Best Places to visit in Naxos 2017

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Naxos is one of the largest and most beautiful islands of the Cyclades archipelago. As a typical Cycladic island, Naxos is characterized by absence of vegetation, impressive geological formations, picturesque villages and beautiful beaches. The large variety of Naxos beaches is expected to satisfy every visitor. Access to the island is possible by air or by ferry.

Best Places to visit in Naxos 2017

1. Kastro (Naxos Town Castle)

This 13th century castle houses a 16th century Catholic Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and the Venetian Museum. The old town has remained unchanged through the centuries with is narrow walks between houses, shops and small churches. The maze towards the top of the castle where one can be treated to the early Cycladic museum with artifacts dating 3,000 BC. A real gem!

2. Old Town

A labyrinth of charming impressions and lots of tourist offerings and restaurants. Partly crouded, but quiet places can be found in the upper parts. Great little shops Really nice restaurants Easy access to beach or ferries Public transport easily accessible Some very old buildings and historic places. Picturesque narrow streets, colourful bougainvilleas, smell of jasmine, tiny houses, museums, cathedral, bars, restaurants, shops and amazing views to the port and the surrounding area. What is there not to like? Worth a visit!

3. Temple of Apollo

The gateway to Naxos is adorned with the Temple of Apollo which frames the city well after thousands of years. Take the time to enjoy the Temple as well as the sunset on Naxos. Great to take for photos – a contrast of the white stone of the temple ruin on the deep blue of the sea, especially at sunset.

Best Places to visit in Naxos 2017

4. Rotonda Restaurant Cafe Bar

Taste delicious food while gazzing the naxian landscape and sea view! You can find a wide variety of fresh quality products like pasta, rissoto, traditional dishes, desserts and salads! You can also try having a drink or cocktail at sunset time. A must place to go! Check Rotonda Restaurant

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5. Temple of Demeter

An absolutely beautiful location on the top of a small hill surrounded by fields and olives trees and having mountains in the background. At the top of the hill you’ll see the restored ancient temple and a very small church like structure as well as some other ruins. At a lower level there is a small museum that trails the history of the temple. People go here for the sunset fabulous photography to be had can get a bit busy. There are steps & path to climb so you would need to be stable on foot. Oh and watch out for crashing waves over the path when the sea is tough you may get wet.

6. The Kouroi of Naxos

There are two sites on island of Naxos where there are giant ancient marble sculptures of a Young man, or Kouros, can be seen. One location called Melanes and lies in the middle of the island, near the village of Flerio, and here can be seen two unfinished archaic statues, one called Kouros of Flerio, and another Kouros of Faranghi. Through the ancient time and until today this location served as a marble quarry for famous Naxian marble, and the quarry is still operating on the slope of the hill nearby. When people produced large marble statues in antiquity, they began their labour on the site, directly in the quarry, and began with putting the rough form for the colossus lying on the bedrock. Some of such cutting works went wrong, colossal statues got a crack or another injury, so this one was left on the site unfinished. In this location there are two colossi to be seen, both from 8-7 century BC, measuring some 6-7 meters in length. If you park your car nearby the signed parking, just start to walk along the paved path and after some 100-150 meters you will find the first Kouros lying on the ground in some local people’s backyard. Proceeding further along the path, going little up and down through the fields and passing goats and sheep, you arrive at the elevated platform with remains of another colossal statue of Kouros, this one in better condition. This second part of a walk from nr 1 to nr 2 takes some 15 minutes, some 400 -500 meter with some climbing, which can be half-difficult in summer. Take your walk in the early morning for better experience.

The second location where one can see a largest Kouros on Naxos, can be found near the village of Apollonas on the north side of island, and can be easily reached from the road. The site is signed, though there is no parking, you can park by roadside, and then climb uphill some maybe 30 meters, following the stony path. No tickets, no cafes, nothing else than a magnificent colossal ancient statue, cut out of the marble rock bed of an ancient marble quarry. And lying there since. It is known that the statue depicts the god Dionysos because of his characteristic beard and was meant to decorate the Temple of Dionysos in Naxos. Later on during the work the rough-cut statue got a crack and was left unfinished.
The place is picturesque and spectacular, it is rather high over the seashore and village and views are impressive. The walking path from the Kouros going down, crosses the car-road and continues down to the village, which is tourist-friendly with souvenirs, hotels and restaurants, and also nice golden sandy beach. We travelled by car, so I don’t really know, but the way from village to Kouros seems to me to be rather long, and steep, so to take a taxi up and walking down if starting in Apollonas village seems to be a good idea.

7. Temple of Dionysus

This attractive Sanctuary and Temple of Dionysos lies little off the tourist track, but still just 15-20 minutes drive from town of Naxos, near the village of Yria. Dionysos has been the main god worshipped in Naxos from the beginning of the ancient times, maybe because of the prevailing industry of the island being the wine/grapes as well as marble. Dionysos, the god of wine, was worshipped in this sanctuary since 6 c BC, and on this site from 13th century BC. Sanctuary began with a small Temple, then during the years adding banquet halls, priests quarters etc. It is historically proven and accepted that the first example on the planet of a column in the Ionian style comes from this very site and is originated at this Sanctuary in 6th century BC. Museum on the site showing and explaining the history of this architecture detail as well as history of this Temple.

8. Agios Prokopios Beach

Agios Prokopios is located at the western part of the island, just 5 km south of Chora. It is the most famous beach on the island. It has been honored as one of the best beaches of Europe. This 1.2 km long sandy beach is stretching from East to West. The southern exposure of the coast protects visitors from the north winds which makes it ideal for children. North of the beach are developed impressive Salinas. The homonymous chapel stands at the westernmost point of the beach.

9. Agia Anna Beach

The beach of Agia Anna is essentially a continuation of Agios Prokopios in the southwest. Agia Anna is easily accessible , just 7 km away from Chora. The sandy beach of Agia Anna is well organized featuring sun beds, umbrellas, restaurants and beach bars. Agia Anna is awarded with a Blue Flag.

10. Plaka Beach

Plaka beach is located at the southwestern coast of Naxos, just 8 km south of Chora. The southwestern aspect of the coast protects swimmers from the winds of the Aegean Sea. The sandy beach of Plaka is the longest beach on the island. A large part of the beach is organized with sun beds and umbrellas. The impressive sand dunes that grow along the beach are ideal for children to play. The last section of the beach attracts naturists.