A charming waterfront café in Naxos Town for breakfast and brunch, serving excellent Greek coffee, fresh pastries, yogurt with thyme honey, and full breakfast plates. The perfect start to a day of island exploring with lovely harbor views.
Babis Café is a waterfront breakfast and brunch café on the Naxos Town promenade, where the main harbour walkway overlooks the ferry terminal and the Portara — the iconic marble gateway of an unfinished ancient temple that stands on the islet opposite the port. The café occupies a position that makes it one of the most pleasant morning spots in the South Aegean: the sea breeze comes off the Aegean, the Portara is visible across the water, and the parade of ferries arriving and departing from Naxos port provides a naturally animated backdrop. The menu focuses on the morning and midday meal: Greek coffee (frappé and traditional), yogurt with Naxos thyme honey and walnuts, tiganites (traditional Greek pancakes with honey or jam), and a full breakfast plate with eggs, local cheese, and fresh bread. Naxos honey — from the island's thyme-covered hills — is a product of genuine regional quality, and the combination of thick strained yogurt with that honey and crushed walnuts is a breakfast that many visitors cite as the best thing they ate on the island. The café serves until mid-afternoon before transitioning to a more drinks-focused format. Coffee quality is above average for an island café, and the service is brisk and friendly.
Signature dishes
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts — €6
- Tiganites (Greek Pancakes) — €7
- Greek Coffee — €2
Good to know
- Known for
- Classic Greek breakfast with waterfront harbor views
- Hours
- 7 AM - 3 PM
Location
Naxos Town Waterfront, 843 00, Naxos
37.1044, 25.3757 View on map
Highlights
- Waterfront promenade location with views of the Portara — Naxos' iconic ancient marble gateway
- Greek yogurt with Naxian thyme honey and walnuts — a breakfast that showcases the island's finest produce
- Tiganites (Greek pancakes) with honey or jam — a traditional breakfast option rarely found at island cafés
- Ferry-watching backdrop with the animated Naxos port providing constant morning movement
- Excellent Greek coffee including frappé and traditional brewed varieties
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 AM for the quietest waterfront tables — the promenade fills quickly with ferry passengers and day visitors.
- The yogurt with Naxian thyme honey is the essential order — the local honey is among the Cyclades' finest.
- Sitting outside with a frappé while watching the morning ferries arrive is the ideal Naxos morning experience.
- The café transitions to drinks-only in the afternoon; plan a morning or midday visit for the full food menu.
- Naxos port connects to Athens and most Cyclades islands by regular ferry — the morning ferry-watching is genuinely animated.
When to visit
Morning from 7 AM through midday from May through September. The best time is early morning when the promenade is quiet and the Portara catches the first light.
Accessibility
The café is on the flat Naxos Town waterfront promenade with level access from the main road and ferry terminal. The outdoor seating is on a flat paved terrace. Wheelchair access is generally straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
What is a frappé?
A Greek frappé is an iced coffee made by shaking instant coffee with water and sugar until foamy, then adding cold water and milk to taste. It is the defining cold coffee drink of the Greek summer and has its own specific ritual.
What is Naxos thyme honey?
Naxos thyme honey is produced from bees foraging the island's abundant wild thyme. It has a distinctively aromatic, slightly resinous quality and is prized across Greece as one of the finest honey varieties.
Is the café open year-round?
The café operates through the main tourist season from approximately April through October. Winter hours are significantly reduced; check locally before planning an off-season visit.
Can I see the Portara from the café?
Yes — the Portara stands on the islet directly across from the Naxos Town waterfront and is clearly visible from outdoor promenade tables. It is particularly photogenic in the morning light.