Agios Arsenios | Agios Prokopios | Agia Anna | Apeirathos | Apolonas | Egares | Koronida | Koronos | Melanes | Mikri Vigla  | Plaka | Sangri | Filoti

Where to stay
Hotels - Studios - Apartments - Camping

Naxos Island Map | Photo Album | Beaches

Historical note
Mythology would have the island first inhabited by the ancient Kares, who developed a significant prehistoric civilization. The Krites and the Iones succeeded them. From antiquity, Naxos was renowned for its wine and its devotion and worship of the god of wine Dionysus, who as legend would have it met the Miniotissa Ariadne, who had been abandoned by Theseus.  From the prehistoric period remain many monuments such as the ruins of the temple of Apollo (Portara), at the entrance to the port and the Kouros of Melanon and Apollo, which form noteworthy samples of PreCycladic Civilization. In the 6th century BC, Naxos prospered commercially and culturally. It was a member state of both Athenian Alliances, though it was under the Franks that the Venetian Vikentios Markos Sanoudos established the Duchy of Naxos. In the period between 1770 and 1774, Naxos came under Russian rule, though repeatedly came under attack by the French pirates.

Naxos or chora
The port and capital, Naxos is situated west of the island and has approximately 4000 inhabitants. Facing the port, the ancient gateway of Naxos welcomes you. The Temple of Apollo or Portara as it is called, is situated on an isle north of the island that is joined to the mainland an invites you to explore a history, thousands of years old. The despotic castle at the top of the hill set the scene for pragmatic and literary schemes (Papadiamantis ‘The Merchants of a Nation’) preserve the worthy history of a century filled with powerful lords, pirates, and beautiful duchesses.
The old city adorned with white houses decorated with flowered windowsills and green gardens. The maze of paved, winding streets and archways opens and appetite for discovery. The well-preserved aesthetics of the old city is embraced harmoniously by the contemporary housing, which is constantly developing corresponding to the rising tourist demands.

Agios Prokopios – Agia Anna – Plaka

With few residents, it lies about 7km west of the city
These beautiful beaches are what most tourists are attracted to, being the also the most organized beaches on the island. They are considered the most beautiful, and one of the five best beaches of Naxos.
Sheltered from the ‘meltemia’ (sweltering north winds from the Aegean), endowed with excellent sandy shores and clean waters, these beaches are universally acclaimed for their ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. These three beaches form an impressive introduction to the magical beaches that you will meet, beginning with the bay of Ag. Giorgi, south of the island, and reaching the bay of Agiassou. Apart from the availability to hire surfing equipment and water bikes (similar facilities are available at Agios Prokopios and plaka), one meets many taverns by the sea, bars and clubs. On the extensive shores of Agia Anna, you will meet a rare type of cedar tree that grows in the sand similar to that of the palm tree.

SOUTHWETSERN BEACHES AND VILLAGES

Agali and Glyfada

These are none other than the central beaches of Kastrakiou. Stretching a distance of three kilometres, it is characterized by its white sandy shores and calm clean waters. Ideal for children. The view from Oskelo (a hill 300 metres from the shore) is amazing.

Aliko
A magnificently planned city with beautiful beaches and the only forest in Greece comprised of cedar trees. This is where the second main driving route in Naxos ends.

Kalantos or patsouras
Situated on the most northern part of the island. A landscape with untamed beauty, protected from the strong winds. Where the land meets the sea in a site of rare harmony. Accessible only by watercrafts, or by foot but the pathway is particularly difficult and tiring.

Kastraki
Kastraki IS the natural continuum of Mikri Vigla It begins after the beach of Saharas and is characterized by its blinding white sands and clean beach. It offers well-maintained and peaceful lodgings and a few friendly tavernas.

Mikri Vigla
This small cape with its two magnificent beaches on its sides is a masterpiece of nature. It owes its name to the fact that when Naxos was wary of pirate raids it was the observer of the island. Few houses have been developed in the area and today is the location of one of the most beautiful and contemporary beach resorts that assure you a peaceful and relaxing vacation. On the north side of the cape is the beach of Parthenas. South, with a tropical feel, is the beach of Sahara. The wide and thick sand shorelines that cover both beaches are characteristic and are considered the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. It is also universally considered ideal for windsurfing and other water sports.

