Naxos is suitable for those who want to spend a relaxing holiday. At the same time, however, it offers many activities and has a lively nightlife! It is the largest island of the Cyclades and is located right in the center, while it belongs to the south side of the Aegean Sea . It offers a wealth of different experiences, combining traditional elements and modern comforts, quiet getaways and evening entertainment, enchanting beaches and amazing food!
Naxos Town , which is the capital and the port of the island, is a beautiful Cycladic state! There, whether in winter or summer, you will find all the modern amenities and services, such as banks, health center, post office. Also, Chora has a very good market, where you can see or even buy local products, folk art items, clothes and jewelry!
Naxos Town is undoubtedly an ideal starting point for your wanderings! In the afternoon he walked on the picturesque cobbled streets, while at night he had fun in the numerous bars and clubs.
Also, there are many monuments in Chora that testify to the past of the island, such as “Portara” , a huge marble gate of the temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC, the Venetian Castle and the Archaeological Museum .
The Venetian Castle of Naxos
It is located at the highest point of Naxos Town . It was built there, away from the sea, for protection purposes.
Once you enter from “Paraporti”, the main gate of the castle, you will go back in time!
You will walk in narrow streets, you will see mansions with inner courtyards full of flowers and wonderful architecture!
The Della Rocca Barozzi tower stands out, an old mansion that now functions as a Venetian and Folklore Museum with old furniture, heirlooms, useful objects , weapons and costumes, which testify a lot about the time of Venetian rule in Naxos . It also occasionally hosts various contemporary art exhibitions.
Right next door is one of the twelve medieval towers, the only one that survived from the castle grounds. This tower is called the Crispi Tower or the Glezos Tower and functions as the Byzantine Museum . >
A little further down, you will see an impressive medieval building with a marble floor, the Catholic Diocese . Behind it there is another church, the Panagia Theoskepasti , which – presumably – is the oldest surviving monument in the castle.
Going higher, you will see the Archaeological Museum of Naxos . Opposite this is the School and Monastery of Ursuline , which has been operating since 1739, and today is the cultural center of the Catholic Archdiocese.
Walking to the castle, you will see many more churches and impressive buildings. So make sure you have enough time to enjoy your tour!
Archaeological Museum of Naxos
It is housed in a five-storey old mansion, which once functioned as a business school.
The Museum exhibits works of art and objects of daily use, which were brought to light by the excavations that are carried out continuously in Naxos after the Second World War and date from the latest Neolithic to the early Christian years (5300 BC – 5th century AD).
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos contains very important findings, especially of the Early Cycladic period (3200 – 2300 BC), many of which are unique.
In addition, the collection of Early Cycladic marble figurines and the rich collections of vessels from the Mycenaean (end of the 2nd millennium BC) and the geometric period (9th – 8th century BC) are unique.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos , so that, through its findings, you can get to know the island and its history!
Beaches for all tastes
In Naxos you will find many beaches, as it has a long coastline. If you want people, music and comfort, you will go to the organized beaches of the island, where there are umbrellas, sunbeds and beach-bars with coffee, food and drink! If you are looking for peace on your vacation, you will relax on the secluded and deserted beaches of Naxos , listening to the wonderful sound of the wave! If, again, you are an adventurous and athletic guy, on the island you will find beaches ideal for water sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and diving centers!
Saint George
It is essentially the beach of Naxos Town . It is characterized by fine sand and transparent shallow waters, which make it ideal for families with young children. It is, of course, organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and accessible on foot from Chora . It is the easy solution without lagging behind any of the other beaches of the island.
Saint Procopius
This is the most popular beach of Naxos . It is, of course, organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and several shops. Its waters are clear and blue, while it is covered with thick white sand. Also, here you can go diving and other water sports, as well as eat in the taverns of the village. At the edge of the beach you will see the church of Agios Prokopios , from which it took its name.
It is only 5 km from Chora . It is easily accessible, and there are frequent bus services from Naxos .
Saint Anna
Agia Anna is the continuation of the beach of Agios Prokopios . It is a beautiful beach with a narrow sandy shore and crystal clear, quite cool waters. Provides bathtubs with sunbeds and umbrellas. In it you will find many shops, but also cedars that offer natural shade. Access to it is easy, and there is parking.
