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Things to do Naxos is considered a family destination, but also has to offer a variety of things to do. First of all, windsurfing and kitesurfing are very popular in Naxos and especially in the beaches of Mikri Vigla, Saint George and Laguna where many windsurfing centers are located. Furthermore, diving centers, cooking workshops, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, waterparks, tennis and cinema are also some of the activities you will find at the island.
Things to see Apart from villages, beaches, museums, Naxos offers a vast variety of things and places to see. The Castle of Chora, interesting archaeological sites (the Temple of Dimitra in Sangri, the emblematic Portara of the unfinished temple of Apollo), impressive statues (the “Kouros” in Apollonas village, the “Kouros” of Melanes village), many beautiful Byzantine churches scattered around the island (Panagia Drosianni, Agios Georgios Diasoritis), museums and Venetian towers (Bazeos tower), testify about the prosperous antiquity on the island. One thing is for sure, holidays in Naxos is also a great history lesson for everyone!
How to get there It is very easy to travel to Naxos. The island is connected by plane and by ferry. Naxos has an Airport with domestic flights. Of course, you can travel to Naxos by ferry from Athens and from many islands in the Aegean sea. Ferries depart for Naxos on a daily basis from the port of Piraeus in Athens and from the port of Rafina during summertime.
How to move around Naxos has a good public bus network. The central station is located in Naxos town and more specifically in front of the Port of Naxos and offers routes to many places around the island and certainly to the most touristy villages and beaches. Buses is the cheapest way to discover the island but they do not cover all the island and have strict timetables. For Naxos it is strongly recommended to rent a car in order to explore the island at ease and see its real charm.
History Historically, Naxos was the most important center of civilization of all the Cyclades during the ancient period, 4000-1000 BC. The Venetians also marked an important period in the history of Naxos. In 1207, Marco Sanudo took the Cyclades and established a duchy, called the Duchy of the Aegean where Naxos was the headquarters and the new ruler was installed creating the beginning of a long line of Dukes in Naxos. Last but not least, Naxos has also a mythological background.
Geography Naxos island is the largest among the Cycladic group of Islands. Located to the southeast of Athens, the history of the island is strongly connected to its special geography. The shape of Naxos is almost round, while its total area is 440 sq km. The coastline is 150 km long and beaches can be both sandy and rocky. The island generally has extremely moderate temperatures but its proximity to the sea creates humid conditions as well. Summers and winters are typically mild on Naxos Greece. The popular wind Meltemi blows across the island from the north during the summer months and its strength increases from the middle of July to the middle of August.
Architecture The architecture of Naxos is highly appreciated for its Venetians style. In contrast to the rest of the Greek islands, Naxos has one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Cyclades, Kastro, renowned for its defensive character and noble atmosphere. At first sight, anyone can notice that the island's sights are strongly influenced by the Venetian culture that was enforced for many years and by other civilizations who occupied the island throughout the centuries. The abundance of architectural monuments and the picturesque features compose the magical scene of Chora of Naxos along with the towers and the whitewashed two-storey houses built one next to the other.
Festivals & Events Naxos has many festivals and Cultural events during the year. From the famous Carnival, to more local religious festivities. During summer season, the Naxos Summer Festival is hosted in Bazeos Tower and features excellent performers from all art fields, from Greece and other countries.
Local products The island of Naxos Greece has a wide variety of local products being the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades and therefore has an important agricultural production. Some products of Naxos which are famous for their excellent quality are potatoes, tomatoes, olives, olive oil, fruits, honey, cheese, wine and the famous liqueur of Naxos called Kitron.
Nightlife Nightlife in Naxos is active mostly with bars. It is not a party island. Most night bars are concentrated in the capital along the seafront and the picturesque streets and in Agia Anna. Naxos offers a wide variety of places to enjoy all kinds of music, from jazz to modern trance and live Greek music.