Naxos highlights
Villages
Located approximately 30 km from the island’s capital, at a height between 600 and 700 meters, on the mountain “Fanari”. After “Filoti” is the second largest village. “The Aperanthos’ ” as the locals call it, has a special feeling, different from other Cylcaditic islands. The central square with the traditional coffee shops surrounded by the beautiful houses representing their history, cobbled streets paved with marbles, arches and Venetian towers. The village stands out for it’s linguistic idiom, as it’s residents originate from many places, such as Anatolia and Crete. When someone visits Apiranthos, will notice the marble alleys, the cobbled streets and the small squares filled with traditional coffee shops, restaurants and stores. It is highly recommended to eat traditional food at these taverns: “Amorginos”, “Platanos”, “O Tempelis” or enjoy your coffee at “Rotonda” with it’s spectacular view.
115 moradores locais recomendam
Apeíranthos
897 Eparchiaki Odos Apiranthou-Ormou ApollonaLocated approximately 30 km from the island’s capital, at a height between 600 and 700 meters, on the mountain “Fanari”. After “Filoti” is the second largest village. “The Aperanthos’ ” as the locals call it, has a special feeling, different from other Cylcaditic islands. The central square with the traditional coffee shops surrounded by the beautiful houses representing their history, cobbled streets paved with marbles, arches and Venetian towers. The village stands out for it’s linguistic idiom, as it’s residents originate from many places, such as Anatolia and Crete. When someone visits Apiranthos, will notice the marble alleys, the cobbled streets and the small squares filled with traditional coffee shops, restaurants and stores. It is highly recommended to eat traditional food at these taverns: “Amorginos”, “Platanos”, “O Tempelis” or enjoy your coffee at “Rotonda” with it’s spectacular view.
Filoti is the largest village of Naxos, and the most populated after Hora. The village is vastly developed in terms of culture and tourism and is a perfect destination for your vacation with many accommodation facilities, restaurants, coffee shops and artwork stores.
At the village’s big square, the old plane tree resides, offering it’s shadow to every visitor wishing to enjoy the best coffee. From the square the village’s path span amphitheatrically, waiting for you to explore them.
49 moradores locais recomendam
Filoti
Filoti is the largest village of Naxos, and the most populated after Hora. The village is vastly developed in terms of culture and tourism and is a perfect destination for your vacation with many accommodation facilities, restaurants, coffee shops and artwork stores.
At the village’s big square, the old plane tree resides, offering it’s shadow to every visitor wishing to enjoy the best coffee. From the square the village’s path span amphitheatrically, waiting for you to explore them.
Halki is one of the most beautiful and well preserved villages of Naxos. During history, Halki was an urban area, as it was always distinguished for it’s resident’s wealth and social status. Many well known judges and lawyers at Naxos, come from Halki. Because
of this, Halki has been a great commercial center in the past. This is resembled in the New-classic style according to which the buildings are built, especially the old manor houses with their roof tiles, classic balconies and paved yards. When someone visits Halki immediately notices the small stylish stores selling handmade candy and artwork. There are also many archaeological monuments, byzantine churches filled with wall paintings and high Venetian towers. One of the most important sites is “Panagia Protothronos” (6th century A.C.) which is devoted to the annunciation of the mother of God. But if you want to enjoy your coffee, food, sweet or beverage you can enjoy special tastes and rest under the shade and dew of the trees and beauty of the new-classic buildings. It is also worthwile to suggest visiting the Valindras distillery-museum in which the local drink “Kitro” is produced.
81 moradores locais recomendam
Chalkio
Halki is one of the most beautiful and well preserved villages of Naxos. During history, Halki was an urban area, as it was always distinguished for it’s resident’s wealth and social status. Many well known judges and lawyers at Naxos, come from Halki. Because
of this, Halki has been a great commercial center in the past. This is resembled in the New-classic style according to which the buildings are built, especially the old manor houses with their roof tiles, classic balconies and paved yards. When someone visits Halki immediately notices the small stylish stores selling handmade candy and artwork. There are also many archaeological monuments, byzantine churches filled with wall paintings and high Venetian towers. One of the most important sites is “Panagia Protothronos” (6th century A.C.) which is devoted to the annunciation of the mother of God. But if you want to enjoy your coffee, food, sweet or beverage you can enjoy special tastes and rest under the shade and dew of the trees and beauty of the new-classic buildings. It is also worthwile to suggest visiting the Valindras distillery-museum in which the local drink “Kitro” is produced.
