Naxos is waiting for you to take you among the gods of Olympus, while enjoying the sun on the beaches and its natural and historical beauties. Here the advice on what to see and visit in Naxos.
When I think of the island of Naxos, I am reminded of the theme song of a well-known cartoon from the Eighties that sang about a magical city on the top of Olympus. This is because visiting the island it is possible to find temples and emblems dedicated to Apollo, Zeus, Dionysus, Demeter and others. Naxos also houses buildings dating back to the Byzantine civilization. So here are our suggestions on what to see so as not to miss anything and fully experience Naxos.
Naxos (Chora): old town and the castle of Kastro
Your visit to the city of Naxos or Chora cannot but start from Kastro castle, accessible by three doors: Paraporti, south gate; Porta Trani, north gate; Piso Paraporti, south east gate. Porta Trani is also the entrance to the old city. Immediately on the right is the Torre Della Rocca Barozzi, a symbol of Venetian influence. Continuing you will come to Borgous, which takes its name from our Italian “borgo”, and get lost in the tradition and culture of the oldest part of the city.
Kourounochori village
Located within the Melanes valley, the village of Kourounochori stands on the slope of a hill. Get lost, as far as the eye can see, among the flowers that adorn the windows of the houses and courtyards. Kourounochori is also called the village of flowers.
Tragaia Valley
Among vineyards and olive groves, inside the Tragaia Valley, in the center of the island, you will find the village of Chalki, also called the Mystras of the Aegean, due to the historical finds it preserves.
Or you can simply enjoy the view of the fruit trees, vineyards and olive groves, which here, perhaps thanks to the god Dionysus, grow luxuriantly. And this brings us to the next leg of our visit.
Find out where the Olympians are hiding
Symbol of the island is Portara, what remains of the temple dedicated to the god Apollo, started and never finished on the island of Palatia, near the pier. We could define it as a perfect setting for your holiday, or to immortalize the view! Proceeding south, head towards the Mount Zas, which in addition to being the highest mountain on the island, a thousand meters high, is also dedicated to the father of the Olympians, Zeus. If, on the other hand, your visit takes place in spring or autumn, do not miss the celebrations for the god Dionysus, celebrated when the vines sprout and when the harvest takes place. Finally, visit Apollonas, on the north east coast of the island, dedicated to the god Apollo.
Beaches
Honorable mention for the beach of Agios Georgios Beach, a short distance from Chora, characterized by fine sand and crystal clear waters. For lovers of windsurfing and kitesurfing, the stop is Laguna Beach, a five minute walk from the previous beach and fifteen from Naxos town. The water here is shallow, not even a meter, so ideal if you are a beginner with the previous two activities.
Apeiranthos and trips out of town
For a cultural stop do not miss the museum center of Apeiranthos, about ten kilometers from Chalki.
From the port of Naxos, ferries leave for nearby islands, including Santorini, Paros, Ios, Kos and Donoussa.