Πλάκα
Plaka is a continuation of the beach of Agia Anna and one of the largest beaches of Naxos . It is characterized by turquoise waters and golden sand. It is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes and taverns. As it is endless, it ensures comfort from the crowds. It is characterized by the huge dunes at the back, which create a magnificent setting.
Little Vigla
These are essentially two beaches, Limanaki and Partheno , separated by a rock, which used to be an observatory, hence the name Vigla .
Limanaki is an organized beach, where you can enjoy your coffee and your sunbathing.
The Virgin is sandy with shallow waters, while the rocks create a very beautiful setting. It is the favorite beach for those who prefer water sports. Due to the strong winds, it is suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Ork
Between Plaka and Mikri Vigla you will find the beach of Orkos . It is essentially a series of small beaches with coarse sand and crystal clear waters. If you want peace and quiet, then Oath is the top choice for you! But make sure you have the essentials with you, as these small beaches are not organized.
Καστράκι
This is a long and wide beach with white soft sand. Because of these characteristics, it is also called Sahara . It is organized only on one side, so make sure you have the essentials with you.
If you go to it, you will neither bother nor disturb, since it is infinite. The tourist development has also left it unchanged. It remains, in other words, a quiet beach, ideal for relaxation and walking!
Alyko</#
Probably the most beautiful place of Naxos . It is a small and secluded beach with white sand and clear blue waters. In it you will not find umbrellas and sunbeds or shops. However, on the upper side there is a cedar forest, where you will find natural shade, while it is easily accessible by vehicle. Undoubtedly a landscape of rare natural beauty reminiscent of an exotic destination!
<.ΕΑγιασσός
This is a sandy beach with very shallow blue waters. It is ideal for families with small children and for those seeking peace. It is not organized, but you will find shade in a tamarisk (small tree in a seaside area). Also, a tavern, next to the beach, provides the basics.
The Mountainous Picturesque Villages of Naxos
Unlike other islands in the Aegean , Naxos has high mountains and its mountain villages are famous for their beauty and architecture. Take a look at the following.< ـΑπείρανθος
This is a picturesque traditional stone village, also known as ” The Marble Village “. It will enchant you with its narrow cobbled streets and Venetian architecture.
At the Folklore Museum of Apeiranthos you will learn the daily life of the inhabitants of the settlement 100 years ago. Also, Apeiranthos has the largest library in the Cyclades and the most delicious dessert of the spoon (in all flavors), while the politician of the Left Manolis came from it Γλέζος .
Halki
It is a small village with amazing architecture and great food! It preserves the traditional art of the loom and in the shops of the settlement you will find wonderful woven fabrics.
Φιλώτι
It is the largest village on the island and is located at the foot of Mount Zas . Stroll through its winding alleys and do not miss the festival that takes place on this August 15th.
Κόρωνος
At an altitude of 500 – 600 meters is Koronos , a picturesque village with cobbled alleys, arches, traditional houses and small squares.
The Festival of Tastes from Naxos
Naxos is the most fertile island in the Cyclades and its products are known throughout Greece for their excellent quality!
It is famous for its good oil , as more than 400,000 olive trees are cultivated on the island! Of course, it is not only the agricultural products of Naxos that have made it known to gourmets. Its livestock products are of equally excellent quality. Hundreds of goats, lambs and cows are raised in the mountains of the mountainous and semi-mountainous Naxos . Their milk is used to make the famous Naxian cheeses, gruyere , kefalotyri , xinotyro and xinomyzithra . In addition, it is worth going, at least once, to the “Naxos Potato Festival” , which takes place every September on the island, as you will have the opportunity to try the popular and delicious Naxos Potato < / cooked in many different ways.
Also, the people of Naxos are famous for their fun and musical tradition. Therefore, they could only accompany their feasts, in addition to their local wine, with their local liqueur. The famous Citrus Liqueur comes from the distillation of citrus leaves, which is grown only in the fertile soils of Naxos .
Naxian cuisine is famous for its simplicity, variety and strong flavors. Some of the foods you should try in Naxos are: wine rooster , beef lemonade , pork or rabbit , lamb fricassee , zucchini peas , traditional cheese pie , octopus wine , lobster spaghetti , fried mussels , grilled squid and local dishes monk (aubergines with braised beef) and roast strong> (braised meat) .
