Avaton 1739

Some of the best places are the ones you have to work a little for. This is for sure true for Avaton, a really special spot in Naxos Town. The walk up to the Venetian Castle where it’s located is maybe 15-20 minutes, but it’s like a journey. You go through these tiny, winding streets in the Cycladic village, with whitewashed walls and colorful flowers everywhere. It feels like a beautiful experience by itself. You’ll want to take your time, and for sure you will take photos. And when you get to the top, the reward is so much worth the effort.

A Restaurant with History

Once you are there, you realize this is more than just a place to eat. The restaurant, Avaton 1739, is located in the historic Old Monastery of Ursulines, which is inside the stone walls of the Venetian Castle. The number 1739 in the name is even the year the school opened! Inside the building, you can find a lot of history, with museums like the old kitchen of the Ursulines. It’s pretty cool how they mix all this history with a modern café and bar. This spot was even awarded the Authentic Greek Cuisine® Gold Award in 2022, which tells you they are serious about their food.

A Drink with a View

We actually went to Avaton twice on our trip, and both times we went for a drink. They have coffee, wine, and a full dinner menu, but the view is the thing that makes it special. You can see the whole main city center from up there. It’s perfect to just relax and take in the sights. I tried their homemade lemonade and, on a hot Greek summer day, it was the perfect choice. Not too sweet, very refreshing, you know?

A Sweet and Tangy Surprise

On our second visit to this lovely place, we decided to try a dessert. We chose the lemon curd dessert. It was really a surprise! A perfect balance of sweet and sour. It had a wonderful crumbly biscuit on the bottom and was served with a cool vanilla ice cream scoop. The textures and flavors were exactly what you want in a dessert—a little bit of everything.

The Final Say

Avaton is on the more expensive side, for sure. But the quality of the food and drinks, the top-notch service, and most important, that breathtaking view, make it completely worthwhile. If you are like me and you are on a budget but still want the magic, I say just go for a drink or a dessert instead of a full meal. That way you can still get the incredible atmosphere and scenery without spending a fortune. It’s a truly special place and perfect for a romantic evening or a celebration.

*Disclaimer: Everyone’s taste and experience could be different, this is just based on the visit we had and our personal opinion. 🙂