Naxos: Antiquity, Mountain Trails and Island Culture

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and lies in the central Aegean Sea. Key themes for a trip include ancient and medieval buildings, mountain hikes, museums, local products and crafts. Consider which of these aspects interest you most when planning your stay.

Ancient Buildings and Island History

The Sanctuary of Demeter in Sangri is one of the few buildings from the ancient world preserved in such a complete state. In Chora stands the Kastro, the Castle of Naxos, which Marco Sanoudo had built in 1207. A military fortification developed into a medieval castle town. The ancient aqueduct, meanwhile, was about 11 kilometres long. It was built in the 6th century BC and remained in continuous operation until the 8th century AD.

Another striking structure is the Portara, the monumental gate of the Sanctuary of Delian Apollo. It still stands today and is a landmark and point of reference on Naxos. The round marble tower of Cheimarros dates from the 4th century BC and survives to a height of 14 metres. Christ Photodotis also speaks to the island’s long building history: the fortified monastery, dating from the 6th century, is considered the oldest monastery on Naxos.

The Archaeological Museum of Naxos holds outstanding pieces relating to the history and art of Naxos and the Small Cyclades. They shed light on the period from the Neolithic to the Late Roman and Early Byzantine eras. The Early Cycladic collection holds a special place: many of its pieces are unique, and it is considered the world’s second most important collection of its kind, after the corresponding collection at the National Archaeological Museum.

The Archaeological Collection of Sangri displays finds from excavations at Gyroulas. On view are vases, household objects and tools, as well as parts of the pediment, roof and columns of the ancient temple. Kouros statues and inscriptions are also included, along with parts of the pulpit and marble windows from the early Christian church.

Mount Zas and Hiking Trails

At 1,004 metres, Mount Zas is the highest mountain in the Cyclades. Hiking Trail 2 is a circular route that starts and ends in Filoti. It passes via Agia Marina and Levgasa to the summit of Zas, the Zas Cave and the Arion Spring. The cave provided shelter to the people of Naxos during the Neolithic period and is among the earliest natural monuments on Naxos. This circular route thus links several named stops with different insights into the island’s natural and early history.

Hiking Trail 1 follows a different route: the old, mostly paved mule track leads from Apiranthos to the emery mines through lush and varied scenery. Villages on Naxos also serve as starting points for numerous hiking trails to mountain peaks or gorges with flowing water and lush vegetation. For an initial comparison, you can use the route types mentioned here as a guide: a circular hike or an old trail leading to a named destination.

Water Sports, Flavours and Crafts

If water sports are part of your plans, Mikri Vigla is an option for windsurfing and is considered the best place on Naxos for kitesurfing. Local products and crafts also offer reasons to explore different sides of the island. Naxos Graviera, also called 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 Chalki, the Vallindras distillery offers tours of its facilities. These include equipment from 1862, historical advertisements and posters, explanations of the distillation process, and a tasting of the finished product made on site. Check the visiting arrangements before your trip. In Apiranthos, a women’s weaving cooperative and the Folklore Museum are devoted to textile culture; the museum displays traditional fabrics, embroideries and tools. Moutsouna is located at Naxos’s only natural harbour. There are several fish tavernas on the beach.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tholaria, Iraklia, Koufonisia, Apóllon, Amorgós, Stelida, Moutsouna, Galíni, Aghios Prokopios, Katápola, Plaka, Agia Anna, Kastraki, Filoti, Donousa, Glinado, Egiali, Arkesini, Naxos, Kalantos, Schinoussa, Aperathos, Chora, Agkidia, Melanes, Ano Potamia, Agiassos, Vroutsis.

For the broader travel overview: Southern Aegean.