Naxos
Naxos is the largest and most fertile Cycladic island.
If you like to combine relaxation with entertainment, Naxos is the ideal island for you. Cycladic air, beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, fine cuisine, and the picturesque town of Chora with countless entertainment options are the key elements that make up this diverse Aegean island.
According to Greek mythology, Zeus, although born in Crete, grew up on the island of Naxos, which is why Mount Zeus or Zas was named after him. Dionysus, son of Zeus and Semele and god of wine, was also born in Naxos, generously bestowing vineyards upon his island. Hence, viticulture in Naxos has developed since ancient times, justifying the reputation of the exceptional Naxian wines to this day.
From a historical point of view, Naxos, inhabited since the Stone Age (4th millennium BC), has played an important and uninterrupted role in the Aegean. The abundant marble and emery of Naxos contributed decisively to the development of sculpture, architecture, and the flourishing of trade. During the Byzantine period, many churches and monasteries were built on the island, and during the Venetian occupation, with the conquest of the island by Marco Sanudo and the construction of numerous castles, towers, and mansions, the cultural heritage of Naxos was strengthened.
Sights
The town of Naxos, built on the west coast of the island, welcomes visitors with Naxos’ trademark, the Portara, the huge marble gate that survives from the temple of Apollo. Portara is undoubtedly the most photographed spot on the island.
After Portara, the Venetian Castle of Naxos, a true castle town as it has been continuously inhabited since it was built in the 13th century, unfolds its history through cobbled alleys and flower-filled courtyards, offering an oasis of calm and carefree relaxation. Inside the castle, you will find the Krispi Tower or Glezos Tower with the Byzantine museum and the Della Rocca Barozzi Tower, which has been turned into a Venetian museum, as well as 14th-15th century houses, a Catholic church, and other sites of great cultural significance.
Chora is also home to the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, which exhibits unique finds from the Early Cycladic period, as well as everyday objects from Naxos and the Small Cyclades throughout the centuries.
Outside Chora, the temple dedicated to the goddess Dimitra in Sangri is of particular interest. It is Ionic in style and built entirely of Naxian marble.
During your tour of the island, don’t miss visiting the picturesque mountain villages of Naxos, the most famous of which are Apeiranthos and Filoti.
Apeiranthos, built at an altitude of 600 meters, is a traditional settlement of great cultural interest, with houses made of marble, small cobbled streets, squares with plane trees offering cool shade, and the remarkable presence of five museums.
The picturesque village of Filoti, built at the foot of Mount Zas, offers exploration enthusiasts the opportunity to visit the cave of the same name, where ancient inscriptions carved into the rock highlight the worship of the father of the gods, Zeus, by the inhabitants of that time. In the Zas cave, you will be amazed by the atmosphere of mystery that surrounds it and you will have the opportunity to admire stalactites, stalagmites and stone formations up close.
Beaches
As for the island’s most popular beaches, be sure to visit Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, which are very close to Chora.
Agios Prokopios beach, named after the chapel of the same name, is considered one of the island’s most beloved beaches, with soft sand and an area of 2 km, well-organized and easily accessible, just 4 km from Chora.
Agia Anna, also a sandy beach with crystal clear waters, is located just below Agios Prokopios and has a beach bar and sunbeds and is suitable for water sports.
If you love exploring, you can cross the path from Agia Anna beach that leads to Maraga beach, a large shallow beach 4 km long with dining options and water sports.
Continuing from Agia Anna, you will come to Plaka beach, where you can enjoy swimming with all the amenities.
For kite and wind surfing enthusiasts, Mikri Vigla beach and Kastraki beach are ideal.
Other beautiful beaches on the island that you can discover are Alyko Beach, Hawaii Beach, Pyrgaki, Agiassos, and Psili Ammos.
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