Naxos

Naxos

Summary

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, features many beautiful beaches, archaeological sites and a lot of things to do. It is the place where Theseus left Ariadne after escaping from the minotaur and after her help in the labyrinth.

How to go to Naxos

On Naxos island there is the airport ‘’Apollon’’, with direct flights  from Athens, the duration is 45’.

The island is also connected via ferry with direct connection from Athens port of Piraeus or Rafina, Rafina is a small port but convenient  if you are close to the airport of Athens. Also, you can travel to Naxos from many other islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Paros and more.

As there are many ferries as well as organized excursions, many visitors actually combine their visit to Santorini with other islands or choose a hop on hop off adventure.

Best Places

Naxos Town: In the town of Naxos you will see the Venetian castles as the island was the base of the Duchy of the Aegean, the Venetian Castle, the Krispy-Glezos Tower and many others.

Portara: This is on a small island which is connected by a pier to the Chora of Naxos. It is a huge marble gate, a propylon, of the unfinished temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC and is the characteristic feature of the island. The best time to visit Portara in Naxos is during the sunset.

Venetian Castle: located a few meters from the port of Naxos. It is a quiet place with medieval houses and narrow streets. You can best start your journey from the central, from Trani Porta, where the important people used to enter. Going through you will meet the Della Rocca Barozzi Tower, from there continue along the uphill path on the left towards the main square of the Castle with a stop at the Catholic Cathedral. In the church it is worth admiring the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is located in the same square in an old mansion.

Kouros of Flerio: Originally, Kouros means a male statue. This statue has a supernatural size of 5.5 meters, is greyish and unfinished work of the 7th century BC. It stands lying under trees in Phlerio, near the village of Melanes, in a green valley, in the place where the ancient craftsmen left it, because it broke during transport from the quarry to the workshop.

The archaeological site of Gyroula – The Temple of Demeter: The temple is located near the village of Sagkri. In this sanctuary deities of euphoria were worshiped, especially the goddess Demeter of Apollo and the Daughter (Persephone). This is the temple that stands out on the top of the low hill overlooking the sea. It was first built a century before the Parthenon.

Best Beaches

Plaka Beach: is a long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters.

Things to Do

        1. Walking tours: There are several route  to follow through the natural landscapes of Naxos with the most famous along them to be:    Chora – Melanes – Chalki, Chalki – Danakos – Apiranthos, Skado – Apollonas, Apiranthos to the beach to Moutsouna beach through the old emery mines, and more.

•  2. Limpertas Manolis Pottery
• 3. Visit the famous wineries: Winery Valindra Chalki, Winery Κίτρο Νάξου Βαλληνδράς – Vallindras Kitron Distillery