Naxos is the gateway to the sunset and the largest island of the Cyclades. Suitable for those looking for relaxation, sights of cultural interest, walks in picturesque villages, activities and unspoiled nature, Naxos remains one of the top destinations!
Rich in nightlife, with excellent local products and gastronomy will win you over from the first moment.
Arriving at the port you will see the “Portara”, the magnificent marble gate of the temple of the sun god, Apollo.
It is no coincidence that there you will admire one of the most magical sunsets of your life!
On your walk in the picturesque alleys of Chora you will find the Venetian castle with its medieval architecture and mansions between Cycladic houses, shops, cafes and restaurants to coexist harmoniously.
Naxos is also known for its wonderful mountain villages. Do not forget to visit them as the magic of the island is hidden there.
In Apeiranthos, the marble village, with its Venetian towers, stone houses and old cafes, time seems to have stopped.
Other settlements with authentic Cycladic aesthetics are Halki, with its wonderful textiles, Filoti, the picturesque Koronos with its arches and squares and Apollo, the fishing village located near the ancient quarries of the island.
The large area of Naxos has given it kilometers of unique beaches with crystal clear waters and velvety sandy beaches.
If you are looking for organized beaches, we recommend Agios Georgios near Chora, Agios Prokopios with its white sand and taverns, Agia Anna and Plaka with the cedars and the enchanting dunes.
The two beaches of Mikri Vigla are suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing while in Kastraki you will find a long and calm sandy beach to relax. Our favorite is the beach Alyko with the clear blue waters and the cedar forest that embraces it!
Activities
The winds of Naxos make it an ideal destination for those who love wind surfing and kite surfing.
In several beaches of the island you will find water sports centers to practice your favorite hobby in the waves of Naxos. The seabed of the island is also of great interest.
Underwater caves, reefs, rich fauna and flora but also shipwrecks and aircraft wrecks compose a magical setting for experienced or day divers.
Do you want to explore Naxos from end to end?
Then we suggest you follow the network of hiking trails of the island where you will encounter ancient monuments, churches, quarries and nature of incomparable beauty.
You can also go for a walk in the countryside of the island on a horse, enjoying the landscapes and combining your tour with cooking lessons, photography and other activities. Finally, Naxos is the joy of the cyclist.
You can even follow off road routes or go mountain biking!
Sights
The long history of Naxos and its culture have left their mark on the whole island. Time to discover them!
The archaeological heritage of Naxos is rich and will fascinate you. The temple of the goddess Demeter in Sangri is maintained in excellent condition and its white marble shines under the Cycladic sun.
In the green Sangri there is also the archeological museum of “Gyroulas” which houses important findings from the temple.
Near the village of Tsikalario there is a Necropolis of the Geometric Era, do not forget to see the unique menu of Europe 3 meters high!
Other archeological sites of particular importance are the temple of Dionysus at Iria, which is considered the forerunner of the Parthenon and the Mycenaean tomb of Hosti.
One of the most impressive sights of the island are the endless monumental statues.
The lying kouros, 10 meters high, stands left in the countryside since antiquity, probably because it broke during processing.
Two other non finito sculptures are located in the area of Flerio. Kouros and the Daughter of the Blacks are considered samples of the Naxian marble sculpture of the 6th c. e.g !
Naxos is famous for its towers.
Some of the most famous are the Tower of Bazaios or the Monastery of the Holy Cross, Plaka, Chimarros, Agia and the Illuminator of Christ. These impressive buildings and the monasteries located near them are definitely worth a visit.
From the churches of the island we suggest you to visit Panagia Drosiani, one of the oldest churches in the Balkans and Panagia Myrtidiotissa the picturesque church located on a rocky islet of the port.
In Naxos Town you can visit the imposing Byzantine Museum housed in the Venetian tower of Glezos.
The Venetian Museum is also housed in a tower, where the glamor of old Naxos and the Venetian aesthetics are revived!
For a trip to ancient Naxos visit the Local Archaeological Museum at the port and the Archaeological Museum at the top of the Castle to admire the intricate mosaics and Cycladic figurines found on the island.
In mountainous Apeiranthos you will find a museum neighborhood. Archaeological, Geological, Natural History, Visual Arts and Folklore.
The hospitable inhabitants of Apeiranthos preserve the memory and the history of the place with passion and love!
In Naxos you will discover a variety of folklore museums in the villages with remarkable collections as well as a theatrical museum and a museum of Greek coins.
Finally, if you have combined your vacation with fun then in Naxos you will find rich nightlife and festivals to dance and party until the morning!
Naxos, this large Cycladic island, is famous for its rich agricultural and livestock production that has made it self-sufficient for centuries.
If you visit it, do not forget to try its pure local products that make it a gastronomic destination for lovers of exquisite flavors.
In Naxos you will find some of the most famous Greek cheeses, the delicious Naxos gruyere and the “arseniko”, the local kefalotyri with its special taste. The soil of the island, which is rich in clay, gives birth to the most delicious potatoes of the Aegean.
Try them in the oven or fried and you will not be disappointed. If you are on the island in August, the popular potato festival is organized by the local cooperatives.
Among the local traditional dishes, the monk stands out, veal braised with eggplants and cheese, and the Aperathite roast, braised pork. However, in every village you will find local recipes that smell of aromas and warmth!
The only sure thing is that leaving Naxos you should have tried Kitro, the popular distillate of the island with its bitter and intense taste! You can drink it plain or in special cocktails served in the local bars.
Take it with you when you leave because you will not find it anywhere else!
