Apollon paradise

Apollon Paradise sits on the waterfront in Naxos Town (Chora), just a short walk from the Portara — the freestanding marble gateway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo on the islet of Palatia. The position alone makes it one of the more naturally rewarding spots in town to settle in with a drink: you get open water views, the Portara silhouette in the distance, and the easy pace of the old port neighborhood around you.

The place operates as a café-bar, meaning it covers the day from morning coffee through to evening wine without asking you to commit to a full sit-down meal. That flexibility suits the location well.

What to Expect

The menu leans toward drinks and lighter food rather than full dishes. Greek coffee is the anchor of the morning offer — the kind made slowly in a briki and worth lingering over. As the day progresses, fresh fruit salads with seasonal produce (melon, peach, cherry, apple) are a reliable choice when you want something light between beaches or sightseeing. Come evening, the focus shifts to wine, with local Naxian varieties available by the glass alongside the standard Cycladic suspects.

The setting is relaxed and unfussy. This is a spot for watching the light change over the water rather than an elaborate dining experience. The Google rating sits at 4.4 from 136 reviews, which reflects a consistent rather than exceptional operation — people come for the view and the coffee, and they leave satisfied.

How to Get There

Apollon Paradise is in Chora, Naxos Town, close to the northern edge of the old port area near the causeway that leads out to the Portara. On foot from the main Naxos Town waterfront promenade, walk north past the harbor toward the Palatia islet; the café is along the waterfront route before you reach the causeway itself. It is easily walkable from anywhere in the old town or the port in under ten minutes.

If you are arriving by ferry, the port is the same port — walk out of the terminal and head north along the waterfront. Driving into Naxos Town can be slow in high season, and parking near the port fills quickly. The area around the Portara is best approached on foot regardless.

Best Time to Visit

Sunset is the clear peak moment. The Portara faces west, and the waterfront here catches the full low light of late afternoon — arriving around 30 to 45 minutes before sunset gives you time to claim a seat and order before the light becomes photogenic. In July and August this stretch gets busy in the early evening, so earlier arrival is sensible.

For a quieter visit, mornings work well: the port area is calm before the day-trippers and beach crowds are moving, and a Greek coffee here with the water to yourself is a good way to start the day. Shoulder season — late April through June and September through October — offers the best combination of pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds.

Tips for Visiting

• Pair it with the Portara: Walk out to the Portara before or after your stop here — the round trip on foot takes around 15 minutes and the two are a natural combination.
• Order local wine in the evening: Naxos produces its own wines, and asking for a local option by the glass is straightforward and often more interesting than the default house pour.
• Fruit salads over anything heavy: If you want food, the seasonal fruit salads are the right call — fresh, light, and appropriate to the setting.
• Phone ahead in shoulder season: Opening hours are not confirmed online; calling +30 2285 027605 before an early morning or late evening visit is worth the effort outside July and August.
• Bring cash as backup: Small café-bars in Naxos Town vary on card acceptance — having euros on hand avoids any friction.

What's Nearby

The Portara and the islet of Palatia are the immediate neighbors, accessible via a short causeway a few steps from the café. Back toward the old town, the Venetian Kastro district is a 10-minute walk uphill — a compact medieval quarter of marble-paved lanes and tower houses worth exploring after your drink. The main Naxos Town beach (Agios Georgios) begins south of the port and is a five-minute walk in the other direction. The central market street of Chora, lined with delis, bakeries, and shops selling Naxian cheese and kitron liqueur, is also within easy walking range.