Seeking Wanderland

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, rich in history from the Paleolithic era and included in many legends of the Greek mythology, the island has been influenced by the Venetians and Franks and was a classical Green and Byzantine center. Naxos has various layers and is an ideal destination for everyone who needs this summer feeling Greece is all about. Gastronomy is one of the main experiences guests focus on, in this majestic island, Naxos is blessed to be the most fertile among the Cycladic islands, with a vast local production of vegetables, meat and dairy. The island also produces its own alcoholic drink, called Kitro, made of the fruit and leaves of the citron tree, which is very common in the island.

The capital of the island, Chora, is built on the west coast of the island and its architectural style mixes classic Cycladic and Venetian elements, whitewashed houses, bougainvillea embellished alleys, both Catholic and Orthodox blue domed churches co-exist charmingly with the impressive old town, called Kastro, which is a picturesque neighborhood with Venetian mansions, buildings and monuments within the castle’s pentagon walls. The Archaeological Museum is located in the Kastro area in a magnificent 17th-century Venetian villa that was once the Jesuit School of Commerce. This fascinating museum displays a variety of artifacts and artworks ranging from the late Neolithic period to the early Christian period.

Melanes village with the iconic Kouros and Kori giant statues, Potamia village with its 9th century Agios Mamas church, Apiranthos village with its unique picturesque architecture and Kampos with its prominent Bazeos Tower are only some of the numerous scenic villages in Naxos. The temples of Demeter, the Goddess of the harvest and agriculture, Dionysus, the God of wine and pleasure and Apollo, the God of the light, can be found scattered in the villages of the island.

Naxos features numerous landmarks from significant archaeological sites to exalted monasteries, historic Towers and old marble queries. The island is ideal for hiking, trekking and exploring as it features fascinating landscape with hiking trails, caves, a historic mountain and a hidden waterfall. Moreover the radiant beaches of Naxos provide relaxation and tranquility with their vivid blue waters and fine white sand, most of those charming coasts can be mostly found at the western part of the island while in the eastern part the soars are more rough and pristine. Depending on the location, guests can enjoy watersports like kite and wind surfing.