520 Bar

520 Bar — trading under the name 520 Premium — sits in the Παλιά Πόλη, the old quarter of Naxos Town (Chora), with a rooftop veranda that looks directly over the port and toward the medieval castle. It opens in the morning and runs through to the late evening, functioning as a bar, restaurant, and event venue depending on the hour.

With over 1,400 Google ratings averaging 4.1, it draws a consistent mix of islanders and visitors who come for the views as much as for the drinks and food.

What to Expect

520 Premium positions itself as an all-day destination. During the day the focus is food — Greek dishes given a contemporary twist, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a menu described as having a balanced, unfussy approach. The drinks list runs from classic cocktails (a 500ml Negroni appears among the signature offerings) through fruity mixed drinks and juices.

The standout feature is the rooftop terrace. The elevated position over the Old Chora gives clear sightlines to the Naxos port waterfront and the Kastro, the Venetian castle that dominates the old town's hilltop. The same setting doubles as an event space for birthdays, pre-wedding celebrations, and group bookings, with the sunset hour being the most in-demand slot.

The vibe throughout the day is relaxed and informal. It is not a fine-dining room — the outdoor veranda seating and all-day format keep things casual — but the food is treated seriously, with the kitchen making a point of freshness and seasoning.

How to Get There

520 is in the Παλιά Πόλη district of Naxos Town, the warren of narrow lanes that climbs toward the Kastro. From the main harbor front (the Paralia), head inland and uphill toward the old town — the walk from the waterfront takes around five to ten minutes on foot. The streets in this area are pedestrianized and too narrow for cars, so driving directly to the door is not possible.

If you are arriving by ferry, the port is a short walk south along the waterfront before turning inland. KTEL buses from the villages on the island all terminate at the main bus station on the harbor, leaving you the same short walk.

Parking is available along the harbor road and in the main square area; leave the car there and walk up into the old town.

For table reservations, the contact number listed on the website is +30 22850 27271.

Best Time to Visit

520 operates as a summer venue — Naxos's bar and restaurant scene peaks from late June through early September. The rooftop is best in the evening, when the Kastro is lit and the port traffic gives the view some life. Sunset from the terrace, with westward exposure over the water, is genuinely worth timing your visit around; arrive thirty minutes before sunset to secure a table with a clear view.

Midday visits are quieter and more suited to a meal rather than drinks. The bar side picks up from late afternoon onward. If you are visiting outside peak season, check directly with the venue that it is open — many Naxos Town bars reduce hours or close entirely from October through April.

Tips for Visiting

• Book ahead for sunset slots. The rooftop terrace fills quickly in high season, particularly for the hour either side of sunset. Use the reservation contact or email [email protected] to secure a table.
• Come for the view, stay for the cocktails. The large-format Negroni is a practical option if you are sharing a table and want to keep things simple.
• Event space bookings need lead time. For private events — birthdays, hen nights, pre-wedding gatherings — contact the venue well in advance, as the rooftop is frequently reserved for group use in summer.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Getting to the old town from the port involves uneven cobblestones and a short climb; it is not difficult, but it rules out anything with poor grip.
• The neighborhood is worth exploring. The Kastro and the Catholic cathedral are a few minutes further uphill from 520; it makes sense to combine a visit to the bar with a walk around the old quarter.

What's Nearby

The Kastro — the 13th-century Venetian fortification at the top of the old town — is the most significant landmark within walking distance, roughly five minutes uphill from 520. Inside the castle walls you will find the Naxos Archaeological Museum, housed in a former Jesuit school building, which holds one of the better collections of Cycladic figurines and early Bronze Age finds in the islands.

The main waterfront promenade is a short walk downhill and connects to the causeway leading out to the Portara, the freestanding marble gateway of an unfinished Temple of Apollo — one of the most recognizable sights in the Cyclades and worth visiting before or after dinner.