Naxos: Lush Greek island delivers the good life - CNN.com Naxos: Lush Greek island delivers the good life By Marissa Tejada, for CNN Updated 1:25 PM ET, Thu November 17, 2016 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. Photos: Aegean refuge – Clearly, there's no shortage of pleasant aquatic pursuits on Naxos. It's the largest of the Cyclades, a group of about 30 islands in the Aegean Sea. Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Ancient treasures – The island is dotted with ancient sites such as this marble quarry near Apollonas strewn with colossal unfinished statues. Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Visual seduction – The village of Kaloxylos fits right into the brilliant sun-drenched aesthetic the Greek islands are so famous for. Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Lush and lovely – Villages like Koronos stand out on terrain that's greener than the rest of the Cyclades.

Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Tasty, too – With bountiful harvests, the island has a reputation for being able to feed itself, and it eats well. Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: No-rush ethos – The slower pace on the Greek islands attracts visitors from Athens, and around the world, in droves. Hide Caption Simple discovery – Narrow streets in villages like Chalki hold their own clues to island life. Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Castle culture – The Zevgoli Tower is a Venetian-era structure in Apiranthos. Medieval Venetian architecture and ancient sites comingle on Naxos. Hide Caption Some places are better than others at fulfilling the powerful human desire to live well. The Greek island of Naxos delivers. The largest and lushest of the otherwise rocky Cyclades, Naxos is sometimes referred to as the "green leaf" of the Aegean Sea. Its diverse natural setting satisfies the active traveler's appetite for outdoor adventure, and the fertile land feeds those who seek homegrown culinary experiences. There's rich mythology and medieval architecture. From land to sea, the island is long on allure.

Read More Getting the lay of the land On foot: Naxos Hiking tours traverse marble walkways, fertile plains, vineyards and olive groves and wind along paths connecting village to village. "My grandparents were walking these beautiful paths, it was a way of life," says leader Stella Korre, who likes to intertwine the rich history and mythology of Naxos with routes that touch all five senses. On horseback: Naxos Horse Riding expeditions lead riders through the Naxian farmlands, onto long stretches of beach and to hidden spots where the views are a textured blend of mountain and sea. JUST WATCHED MUST WATCH Living the good life in Greece 01:10 Families working in the fields, inland villages and ancient sites give riders a sense of the island's past and present. On wheels: Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades region, rises in the core of the island with an elevation of 1,003 meters. According to Greek mythology, the king of the Greek gods, Zeus, was raised in a cave on Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades. It's also the background for some of the most scenic bike routes in the Cyclades.

While excursions with Naxos Bikes don't climb the mountain, it's never far away as riders glide past villages and archaeological sites. Catching the wind By kite: The Cyclades are known for their summer winds called meltemi, guaranteeing ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Kitesurfers head to Mikri Vigla beach, an expansive stretch of sand where kites are launched with ease. Flisvos Kitecentre Naxos operates there year round. Owner Michele Gasbarro says the beach is one of the windiest places in Europe thanks to the Venturi effect between Naxos and Paros. On a board: Laguna beach is off-limits to kitesurfers due to its proximity to the airport, but it offers great conditions for windsurfers. Protected by a reef, the calm water is ideal for beginners who don't want to venture too far away from the coast. More advanced riders can head farther out to sea. Gear and instruction is available through Laguna Beach Park windsurfing center. Running the Greek islands On a boat: Sailing around Naxos incorporates the island's ancient sites and mysterious sea caves. "Dolphins come out to play.

We sail past towers, temples and water sea caves filled with stalactites," says captain George Fragiskos of Naxos Sailing , who has been sailing around Naxos for more than 40 years. With wings: Bird watchers understand just how diverse the Naxian landscape is. Naxos' wetlands belong to the list of the 380 protected biotopes of the Natura 2000 network. Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) live on the island year round, according to Ioannis Gavalas, a local bird watcher and author of "Flying Over the Aegean." Seasonal birds like Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae) can be seen between June and October. With some of Greece's best diving, there's a lot to see underwater in Naxos. Taking the waters From the deep: Panagiotis Niflis is convinced Naxos is one of the best diving destinations in Greece.

