Naxos is located in the heart of the Aegean and it is no coincidence that it is an island with a long history and a strong presence in the creation of Greek culture.
It is the largest island in the Cyclades and its rich geographical terrain creates intense landscape changes. High mountains, fertile valleys, meadows, plateaus, springs, torrents, caves, endless sandy beaches, dunes that host clusters of cedars, all coexist harmoniously on this small piece of land.
The great history of Naxos
It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and according to ancient mythology, Zeus, the father of the gods of the ancient Greeks, although born in Crete, was raised in Naxos and gave his name to its highest mountain, Za.
In Naxos, Dionysus, the god of wine, mingled with Ariadne, the goddess of fertility. Their union is said to have been the one that endowed the island with rich vineyards and fertile land.
During the Archaic times, Naxos has a great development, which is accompanied by the flourishing of the arts, especially sculpture and architecture. The richness of Naxos’ subsoil, the abundant marble that was the raw material and the emery that served for the final smoothing of the works helped in this.
The most characteristic monument of Naxos is Portara which dominates at its northern end of the port of Naxos. While the The Ancient Sanctuary of Apollo and Demeter is located south of Sangri village.
Later, the Byzantine era finds Naxos in a period of obscurity where with the advent of Christianity many churches were built on ancient shrines. Today the churches in Naxos exceed five hundred.
With such a glorious past and such a long history, it is not surprising that Naxos has such a wealth of monuments and sights. It is unique that in such a small piece of land, so many important monuments from so many different eras have been collected.
The current identity of Naxos
Today Naxos is one of the most touristic islands in the Aegean. Nevertheless, the majority of the people of Naxos are engaged not only in the tourist professions but also in agriculture, animal husbandry, marble quarries and trade.
Naxos is a modern tourist resort with a cosmopolitan air but at the same time retains its traditional color and popular culture.
Sightseeing in Naxos
If you are in for your summer vacation, apart from the sights, the beaches and the night life offered by Chora, which really does not sleep in summer, It is worth visiting its villages and getting to know the daily life of the people of Naxos and its folk tradition. In Apeiranthos, at Chalki Village at Komiaki, Greek-Cycladic hospitality is at its best.
Endless sandy beaches, with clear waters. Famous beaches such as Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios and Plaka but also many others such as Maragas, or Abram.Cedars along its southern and southwestern shores. Windy landscapes on the northern “wild” side of the island. Everywhere Naxos hides beauties and landscapes seductively. Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios and Plaka but also many others such as Marangas, or Abram. Cedars along its southern and southwestern shores. Windy landscapes on the northern "wild" side of the island. Everywhere Naxos hides beauties and seductive landscapes.
Apart from its beauties, however, it also hides emotions, since the fans of windsurfing will find unique conditions on the island to deal with their favorite sport. The meltemi that breathes during the day during the summer months, is their best ally. Friends of cycling can enjoy unique routes. Hikers, nature lovers and those with a passion for exploration will love the dozens of trails that cross the island from end to end. κρύβει και συγκινήσεις, αφού οι λάτρεις του windsurf will find on the island unique conditions to engage in their favorite sport. The meltemi that blows during the day during the summer months, is their best ally. The cycling friends, can enjoy unique routes. The hikers, nature lovers and those who have a passion for exploration, will love the dozens of trails that cross the island from one end to the other.
