Ultimate Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Naxos, Greece

Why you should visit Naxos, Greece:

Naxos is a beautiful island near Santorini and Paros that has incredible turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and amazing food. I would say that some of the best food I had during my trip to the Greek Islands was on Naxos.

In this travel blog post, I will guide you through the top 10 must-do activities on Naxos, ensuring that you make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination. Immerse yourself in the ancient villages, relax on stunning beaches, and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine. Let's explore the best of Naxos!

best hotel in naxos, greece:

Wondering where to stay when you visit the island of Naxos?

I had a wonderful stay and experience at Naxos Island Hotel. Just a few yards from Agios Prokopios Beach, the 5-star Naxos Island Hotel features a rooftop pool with a restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. It offers a wellness center with hot tub as well. It was also located across the street from one of my favorite restaurants on the island.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Naxos, Greece:

1) Go to Rotanda Naxos for lunch and enjoy one of the most beautiful 360-degree views on the island

Rotanda Naxos was hands down the best restaurant to go to on the island of Naxos. It had 360-degree views of the island and ocean views right from our table. The property had gorgeous gardens and the food was also delicious.

2) Take a catamaran tour with Actionseaze catamaran tours

This experience that departed from Naxos Old Town was a wonderful day trip experience that took us to beautiful crystal clear coves to swim in. The food they served us for lunch was some of the best food we had on our entire trip, so highly recommend booking with Actionseaze if you want to do a catamaran tour on Naxos.

3) Visit Agios Propieros beach

This beach was gorgeous and was my favorite on the island of Naxos. It’s only a two-minute walk from Naxos Island Hotel so highly recommend staying there if you want to be close to a beautiful beach!

4) Eat at Giannoulis resturatant for a wonderful tavern experience and the BEST dessert I had in all of Greece!

This tavern was right across the street from Naxos Island hotel and I ate here several times during my trip. The food was amazing and the dessert they come around with was something I wish I could buy back here in the states!

5) Explore the old and beautiful streets of Naxos Old Town

After the catamaran tour I took, I explored Old town since that is where the boat docked. Make sure to wear good walking shoes when walking around Old Town! The shops were so much fun to go in and out of and I couldn’t get over the beautiful streets.

6) Explore the ancient villages

Naxos is home to many picturesque villages, such as Apiranthos, Filoti, and Halki. These villages are filled with traditional architecture, quaint tavernas, and friendly locals. We rented a car and it was very easy to get up to these towns ourselves.

7) Take a Day Trip to the Small Cyclades: small Cyclades islands, including Koufonisia, Iraklia, Schinoussa, and Donoussa are within a boat ride away from the island of Naxos.

8) See the sunset from the Apollo temple

This is the best spot on the island of Naxos to watch the sunset, so make sure to add it to your list for when you visit.

9) Visit Plaka beach

If you are looking for another beach to go to, this beach is accessible by car and is in a different area of the island. I didn’t get a chance to visit during my trip but have heard great things about the area of Plaka.

10) Drive up to Mount Zas to see incredible views
On your way to the small villages and Rotanda Naxos, make sure to stop at Mount Zas to see 360 degree views of the entire island of Naxos.

Overall, I think Naxos should definitely be added to everyone’s bucket list. It was such a beautiful island that I think is often skipped by most tourists who visit the Greek islands. I can’t emphasize how amazing the food was and how beautiful the beaches were. It was a very family-friendly island too!

Discover Zion National Park In Utah: Must-Do Activities & Restaurants in Springdale

Why SHOULD YOU VISIT zion national park?

Zion National Park is one of my favorite national parks I have ever been to! If you do it at the right time of the year, the hikes are amazing and there is so much to do there. Once you see these Zion National Park photos below, you will want to add it to your bucket list.

where is zion national park?

Zion National Park is located in Springdale, Utah which is about a 3-hour drive from the Las Vegas Airport. We rented a car from the Las Vegas Airport and drove to Springdale as that had the best flight schedule during our dates. I highly recommend to go from Las Vegas to Zion National park for a good and easy travel experience.

The closest airport to Zion National Park is St. George Regional Airport, which is about a one-hour drive to the park. Flight schedules here will be harder to line up and getting a rental car in the area of this airport can also be a challenge.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR ZION NATIONAL PARK?

Flanigans Resort and Spa in Springdale is the perfect place to stay when visiting Zion National Park. The location is just minutes out of the park entrance and they have gorgeous grounds and amenities including a pool, hot tub, spa services, on-site restaurant, and a hiking trail.

