Naxos: Ancient Sites, Mountain Trails and Island Culture

Naxos combines evidence from different eras with a distinctive mountainous landscape. The largest island in the Cyclades lies in the central Aegean Sea. If you are looking for both culture and activity on your holiday, you will find a range of options here: ancient structures, collections on the island’s history, hiking trails, and places for windsurfing and kitesurfing. This variety can help you choose holiday accommodation based on the experiences that matter most to you on your trip.

Ancient Structures and Island History

The Sanctuary of Demeter in Sangri is one of the few structures from the ancient world preserved in such a complete state. The ancient aqueduct also tells a story of long use: it is about 11 kilometres long, was built in the 6th century BC, and remained in continuous operation until the 8th century AD. The Tower of Cheimarros offers a different perspective: the round marble tower dates from the 4th century BC and stands 14 metres high.

In Chora, the Kastro, or Castle of Naxos, developed from a military fortification into a medieval castle town. Marco Sanoudo built it in 1207. The Portara, the monumental gate of the Sanctuary of Delian Apollo, still stands today and serves as a landmark and point of reference on Naxos. The Zas Cave, meanwhile, provided shelter to the people of Naxos in the Neolithic period and is one of the island’s earliest natural monuments.

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos holds objects relating to the history and art of Naxos and the Small Cyclades. They shed light on prehistory and history from the Neolithic period through to late Roman and early Byzantine times. The Early Cycladic collection is particularly notable: many of its exceptional pieces are unique, and worldwide it is considered the second most important collection of its kind, after the corresponding collection at the National Archaeological Museum. In Sangri, an archaeological collection features finds from the excavations at Gyroulas, including vases, tools, kouros statues and inscriptions, as well as architectural elements from the ancient temple and the early Christian church. Christ Photodotis, a fortified monastery dating from the 6th century, is considered the oldest monastery on Naxos.

Mountain Landscapes and a Range of Hiking Trails

At 1,004 metres, Mount Zas is the highest mountain in the Cyclades. The villages of Naxos are starting points for numerous hiking trails to mountain peaks or gorges with flowing water and lush vegetation. Hiking Trail 2 is a circular route that starts and ends in Filoti. The route passes Agia Marina, Levgasa, the summit of Zas, Zas Cave and the Arion Spring. This makes it possible to plan a day hike that includes both the summit and the cave as part of the same described circular route.

Hiking Trail 1 follows a different course: for the most part, it follows an old paved mule track from Apiranthos to the emery mines, passing through lush and varied scenery. When choosing between these two trails, their described features offer a guide: one is a circular route starting and ending in Filoti, while the other is an old path leading towards the emery mines. Mikri Vigla offers another sporting option: it is suitable for windsurfing and is considered the best place on Naxos for kitesurfing.

Traditions and Culinary Discoveries

Naxos Graviera, also known as Naxos Gruyére, has been protected since 1988 and has held protected designation of origin status since 1996. The cheese is made with at least 80 percent cow’s milk and 20 percent goat’s and sheep’s milk. In Apiranthos, the Folklore Museum displays traditional fabrics, embroidery and tools; the village also has a women’s weaving cooperative. These insights into crafts and everyday culture complement the archaeological collections.

In Chalki, the Vallindras Distillery offers tours of its facilities. These include equipment dating from 1862, as well as historical advertisements and posters. The tours explain the distillation process and include a tasting of the finished product made on site. If you are focusing your trip on local products and traditions, you can consider these stops alongside the historical sites when looking for holiday accommodation. Naxos’ only natural harbour is located in Moutsouna; there are several fish tavernas on the beach.

Local Pages for Further Guidance

More local pages: Naxos, Apóllon, Amorgós, Stelida, Galíni, Aghios Prokopios, Katápola, Plaka, Agia Anna, Kastraki, Donousa, Glinado, Egiali, Arkesini, Vroutsis, Tholaria, Iraklia, Koufonisia, Agiassos, Schinoussa, Aperathos, Kalantos, Chora, Agkidia, Melanes and Ano Potamia.

For the broader travel overview: Southern Aegean.