A diver and instructor running Blue Fin Divers , Niflis takes groups down to a diverse array of sites including the spectacular Marianna wreck, a 91-meter-long cargo ship that sank in the 1980s between Paros and Naxos. "The dive is unique because of the shallow depth, condition of the vessel and great visibility of about 30 meters. The wreck is covered with colorful sponges," says Niflis. Caves and reefs also draw divers of varying levels. From the shore: While blessed with mountains, valleys and lagoons, the beach is never far off on Naxos. With its impressive stretch of white sand beach, Agios Prokopis is a favorite, a Blue Flag-accredited stunner with spectacular waters. There's also great swimming at nearby islands of the small Cyclades like Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa. Digging into the culture Links to the gods: At the tip of Naxos' harbor on the Palatia islet, a massive and majestic marble doorframe called the Portara has stood since 530 B.C., the 80-ton entrance to an unfinished temple of Apollo.

According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, found his future wife, the Cretan princess Ariadne, on the islet. She had been deserted by Theseus, the king of Athens. The islet hosted the first ancient Dionysian festivities. The Portara is an arresting sight, especially at sunset and easily accessible via a stone promenade. JUST WATCHED MUST WATCH Anthony Bourdain goes Greek 01:09 Evidence of the Venetians: Further in Naxos Town, also known as Chora, the Venetians left their architectural influence when they established Naxos as the Duchy of the Aegean, the headquarters for a long line of dukes following Marco Sanudo's rule of the region in 1207. Today, Naxos' well-maintained medieval castle, which once protected Naxians from pirate invasions, stands in the historic Kastro (castle) district. One well-preserved tower belonging to Nikos Karavias' family is now a museum and the atmospheric venue for the Domus Festival, a cultural event Karavias organizes every summer.

Taste of the land: According to Greek mythology, god of wine Dionysus found his wife Ariadne on Naxos. He loved the island so much, he gave it the gift of fertility. Today, Naxos is a lush and bountiful exception in the typically rocky and barren Cycladic islands. Farm-to-table tours prove Naxos is an island that can feed itself. Naxos Sun Holidays arranges authentic Naxian cooking classes taught by locals. Island specialties such as a delicious chard savory pie made from wild greens, herbs and rice called sefoukloti make the most of local ingredients. Another popular dish is kokoras me makaronia, a baked rooster dish with pasta and a rich tomato sauce. Marissa Tejada is an author, travel writer and freelance journalist based in Athens, Greece. She tweets at @tejadamarissa Naxos Greece | Naxos island hotels and travel guide Naxos home page To all Naxos lovers … Naxos Greece is the largest island of the Cyclades (Kyklades - Greek Pronunciation) island group in the Aegean Sea.

It is a land mass of some 429 square kilometers making it large enough to be sparsely populated even during the peak of the tourist season. Herodotus (circa 500 BC) describes Naxos as the most prosperous of the Greek islands. In fact, Naxos also dominated commerce in the Cyclades during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. It is still a dominant economic player in the Cyclades. Naxos is a popular tourist destination with plenty to do. In fact, it is large enough to need a vehicle to get around it, if sightseeing is what you prefer. The viewing of several more important and less important ancient ruins and medieval structures, from the famous Portara to the ancient temple of Dimitra and the medieval Venetian Castle to be found in the old city section of the capital is highly recommended. The island has a large number of beaches , such as those at Agia Anna, Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, Alyko, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Plaka, most of which are relatively near the capital named Naxos Town or Chora (a name often used to designate the capitals on the Aegean islands).

A few of these are organized but due to the island’s size most are not, providing many places of seclusion. The Cycladic islands are generally windy places perfect for windsurfing and kite-surfing, Naxos is having considerable land mass, offers waters of all varieties for sea and beach activities. The climate is naturally Mediterranean, with warm summers and relatively mild winters. Being a large island, it has many pristine beaches with various coloured crystal clear waters, ranging from blue to turquoise and green. Most of the beaches are of fine sand and several are very long, allowing for privacy even during high season. Agios Georgios, of the many beaches is very shallow for quite some distance into the water with taverns just behind the beaches, a perfect place for families and especially those with young children. Another great point in the island’s favor is that, because of its size, rowdy night life tends to be a little further away from hotels and rooms. Since Naxos is not a “wild party island”, a wide variety of night life establishments are available. Eating is really good and reasonably priced, with Greek sized portions, which are rather generous. You certainly will not go hungry or feel cheated here!

