NAXOS
Greek traditional attitude, beautiful golden beaches pulled straight from a postcard, multi choices of restaurants and an enchanting Chora make up Naxos, the island famous for its natural beauty. But there is so much more to discover during your stay at Takis.
The authentic corners
Naxos Town
The island’s largest town – called Naxos Town or Chora – is a picture-postcard setting on the west coast. Deep in the mists of time, the beginnings of the history of Naxos Town (Chora) are intertwined with mythical beings, legends and heroes that are later succeeded by distinct eras: Mycenean, Roman, Byzantine and the periods of Venetian and Ottoman occupations. Its many monuments speak about a splendid past – the most characteristic one being Portara, the imposing propylon, or monumental gateway of the 6th century temple of Apollo on Palatia, the islet by the harbor.
The museums
Discover the history of Naxos
The Archaeological Museum opened in 1973 and include important ceramic finds belonging to the late Mycenean era, funerary offerings made of gold, silver and copper, glass objects of the Roman period, parts of statues and sarcophagi, as well as bronze weapons and tools. The Byzantine Museum is housed in one of Kastro’s most imposing buildings, a four-level tower with an incredible view of the harbor, close to the northwestern gate. On show is a very worthwhile collection of Byzantine sculptures from Naxos and the Cyclades, dated between the 7th and 12th centuries. Also offered here is information about Byzantine monuments on Naxos and other islands, as well as other period details, including the work methods of Byzantine marble sculptors. Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum is in a handsome old tower house of the 13th century, within the kastro ramparts (by the northwest gate). Wander through the rooms to see how the original Italian aristocrat owners lived, what they wore and how they furnished their rooms. There are changing art exhibitions in the vaults. Concerts and other events are frequently staged in the museum and its grounds.
The hidden gems
Local charms & personalities
When exploring Naxos Island, keep your eye out for some hidden gems; a wide variety of monuments which reflect a rich folk tradition in the building of houses, churches and other edifices. The picturesque Temple of Demeter is a Late Archaic Greek temple. The temple was built around 530 BC and is one of the earliest Ionic temples. It was built completely from Naxian marble. Then, The Kouros of Flerio is 4.7 metre long statue (Kouros) of white Naxian marble, located in a village garden in Melanes, a small village. A second, similar kouros is located in a quarry near Melanes. They each weigh between 5 and 7 tonnes. The largest kouros on Naxos at 10.45 metres long is the Kouros of Apollonas, which weighs 80 tonnes. Explore the countless villages that are scattered in the mainland and keep the island’s tradition and culture instact. The village of Apiranthos, or t’ Aperathou in local dialect, is built at the foot of Mt. Fanari, at 600m above sea level and 28km from main town Chora on Naxos. Venetian towers, pretty, old two-storey houses, marble paved alleys with arches above them, picturesque squares and the poetic disposition of Apiranthians combine to create a rare atmosphere in the Cycladic islands.
Activities & more
Naxos Essentials
The island, and especially the southern coast, features an impressive number of beaches-some of the finest in the Aegean.
Leading out of Hora, there is a small beach that holidaymakers and locals often patronize, while continuing south, one encounters the following beaches:
Agios Georgios: the best beach close to Chora.
Agios Prokopios: The island’s most popular beach, with a good sand coast, hotels, restaurants, and regular transportation. There is a diving school. It is the first of the beaches on the southern coast.
Agia Anna: Next stop of Prokopios. The beach is a small fishing harbor with good anchorage for leisure craft.
Plaka: Pretty and popular beach which first gained international fame thanks to the hippies. Cosmopolitan organized beach with water sports.
Mikri Vigla - Parthena - Limanaki: This spot is ideal for windsurfing and is considered the island’s best location for kite surfing as the bay is sheltered and winds are suitable for flights over Naxos’s beaches.
Kastraki: Small cove located behind the Mikri Vigla peninsula and next to Glyfada beach. Its fine white sand and tranquil waters attract numerous visitors.
Glyfada: Another pretty beach, slightly more isolated for swimmers who shun crowds.
Alyko - Small Alyko - Kedros - Hawaii Beaches: The small inlets located below the juniper tree forest at Alyko peninsula offer visitors gorgeous sandy beaches with turquoise waters. They are quiet, exotic, and suitable for all.
Pyrgaki: Located on the southwestern coast of the island, with views of the nearby islands of Iraklia and of Ios further beyond. Ideal for a chill-out as it is never crowded.
Agiasos: It is one of the island’s most unspoiled beaches. To the side, the visitor may explore small inlets with caves suitable for spear-gun fishing, while a small wetland at one end hosts many bird species.
Moutsouna: Moutsouna cove features two lovely beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear shallow waters, ideal for families with young children. The first of these, Ai Giannis, is spread in front of picturesque taverns, while the second, Tigani, is located a little further south.
Psili Ammos: Psili Ammos is spread before a juniper tree forest and offers a view of neighboring Koufonisi. The beach here is covered with fine sand and its waters are crystal-clear and shallow. Ideal for tranquility and relaxation.
Klidos: Quiet and isolated, the beaches at Klidos are perfect for tranquility and relaxation.
Panermos: It is equipped with a small pier and features lovely sandy beaches with immaculately clean waters. The hill above the beach features the remains of the prehistoric acropolis (fortified citadel) of Amygdalies, considered to be the most ancient spot in the Apiranthos area.