Taverna Apollonas

Taverna Apollonas is a long-running Greek taverna in the fishing village of Apollonas, on Naxos's northern coast. The village sits about 37 kilometres from Naxos Town along a scenic coastal road, and after that drive — or a boat trip from the port — a table at a waterside taverna is exactly what the moment calls for. With 471 Google reviews and a rating of 4.3, Taverna Apollonas is clearly a reliable stop for visitors who make the journey north.

Apollonas itself is a small, unhurried settlement built around a fishing harbour and a pebble-and-sand beach. The taverna is positioned to take full advantage of that setting, with views over the water that make a long Greek lunch easy to stretch out.

What to Expect

This is a classic Greek taverna in character and menu. Expect fresh fish bought from the local fishing boats, along with the standard pillars of Greek comfort food: grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, fried calamari, and assorted mezedes. Meat options typically include grilled pork chops, lamb, and souvlaki — straightforward preparations that prioritise quality ingredients over elaborate technique. Local Naxian products, including the island's well-regarded potatoes and cheeses, often appear as sides or starters.

The dining area is open-air or semi-covered, facing the harbour. Service is informal and family-oriented, which is standard for this part of the island. Portions are generous. The wine list will include bulk house wine and a selection of bottled Greek labels.

Opening hours run daily from 10:00 AM to midnight, making it equally suitable for a late breakfast, long lunch, or evening meal.

How to Get There

By car: The most practical option. Drive north from Naxos Town on the main coastal road toward Apollonas — the journey takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes depending on stops. The road hugs the coastline and passes through Engares, Galini, and Koronos. Parking is available in and around the village.

By bus: KTEL Naxos operates a bus service from Naxos Town to Apollonas, though departures are limited — check the current schedule at the KTEL office or bus station in Naxos Town before planning around it. The ride takes about an hour.

By boat: During summer, small excursion boats operate day trips from Naxos Town port to Apollonas. This removes the need to drive and adds a scenic sea approach to the village.

The taverna is within easy walking distance of the Apollonas harbour and beach — everything in this small village is close together.

Best Time to Visit

Apollonas is quieter than the resort towns on the western coast, which is part of its appeal. Summer weekends can draw day-trippers, particularly in July and August when excursion boats and road-trippers converge on the village at lunchtime. If you want a table without a wait, aim for a weekday or arrive early — by noon rather than 1:30 PM.

The shoulder months of May, June, and September offer the best balance of good weather, fresh local produce, and manageable crowds. The taverna is open year-round based on its listed hours, though it's worth calling ahead outside peak season to confirm.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead on weekends in summer. The number is +30 2285 067005. Apollonas gets busy at lunchtime in July and August and walk-in tables can disappear quickly.
• Combine with the Kouros of Apollonas. Just above the village is one of Naxos's ancient unfinished marble statues (kouroi), a ten-minute walk from the harbour. It makes an easy pre-lunch detour.
• Bring cash. Small tavernas in remote Naxos villages do not always have reliable card payment infrastructure — confirm when you call.
• Order the fish of the day. Whatever was on the boats that morning is the thing to eat here. Ask the server what came in fresh rather than defaulting to the printed menu.
• The drive itself is worth it. The coastal road from Naxos Town to Apollonas is one of the island's better scenic routes. Factor in time for stops at viewpoints or quieter beaches along the way.

What's Nearby

Apollonas village organises itself around a single small harbour. The Kouros of Apollonas — a 10.5-metre unfinished ancient marble statue abandoned in a hillside quarry above the village — is the main cultural sight and takes no more than 20 minutes to visit. The village beach is a short walk from the harbour and mixes sand and pebbles with calm, clear water. A handful of other small cafes and snack bars line the waterfront. Farther south along the mountain road, the village of Koronos offers a glimpse of traditional Naxian mountain life if you want to extend the day trip before heading back to Naxos Town.