Orkos
Situated between the beaches of Plaka and Mikri Vigli, covers a distance of approximately one and a half kilometres. Twelve metres of this shore are sown with cedars and ivy, forming small inlets of exotic beauty. There is a hotel with a restaurant in the area as well as the tavernas.

Pirgaki

The area combines beautiful beaches with the natural beauty of the inland. The few facilities for rooms to rent, the traditional tavernas, as well as the availability of a hotel resort synonymous with the name of the village ‘Piryaki’ (with bar, discotheque, restaurant, etc) assure you the necessary comforts for those who choose to stay.

Worth seeing
• Portara (6th century BC) The entrance to the temple of Apollo was never completed. It is situated in the former isle of Palatia and known for the myth that surrounds it. It is said that Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, killed herself when abandoned by Theseus on his victorious return from Knossos where he had killed the Minotaur.

• The Archaeological Museum. With artifacts not only from Naxos, but from the neighbouring smaller islands such as Keros, Donousa and Koufonisia. They are primarily funeral gifts made from gold, silver, and copper, clay idols, marble vases, bronze weapons and tools. Displayed are the finest examples of ceramics from the Post Minoan period (1400 – 1100 BC). Do not overlook the magnificent mosaic garden floor from the Hellenistic Period. The Archaeological Museum is housed in a building of the Old Merchant School erected in the 17th century BC.

• The castle, built on a mount, is considered to be the natural acropolis of the city. You will reach the castle wandering through the narrow uphill streets of the old city. The castle includes the wall and the dense housing around the perimeter exposing its defense character. The pentagonal wall surrounding the castle had five watchtowers, of which one remains standing today, the Tower of Krispi known also as the Tower of Glezou. When entering the tower through one of the two entrances, you will be captivated by its austere surroundings, with its thick wall and small port windows, Impressive also is the interior of the tower as are the living quarters. Apart from the tower of the Duke of Naxos, inside is the Merchant School of Justinian that houses the Archaeological Museum. There is also the building of the School of the Ursulian Monks, the monastery of Agios Antonios of Kapoutsinon and the Catholic Cathedral.
• The monastery of Agios Ioannis Chrysostom (17th century AD)
• The church of the Panagia Mirtithiotissas on the tiny isle found at the port. It is surrounded by forest and the sailboats that anchor in the bay.
• Many remarkable churches (approximately forty) orthodox and catholic which are spread throughout the city.

Where to swim
• Agios Georgios, which is the closest beach to the city.
• The magnificent beaches of Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka and Nikri Vigla
• The beaches toward Apollona, Pahia Ammo, Agios Mammas and Abrami
• The beach of Moutsounas, considered the best of the village.
• The neighbouring beaches of Azalas and at Ligarithia (also known as Liarithia)
• The southeastern beaches of the island, Psili Ammos, Ai. Ioannis, Lefkoni, Kanaki, Klithos and Panormos.

Transportation

•Airline connection with Athens •Ferry departures to Naxos island from Piraeus, Rafina and Thessaloniki. •Flying Dolphin departures to Naxos Island from Piraeus Rafina.

Airlines

•Olympic Airlines Reservations Tel: +30 210 9666666

Ferry Companies

•Blue Star Ferries Tel: +30 210 8919800 • From Piraeus. •Hellas Ferries Tel: +30 210 4199000 • From Piraeus •Hellas Flying Dolphins Tel: +30 210 4199000 • from Piraeus •G. A. Ferries Tel: +30 210 4582640 • From Piraeus. •Nel Lines Tel: +30 210 4115015 • From Piraeus. •Minoan Lines Tel: +30 210 4145700 • From Thessaloniki.

Airports

•Athens International airport Eleftherios Venizelos Tel: +30 210 3530000 •Naxos airport Tel: +30 22850 23292

Port Authorities

•Piraeus Tel: Tel: +30 210 4226000-4 •Rafina Tel: +30 22940 22300, +30 22940 28888 •Thessaloniki Tel: +30 2310 531504-5 •Νaxos Tel: +30 22850 22300

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