Beaches
One of the best beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, ranked among the top 10 beaches of Europe, and TOP 3rd in Greece, and also every year the Blue Flag is awarded. Here you will enjoy the natural beauty at it’s best. At the edge lies the Agios Prokopios church. One part of the beach is organized with facilities like umbrellas, sun loungers and sea sports. The other part is left at it’s natural beauty. Behind the small sand dunes you can see the scenic village of Agios Prokopios. It offers a wide range of restaurants, coffee shops and Bars. The beach is organized, meaning umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent. There are also beach bars so you can enjoy refreshing coctails and tasty snacs. For those who wish to, you can also use your own equipment on the sand, in the less crowded part of the beach which is left at it’s own beauty. For the sea sports fans, you can enjoy
windsurfing, cubes, sea bicycles, scuba diving, beach volley etc. You can get to Agios Prokopios using the local bus, starting from the city of Naxos very frequently.
85 moradores locais recomendam
Agios Prokopios
One of the best beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, ranked among the top 10 beaches of Europe, and TOP 3rd in Greece, and also every year the Blue Flag is awarded. Here you will enjoy the natural beauty at it’s best. At the edge lies the Agios Prokopios church. One part of the beach is organized with facilities like umbrellas, sun loungers and sea sports. The other part is left at it’s natural beauty. Behind the small sand dunes you can see the scenic village of Agios Prokopios. It offers a wide range of restaurants, coffee shops and Bars. The beach is organized, meaning umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent. There are also beach bars so you can enjoy refreshing coctails and tasty snacs. For those who wish to, you can also use your own equipment on the sand, in the less crowded part of the beach which is left at it’s own beauty. For the sea sports fans, you can enjoy
windsurfing, cubes, sea bicycles, scuba diving, beach volley etc. You can get to Agios Prokopios using the local bus, starting from the city of Naxos very frequently.
Next to the beach of Agios Prokopios, opposite of the island of Paros, a legendary and one of the most popular beaches of the island. A fantastic sandy beach with it’s cedars generously offering their shade, is a host for the local fishermen port. In it’s biggest part you can find umbrellas and sun loungers, but the more “hidden” creeks of the Naxos coastline await the travelers who prefer more quiet places. Sea sports are also available, as well as any kind of shop.
39 moradores locais recomendam
Agia Anna
Next to the beach of Agios Prokopios, opposite of the island of Paros, a legendary and one of the most popular beaches of the island. A fantastic sandy beach with it’s cedars generously offering their shade, is a host for the local fishermen port. In it’s biggest part you can find umbrellas and sun loungers, but the more “hidden” creeks of the Naxos coastline await the travelers who prefer more quiet places. Sea sports are also available, as well as any kind of shop.
The beach of Plaka is organized but quiet, with crystal clear water, ideal for swimming and sea sports. Along Plaka you will find Cafes, restaurants, taverns and mini markets ready to provide their services. Thin-white sand beach with big sand dunes, a magic scene. Next to the sea there are taverns and and rooms to let with sea view. Plaka is fairly among the most preferred destinations in Naxos.
33 moradores locais recomendam
Plaka
The beach of Plaka is organized but quiet, with crystal clear water, ideal for swimming and sea sports. Along Plaka you will find Cafes, restaurants, taverns and mini markets ready to provide their services. Thin-white sand beach with big sand dunes, a magic scene. Next to the sea there are taverns and and rooms to let with sea view. Plaka is fairly among the most preferred destinations in Naxos.
