About Naxos

The island of Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades islands.

Naxos is centrally located to numerous other islands in the Cyclades. It's only six and a half hours by ferry from Piraeus, one hour from Paros, two hours from Mykonos, two hours from Ios and three hours from Santorini. There are frequent connections to and from the islands of Syros, Andros, Tinos, Koufonissia, Amorgos, Ikaria, Samos and Crete. There are also daily flights to and from Athens available. In the near future the International airport will be ready with a runway of 1800 meters long. Charter flights and big aircrafts wil then be able to land.

Naxos is one of the more beautiful islands in the Aegean Sea and one that attracts thousands of tourists each summer.

Signs of Ancient, Byzantine and Venetian history abound throughout the island and its capital town, Naxos. The island has fine examples of both Cycladic and Venetian architecture.

Its charming 41 villages and green valleys are sandwiched in between rugged mountains. The highest mountain on the island, and of all the Cyclades, is Mount Zas ( Zeus) at 3200 feet.

Economically Naxos is the most important of the Cyclades islands. Due to its size and fertility, Naxos is one of the most self sufficient islands of Cyclades, with its own production of agricultural and dairy products.

A great deal of farming takes place in its rich valleys, the cultivation of lemon trees being particularly important. Naxos is known for producing cherries, preserves of fresh fruits, olives, grapes, different kinds of nuts, potatoes, pomegranates, wine, a special liquer made from lemon tree leaves called Kitron, olive oil, corn, figs, lemons, oranges and vegetables.

Don't forget the Famous Naxian cheese. There are plenty of places you can buy Naxian cheese - some of them are just cheese shops. Try "Kefalotyri", "Anthotyro" and "Ksynotyro".

The island is 18 miles long and 12 miles wide and is well known for its sparkling sandy beaches, a clear blue sea and monuments representing a history of more than 6000 years.

The interior of the island is one of the few place in the Cyclades where the folded valleys are remote enough from the sea to have a distinct life of their own. It is possible in Naxos to feel that one has lost contact with the sea. Between the northern and southern mountain ridges, a graceful valley leads through the village of Apiranthos.

The first thing one sees when entering the port of Naxos is the lonely lintel from the Temple of Apollo. They start builing it in 522 B.C. but it got never finished, perhaps because it was too large. It is the most symbolic landmark in the town.

A very picturesque port, Naxos features a Venetian touch blending in nicely with Cycladic architecture. Its whitewashed walkways, tunnels and arches beg to be explored by the visitor.

To see the Naxos of the past, don't forget to visit the small archaelogical museum in town with its various Cycladic sculptures, pottery of various periods and fragments of Kouros statues, busts, mosaics form the Roman period, various jewerly and coins.

The island is best suited for those who seek a quiet vacation. There are enough activities to pursue on the island, for all tasted, but the visitor seeking an escape form the noise and hoopla found on other popular Aegean island will find his peace on Naxos.