The main villages are Apiranthos, Filoti, Glinado, Koronos and Vivlos (also called Tripodes). A tour of these villages will quickly reveal that it is by no means a sophisticated island in the tourist sense. It does, however, provide everything and more, necessary to make visitors very comfortable. Each of the villages mentioned has an individual charm, associated with its building types, views, festivities and activities. The view from Apiranthos, for example, is a real stunner! Because of the size of the island, touring it requires transportation. Day trips will reveal some of the harder to get locations and beaches that few tourists ever explore and even some locals have never been to! Moutsouna is one such village and beach. The little waterfront taverns and the shut down emery mine (for which the island was famous as a source), provide a window into the past, a very charming 50’s look of life as it was in the area. If on the other hand trekking is what pleases you, then there are several long and short routes to enjoy nature walks on. I am in love with its beaches. There are so many that I can choose a different one each day of my stay.

I am also in love with the food, a real treat to the palette. I can't get enough of its wonderful villages, their picturesque alleys, their traditional architecture and the exquisite small shops selling local handcraft. But most of all, I am in love with its proud, noisy and very warm hearted people ... Sam Fields, Lancaster, UK Naxos Greece, the ideal holiday destination Being a big island, Naxos offers many options to the traveller who wishes to explore a variety of activities during his holidays. Let us start with the great selection of beaches, each different in looks and style so that everyone can have his/her favourite beach. Whether it is a sandy or a rocky beach you are looking for, a quiet or a busy one, with or without sports and amenities, a long beach or a small cove, Naxos has it. And, you can be on the island for a month without being able to see them all. As for the picturesque villages, Naxos is a photographer's paradise. From seaside fishing settlements to mountainous traditional and agricultural villages, take your pick. Are you hooked on summer activities? Naxos Greece is the place to be.

You can start with hiking; keep in mind that mount Zas is 1000m high. If that is not enough, then how about some mountain biking? Plenty of countryside to enjoy on your bike and a great variety of roads to choose from, coastal or mountainous. What about some sailing? You can join a group of people and get on the sailing yacht to dive in the Aegean Sea of Naxos or the Small Cyclades or you can book the whole yacht for yourself. Or you can join one of the local fishermen and assist them with their daily catch (you can also try the fabulous kakavia soup on the fishing boat). Let us not forget all these wind based summer activities like wind-surfing, kite-surfing and so on... Perhaps the most important pleasure Naxos has to offer is the authentic taste of the Mediterranean cuisine, based on its rich produce of wine, aromatic herbs, vegetables, fish, meat and dairy products coming straight from the Naxian land and sea. You can literally taste Naxos in every village, at every home you visit in every whiff while walking along its streets and alleys. It is everywhere.

How to get to Naxos Travel to Naxos Naxos, Cyclades Islands | Gollcher Ferries Naxos, Cyclades Islands Tinos, Cyclades Islands Naxos, Cyclades Islands Naxos is a Greek island, the largest island in the Cyclades island group in the Aegean and was the centre of archaic Cycladic culture. The island comprises the two municipalities of Naxos and Drymalia. The largest town and capital of the island is Chora or Naxos City. The largest and most fertile of the Cyclades Islands, Naxos in fact gains much of its income from agriculture rather than from tourism. The main town, referred to as ‘Hora’ on maps, but also as simply ‘Naxos’ or ‘Naxos Town’, contains most of the shops and restaurants frequented by visitors. A number of beach communities extend south along the coast from Hora. Naxos Greece See also... Naxos Naxos Coins Naxos Map At this point, I'll have to admit something. Since I was around 13-14, I'd been avoiding the thought of visiting Naxos. It had nothing to do with the island.

It had to do with my ex-best friend, who was from Naxos. See, round about that time, we got into a huge fight and stopped talking to each other, so I decided I would never visit the island he was from, not only because I didn't want to meet him there, but also because. well, I was boycotting it. Of course, as the years passed by and I, well... grew up, I stopped thinking about the fight and the friend and the island, but I still didn't visit it, until I was 25. That summer, that was when I finally visited Naxos, along with my friends Hope and Georgia and my cousin Harry. and that's when I found out what I was missing out on! I know, silly me, not visiting an island just because of a "vendetta". But you know the funniest thing? I stumbled upon him, my ex-best friend I mean, when I went there. Well, let me just say that was a hell of a stumbling-upon moment!