As described by it’s name (Vigla means Observatory in Greek) used to be an observatory protecting Naxos from pirates. It essentially consists of 2 beaches, Limanaki and Parthenos which are divided by a rock. Both wonderful sandy beaches. Parthenos beach is a meeting point for kitesurfing and windsurfing fans, where the weather conditions are ideal for. What’s special here is that even if in one beach is windy, in the other you can enjoy swimming having no wind at all. Mikri (Small) Vigla is very popular not only to swimmers but also for being a shelter to small boats when strong winds occur, also for sea sports fans. Hotels, taverns and the organized beach has made Mikri Vigla a very popular site in Naxos. The scenic beach is completed by the island of Parthenos, named after a small church on it.
57 moradores locais recomendam
Mikri Vigla
As described by it’s name (Vigla means Observatory in Greek) used to be an observatory protecting Naxos from pirates. It essentially consists of 2 beaches, Limanaki and Parthenos which are divided by a rock. Both wonderful sandy beaches. Parthenos beach is a meeting point for kitesurfing and windsurfing fans, where the weather conditions are ideal for. What’s special here is that even if in one beach is windy, in the other you can enjoy swimming having no wind at all. Mikri (Small) Vigla is very popular not only to swimmers but also for being a shelter to small boats when strong winds occur, also for sea sports fans. Hotels, taverns and the organized beach has made Mikri Vigla a very popular site in Naxos. The scenic beach is completed by the island of Parthenos, named after a small church on it.
One of the best beaches in the center of Chora. Many beach bars will make your bath comfortable
7 moradores locais recomendam
Saint George
One of the best beaches in the center of Chora. Many beach bars will make your bath comfortable
Monuments
The first sight that a visitor comes across as soon as he arrives at Naxos port is the stunning Portara. The icon of the island. An impressive marble fate, standing fearless to the time passing at the islet “Palatia” at the north side of the Naxos port, supervising the island capital. Portara is the remains of the temple of Apollonas, it’s construction began between 6th and 7th century b.c. – A never completed project. According to mythology, in this particular island, Thiseas abandoned Ariadni, who stole from Crete after killing the Minotaurus. The gate consisted of 4 huge pieces of local marble, each weighing about 20ton. It’s height is about 6 meters, width is 3,5 meters. Until 1919, the year when the stem which connects the stem to the capital was constructed, the island was not connected to Naxos.
202 moradores locais recomendam
Templo de Apolo - Portara
The first sight that a visitor comes across as soon as he arrives at Naxos port is the stunning Portara. The icon of the island. An impressive marble fate, standing fearless to the time passing at the islet “Palatia” at the north side of the Naxos port, supervising the island capital. Portara is the remains of the temple of Apollonas, it’s construction began between 6th and 7th century b.c. – A never completed project. According to mythology, in this particular island, Thiseas abandoned Ariadni, who stole from Crete after killing the Minotaurus. The gate consisted of 4 huge pieces of local marble, each weighing about 20ton. It’s height is about 6 meters, width is 3,5 meters. Until 1919, the year when the stem which connects the stem to the capital was constructed, the island was not connected to Naxos.
At Iria, a location relatively close to Naxos capital, you will find a place of worship devoted to Dionyssos. A well preserved archaeological site in which there are ruins from the temple of Dionyssos collected from the village Glinados and the sea. The temple was founded in the beginning of the 8th century and in it’s place a newer was built around 730 B.C. Another was built around 670 B.C. and an Ionian aroung 575-550 B.C. The God’s worship continued until the Roman age. The temple site will recreate pictures from the long past.
33 moradores locais recomendam
Temple of DIONYSUS, Iria
At Iria, a location relatively close to Naxos capital, you will find a place of worship devoted to Dionyssos. A well preserved archaeological site in which there are ruins from the temple of Dionyssos collected from the village Glinados and the sea. The temple was founded in the beginning of the 8th century and in it’s place a newer was built around 730 B.C. Another was built around 670 B.C. and an Ionian aroung 575-550 B.C. The God’s worship continued until the Roman age. The temple site will recreate pictures from the long past.
