A spot of white in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, the island of Naxos is a unique blend of ancient ruins and beach culture. The largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos is the childhood home of none other than Zeus, king of the gods. Upon arrival in Naxos, hike over a causeway to Palatia, where the Portara, a stone gateway to an ancient temple that no longer exists, stands alone, the symbol of the island. At sunset, the views of the island, and the sea beyond, are breathtaking.
Naxos Attractions
The Gate, Naxos Town
When arriving to Naxos Port the first impression you get will remain always in your mind. Portara, the huge marble Gate of the Temple of Apollo which was never finished. This is the trademark attraction of the island, built in the 6th century BC. It is believed that the temple was never completed and most of its parts were taken to build other structures on the island. Don’t miss the stunning sunset.
Agias Tower - Abraam beach
On the way to Apollonas you will reach Agias Tower. The spot offers a great view and offers you a journey to the way people used to live many many years ago.
Tower of Barozzi - Gratsia
Here we are taken back to the previous rule of the dukes as soon as we visit the Tower of Barozzi – Gratsia which predates the 17th century.
Chimmaros Tower, near Filoti village
The Tower of Chimarros is located in Filoti, a very scenic village in the center of Naxos Island. It was built in the 4th – 3rd centuries BC, during the Hellenistic Period and is a circular, marble structure standing at a height of approximately 15 meters.
Kalamitsia – Melanes Village
In Melanes lies you may visit Kalamitsia, where, in 1673, a Jesuit monk built a wonderful building, a proper palace, as a country residence for the Jesuit monks, in the luxuriant green valley.
Kouros Statue – Apollonas
The main reason why day trippers come to Apollonas is the so called Kouros of Apollonas. It is a massive, about 10 metres long statue from the 6th or 7th century BC.
Kouros Statue – Flerio
The popular name for "Kouros" was Ellinas (the Greek) and has its origin in 7th century B.C. The statue is around 6,4m long and is missing his left foot and a part of his right leg. Click here to attend an interesting presentation of the archeological site Flerio and the small traditional villages next to it, Kournochori and Miloi.
Zas Cave – Filoti
The spring is the starting point of the old footpath leading to the cave of Zas, at an altitude of some 600 meters. The cave is of high archaeological importance and a small church, dedicated to Zoodochos Peghe (Virgin, Spring of Life) is established in the interior of it.
Apalirou Castle
It was the strongest fortress in Naxos and the administrative centre of the island during the Byzantine empire, situated on the top of an unapproachable mountain in the area of Sagri.
Naxos History
The Greek island of Naxos, located in a group of islands known as the Cyclades, has a history dating back over 5000 years. Ancient Greek mythology speaks of the island as being the place where the god Dionysus, the island's protector, met his lover Ariande. The god Zeus is also said to have visited Naxos, the island's highest peak bearing his name, Mt. Zeus.
Throughout its long history, Naxos has belonged to many nations. First to the ancient Greeks, then to the ancient Romans for over six hundred years until the 4th Century AD. After the decline of Rome the island was part of the Byzantine Empire until the 16th Century when it was invaded by the Turks and came under Turkish rule for the next 200 years. In the late 18th Century Naxos came under the rule of the Russians for a brief time until the 1820's when the islands won their independence and were united with the rest of Greece.
Today Naxos is a popular vacation destination and major contributor to the arts, science, and politics of the country.
Naxos Entertainment
Trekking
People who love to explore will find Naxos a paradise! There are dozens of paths spread all over the island which lead to undiscovered areas, orchards, abandoned areas and historical monuments. We would like to suggest some routes but also believe you will discover some more by yourselves.
Cycling
Naxos is full of dozens of dirt roads and trades and small, asphalted roads that offer unique routes for cycling enthuasiasts. The coastal area on the southwestern coast stretching from Agia Anna to Kastraki is an excellent choice. The more adventurous cyclist can try the route from Sagri to the bay of Agiassos. The mountainous part of Naxos offers beautiful routes forthose who wish to test their cycling abilities.
Diving
Make it real, in the crystal clear waters of Agia Anna Agios Prokopios and Plaka beach! Grab the opportunity to become a scuba diver and dive into a great adventure. The diving center in Agios Prokopios provides an underwater tour to special spots for unforgettable plunges such as:
1. The “Broken Ship”, the wreck of cargo ship “Marianna” which sunk in 1982 at the duration of a severe storm.
2. The “Wooden Seaplane”, the remains of a World War I aircraft Arado.
3. The “Lost Beaufighter”, a British bomber aircraft which sunk during World Word II.
4. The “Mermaids Cave”, an ancient concealed and underground cavern at Padieronissi islet.
A variety of magical reef dives..For more information on Blue Fin Divers Center click here.