See here for a blog post about my experience staying at Flanigans Resort and Spa.

top 5 hikes in zion national park:

1) Angels Landing / Scout Overlook Trail

Everyone knows about the famous and scary Angels Landing hike in Zion National Park. Many hikers have actually died on this trail, but only on the chains section that is end the end of it. You can hike all the way to the top almost before they ask for your permit.

This hike is called Scout Overlook trail and it was my favorite hike in Zion National Park. It is very steep but the views are worth it 100%. Highly recommend starting this hike very early in the morning as it can get very hot and crowded which ruins the beauty of the hike. Some of my favorite photos of the hike are below!

2) Emerald Pools Trail

A waterfall in Zion National Park? Emerald pools trail is one of the best hikes I went on during my time in Utah. The trail had beautiful views but also had the most gorgeous waterfalls. There are three sections of Emerald Pools trails: lower, middle, and upper pools. We did all three pools and they did not disappoint! If you don’t have the time to do all three, I recommend going to upper falls the most, just because you get the closest to the waterfall and it is incredible!

3) Narrows River Walk

This is a very relaxing and beautiful hike/walk that goes along the river. It is mostly shaded which is really nice for a hot day. Note that this hike also gets really crowded, so I would recommend going in the late afternoon, as most people go here in the morning since it’s the farthest stop the shuttle goes to.

4) Canyon Overlook Trail for sunrise

This is a fun and easy hike that takes you up to beautiful views of the rocks of Zion. I highly suggest doing this hike at sunrise for the most amazing colors on the rocks. It’s also important to do this hike early in the day because there is barely any parking and the spots fill up very fast.

5) The Narrows

The famous Narrows hike in Zion National Park is most definitely one you cannot miss if it is open. It is a very long and strenuous hike, and you must have the proper shoes and equipment for it. If you are considering doing the Narrows during your trip to Zion, I highly recommend researching a lot ahead of time. You must also have a permit for this hike.

Note— this can only be accessible at certain parts of the year. When I went in May of 2023, they were closed as the river levels were too high)

top 4 restaurants near zion national park:

1) Spotted Dog Cafe

This cafe is more upscale dining in the Springdale, Utah area and it has delicious food! They are located in Flanigans Resort and Spa which I did a blog post on here (which in my opinion, is the best place to stay when visiting Zion National Park).

2) Cafe Soleil

Cafe Soleil has the most amazing food and smoothies (get the apricot pear one!! It’s so good that I got it three times when I last visited Zion). I highly recommend going here after a long hike for a great breakfast or lunch.

3 Bit and Spur for great drinks, specialty dishes, and a gorgeous patio

4) Oscars Cafe for delicious Mexican food

Note— they don’t take reservations and sometimes there can be a long wait. So make sure to go early or know you can put your name down and then go walk around Springdale

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT:

The best time of year to visit Zion National Park is in May. This is because the park is warm enough for all of the hikes but the crowds are not in full swing yet for the summer. I did a lot of research on this when I was deciding what time of the year to go and another good month would be September.

WEATHER IN ZION NATIONAL PARK:

You may be wondering what the weather is like throughout the year in Zion National Park. The weather changes very fast in the park so make sure you come prepared with multiple layers every day.

In May, the temperatures were around highs of 75/80 degrees Fahrenheit, and at night it was a bit chilly. This is another reason why May is such a great month to visit Zion because the temperatures can become very high in the later summer months.

summary:

Overall, Zion National Park must be added to your bucket list! It is such a gorgeous place and I truly believe everyone should see it in their lifetime. If you are an avid hiker or just want to see beautiful nature, I couldn’t believe the sweeping views this park had.

Another great perk was the shuttle service, the shuttle system in Zion was run very well and we didn’t have to worry about parking once during the trip— which can be an issue when visiting other National Parks.

Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed this blog post about the top 10 things to do in Zion National Park, and that if you are planning a trip there soon, that you have the best time!

Discover the Big Island of Hawaii: Top 10 Must-Do Activities

Why SHOULD YOU VISIT THE BIG ISLAND?

Welcome to the enchanting Big Island of Hawaii, a paradise that offers a lot of exciting activities and breathtaking landscapes. From active volcanoes to pristine beaches, this travel guide will unveil the top 10 must-do experiences that will make your Hawaiian adventure unforgettable.

Wondering where to stay on the Big Island? Check out this blog post here.

BEST HOTEL ON THE BIG ISLAND:

Looking for the best hotel and place to stay when visiting the Big Island? Here are some great options below depending on your budget!

• Luxury: Fairmont Orchid- Hawaii

• Best overall: Mona Kea Beach Hotel

Top 10 Things To Do- Big Island of Hawaii:

1) Visit the amazing Akaka Falls State Park

Embark on a scenic hike through lush rainforests to reach the majestic Akaka Falls. Cascading from a height of 442 feet, this waterfall offers a stunning sight worth capturing on your camera!

