Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades, with mountains, farmed valleys, olives and a long sandy coast. In myth Theseus abandoned Ariadne here, and she was then married by Dionysus. From 1207 to 1566 it was capital of the Duchy of the Archipelago, founded by the Venetian Marco Sanudo: the Kastro and towers scattered across the island remain.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Portara | The great marble gateway of the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, on the islet of Palatia joined to the harbour: the place for sunset |
| Chora and Kastro | The Venetian quarter atop the town, with mansions, the Catholic cathedral and the archaeological museum |
| Halki | The old inland capital, with Byzantine churches and the kitron distillery |
| Filoti and Apiranthos | Mountain villages, Apiranthos with marble-paved streets |
| Kouroi of Melanes and Apollonas | Huge Archaic statues left unfinished in the quarries |
| Temple of Demeter | Archaic marble temple near Sangri |
| Mount Zas | The highest peak in the Cyclades, with the cave where in myth Zeus grew up |
Beaches
The west coast has some of the Cyclades' finest sandy beaches: Agios Georgios, next to town, ideal for children; Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna; the very long Plaka; Mikri Vigla and Kastraki, loved by kitesurfers and windsurfers.
Food
Naxos is self-sufficient and famous for its produce: PDO graviera, arseniko, potatoes, meat and kitron, a citron liqueur. Mountain villages serve grilled meats and farmhouse dishes.
Getting there
The airport has flights from Athens. Ferries from Piraeus take 3-6 hours; Naxos is linked to almost all the Cyclades and to the Small Cyclades (Koufonisia, Schinoussa, Iraklia, Donoussa). A car or scooter is needed to explore the villages; buses link the town with the beaches and main villages.
See also Paros and the Cyclades itinerary.