. The culinary experience is authentic and rooted in traditional Naxian cuisine and feels like the Aegean Sea RSVP’d to your meal.

People rave about the fresh seafood - MUST TRY the grilled octopus and calamari - all products used are local, the fish are usually caught the same day, and the vegetables are from the restaurant’s garden. I am not drooling; you are. 🤤 

Platanos 🌳 

We are heading up to the mountains of Naxos and into the picturesque village of Aperathos, known for its narrow marble streets that wind through traditional Cycladic architecture. Home of the Natural History and Folk Art museums, it gives you a great chance to soak up some culture right before dinner.

Speaking of dinner, Platanos is where you’ll end your day — make it there in time to catch the breathtaking views before digging into some tavern food. Trust me, after one bite of their lamb, you’ll understand why Zeus hung out and hiked in these parts.

Classic Greek fare is the name of the game. The lamb is slow-cooked to perfection and packed with flavor, but it’s not only that; make sure to try fava, stuffed vegetables with feta, and mousaka. FYI, if you try authentic Greek feta, you may never want to buy President Feta 🤮 

Taverna Sto Kyma… 🌊 

Sto Kyma is nestled right on the beach of Agia Anna. It’s the kind of place where, while you eat, the sea gives you a standing ovation. The seafood is so fresh that you think it probably had vacation plans before ending up in your belly.

The menu is as Greek as F*$k: moussaka, souvlaki, and the obligatory Greek salad —you need a 'healthy' option to justify the extra Naxian wine — but it’s not just the food it’s the setting. You sit on the beach with your toes in the sand, watching the sunset, and realize what perfection and serendipity look like.

For the full Anthony Bourdain experience 🏘️ 

If you are a Bourdain fan — don’t look for places to stay, just book Villa Cassandra. You’ll feel like channeling the man himself, sipping raki, and plotting your next culinary adventure.

Happy Travels! 🗺️