Windsurf in Plaka beach
In Plaka beach you will find the magical mix of waist-deep lagoon and waves, as well as an equipped windsurf center.
Horse Riding
Holiday on horseback offers the opportunity for an exciting adventure and the chance to get to parts of Naxos Island tha you normally wouldn't see. Horseback riding holidays bring you closer to nature. Click here for more information about Horse Riding throughout Naxos.
Water fun park in Agios Prokopios
Starting at 9 in the morning up to 19:00 in the evening. A great place to have fun with your children
NAXOS LOCAL PRODUCTS
Cheese : Graviera, Antothiro, Kefalotyri,Mizithra, Arseniko.
There is a great variety of different kind of cheeses on the islsnd. Most of the are not mass produced adn are sold in various point in Chora Naxos (eg. Tsimplakis).
Drinks : Raki, Kitro, Wine. Naxos produces exquiste alcoholic drinks. Some of them are rymoured to have medicinal power. Try the wonderful “Raki with honey”, as well as the famous “Kitro” drink. Kitro drink as weel as other local drinks and delicacies can be bought from Brasiliana, Vallindras and Promponas.
You may also want to try the wine made at some of the villages of Naxos, such as Filoti, Koronos kai Koronida/Komiaki. You can buy some and you get it directly from the bareel.
Agricultural products : Potatoes, Onion (sweet), Herbs (Thimari, Oregano, etc.) Naxos’ Potatoes and Onions are famous for their wonderful and distinct taste.
Ask for them at a local grocery store. Also, the local herbs have a wonderful smell and taste and it would be a good idea to get some.
Art : Naxos has a great vareity of traditional art to scow. The Weavers’ Association of Komiaki and the Traditional Women’s Art Association keep many types of traditional Naxian art alive. It would de a good idea to visit them and have a look at the traditional art of Naxos. Also note that during the summer they are various exhibitions in Chora, usually held at the premises of the 1st Primary School of Chora Naxos, near the port.
Marble and Emery from Naxos are widely known. Naxian marble is one of best marbles in the world. Same applies to the island’s emery. It was used a lot in the past in wars and is stiil being used for madicinal and other reasons.
NAXOS USEFUL PHONES
Local Area Code : 2285 (0)
Code for Greece: 003(0)
Municipality of Naxos - Chora: 22717, 22712
Police Station of Chora: 22100, 23280
National Bank: 22187, 23053, 22188
Commercial Bank: 22209, 26145, 22381
Eurobank: 26025, 26030, 23406
Alpha Bank: 22992, 22994, 26101
Piraeus Bank: 26771, 26770, 26775
Laiki Bank: 26871, 29290, 29103
Post Office (hours of operation 07.20 – 14.00): 22211
Fire Department: 32199
Greek Electrical Company (D.E.I): 22214, 22267, 24544
Athens Olympic Airways: 801 1144444
Naxos airport: 23292
Athens International airport “El. Venizelos”: (210) 3530000
Olympic Airways (local office): 23043
Public Bus Station (KTEL): 22291
Taxi: 22444, 24331
Weather Station: 22465
Weather Report: 1448
Access Naxos
rom Athens:
- By ferry boat (takes around 5 and a half hours and costs € 30), or highspeed boat (3 and a half hours, fare €45). Every day there is a boat departing from Pireaus at 7.30 and at 17:30 every afternoon. For further information you may call 0030 2285 0 22300. Click here to make an online reservation with blue star ferries.
-By airplane (takes around twenty minutes) from Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". The fare from Athens costs €82. From Naxos Airport to Athens the plane leaves everyday at 13.30 and costs €62. In summer season there are two flights from Naxos at 7.30 and 13.30. Further information regarding flights you may call 0030 22850 23043. Click here to make an online reservation with Olympic Airways. Click here to view the iterinaries of airplanes to Naxos.
From our island:
You may practice island hoping to Koufonissi, Amorgos, Ios, Santorini, Myconos, Delos, Folegandros and small traditional Cyclades.
There are also excursions with small boats to the small surrounding islands as well as daily excursions to the hidden caves at the south of Naxos.
TIP: In case you decide to go on a trip with a small ship always check the weather one night before.
Click here to find out the weather in Agios Prokopios.
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This post has been edited by nektarula: 08 February 2010 - 06:39 PM

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