Naxos
Naxos Island the largest and most fertile island in Cyclades and one of the most attractive and beautiful in Greece. It combines golden sands with the mountain beauty. Naxos Island has long history which includes the Hellenistic period, Archaic period, Venetian occupation, Byzantine period. Ancient temples, Frank castles, Venetian castles, palaces, archaeological museums, folklore museums marked with the stamp of past glories.
Saint George (Agios Georgios)
Saint George (Agios Georgios) is Naxos Town beach. Sandy and very long (1 km) is the first choice for swimming and spend a day on it. It offers all kind of entertainment such as beach restaurants, beach bars and clubs, water sport facilities.
Naxos Town or Hora
Naxos Town or Hora is the islands port and capital. It is a lively town, of Cycladic architecture with a maze of narrow streets and tiny passages and makes an excellent resort. Behind the waterfront an extensive, almost Medieval Old Quarter stretches up the hillside where Kastro (Castle) is. Walking around and in the Castle is a must while the views are exceptional.
Venetian castle
The Castle of Chora was built by the Venetian Marco Sanudos, who had occupied with his companions 17 Aegean islands. He was then declared duke and established Naxos as the seat of his duchy. The hill next to the port of Naxos forms a natural citadel. That is why he chose to build the seat of the duchy there. For the best security of the city, he used many materials that were already at that point as they had been destroyed by previous pirate raids. A special feature of the castle is that its wall consists partly of masonry of the houses located on the perimeter of the area. The settlement of the castle was not only a place of residence of the Venetians but an administrative, educational and religious center.
In the center of the castle district is the square dominated by the Catholic Metropolis. The ruins of the central tower, according to tradition, constituted the palace of Mark Sanoudos.
In the center of the castle district is the square dominated by the Catholic Metropolis. The ruins of the central tower, according to tradition, constituted the palace of Mark Sanoudos.
Temple Of Apollo 'Portara'
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo - Portara, a huge marble gate and the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC, is the island’s emblem and main landmark.
Standing on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor, it comprises four marble parts weighing about 20 tons each.
Its construction was initiated by the tyrant Lygdamis in the 6th century BC, according to the specifications of the temples of Olympic Zeus in Athens and of the goddess Hera on Samos.
It measured 59m in length and 28m in width, and its entrance was on the western side of Naxos -an unusual feature for an Ionian-style temple.
The monumental gate seen today, which led from the vestibule to the main part of the temple, lies amidst traces of its foundations and those of a peripheral colonnade that was never completed.
An arched Christian church was built on the ruins in the 6th or 7th century.
The islet of Palatia has been associated with the worship of Ariadne — a Cretan princess — and Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment.
Because, according to mythology, Dionysus abducted the princess at the beachside of Palatia, the islet is considered the place where Dionysian festivities were first held.
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo - Portara today is connected with the Naxos mainland via a paved footpath.
The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece.
Standing on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor, it comprises four marble parts weighing about 20 tons each.
Its construction was initiated by the tyrant Lygdamis in the 6th century BC, according to the specifications of the temples of Olympic Zeus in Athens and of the goddess Hera on Samos.
It measured 59m in length and 28m in width, and its entrance was on the western side of Naxos -an unusual feature for an Ionian-style temple.
The monumental gate seen today, which led from the vestibule to the main part of the temple, lies amidst traces of its foundations and those of a peripheral colonnade that was never completed.
An arched Christian church was built on the ruins in the 6th or 7th century.
The islet of Palatia has been associated with the worship of Ariadne — a Cretan princess — and Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment.
Because, according to mythology, Dionysus abducted the princess at the beachside of Palatia, the islet is considered the place where Dionysian festivities were first held.
Naxos’ Temple of Apollo - Portara today is connected with the Naxos mainland via a paved footpath.
The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece.
