Venetian aura, family atmosphere, emery villages and picturesque coastlines all come together in a unique way upon the largest Cycladic island. Watch as the locals heartily deliver a mastermind in islander hospitality.
Naxos is the largest island of Cyclades and is located south of Mykonos and east of Paros, 103 nautical miles from Piraeus.The capital and largest city is Chora or Naxos, while the main villages are Chalki, Filoti, Apiranthos, Vivlos, Saint Arsenios, Koronos and Glinado. The highest mountain of Naxos is Zas (1004m), where according to the legend, the father of the Olympian gods, Zeus, was raised. The island is famous for its mineral wealth and specifically for the high quality emery, found exclusively in Naxos.
PORTARA
In case you decide to spend your summer holiday in Naxos, the island will make sure you leave with the strongest memories. As you approach the harbor, a huge awe- inspiring gate will amaze you. This extraordinary reminder of the past resonates the island’s ancient history and marks your entry to the island full of contrasts. Built in the Palatia peninsula (connected to Chora via cobblestone street), the so- called Portara is what has remained from the unfinished temple of Apollo. From the islet with the massive marble gate which looks at Delos, you will have the chance to see the most crimson sunset in the Aegean sea.
CASTLE OF NAXOS CHORA
Naxos’s magnificent castle carries a medieval flair. It accommodates Venetian mansions, forgotten coat of arms, secret yards and Venetian descendants. Built on a hill above harbor, it supervised the sea area while it was protected by twelve towers in total. Today, there is only Glezos’ tower. Trani Porta in the north of Praporti in the south are your gateways to the Venetian world; the labyrinth alleys, the Venetian museum in the Tower of Della Rocca Barozzi, the Ursuline School but also to modern galleries, restaurants and pretty little shops.
CHORA
A combination of island quirks and big- city charms, Naxos Chora manages to balance inimitably between its Cycladic identity and its Venetian influences. Traditional Cycladic houses, narrow streets, medieval remains, Catholic monasteries, Venetian towers and mansions in the districts of Burgos and the Castle all coexist harmoniously in the old Aegean Dukedom. Today, the contemporary village built around Protodikieio square houses numerous bars, restaurants and shops.
CHALKI
You step foot in Chalki (17km from Chora) and you realize that the green Tragea valley succeeds the exotic blue. It is also called Chalkion and you will love it for its atmosphere, paved yards, forgotten Venetian crests, majestic neoclassic buildings and the prevailing house towers.
FILOTI
It is the largest and most popular village in Naxos. Filoti spreads amphitheatrically on the slopes of two hills of Mount Zas, 11 miles east of Chora and it includes the districts of Rachidi and Klefaros. Before you head for the famous Cave of Zas with the striking stalactites and stalagmites, take a stroll down the Cycladic alleys, see the Venetian Barotsi tower and the Church of Panagia Filotitissa.
PLAKA
The twin beach of Aghia Anna, 8km away from Chora. One of the biggest beached in the island, it get an “A” for organization as there are umbrellas, sunbeds and cheerful beach bars. In the 60s, hippies had found their own paradise over here, a place full of custard apple trees which reach the sea, deep blue waters, tropical sand and view to Glaronisia and Paros island. The same picture still enchants the visitors till today.
AGHIOS PROKOPIOS
It is thought to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek archipelago as well as the most famous “pull factor” in Naxos. In the foreground, you have the turquoise water embrace of the Aegean, along the 2km sands and in the background a touch of cedars. Fully organized, with great touristic infrastructure, accommodation, restaurants, beach, bars and water sports centers, the “saint” of our heart is the best way to promote the island.
AGHIA ANNA
It is the natural sequence of Aghios Prokopios beach. It has the same beach pattern, which means that you will also find a golden beach here, waters in the color of the cloudless sky and amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas etc. It is located approximately 7km away from Chora.
AGHIOS GEORGIOS
One more “saint” beach (the word “aghios” means “saint”) of the island, just 1km away from Chora. Thanks to the easy accessibility and proximity to the capital, it is one of the busiest beaches on the island. Still, this doesn’t prevent the beach from being picturesque and keeping the standards of provided services high. The idyllic bay has shallow waters for children playing, beach bars, restaurants by the sea and water sports.
MIKRI VIGLA
This beach is perfect for those who like the waves and water sports. It’s famous among the kite surfers and windsurfers.
GLYFADA
Immense beach in the southwest part of the island between Alyko and Kastraki. The crystal clear sea has lots of fans.
ALYKO
A peninsula (Alyko), three wonders of nature: Mikro Alyko, Kedros and Hawaii bring in mind a tropical place where sea spreads under a protected cedar forest and dunes from Naxos.
