Naxos is a Greek Island located in the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea. Naxos is known as the center of the historic Cycladic culture. Naxos island is located in the heart of the central Cyclades group of Greek islands. Naxos is a big island but most beaches are on the south-west coast. Naxos is also the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades.

Your holidays usually begin with a flight to the island of Santorini. From here you take the boat to Chora, or Naxos-town. This capital was built as an amphitheater against the hills and brings you right in the Cyclades-spheres of beautiful white houses above a clear blue sea. The Venetian castle makes the romantic picture complete.

The fertile Naxos farmland means islanders have kept tourism low key. As a result, Naxos maintains a strong Greek identity and many villages have a traditional character. Naxos offers good beach holidays without the crowds and easy island hopping from the main port.

Naxos is a very popular destination for vacations and travel and has several beautiful beaches and a large number of ancient ruins. There are many interesting sights to see while on Naxos, including several Byzantine churches, a castles with its tower and battlements still intact, and the Archaeological Museum, where you can find many pieces and exhibits from ancient ages.

In the Grota you can see traces of Mycenean buildings. Much of Naxos beauty lies in the narrow winding lanes and old stone houses that line them. Naxos capital, Hora, lies on a beautiful and naturally amphitheatrically designed site, on a hillside. Hora is one of the most beautiful of all towns in the Cyclades. In Naxos City, you can see the landmark of the Temple entrance, or the Portara.

One of the most visited places of Naxos is the Portára, Temple of Apollo, near the port of Naxos Town. This square marble structure was built in 552 BC. as a frontdoor of the never completed temple of Apollo. A very special place to visit, especially if you enjoy the most photogenic sunset of the Cyclades.

Naxos has fabulous beaches, such as Agios Prokopios and Agiassos. Thousands of tourists visit Naxos each year for the beaches alone. Close to Naxos Town you will find the beach of Agios Georgios. But for the most beautiful beaches you go a little further, to Agia Anna for example.

Near the village of Apolonas, on Naxos north side, you can view the half-finished Kouros, which dates back to 6th century BC.

Eldorado for hikers
But there is a lot of more to see on Naxos. The valley of Tragaia is a real eldorado for hikers. In the guidebooks you can find a lot of information and descriptions of hikes. Worthwhile, since Naxos is an island of green valleys, rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, springs, and lovely villages. In particular, the Melanes villages are worth visiting. Furthermore, the island is known for the marble mining and the local lemon liqueur. Have a good time on the island of Naxos!