Naxos

Archaeological findings prove that there was an advanced society on the island of Naxos from the 4th century BC onwards. Naxos has been continuously inhabited since then. After the final defeat of the Persians by the Greeks, Naxos becomes a member of the Athenian Alliance. In 41 BC, Naxos becomes a Roman province and is used as a place of exile. During the Byzantine period, in the 4th century AD, with the arrival of Christianity, Naxos enters a period of decline. Many churches are built on ancient sacred sites. Today, there are over five hundred churches in Naxos. The Panagia Drosiani, near the village of Moni, and the Panagia Protothroni, in the village of Chalki, are significant monuments from the Early Christian period.

In 1207, the Venetians land in the Gulf of Agiassos and conquer the island after a siege. They subsequently conquer 18 other islands in the Aegean. Naxos remained under Ottoman rule until 1829 when it was incorporated into the Greek state. In recent years, Naxos has achieved economic self-sufficiency thanks to its agricultural and livestock products. Tourism discovers Naxos primarily in the 1980s.

• Saint George Beach: It is the most popular and crowded beach in Chora. It has sand and shallow waters, is protected from the winds, and is an ideal choice for families with children. There is an organized sports center with modern equipment for water sports. The beach also has taverns and beach bars.
• Agios Prokopios Beach: It is also well-known and organized for tourist activities. It has coarse sand and clear, transparent waters. There are also opportunities for water sports. The beach is connected to Chora by regular buses that operate every 20 minutes during the summer.
• Agia Anna Beach: It is an endless sandy beach that continues from Agios Prokopios Beach. It has developed tourism infrastructure and also offers opportunities for water sports. A characteristic feature of Agia Anna is the forest with rare cedar trees growing in the sand.
• Plaka Beach: It is a large beach that stretches for 4 kilometers and is a continuation of Agia Anna Beach. A dirt road separates the beach from the plain that leads to it. Along the beach, there are taverns and beach bars.
• Mikri Vigla Beach: It consists essentially of two beautiful sandy beaches, Mikri Vigla and Parthena, separated by the rock of Mikri Vigla. Parthena Beach has become a meeting point for windsurfing enthusiasts from all over the world. There are few taverns in the area.
• Kastraki Beach: It is a long beach, 3 kilometers in length, with white fine sand. In the homonymous settlement, there are a few taverns.
• Alyko Beach: It creates an exotic atmosphere with sand dunes and a forest of cedar trees. It is not particularly crowded, and there are taverns in the area.
• Pyrgaki Beach: It is the end destination of the peripheral road that starts from Chora and heads south. It is a beach with sand dunes, cedar trees, and absolute tranquility. There are also taverns in the area.
• Agiasos Beach: It is a beach with shallow and clear waters. Access to the beach is not particularly easy as there are only dirt roads leading to it. One of the dirt roads starts shortly before Pyrgaki, while the other starts outside the village of Sagri. There is a small settlement with a tavern in the area.

These are some of the well-known beaches in Naxos. Each one has its own unique characteristics and offers a unique experience to visitors.

• Naxos Country: Chora is the central town of the island and serves as its capital and administrative center. Within Chora, there are many historical monuments, such as Portara, the archaeological site of Grotta, and the Venetian Castle, which bear witness to the city's past. Additionally, Chora is home to the Archaeological Museum and the Folklore Collection of Vasilis and Kathrin Koutelieris of Naxos.
• Halki: It is located in the center of the Tragea basin and serves as the main town and administrative center of the municipality of Drymalia, which includes the villages of Tragea and mountainous Naxos. The Tragea area, situated in the center of Naxos, is lush with olive trees and fruit-bearing trees and is considered the most fertile and productive part of the island since ancient times.
• Damariounas Village: The village features beautiful old mansions, many of which are being restored today. Its inhabitants are primarily engaged in olive cultivation, agriculture, and livestock farming. In the center of the village stands the ancient Church of Christ, which houses a wooden carved iconostasis and ancient icons.
• Agios Arsenios: A village with charming houses and well-kept courtyards. It is worth visiting the Church of Agios Spyridon. Surrounding the village, nestled in the valley, there are several chapels and the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos.
• Moni: The village is built on a hillside overlooking the Tragea basin. It takes its name from the Panagia Drosiani Monastery, which was once a monastery. Its weaving traditions are famous.
• Kinidaros: A beautiful village known for its livestock farming products but also for the festivals and celebrations it organizes. Near Kinidaros is the spring that supplies water to Chora. Marble quarries can be found in the area. During summer evenings, there are often festive gatherings in the village's taverns with local musicians and instrumentalists.
• Melanes: The village is built in a fertile valley. There are running water sources that once powered the now-abandoned watermills. In the Melanes valley, there are also the small villages of Kourounochori and Myloi. The tower of Fraggopoulos in Kourounochori reminds us of the Venetian era, as the area was one of the most important feudal estates of Naxos. Near Melanes, in the location of Flerio, one of the two archaic Kouros statues of Naxos can be found.

• Naxos is a destination for exploration and various activities. Whether you are alone, a couple, or a family, you have many options from a long list of activities to enjoy on the island. Cycling is particularly popular for all ages and skill levels. There are many routes and trails suitable for biking, depending on your preferences and desired difficulty. The seaside area of Chora is easily accessible and enjoyable, especially for families, while the route to quiet beaches is usually chosen by couples. For the more adventurous who want to push their limits, there are plenty of mountain trails that will challenge even the most experienced cyclist.
• Naxos, like the rest of the Cyclades, is known for its strong winds, making it ideal for wind and kite surfing. Beaches such as Agia Anna and Mikri Vigla attract visitors from around the world who want to tackle the waves. Additionally, you can find shops that offer the necessary equipment. If you're interested in underwater exploration, there are diving centers that provide equipment and training to discover the magical depths of Naxos! Due to the geology of the Aegean, there are many beaches and amazing marine life waiting to be discovered. Furthermore, if you want to become certified divers, you can visit one of the diving education centers in Naxos. Lastly, if you want to explore many of the island's beaches in a relaxed way, you can choose sailing!
• In Naxos, there are amazing ways to explore the island and learn about its history and natural environment. Mountain villages and small settlements await your visit, where you can meet local residents and learn about the island's life, traditions, and customs. Hiking on the small paths of Naxos is a wonderful way to discover the history and culture of the area.