2) Have a fun zipline experience with Hawaii Zipline Adventure

We decided to do this adventure at the last minute and were so glad we did! I booked it a day in advance and it was one of my favorite things we did while visiting the Big Island.

3) Visit Rainbow Falls and marvel at the beautiful waterfall there!

We did a quick stop at this waterfall and it did not disappoint! It’s right by the town of Hilo so if you are going up there for anything else, that would be the perfect time to visit Rainbow Falls. Note this is a drive up waterfall, no hiking is required.

4) Visit the Honomu Goat Farm to feed adorable baby goats

This goat farm is a few minutes away from the Zipline tour. I highly recommend stopping here to feed the goats and get some caramels from the shop even if it’s for a few minutes!

5) Snorkel with Manta Rays:

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with gentle manta rays. Guided night snorkeling tours offer a surreal experience as these graceful creatures glide through the ocean.

Unfortunately, during my trip there no manta rays came but the tour company I went with gave us a lifetime warranty so the next time we come to the island, we can get the chance to swim with them! Either way, we saw this beautiful sunset (picture below) during the boat ride.

6) Visit Waipio Valley overlook

This is one of the most beautiful overlooks on the entire island in my opinion.

7) Have lunch at Mauna Kea Resort and enjoy the beach there after

This is one of the most beautiful resorts on the Big Island. Highly recommend staying here or getting lunch down by the beach.

8) Discover the Green Sand Beach at Papakolea

Embark on an adventurous hike to Papakolea Beach, also known as the Green Sand Beach. Marvel at the unique olive-green sands and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Sadly, I didn’t get to this beach when I was on the Big Island last, but hope to go there in the future!

9) Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature as you visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Walk along volcanic craters, witness flowing lava, and discover the unique flora and fauna thriving in this volcanic wonderland.

10) Visit the Waimea Farmers Markets on Saturdays
This is a must-do if you are staying close to Waimea. The food is amazing at these farmer’s markets and there is also great souvenirs to purchase.

Summary:

Overall, no matter what you do on the Big Island of Hawaii, you will not be disappointed! The Big Island of Hawaii is a true haven for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper connection with Hawaiian culture. With this top 10 list, you're equipped to immerse yourself in the best of what the Big Island has to offer. Embrace the Aloha spirit and create cherished memories that will stay with you forever.

Flanigans Resort and Spa: The Best Hotel near Zion National Park

Flanigans Resort and Spa Review: Springdale, Utah

Looking for the best place to stay near Zion National Park? Flanigans Resort and Spa is the place to be! This was my favorite place to stay during my Utah trip and I couldn’t recommend it any more. Linked here is a video that captured my experience staying at this beautiful property.

Flannigans Resort and Spa is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. With its idyllic location near the stunning Zion National Park, this resort provides a rejuvenating retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

LOCATION: 10/10

Located just outside of Zion National Park in Springdale, this resort is within walking distance from the town and cute restaurants. It’s also a couple of minutes drive from the entrance to the park. The location is perfect for anyone wanting to go into the National Park. This made it super easy to get into the park without having to deal with the traffic on a busy day. The location couldn’t be any perfect!

SERVICE: 10/10

The front desk was extremely helpful and also knowledgeable about the area. They gave us tips of where to eat and explore during our trip. They also told us about the complimentary wellness events that they have every day at the resort.

Whenever we needed something, they were always on top of it.

AMENITIES: 10/10

The pool, spa, labyrinth, and restaurant were all incredible! This resort has it all and then some. The pool was extremely relaxing, especially after a long day of hiking.

I personally loved the spa and got a Deep Canyon CBD massage which was incredible, especially after the long days of hiking. The pool area was beautiful and had a gorgeous view of the mountains of Zion.

on-site Restaurant: 10/10

The restaurant, Spotted Dog Cafe, had incredible views of Zion National Park and the food was delicious. What made the restaurant so wonderful as well was the amazing service!

The food was incredible: I got the pesto pasta and the lemon cake for dessert. Even if you aren’t staying at the resort, you must try the Spotted Dog Cafe!

OVERALL RATING: 10/10

If you are looking for a boutique hotel that has it all and is super close to Zion National Park, this is the place for you!

Flannigans Resort and Spa in Springdale, Utah, is a sanctuary of serenity and natural beauty. With its prime location near Zion National Park and an array of services and amenities, this resort offers an unforgettable experience for every guest. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, relaxation in a luxurious spa, or simply want to bask in the splendor of nature, Flannigans Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for a remarkable getaway. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the wonders of Springdale and Zion National Park.