Naxos
Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands, lies
almost at the centre of the Aegean.
Meadows running down to vast beaches, cliffs sinking suddenly into
the sea, rocky mountains side-by-side with fertile valleys, abundant
springs and streams - these are just some of the features of a natural
environment marked for its variety. The coastline of Naxos is an abrupt
on the south side and more sheltered to the west, with numerous inlets
and sandy beach.
The island is first heard of in the myths and then mentioned throughout
every period of history, though it was at the peak of its glory during
the period of the Cycladic civilization.
Hora
Naxos town, or Hora, stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site
on a hillside on the north-west side of the island and is one of
the most attractive towns in the Cyclades. As the visitor walks
from the harbour high up to the Venetian castle, he will be struck
by the beauty of the narrow winding lanes and the old stone houses
lining them.
Interesting monuments from various periods are to be found all over
the town. They include fine Byzantine churches, the castle itself
(with its tower and battlements), and traces of Mycenean buildings
in the spot known as Grota. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos has
some notable exhibits.
Places of Interest
Given that traces of Greek antiquity are to be seen everywhere,
each part of the island has something of interest. Near the pretty
coastal village of Apolonas, for instance - on the north side of
the island - is a half-finished outsize 'kouros' (statue of a youth),
dating from the 6th century BC, still lying in the marble quarry
where it was abandoned. Another such statue can be seen at Melanes.
An interesting archaeological museum is to be found at Apirathos,
a village where a number of strange customs and habits have survived.
Among churches of interest are those of Our Lady 'Protothroni' at
Tragea and Our Lady 'Filotitissa' in the village of Filoti.
Beaches
There are good swimming beaches at Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla,
Kastraki, Alikos, Pirgaki, Agiassos (on the west side), Apolonas,
Psili Amos, Panormos, Pahia Amos and elsewhere. The superb beaches
of Naxos, its attractive villages and its wealth of monuments draw
thousands of visitors to the island each year. The good tourist
amenities in Hora make it easy to tour the charms of the island.
Getting there
By ferry from Piraeus
Information: Piraeus Port Authority, Tel:
+ 30 - 1-422-6000
From Rafina
Information: Rafina Port Authority, Tel:
+ 30 - 294-22300
Useful telephone numbers:
Automatic dialing code: 0285
· Police: 22100
· Municipal Office: 22717
· Port Authority: 22300
· Archeological Museum: 22725
Things to buy
Woven goods, embroideries, woolens, honey, various cheeses, citrus
drink.
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