Naxos is an island in the Aegean Sea, the largest island in the Cycladic archipelago (428 sq. Km.) Known for its marble and emery deposits, and a Greek granary, Naxos is rapidly gaining popularity with travelers. Green valleys and mountains, beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea, rich history, generated an abundance of attractions, hospitable locals, who love to dance and have fun, - on the island everyone will find something for themselves.
The main city is Chora (or Naxos).
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How to get here
From the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrion, several ferries (5 hours) and high-speed catamarans (4 hours of travel) are sent daily. The cost of tickets is about € 30 and € 50, respectively (as of April 2011).
From the Athens airport, Olympic Airlines departures daily. The ticket costs € 70, the flight lasts 45 minutes.
Search for tickets to the city of Athens (the nearest a / p to Naxos)
Climate
The average temperature in May is +24 degrees, in August: +29, October: +25 deg.
Transport
Naxos is a major traffic junction of sea routes, so you can get here (by ferry or catamaran) not only to the mainland, but also to any of the Cycladic islands, to Ithaki, Rhodes, and also Crete.
From the Hora buses go to Agia Anna, Filoti (through the Halki), Apirantosa (through Filoti and Halki), Appolonos, Melanes. The bus station is located on the waterfront. In Chora it is also possible to rent a car or a scooter.
Beaches of Naxos
There are about twenty beaches on the island, each of which is charming in its own way. Included in the top ten beaches of Europe, Agios Prokopios, is 5 km from the Hora and stretches for two kilometers. The finest white sand and a whole symphony of shades of sea waves - the place is really quite attractive. Located in the south-west of the island, the beach is well protected from the wind.
Plaka beach - no less picturesque and extended, but much more secluded.
Agios Georgios - due to its location (a 3-minute walk from the Hora), the most "busy" beach of Naxos. A sandy beach, a shallow bottom will appeal to families with children.
Mikri Vigla - coast divided in half by a rocky outcrop on 2 beaches: Parthenos and Sahara. Winds create ideal conditions for windsurfing here.
Shopping
In the market of Chora a large selection of products, products of traditional crafts, souvenirs. An interesting gift from the island - an ornament with a shell of a special shape, called "The Eye of Naxos". Are sold in jewelry stores and benches.
Be sure to bring from the island wonderful for its taste and medicinal properties thyme honey, as well as a bottle of "kitron" - a liqueur prepared on the basis of the same-named citrus fruit, something that resembles a lemon, but is more tender and sweeter.
You can book Naxos hotels at the best prices
| Xenia Hotel from 3 102 rubles Naxos Chora Naxos Chora | ||
| Iliovasilema from 2 344 rubles Naxos Chora Main Street | Hotel Coronis from 2 757 rubles Naxos Chora Protopapadaki Str. | Hotel Blue Sky from 2 688 rubles Naxos Chora Agios Georgios |
Kitchen and restaurants
On fertile land, the islands are grown and produced a variety of products, of which are especially famous: cheese of all kinds and varieties, aged beef and other meats, potatoes, tomatoes, olive oil and olives, spicy herbs. Accordingly, the cuisine of Naxos, although simple, but differs a great variety.
Some of the traditional dishes: stuffed lamb "patudo", "rosto" - cock, stewed in wine, "astakomakaronada" - spaghetti with lobster. On the island, in addition to the "kitra", produce a good wine. But rakiyu here prefer to drink, mixed with honey (rakomelo).
ΑΞΙΩΤΙΣΣΑ (Axiotissa) - a popular place combining local cuisine and dishes of Asia Minor, is located on the highway between Hora and Pirgaki at the level of Kastraki beach. Tavern ΦΑΡΟΣ Αλυκού (Faros Aliko) - restaurant with authentic cuisine, located in the same direction, but at the level of Aliko beach. Restaurant O ΓΙΩΡΓΗΣ (from Georg) in Melanes offers traditional dishes with a marvelous view of the green valley.
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Naxos
Palaces and gigantic statues of ancient times, Byzantine temples, Venetian fortresses - the history of Naxos revives before our eyes, it is only to get to the island. A kind of symbol of the island, the marble gates of Portara - the ruins of the ever-unfinished temple of Apollo - greet all arriving at the port of Hora.
The Venetian fortress, whose walls are formed by the outer walls of the houses of the Venetian nobility, is located on a hill above the port. 3 km from the Hora is the cathedral and the monastery of St. John Chrysostom.
The Bazeos Castle, built in the early 17th century as a tower, was originally a monastery, the last of which left the monastery at the beginning of the 19th century. After that, it was bought by the Bazeos family and re-decorated in a rather original style. At present, art exhibitions are held in the interiors of the castle, and the Naxos Festival is held every year in the courtyard.
The village of Halki, once one of the island's trade centers, has preserved its respectable charm since that time, today it is famous for the Vallindras distillery where old-fashioned "kitron" is produced. At the distillery, there are free guided tours with a liquor tasting, here you can buy it. Opening hours: in July-August - from 10.00 to 23.00, in May-June and September October - from 10.00 to 18.00.
Giant ancient statues (kuros) of Apollo and Dionysus lie, respectively, in the vicinity of Melanes and Apollonos. Apirantos is a mountain village founded by immigrants from Crete, with a unique atmosphere and architecture. The island also has a number of hiking routes of varying complexity.
Museums of Naxos
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos in the Chora stores finds dating from the late Neolithic period (5300 BC) to the period of early Christianity (5th century AD). The museum features antique statues, porcelain and ceramics, an extensive collection of vases. Tickets: € 3 for adults, EUR 2 for students, children under 18 years - free of charge.
Museums of archeology, geology and natural history are also in the Apiranthos. Free admission.
Developments
The traditional Easter Festival takes the Choir. In July and August, the Naxos Festival is held in the Basseos Palace. Music festival is arranged in August in Apirantos. Photos of Naxos (8)