Naxos
Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands and, definitely, one of the most beautiful islands of Greece! The island is easily reachable by plane from Athens and by ferry from Athens (Piraeus) and many islands of the Aegean. It is very close to other Cylcandic islands like Paros, Mykonos and Santorini, making it ideal for island hopping.

Sights & Attractions

Due to its long history, Naxos is an island with ancient sites and monuments. The Marble Gate of Portara, the statues of Kouros and the temple of Demeter are the most important monuments from the ancient times in Naxos. The Medieval quarter of Kastro and the Monastery of Panagia Drossiani date from most recent years.

Portara (or Temple of Apollo) is the trademark of Naxos. This is the first sight of the island that you get as the ferry approaches the port. It is the unfinished gate of a big temple dedicated to Apollo.

The Temple of Demeter is located near the village of Sangri. This magnificent temple has been made of the finest quality of Naxos marble and is believed to date back to the 6th century BC. As Demeter was the ancient goddess of grain, people used to build temples to her close to fertile areas. Such a fertile ground is found around the village of Sangri, on Naxos.

Kastro (Castle) is the most picturesque quarter in Naxos Town. It is actually the part of the old town. Around this castle, the modern part of the town has been constructed.

The Statue of Kouros can be seen outside the village of Melanes, in the countryside of Naxos. There is a second Kouros statue located outside of the village of Apollonas, in northern Naxos. The statue of Melanes lies on the ground, at the exact position that it was found by the archeologists. It is 6 meters long and dates back to 7th century.

The church of Panagia Drossiani, meaning Dewy Virgin, is the oldest Christian church of Naxos. Located near Moni, it is also considered one of the most important Byzantine churches and is therefore of immense historical significance.

Beaches

Beaches in Naxos Greece are different than the beaches in other islands of the Cyclades, due to their characteristic length. Most of them have soft white sand and crystal blue waters.

Plaka is like a continuation of the beach of Agia Anna and is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island but also listed among the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It is a calm and endless sandy beach with, in some parts, big flat stones and amazing crystal clear waters. In the beginning of the beach, one can find sunbeds and umbrellas but most of it keeps its unspoiled natural beauty, without any tourist facility to disfigure it.

Agios Prokopios is located at 6 km away from the capital and is one of the most popular beaches of Naxos. The long golden sandy beach extends over 1, 5 kilometres and has beautiful crystalline waters, protected from the strong winds frequently blowing on the island.

Aliko or Hawaii is a wonderful beach on the south western side of Naxos . Located only 18 km south of Naxos Town and just after the beaches of Kastraki and Glyfada, Aliko is lovely place to relax away from the crowded resorts of the island.

The beautiful beach of Mikri Vigla is located 12 kilometres away from the capital and consists in two wonderful sandy beaches separated by an impressive hill.

Small Cyclades

The Lesser Cyclades or Small Cyclades is an island complex in the Aegean Sea, inside the archipelago of the Cyclades. The main islands are Ano Koufonisi, Kato Koufonisi, Irakleia, Schoinoussa, Donousa and Keros. The islands belong to the Naxos and Lesser Cyclades municipality and you can access them via the local Naxos ferry, the Express Skopelitis. Some islands are closer than the others and the travel time ranges from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 4 hours. The beauty of these islands is the gorgeous coastlines and the relaxing, remote holiday experience they can offer. The beaches are crystal clear and there is an aura of calmness in the atmosphere.