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NAXOS 

Naxos is a fertile island with a rich variety of scenery. Plains rolling down to limitless beaches, ravines full of oleander, precipitous mountains rich in emery. It is the largest of the Cyclades and is situated in the center of the group, 103 n m, from Piraeus. There are white marble quarries dating from ancient times. The highest mountain is Za (Zeus) which from a distance resembles a pyramid. The Chora is impressive and has a Venetian castle. It is a white city of the Middle Ages built on a hill above the port to the left of the castle, at the top of the small island that is now attached to Chora. Until some years ago, Naxos was outside the main stream of tourist destinations. Recently, however, the number of visitors has increased, along with the number of hotels and rented rooms. There is a regular ferry service from Piraeus. When visiting Naxos it is worth bringing your car or renting one in Chora, in order to better appreciate the island.

HISTORY

According to mythology, Naxos was the island of Bacchus and Ariadne. Bacchus married Ariadne when Theseus abandoned her in Naxos upon his return from Crete where he had vanquished the Minotaur. Naxos was inhabited before the last years of the proto cycladic  period (2000 B.C.), and played a significant role in the development of Cycladic civilization. The golden age of the island included the 7th and 8th centuries B.C, when Naxos was dominant in the Cyclades and developed its own trade. Sculpture was particularly prominent. Specimens of the local sculpture can be found in locations all over Greece, such as Delphi, where the marble Sphinx of the Naxians is, the Lions of Delos, Oikos and the Arcade of the Naxians.  In 1210, the Venetian Markos Sanudos was named Duke of Naxos and built the famous castle. [Source: Greek National Tourism Organisation]

Naxos is known for beautiful beaches, great seafood, its Cycladic architecture, and because of the fact that it combines the experiences of both the sea side and the mountain.  It has a very tall mountain with a couple of vilages in altitute.  It is not unusual to need a jacket if you are visiting a village on the mountain after being used to the warmer temperatures of the sea side.  Either choice you make you will see beautiful picturesque places that are bound to get to your heart.  On this island bringing a car along, or renting one, is worthwhile.  To get from Chora (the main town) to the villages or the beaches on the back of the island, you can drive on winding roads high up on the mountain with breathtaking views. 

On this island you will enjoy the excellent weather, fine beaches, hot but dry weather, with refreshing breeze during the sunsets. Oh yes, and the seafood, of course!

If you like fishing you should make sure to look for a spot on the port in Chora.  During mid-summer there are flocks of calamari (big squid) passing by.

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