Apeiranthos
Apeiranthos village is by many considered the crown jewel of Naxos. Much of this belief is due to the fact that over the centuries it has managed to retain its unique authenticity which is apparent in every step you take, in every alley you walk and wherever you look. This is so not just because of the village and its uniqueness on the landscape of Naxos, but also for its nearly 1100 proud inhabitants who have kept their own distinct dialect where even a slightly trained ear reveals their true Cretan origin.
Amphitheatrically built at the slopes of Mount Fanari, it boasts magnificent views of the Naxian mountain ranges. As the locals say, while at Apeiranthos, there is no way of telling that you are, in fact, on an island. The feeling one gets is more that of a northern mainland Greece village than that of a Cycladic Island. This is partly due to its architecture and stone built houses but mainly due to its altitude, the centre of the village is located at approximately 600m from sea level.
The altitude offers extraordinary views from its various restaurants serving the local produce and the café most of which overlook the surrounding peaks and valleys.
This is no ordinary village, far from it; it is uniquely expressed in its awareness of history from several angles. At Apeiranthos you will find not one or two but 5 museums.
Amphitheatrically built at the slopes of Mount Fanari, it boasts magnificent views of the Naxian mountain ranges. As the locals say, while at Apeiranthos, there is no way of telling that you are, in fact, on an island. The feeling one gets is more that of a northern mainland Greece village than that of a Cycladic Island. This is partly due to its architecture and stone built houses but mainly due to its altitude, the centre of the village is located at approximately 600m from sea level.
The altitude offers extraordinary views from its various restaurants serving the local produce and the café most of which overlook the surrounding peaks and valleys.
This is no ordinary village, far from it; it is uniquely expressed in its awareness of history from several angles. At Apeiranthos you will find not one or two but 5 museums.
The most impressive sight in the ancient quarry of Apollonas on Naxos is a huge, half-finished statue, known as the Kouros of the god Apollo.
The statue, lying in supine position and longer than 10m, dates to the 6th century BC and archaeologists differ on whether it represents Apollo or the god Dionysus.
The fact that construction of the giant temple of Apollo at Portara, the position overlooking the present-day port of Naxos, is considered to have started in the same period as the date of the statue, has raised questions whether the Kouros was somehow linked with the temple.
The statue was never finished, but it is unclear whether this was because it broke and a repair was impossible, or because its completion was cancelled, or because it was never paid for.
The statue, lying in supine position and longer than 10m, dates to the 6th century BC and archaeologists differ on whether it represents Apollo or the god Dionysus.
The fact that construction of the giant temple of Apollo at Portara, the position overlooking the present-day port of Naxos, is considered to have started in the same period as the date of the statue, has raised questions whether the Kouros was somehow linked with the temple.
The statue was never finished, but it is unclear whether this was because it broke and a repair was impossible, or because its completion was cancelled, or because it was never paid for.
Saint Prokopios beach
Agios Prokopios lies right after Saint George’s beach and it is approximately 5.7 kilometres from Naxos Town, which is why many people choose to take a leisurely walk there or get there by bike. Awarded for its quality waters on both a Greek and international level, the beach of Agios Prokopios is truly magnificent. Right behind the beach and towards its northern end there lie the remains of a salt pan which was part of an industry many decades ago.
This long beach of light coloured thick sand has bright turquoise waters and its natural beauty is such that it attracts many visitors making it the 2nd most popular beach of Naxos. Its unique colour and surroundings are what makes some people think of Agios Prokopios as a giant swimming pool.
The beach is well organized, with umbrellas and sun-beds.
Agios Prokopios is definitely the area to stay, eat and have fun from early till late.
This long beach of light coloured thick sand has bright turquoise waters and its natural beauty is such that it attracts many visitors making it the 2nd most popular beach of Naxos. Its unique colour and surroundings are what makes some people think of Agios Prokopios as a giant swimming pool.
The beach is well organized, with umbrellas and sun-beds.
Agios Prokopios is definitely the area to stay, eat and have fun from early till late.
