Aki's Balcony

Aki's Balcony (To Mpalkoni tou Aki) is a waterfront bar-restaurant in Aliki, a fishing village on Naxos's southeastern coast about 13 km from Naxos Town. Open daily from 10 AM to 11:30 PM, it draws both locals and visitors for its location directly above the water and its combination of coffee, drinks, and Greek taverna staples.

What to Expect

The terrace sits right on the edge of Aliki's small harbor, with tables under a pergola looking out over fishing boats and the bay. You'll find a menu that mixes Greek taverna classics—grilled octopus, fresh fish, Greek salads—with simpler bar fare like sandwiches and meze platters. Drinks run from coffee and soft drinks in the morning to beer, wine, and cocktails after sunset. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious; families come for lunch, couples for evening drinks. Service can slow when the terrace fills, especially in high season.

How to Get There

Aliki is 13 km south of Naxos Town via the main coastal road toward Pyrgaki. From Naxos Town, head south through Agios Arsenios and continue past the airport turnoff. When you reach the fork at the south coast, turn left (east) toward Aliki. The bar is on the waterfront in the center of the village, visible from the main road that skirts the bay. Parking is informal along the road; arrive before 8 PM in July and August to avoid circling.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive around 7:30 PM in summer to claim a table before sunset—the light over the bay peaks between 8 and 8:30 PM.
• If you want fresh fish, ask what came in that morning rather than ordering from the menu; daily catch isn't always listed.
• The breeze off the water can turn cool after dark, even in August—bring a light layer if you plan to linger.
• Lunch service (noon–3 PM) is quieter than dinner and faster if you're in a hurry.
• Parking is tight; consider walking from your accommodation if you're staying in Aliki.

The Menu and Specialties

The kitchen leans on Naxos staples: grilled meats, fried calamari, Greek salad with local cheese, and whatever fish the boats brought in. Portions are generous. The octopus and grilled sardines are consistent choices. For lighter eating, the dakos (Cretan barley rusk with tomato and feta) and tzatziki are solid. Prices sit in the mid-range for the island—expect €8–12 for meze, €12–18 for mains, €15–25 per kilo for fresh fish. The wine list is short, mostly Greek labels, with a few Naxian bottles. If you're here for drinks only, the freddo cappuccino is good in the afternoon, and the house white wine pairs well with the view at sunset.

What's Nearby

Aliki Beach is a two-minute walk east along the waterfront—a small, sheltered cove with shallow water and tamarisk shade. The beach at Pyrgaki, broader and sandier, is 5 km southwest. The village itself has a handful of other tavernas, a mini-market, and a bakery. If you're exploring the south coast, Agia Anna and Plaka beaches are 10–15 minutes north by car, and the Cedar Forest trail starts about 6 km inland from Aliki.

Best Time to Visit

June and September offer the best balance: warm evenings, fewer crowds, and easier parking. July and August bring the busiest terrace and the longest waits for food, but also the liveliest atmosphere and guaranteed good weather. In May and October, hours may shorten and the kitchen may close earlier in the week—call ahead if you're visiting outside peak season. Sunset timing shifts through the season; check local sunset time and arrive 30–45 minutes early to settle in.