CYCLADES SIGHTSEEING - NAXOS

Naxos, one of the most significant centers of  Cycladic civilization was inhabited for the first time by the Thracians who brought with them the idolization of Dionyssos.

In texts written by ancient writers, it is written that the wine in Naxos was flowing in rivers and streaming from springs.

During the Byzantine period, the population was forced to move inland because of repeated pirate attacks, one of the main problems faced by most Cycladic islands.

Naxos is the largest and most multi-levelled island of the Cyclades. Its fertile valleys with fruit-bearing trees and vineyards interchange with mountains and steep ravines.

The ancient Greeks believed that Naxos was the birthplace of Dionyssos and that it was from here that Zeus started his march to conquer Olympus.

Arriving at the harbor we are met by "Portara", the entrance to an uncompleted Temple of Apollo, standing on the islet of Palatia.

Hora looks impressive with its Frankish castle crowning the top of the hill and the white city spread out beneath it.

The whole southern part of Naxos is one single outstretched beach of golden sand and wonderful bays, starting from Hora and ending amid Pyrgaki.

Naxos' inland villages are very inviting for excursions. They are built in thick vegetation and offer many old castles and monasteries that are worth the visit.

At Kastraki, just before Apollonas village, one of the most beautiful villages on Naxos with it's large sandy beach, you can see the half-finished Kouros of the 6th Centuty BC.

Dedicate some of your time to visit the unknown spots, pay attention to the medieval towers and the Byzantine churches and get to know the hospitable Naxians, thus discovering Naxos as it really is.

SIFNOS, ANDROS, AMORGOS, DELOS, IOS, KEA, KYTHNOS, MILOS, MYKONOS, NAXOS, PAROS, ANTIPAROS, SANTORINI, SERIFOS, SIKINOS, SYROS, TINOS, FOLEGANDROS