Discover the 1001 sights of Naxos
Hardly any other island of the Cyclades invites you to so many discovery tours with impressive sights as Naxos does. Plan enough time for Naxos Town, the capital of the island, and its interesting castle town (Kastro). Among the top sights is the Venetian fortress, which sits on a 30-meter-high hill above Naxos Town. Visit the Archaeological Museum opposite the Catholic Bishop's Church and the Museum of Venetian Residential Culture, a house of the Catholic aristocracy in the castle town. Atmospheric alleys and old walls make up the irresistible charm of the lower Naxos Town in the unchanged districts of the "Bürgerstadt". In the west of the island is Portara with the landmark of Naxos, the huge freestanding gate. Scientists suspect that it led to the 2,500-year-old, unfinished Apollo Temple. If your holiday home or apartment is in the north of Naxos, take a trip to Apollonas to admire the Kouros (young man) of Apollonas, a 10-meter-tall statue of Zeus or Dionysus. A very interesting and beautiful excursion takes you to the Tragaia, the fertile valley with many traditional villages and the oldest church, the Panagia Drosiania from the 6th century. Make a detour to Mount Zas, the highest mountain of Naxos at about 1000 meters. Greek mythology reports that the mighty god Zeus was born in a cave here and his son Dionysus lived. Only the remains of the 6th-century temple still bear witness to the mythological size of the place.
Where Naxos attractions are located
In addition to the many ancient sights and Byzantine churches, it is above all the ancient picturesque villages that should be on your to-do list. The anti
Picturesque houses, villas with sea views, and plenty of relaxation for the whole family
The island of Naxos is a wonderful place to truly unwind while benefiting from cultural and sporting attractions. Family-friendly accommodations on gentle sandy beaches, villas with magnificent sea views, houses in fertile valleys overlooking mountains, or even affordable private houses with pools – that's how to vacation right! If you have rented accommodation by the sea in Giardini Naxos, you can enjoy a beautiful sandy beach and the many typical taverns and cafes of the place. The dreamy beaches of Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios contribute to making the island of Naxos perfect for beach holidays. For sporting activities, head to the beach of Mikri Vigla, which is famous among windsurfers. In spring, the island is ideal for a holiday with a dog on Naxos, as there are many dog-friendly holiday homes and apartments. However, keep in mind the long flight times, which may not suit every dog.
Kalí óreksi – Enjoy your meal!
On the island of Naxos, as elsewhere in Greece, the best way to dine is in a large company. Everyone orders what the waiter recommends as fresh for the day, everything is served in the middle of the table – everything belongs to everyone and everyone helps themselves. This is how the typical Greek dishes taste best. To get to know this tradition of culinary culture, it is best to visit one of the simple taverns, which you will certainly find in abundance near your holiday apartment or house. Among the few specialties of Naxos is the stuffed lamb "Patudo" – a truly divine main course. Another local dish is "Rosto", a rooster stewed in wine (not chicken), which must delicately melt on the tongue. Delicious cheeses produced on the island round off the meal perfectly, along with the digestif Kitro, a liqueur made from lemon leaves.
History, tradition, and culture – the program for your vacation on Naxos
The most interesting cultural events on Naxos are – as everywhere in Greece – traditionally shaped and of a religious nature. The most beautiful include events, parades, and fireworks that are celebrated at Easter. Traditionally, stuffed lamb and tripe soups are eaten. The quaintly celebrated carnival is also something very special here. Whether small or large, all island towns celebrate their local patron saint extensively, which you should not miss. One of the largest Christian Orthodox events is the Day of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated particularly opulently in Filoti on August 15th. Among the cultural events, the Axia Music Festival in Halki is worth mentioning, as well as the Dionysos Festival, which is celebrated in honor of the god Dionysos with plenty of wine, theater performances, art exhibitions, and numerous other events on the first weekend in September.
The way to your relaxing vacation in the Aegean
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades and is separated from the island of Paros by a narrow channel in the Aegean Sea. There is no international airport on Naxos, as the local runway is only approved for small aircraft. Therefore, the journey to your holiday home or apartment on Naxos is a combination of an international flight and a ferry crossing or a domestic flight from Athens to the "Apollon" (JNX) airport on Naxos. However, there are ferry connections from the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, which are served by international airlines. From the port or airport, it is just a stone's throw to your private accommodation on Naxos. Those who plan their vacation in time can be picked up by the landlord of the booked villa, studio, or apartment.
