Being the largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos quite rightly belongs to the most popular islands of Greece. It combines beautiful beaches with traditional mountain villages, Cycladic with medieval architecture, and rich products with delicious gastronomy. Traveling to Naxos, you have a lot to see, experience, and taste in the loveliest parts of this unique island.
Portara (or Temple Of Apollo)
The landmark and most photographed spot of Naxos island is Portara! This is a huge marble gate, located on the islet of Palatia (“palace”) at the northern end of Naxos port, which is connected to the rest of the island through a causeway, constructed in 1919. Portara was probably part of a temple in honor of the god Apollo and according to mythology, the Gate was built on this islet when Theseus abandoned Ariadne (the Minoan princess), who was then abducted by Dionysus and his entourage. Today, it is one of the most popular Instagram places in Aegean and Greece.
Old Town
The Old Town, also known as the Bourgos area, with its quaint alleys and narrow cobbled streets, often called the “Labyrinth”, is full of gift shops and boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafes, a lively place that retains its medieval atmosphere.
Venetian Castle (Old Town)
It is impossible to be in Naxos and not visit the impressive Venetian castle in the Old Town of the island. Take a walk through time and discover a world hidden behind the walls of the citadel of the Castle district, which belongs to the most beautiful medieval castle states of Greece. The Castle had three gates, two of which still exist today; ´Paraporti´ is its southern gate and the main entrance for visitors now; passing through the gate, visitors enter a world of medieval times, with narrow alleys, courtyards adorned with flowers and old mansions.
In the 13thcentury the Venetian colonist of the island, Marco Sanoudos, (after whom it was named), built the castle. The main peculiarity of the castle is that its wall consists of the walls of the surrounding houses of the town itself. The Castle also hosts the historic Catholic Metropolis and the Della Rocca-Barozzi tower, which houses the Venetian Museum of Naxos, a unique folklore museum.
Halki village
Halki is located in the central area of the region of Tragea, which is the biggest olive cultivation area of the Cyclades, 16 km from Chora (Naxos Town). It is the administrative and trade center of the Municipality of Drimalia. Since ancient times it has been the richest and most fertile part of the island, a particularly beautiful and verdant village that stands out for its architecture. Its old mansions, the bright colors in the paved courtyards, and the dense bougainvillea trees create a dreamy setting that is one of the most picturesque parts of the Cyclades.
Agios Prokopios beach
Agios Prokopios is a truly magnificent beach, with golden sand and crystal turquoise waters, reminiscent of a natural pool. It is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Naxos Town and took its name from the quaint church of Agios Prokopios. Multi-awarded, it ranks among the best beaches of Naxos and Greece.
The beach is well organized, with umbrellas, loungers, and sunbeds almost everywhere except its northern part. It has a long coastline and it is also popular with summer sports lovers who enjoy windsurfing and beach volley. Agios Prokopios is definitely the place to stay, eat and have fun from early till late for every taste and budget. It is the must-see place on the island!
Apiranthos village
Apiranthos is one of the most picturesque and popular mountain villages of Naxos. It is located in the mainland of Naxos, at the foot of Mount Fanari, and is known as the “Marble Village”. Its name means plenty of flowers. What sets it apart from the other mountain villages of the island is the Cretan dialect and customs, which are still preserved today by the Cretans who have lived there since the 17thcentury.
Apart from the tower of Zeugolis, which is built on a rock at the entrance of the village, Apiranthos is also particularly popular for the authentic Naxos cuisine, as visitors will find there the nicest taverns of the island. Furthermore, Apiranthos has three interesting museums, the Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos, a Museum of Folk Art, and an interesting Geological Museum.
Agia Anna beach
The beach of Agia Anna is located on the western coast of Naxos, at a distance of 7 kilometers south of Chora. This beach is suitable for families as it is quieter than others and fully organized with restaurants and cafes of all kinds. Access is easy either by car or bus and there is a municipal car park with a large capacity.
Panagia Drossiani church
There are many impressive temples in Naxos, but on the mainland of Naxos, there is an extremely old Byzantine church with unique architecture, which is worth visiting. Panagia Drossiani is a historic Byzantine monastery, located south of the village of Moni in Naxos. It was built in the 4th or 6th century and belongs to the oldest monasteries in the Balkans.
It is of Byzantine style and all its spaces, inside and outside, are in the shape of a cross. One of its characteristics is the two Pantocrators in the dome, one depicting Christ´s human nature and the other, the divine one. According to tradition, its name (Dewy Virgin) refers to the icon of the church, seeping or weeping every time the village is in danger.
Temple of Demeter
The temple of Demeter is another cultural attraction of Naxos. It was built in the 6th century BC. and is located just outside the village of Sagri. It is one of the first Ionic temples and was built entirely of Naxos marble, in honor of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. It is no coincidence that it has been built in one of the most fertile areas of Naxos, that of Sangri.
Moreover, it is one of the most significant monuments as it is architecturally considered the precursor of the Parthenon. The visitors’ experience is completed with a visit to the “Gyroula” museum, which is located under the church and has been awarded several times for the perfect way in which it harmonizes with its natural environment.
Filoti village
Filoti is a semi-mountainous village in central Naxos, located at a distance of about 18 km from Chora. It is the largest village of Naxos and one of the largest in the Cyclades. The village is amphitheatrically built at the foot of Zas mountain and it is a lively place with lots of bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Panagia Filotissa is the church of the village and one of the most beautiful churches of Naxos, with rare icons, a marble altarpiece, and a sculpted bell tower.
