The largest island of the Cyclades, the Aegean island of Naxos is famed for its sandy beaches and delightful mountainous villages. Although invaded by tourists every summer like every other Greek island, Naxos has managed to retain many of its traditional charms.
Naxos’ marble was much sought after in antiquity and the island was a major centre of the Cycladic civilisation around 3000 BC. Portara, Naxos’ iconic landmark, is the only remnant of the unfinished Temple of Apollo (522 BC) and stands at the mouth of the modern port as a mysterious door to the past. Under Venetian rule for centuries, Old Naxos just above Naxos Town is a typical medieval village with twisting streets and a Castle where the Venetian nobility used to live.
There is a vast selection of sandy beaches in Naxos, some of the best being Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Parthena (water sports), Sahara (surfing) and Kastraki. In Melanes and Apollonas, ancient unfinished giant statues (kouroi) recline abandoned in the landscape. The mountainous villages of Naxos retain their traditional character, one of the most beautiful being Apiranthos. A hike up Mount Zas will reward the traveller with spectacular views and Zeus’ sacred cave near the summit.
