Naxos

Travel to the heart of the Cyclades

Naxos is the biggest and most fertile island in the group, located right in the centre of it. It offers a host of choices to visitors about activities they can try, as well as other entertainment and relaxation options. The whitewashed Chora town welcomes travellers at its harbour. Portara, Naxos’ most popular landmark, lies on the neighbouring Palatia Islet; it is the marble gate of an unfinished ancient Greek temple dedicated to god Apollo.

Chora’s built landscape is marked by numerous fortified palaces, which date to the island’s Venetian Period, as Naxos was the seat of the Duchy of the Aegean. Make sure you visit the Bazaios Tower, off Sagri village, the Glezos-Crispi Tower in Chora, the Belonia Tower in Galanado and the Della Rocca-Barozzi Tower in Chora.    

The diverse, uneven landscape and the size of the island have helped shape a variety of ecosystems. Explore them by following the signposted paths (Chora-Melanes-Chalki; Chalki-Danakos-Apeiranthos; Skado-Apollonas, etc). The route from Apeiranthos to Moutsouna beach goes through the old emery mines, and its beauty is breathtaking: you’ll enjoy the views of the changing nature as you head towards the sea. The mountaineering and mountain biking fans will be happy to explore Mt. Zas (elev. 1004m,  the highest mountain on the Cyclades) and Mt Fanari (elev. 908 m). As you climb Mt Zas, don’t miss out on visiting Zas Cave at 628m elevation; you will be impressed by its stalagmites. In ancient times, this location was a place of worship for Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods. On the left side of the cave’s entrance, you will see the tiny country chapel of Zoodochos Pigi (Our Lady).  

Naxos is an island with a rich cultural activity. Traditional festivals and other cultural events take place during the summer and in September, such as the Naxos Festival in Bazaios Tower, and Dionysia, which includes a variety of art exhibitions, concerts and theatre shows - among other events, organised under the auspices of the Naxos Municipality. The last celebrations to take place are the Wine Festival and the Fisherman’s Festival, in September.