The ancient temple of Dimitra goddess is one of the most important ancient buildings of the history of Naxos. Along with Iria temple is considered to be the forerunners of the Parthenon.
Built between 530 and 520 B.C. with white marble. The temple lies in an elevated position of a fertile plain with a view of both the sea and the Zeus mountain. Around the temple you can visit a very special museum. Received an award for it’s architecture as well as for the way it blends with nature. More specific, it received the highest award of the European Union and Europa Nostra at June 4 2004 in Monaco at the category 1D: Archaeological Sites. Inside the museum you can see ancient findings not used to the restoration and many other findings revealing the site’s importance.
124 moradores locais recomendam
Templo de Deméter
The ancient temple of Dimitra goddess is one of the most important ancient buildings of the history of Naxos. Along with Iria temple is considered to be the forerunners of the Parthenon.
Built between 530 and 520 B.C. with white marble. The temple lies in an elevated position of a fertile plain with a view of both the sea and the Zeus mountain. Around the temple you can visit a very special museum. Received an award for it’s architecture as well as for the way it blends with nature. More specific, it received the highest award of the European Union and Europa Nostra at June 4 2004 in Monaco at the category 1D: Archaeological Sites. Inside the museum you can see ancient findings not used to the restoration and many other findings revealing the site’s importance.
One of the most charming castle mansions, at the NW side of the settlement at the tower Della Rocca-Barozzi. You will find furniture and other artifacts from many ages. The tower was used as garrison headquarters during the Venetian age, and a Venetian cosulate during the Turkish occupation. It belongs since 1704 to the Della Rocca-Barozzi family. Many musical festivities take place (jazz,classic guitar, piano) in the mansion’s facilities from April to October, to which, many Greek artists contribute. The Castle of Naxos was constructed at 1207 by the Venetian Marco Sanudo, who conquered 17 Aegean islands, was proclaimed Duke. And set Naxos as his dukedom base. The Castle’s Medieval settlement was not only a residence, but also commanding, training and religious center of the Venetian conquerors. It was sieged for years, but it’s still standing... The tower’s wood, the stones and a crypt not yet explored begin a mystery tale.
91 moradores locais recomendam
Castle (Kastro) of Naxos
One of the most charming castle mansions, at the NW side of the settlement at the tower Della Rocca-Barozzi. You will find furniture and other artifacts from many ages. The tower was used as garrison headquarters during the Venetian age, and a Venetian cosulate during the Turkish occupation. It belongs since 1704 to the Della Rocca-Barozzi family. Many musical festivities take place (jazz,classic guitar, piano) in the mansion’s facilities from April to October, to which, many Greek artists contribute. The Castle of Naxos was constructed at 1207 by the Venetian Marco Sanudo, who conquered 17 Aegean islands, was proclaimed Duke. And set Naxos as his dukedom base. The Castle’s Medieval settlement was not only a residence, but also commanding, training and religious center of the Venetian conquerors. It was sieged for years, but it’s still standing... The tower’s wood, the stones and a crypt not yet explored begin a mystery tale.
Food
Best Greek tavern for meat at Apiranthos village with great view
21 moradores locais recomendam
Amorginos Tavern
ΑπειρανθοςBest Greek tavern for meat at Apiranthos village with great view
Traditional Greek tavern with great food near Mikri Vigla village
55 moradores locais recomendam
Taverna Axiotissa
Traditional Greek tavern with great food near Mikri Vigla village
Very nice Greek traditional restaurant in Chora with home made foods and good prices
12 moradores locais recomendam
To Elliniko Restaurant
Ioannou PaparigopoulouVery nice Greek traditional restaurant in Chora with home made foods and good prices
One of the best restaurants in Chora with elegance menu in a very nice spot
17 moradores locais recomendam
Typografio Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in Chora with elegance menu in a very nice spot
Doukato Restaurant
Very nice Greek tavern in beautiful spot for meat
Dolce Vita cafe & patisserie
Highly recommended for traditional game made patisseries