Naxos Island

🏛️ Naxos: Greece’s Hidden Gem of the Cyclades

📍 Location: Cyclades Islands, Greece
🏝️ Best for: Ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and stunning beaches

🌟 Why Visit Naxos?
✔️ Rich ancient history – home to the famous Temple of Apollo
✔️ Mythological significance – birthplace of Zeus
✔️ Stunning beaches – some of the best in the Aegean
✔️ Lush landscapes & mountains – perfect for hiking & nature lovers
✔️ Authentic Greek culture – less crowded than Mykonos & Santorini

🗺️ Top Attractions in Naxos

1️⃣ Portara – The Temple of Apollo 🏛️
✔️ Naxos’ most famous landmark – an 8-meter-high marble gateway
✔️ Built in 530 BCE – but never completed due to political turmoil
✔️ Located on Palatia Islet, connected to Naxos by a walkway
✔️ Best sunset spot – breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea

2️⃣ Mt. Zeus (Zas) – The Highest Peak in the Cyclades ⛰️
✔️ 1,003m high – incredible panoramic views
✔️ Birthplace of Zeus – according to Greek mythology
✔️ Hiking trails – leading to Zeus’ Cave, where the god was raised
✔️ Best trail: Start from Filoti Village (~2-hour hike)

3️⃣ Old Town (Chora) 🏰
✔️ Quaint Cycladic streets – perfect for wandering & shopping
✔️ Venetian Castle (Kastro) – medieval fortress with stunning views
✔️ Museums & tavernas – great for history & local dining

4️⃣ The Temple of Demeter 🌾
✔️ Ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of harvest
✔️ Built in 530 BCE, restored with original marble
✔️ Located in Sangri village, a short drive from Chora

5️⃣ Halki Village 🍇
✔️ A traditional Naxian village, famous for kitron liqueur
✔️ Visit Vallindras Distillery – taste authentic Greek citrus spirits
✔️ Charming streets, Byzantine churches & local crafts

🏖️ Best Beaches in Naxos
✔️ Agios Prokopios – crystal-clear waters & golden sand
✔️ Plaka Beach – long sandy stretch, ideal for relaxation
✔️ Mikri Vigla – best for kite-surfing & windsurfing
✔️ Alyko Beach – surrounded by cedar forests & white dunes
✔️ Apollonas Beach – home to a giant unfinished Kouros statue

🍷 What to Eat & Drink in Naxos?
🥩 Naxian Graviera Cheese – one of Greece’s most famous cheeses
🍽️ Rosto – slow-cooked pork in wine & garlic
🍝 Kalógeros – baked eggplant with lamb, tomatoes & cheese
🍋 Kitron Liqueur – made from Naxian citrus fruits
🐟 Fresh seafood – try grilled octopus & local fish

🏨 Where to Stay in Naxos?
🏡 Luxury:
✔️ Nissaki Beach Hotel – beachfront luxury in Chora
✔️ 18 Grapes Hotel – boutique charm with a rooftop pool

🏡 Mid-Range:
✔️ Hotel Grotta – stunning views & Greek hospitality
✔️ Liana Beach Hotel – perfect beachfront location

🏡 Budget:
✔️ Soula Naxos – budget-friendly & near the beach
✔️ Ikaros Studios & Apartments – cozy & affordable

🚢 How to Get to Naxos?
🚤 By Ferry:

From Athens (Piraeus): ~4-5 hours (high-speed)
From Mykonos: ~1 hour
From Santorini: ~2 hours
✈️ By Air:

Flights from Athens (~45 minutes) to Naxos Island National Airport

🏆 Why Naxos Should Be on Your Bucket List
✔️ Greece’s best-kept secret – history, culture & adventure
✔️ Less touristy than Mykonos or Santorini
✔️ Ideal mix of beach, mountains & villages
✔️ Affordable & authentic – great for families & couples