round.
Legend has it that the father of the Ancient Greek gods, Zeus, was born in Crete. However, he grew up in Naxos and named the highest mountain on the island after his name, Zas. It is believed that the first settlers were the Careans from Thrace, then the Creatans and later the Mycenaeans.
Following the Persian Wars, Naxos island went under the rule of Athens. Later on, it formed a part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The year 1207 saw Naxos island being conquered by the Venetian Duke Marco Sanudo. Since the mid 14th century till the island earned independence in the early 19th century, Naxos was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. It finally gained its independence in 1830.
 Naxos island is home to some of the finest beaches. The beach of Agios Georgios is very popular, as this is the closest to the capital. Agios Prokopios is another nice beach whose golden sand and crystal waters are really soothing for eyes. The rocky areas and the small fishing port in Agia Anna host some of the finest fish taverns. Plaka beach, a bit souther, impresses visitors with the fine sand and crystal water. Mikri Vigla is also a fabulous beach, the best windsurfing spot on Naxos, distinguishing for the soft sand and the wild landscape. South from Mikri Vigla, the beaches are quieter and more secluded. Kastraki, Pyrgaki and Sahara are excellent places to relax, away from big crowds.
Chora is the capital and main port of Naxos island. The picturesque quarter of Kastro, with the arched paths, the large buildings and the stone walls is a lovely place to walk in Chora. Along the way, visitors will see interesting museums and tiny churches. At the entrance of Naxos port, there is Portara, the giant gate of an ancient temple that stands on a small islet in front of the port.
 Apart from the coastline, Naxos also has an amazing inland dotted by ancient sites, picturesque villages and lush greenery. Koronos, Halki, Aperanthos and Filoti are only few of villages of Naxos island that distinguish for their traditional architecture. Along their way, visitors can also the temple of Demeter in Sangri, the giant Kouros statues in Melanes and Apollonas and impressive Venetian towers scattered along Naxos island. |
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