Naxos - Naxos. Photo by HervéNaxos, the biggest and the greenest island of the Cyclades archipelago, boasts picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and bustling towns. The
island's capital city is Naxos Town, also known as ‘Hora’.
With a huge amount of paths and
trails crossing the countryside, Naxos is ideal for walking, hiking, and biking. The highest mountain on the island is
Mount Zas, a 1,004-meter high peak named after the Greek god, Zeus, which can be reached from the village of
Filoti. On your way to Zas’ top, don’t forget to visit the beautiful cave of Zas which showcase impressive
stalactite formations.
There are plenty of superb beaches and you’ll be spoilt for choice. From the
most famous Agia Anna , Agios
Prokopios, and Plaka, the busy Agios Georgios to the tranquil Panormos and the
marble-pebble beach of Apollonas. If windsurfing is your thing, then look no further than Agios Georgios,
Plaka, and Mikri Vigla. For a quiet, peaceful day on the beach, head to Ayiassos Beach on the
southwest coast.
Local excursion boats make it easy to visit Mykonos, Delos, Paros, Ios, Santorini, and
Little Cyclades on a day cruises.
Naxos has a typically Mediterranean climate, with long hot
summers and short mild winters. The best time to visit the island is from May to October. Strong winds called
‘meltemia’ can be a regular phenomenon in late summer, especially in August. If you like to avoid excessive heat in
July and August, head to the island in spring or early autumn.
What to Do
Stroll in
Hora
The Hora has a pretty harbor, labyrinthine streets, and a Venetian castle. Wander through the winding alleyways
and admire the whitewashed houses, with their potted flowers and colorful doors. Visit the Venetian castle where and
take in fantastic views of the island. The Hora also features many taverns, cafés, shops, and open-air market to keep
you occupied throughout the day if sightseeing isn't at the top of your list.
Visit the Archaeology
Museum
Archaeological Museum of Naxos, located in the quarter of Kastro in Naxos Town, displays
regional artifacts from the late Neolithic period to the early Christian era. It is especially renowned for its
collection of ancient Cycladic figurines, and there are also some very fine collections of vases dating from the
Mycenaean. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 AM - 15:00 PM.
Catch a Sunset at
Portara
One of the nicest ways to see the Portara is at sunset. Portara, the symbol of the island, is
located right by the harbor, beautifully framing the sea and sky. The massive marble door is the only remaining item
from a 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo which was never completed.
The island has has a number of authentic villages. Each village is tempting, and you
can easily spend several days exploring them. The picturesque Potamia, Apiranthos, Filoti, Sangri and Halki , surrounded by wonderful nature, will
charm you for sure. Take a stroll through alleys, enjoy a cup of Greek coffee, and make sure to try out some of the
local products. Also, make sure you don't miss the island's most important Archaeological Site of Giroulas,
located at the south side of Sangri, with the archaic temple of Goddess Dimitra and the Archaeological
Museum.
Daytrip to Koufonissia
Koufonissia is made up of two tiny islets, Ano
Koufonissi and the uninhabited Kato Koufonissi, which are separated by a 200-meter sea channel. The tiny
island is a perfect place to relax. Superb, soft, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, friendly locals and amazing fresh
seafood will ensure that you'll never want to leave.
Where to StayThere are plenty of studios, houses,
hotels, and apartments for rent. Ferries are always met by proprietors clutching notebooks filled with promotional
photos of their properties. Compare the prices before you decide which one to go for. Staying in Hora or Naxos Town
certainly has its charms. The town is lively with plenty of taverns, shops, and sights. If you prefer to spend most days
on the beach, stay around Agios Prokopios, Plaka, Orkos, Agia Anna, or Mikri Vigla.
Another shot of Plaka beach... - Naxos. Photo by Random_fotos
Food & Drink
If you want more of a
local experience, avoid the popular beach-front restaurants. Also, the restaurants by the harbor are pricier than the
ones further into Hora. The island offers a rich selection of locally-grown foods. You'll find fresh lamb, goat, and
seafood on the menu in most taverns. Local specialties include ‘rosto’; a wine-stewed chicken, ‘saganaki’; a
fried cheese, stuffed lamb ‘patudo’, spaghetti with lobster ‘astakomakaronada’, and ‘gouna’, a fish opened
and dried in the sun with herbs, before being grilled.
Don't leave the island without having a glass of
‘Kitro’, the island’s famous liqueur made of the homonymous fruit. If you’re a cheese lover, be sure to visit
the shop of Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Naxos on the port road of the town, where they sell
everything that is locally produced.
Getting Around
The local buses service is efficient and
connects several of the island’s villages and beaches. For more adventurous explorations, hiring a car or a motorbike
is the best option.
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, Agios
Prokopios, and Plaka, the busy Agios Georgios to the tranquil Panormos and the
marble-pebble beach of Apollonas. If windsurfing is your thing, then look no further than Agios Georgios,
Plaka, and Mikri Vigla. For a quiet, peaceful day on the beach, head to Ayiassos Beach on the
southwest coast.
