Overview and attractions of Naxos
The Greek Island of Naxos is one of the most fertile and green islands of the Cycladic Archipelago. It is an island where couples with children, who love safe and clean sandy beaches, as well as couples who are in love, love to relax. The resort location is perfect for those who love to explore the unknown.
Information about the island first appears in the 8th century B.C. It is described as the largest island of the archipelago, which has a large number of historical sites. In the 13th century, the island was considered the residence of pirates, so many travelers enthusiastically explore the island in hopes of finding treasure.
What to visit on Naxos
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Portara Marble Gate
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The Venetian fortress of Castro
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The Monastery and Cathedral of St. John Chrysostom
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Bazeos Castle
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Archeological Museum
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Halki village
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The Philoti settlement
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Danako settlement
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Temple of Demeter
Portara Marble Gate
This attraction is considered a symbol of the city and is located on the island of Palatija. The ancient temple is connected to Chora by a damb-bridge. The ruins of the unfinished temple dedicated to Apollo date back to the 6th century BC. The remains of the building are so imposing that they can be seen by everyone who comes to the island.
The Venetian fortress of Castro
The walls of the fortress are situated on a hill, which is located above the town of Chora. The fortress is an ancient castle, which is crowned by five towers. The fortress was built by Baron Sanudi on the site of the ancient acropolis in 1210 and the cathedral of the 13th century. The ancient building is attractive for its unusual beauty. In ancient times the fortress functioned as a trade school, instead which today there is an archaeological museum on the island.
The Monastery and Cathedral of St. John Chrysostom
The temple is located 3 kilometers from Chora. The monastery is interesting not only for its architectural appearance but also for the fact that it keeps an ancient Byzantine icon of the Virgin.
Bazeos Castle
A building from the 17th century, the interior of which is decorated in an original style. Art exhibitions are held in the castle, and the famous Naxos Festival takes place every summer in the courtyard of the castle.
Archaeological Museum
This is one of the most popular museums on the island. It is located in the capital city of Naxos. The museum is located on the grounds of an ancient Venetian fortress. It exhibits a large correlation of artifacts that have been found on the island during archaeological excavations.
Halki village
The village is home to the famous winery Vallindras, where you can taste the Greek drink "Kithron" made according to ancient recipes. The winery offers free guided tours and tastings. You can buy the famous drink in the cellar of the winery.
The Philoti settlement
An amazingly situated village, which is stretched in a huge amphitheater on the mountain slope. In the village, there is an interesting temple that stands out for its marble iconostasis and ancient icons. Not far from the settlement is the cave of Arius, which served as a place of worship for the supreme god of Olympus.
Danako settlement
Here rises the Lighthouse Monastery, which resembles a tower from a fairy tale. According to legend, the monastery was built at the request of Empress Irene.
Temple of Demeter
It was built in 530 B.C. and was one of the influential spiritual centers of the island. This is because the Greeks, in addition to fishing and seafaring, were engaged in farming, winemaking, and olive oil production. So, the locals revered the nature goddess Demeter and commemorated her in a beautiful temple.
Beaches of Naxos
There are a lot of good beaches on the island and it is very easy to find the one that suits your taste.
Beach of Agios Prokopis
The coastline is calm and quiet. Even if the wind blows all day on the island, the water is still calm. It is a beach with good infrastructure, where sun loungers and areas can be rented. There are taverns and hotels along the beach.
Beach Agia Anna
One of the most popular beaches in Naxos because of its white sand. The beach offers all the amenities for a good holiday. An umbrella and a deckchair are included and a nice drink from a nearby bar.
Beach of St. George
A crowded beach with blue waters and a lot of beachfront taverns. It is one of the best beaches for holidays with children.
Apollonas beach
Apollonas is a beach of the same name in the northern part of the island. The beach is covered with white sand and from here you can admire the huge statue of Kouros. The shoreline is equipped with everything you need for a great time.
Psili Ammos beach
Another beach with white sand and cedars. There are no umbrellas, sun loungers, or restaurants on the beach, you can just enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the local nature. You can reach the beach by car.
Mutsoon Beach
The vacation spot is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the island, with a large number of restaurants, bars, and taverns in the traditional Greek style. The beach is near the homonym harbor, where you can find all the white-white yachts and fishing boats.
Beach Plaka
This beach has everything you need for a carefree vacation. However, this beach is particularly popular with those who like to sunbathe naked.
Mikri Vigla
A wild beach that is located north of the capital. The water here is crystal clear and the sand is white. Windsurfers like to gather on the beach, and restaurants, taverns, and hotels are open near the shore.
Orkos beach
Orkos is an exotic beach with a dark blue sea and white sand. Popular with fans of water sports, particularly windsurfers. There are also hotels and restaurants with excellent sea views.
Kastraki beach
Located near the beach Mikri Vigla. Here the beach has a wide white color shoreline and shallow entrance to the sea, but it is not suitable for recreation with children, as here, as in the previous place, nudists gather.
Beach Aliko
This is a secluded beach with cozy bays, silky white sand, and bright vegetation on the coastal cliffs. All this creates a romantic atmosphere.
