Aronis Taverna

Aronis Taverna sits in Plaka, one of the longest stretches of sandy beach on Naxos, roughly 8 kilometres south of Naxos Town. It operates alongside Aronis Studios as part of a small family-run complex, and reviewers consistently single out the view over Plaka beach as one of the better dining backdrops on the island. The cooking stays firmly in traditional Greek territory — generous portions, straightforward preparation, the kind of food that makes sense after a long afternoon on the sand.

Plaka itself is quieter than the beaches immediately below Naxos Town, which makes the taverna a useful lunch or dinner option if you're spending time at that end of the coastline and don't want to drive back into town.

What to Expect

Aronis Taverna follows the classic Greek taverna format: a covered outdoor terrace, direct sightlines to the beach, and a menu built around familiar Greek staples. Expect mezedes, grilled meats, and the kind of Greek salads that are heavy on local tomatoes and Naxian graviera cheese. Portions have been described as generous by reviewers, which is consistent with the relaxed, family-run character of the place. It is not a fine-dining destination — the setting and the cooking are both casual and unpretentious, suited to groups, couples, and families alike.

The taverna's rating on Google sits at 3.4 from 110 reviews, which suggests a mixed but broadly functional experience. Read recent reviews before visiting to get a current picture of service and kitchen consistency.

How to Get There

Plaka is accessible by car or scooter along the coastal road that runs south from Naxos Town through Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna before reaching Plaka. The drive from Naxos Town takes around 15–20 minutes depending on traffic in the summer months.

The KTEL bus service on Naxos runs a route south along this coast, stopping at Agia Anna and continuing toward Plaka during the high season. Check the current timetable at the KTEL office in Naxos Town or at the port, as schedules vary by month. There is roadside parking near the Plaka beachfront, though spots fill quickly in July and August.

If you are staying in Plaka — including at Aronis Studios next door — the taverna is a short walk from most accommodation along that strip.

Best Time to Visit

Aronis Taverna, like most tavernas in Plaka, operates seasonally and is best visited between late May and early October. Midday and early afternoon work well for a post-swim lunch. For dinner, arriving before 20:00 in peak season is advisable to secure a table with a good beach view, as the terrace fills up on warm summer evenings.

Plaka is generally less crowded than Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna, but July and August still see significant footfall. Visiting in June or September gives you lighter crowds and a more relaxed pace.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead in peak season. Phone +30 2285 042019 to confirm opening times and check whether reservations are accepted — opening hours were not confirmed at time of writing.
• Bring cash. Smaller tavernas in Plaka don't always have reliable card payment, especially outside peak hours.
• Order the local cheese. Naxos produces some of the best graviera in Greece; any dish that includes it is worth trying here.
• Come hungry. Portions are reportedly generous, so resist over-ordering from the start.
• Check recent reviews. With a 3.4 rating across 110 Google reviews, experiences can vary — a quick look at the most recent comments will give you a realistic expectation.
• Pair it with the beach. The taverna makes most sense as part of a Plaka beach day rather than a standalone dinner destination from Naxos Town.

What's Nearby

Plaka beach itself is the main draw — a long arc of fine sand that runs for several kilometres and is shallower and calmer than some of the more exposed beaches further south. The beachfront at Plaka has several other tavernas and beach bars, so Aronis sits within a cluster of options rather than in isolation.

Agia Anna, the next settlement north, has a small harbour, a more developed strip of shops and cafes, and regular beach boat connections during summer. Naxos Town (Chora), with its Venetian Kastro, covered market, and port, is a 15-minute drive north and makes a natural bookend to a day spent at this end of the island.