Naxos is the biggest and the greenest island in the Cyclades. It has stunning landscape, high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, beautiful seascapes and traditional villages sited on the mountain tops. Naxos is home to many old churches, ancient monasteries and Venetian castles blending harmoniously with the unique Cycladic architecture, reflecting the imposing aura of its glorious past. Monasteries of extraordinary architecture and the Venetian Castle that adorns Naxos Town are spots of special historical interest.
Chora, Portara
Chora is Naxos’s capital town and one of the largest ports of the Cyclades, filled with various shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Chora, is an old castle town with stone paved alleys where you can admire a unique blend of Cycladic and Medieval architecture. It is full of Venetian style mansions, narrow arched alleys, catholic churches and fortifications.
Entering the port of the whitewashed Chora of Naxos you'll encounter the islet of Palatia. On Palatia islet visit the famous marble gate of Portara, temple of Apollo, which stands still since the 6th century BC.
Naxos Traditional Villages
Apiranthos, Filoti and Sangri villages, are a combination of art & culture, unique landscapes and refreshing takes on architecture. Apiranthos is a colourful mountainous village with five museums, stone-built houses, beautiful squares and narrow alleys paved with marble, and Panagia Drosiani, a beautiful church of the Early Christian Period.
Filoti is a picturesque mountainous village sited on the top of a rock, surrounded by lush vegetation with cube-shaped houses and narrow stone-paved alleys. Close to Filoti, visit the biggest Byzantine church of Naxos with murals of great value, Panagia Protothroni.
Sagri consists of five small neighborhoods: Ano Sagri, Kato Sagri, Kanakari, Kastraki and Mikri Vigla. You will stand in awe before the Venetian towers, the traditional windmills and major Byzantine churches, like Agios Mamas, all of which make Sagri the most significant destination of Naxos! Close to Sagri lies the 6th century BC Demeter and Apollo sanctuary, made exclusively with white marble.
Agios Prokopis, Agia Anna, Mikri Vigla Beaches
Naxos has countless sandy beaches ideal for watersports, such as windsurf or kite board, also perfect for scuba divers who want to discover the underwater world.
Agios Prokopis beach, is one of the best beaches in Europe with its fine white sand and mesmerizing blue shades, which is also protected from the winds. Agia Anna beach is the paradise for wind surfers and water sport lovers, while Mikri Vigla Beach is another organized beach loved by wind and kite surfers.
The endless pathways of the island lead the way for ardent hikers and mountain bikers and the high peaks of Mount Zas boast trekking trails of astounding beauty. Dive into the crystal clear waters of the island’s sandy beaches, surf over the waves or dive along the mysterious sea bottom.
Naxos Cultural Events
Naxos is also famous for its wide variety of cultural events and traditional fairs. Some of them are the Naxos Festival, organized by the Municipality of Naxos at Bazeos Tower and Dionissia. It includes various fascinating events taking place all summer long. The celebrations culminate with the famous Wine Festival and the Fisherman’s Feast held in September.
Authentic Naxos Gastronomy
Naxos is an ideal destination for foodies, as it redefines the quality of dining with its traditional flavors and fresh local ingredients. Organically farmed products are masterfully cooked by renowned chefs. It is no wonder that Naxos is the ultimate destination of the Aegean for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Naxian cheese, patoudo and Naxian potatoes are a few of the island’s famous products. All the cheeses produced in Naxos have exquisite taste, while the potatoes cultivated in the area of Livadi are literally out of this world. Patoudo is a local meat specialty seasoned with local herbs such as white beets, fennel, garlic and olive oil, that is ideally accompanied with Naxian potatoes and red Naxian wine.
Authentic Experiences in Naxos
• Swim at the most beautiful Naxos beaches
• Stroll around Chora, the old castle town
• Try scuba diving or snorkeling
• Take windsurf or kite surf lessons
• Book a private yacht cruise to explore the Aegean islands
• Join a Naxian cooking class
• Visit the cedar forest at Alyko
• Wander around Halki village
• Gaze the Sunset from Portara
• Climb to the top of Zas Mountain