(He didn't recognize me so I just walked by him...) So, facts: Naxos, first settled in 3000 BC, is the largest island of the Cy clades group. Undiscovered by most tourists, Naxos has been caressed by mythology in many ways. See, it's the place where Zeus, the king of gods was born and raised, in mount Zas. It's also the place where Theseus abandoned Ariadne and Dionysus, the god of wine met her and married her. Naxos Hotels If you search for accommodation in Naxos I recommend you to visit Naxos Hotel Online Bookings . There, you can make your reservations directly to the hotels and find rooms in low prices and useful guest reviews. What does Naxos look like? I once heard (and it's one of the reasons why I decided to visit it after all) that Naxos has been blessed by God. Is that true? Probably. Naxos is deeply fertile; actually, it's the most fertile island of the Cyclades group. It has a strong medieval character and.

OK, I'll just list the thin gs that make people believe it's been blessed: quiet and peaceful villages; rich gardens; vineyards; orchards; Venetian watchtowers and a bunch of historical sites. Maybe Kitro of Naxos (a local beverage), as well. Many of the old paths between villages, churches and other sites still survive, so it's ideal for exploring on foot. Which places should I not miss in Naxos? The first thing that comes to mind is the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Naxos. Housed in the (hmm, did I already use the word 'magnificent' breathtaking Palace of Sanudo since 1973, it h as one of the best collections of Cycladic marble figurines, as well as some lovely Roman mosaics. As for the Palace, it dates from 1627 and it was built in order to house a Jesuites school. It also used to house the French school and its most famous pupil was Nikos Kazantzakis, who wrote "Zorba the Greek". But that's not the only museum you should visit in Naxos.

Another one is the Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum within the Kastro ramparts and the Mitropolis Museum, in the cathedral square, which has been open since 1999 and preserves the remnants of Hora's history. Apeiranthos is Naxos' most beautiful town. Founded by refugees from Crete, it's dominated by two towers with the sculpted emblem of the Venetian lion and it has several museums: the Archaeology Museum (a fantastic collection of sm all artifacts), the Museum of Natural History, the Geology Museum. One of the places that was mentioned in most books I'd read about Naxos before visiting it was the Tragaea Region. To be honest, the description of the place was never exact and accurate and I couldn't understand exactly what it was until I saw it for myself. From Filoti to Halki, the Tragaea Region is an excellent walking paradise with beauties around and several fine churches you can visit, e.g. Panagia Protothronis (First-Enthroned Virgin).

In the Tragaea Region, near the village of Filoti, the largest village of the region, you will find the Cave of Zeus, in Mount Zas (=Jupiter). Mount Zas is the largest mountain of the Cyclades and the Cave is located at the south western side of it. There have been found traces of human inhabitation from the Neolithic Period, like objects, tools and golden plates. Finally, don't miss the Vallindras Distillery. It's housed in a fine old building in the centre of Halki and you can take a tour to its atmospheric rooms. What about the archaeological and historical sites of Naxos? Well, let's start with Palatia (=palaces), as the locals call the unfinished temple of Apollo that the Portara gateway leads to. The construction of the temple began in the middle of the 6th century BC (522, most probably) but, despite the efforts of Lygdamis, Naxos' energetic tyrant, it was never finished. Just like most Greek islands, Naxos has a castle. The fortified Kastro was built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, but only 2 of the original 7 gateways remain now.

Little is also left of the 13th-century outer walls, but the inner walls still stand, protecting 19 impressive whitewa shed houses. Just take a stroll around it during siesta to enjoy its hushed medieval atmosphere. But Naxos has yet another castle, the Bazeos Castle. Bazeos Castle is a handsome tower-like building, 2km east of the village of Sangri. Built in its original form as the Monastery of Timios Stavros (True Cross) during the 17th century, it was abandoned by the monks and then bought by the Bazeos family. It now functions as a cultural centre and stages art exhibitions and the annual Naxos festival. The Temple of Demeter, standing on a small rocky outcrop, is one of the most popular attractions of Naxos. Its ruins are not large, but its Doric structure is historically fascinating. There's also a site museum with some fine recon-struction of temple features. Does Naxos have any good beaches? Like most Greek Islands, Naxos takes pride in its long, sandy, paradise-like beaches. Agios Georgios is Naxos town's beach, with shallow waters safe for the kids.

South of it there's Agios Prokopios, one of Naxos' m ost popular beaches. Agia Anna is just below it, a group of beautiful small beaches. Another group is Maragas, below Agia Anna, an endless number of breathtaking beaches on the west coast of Naxos. Plaka is also on the west coast, an excellent beach with white sand and sand dunes behind it. But Naxos is also internationally known for its great spots for windsurfing activities, like Mikri Vigla beach, blessed by the meltemia (north winds specific to the Cyclades). Did I confuse you? Well, the thing is, there's no way of describing the beaches of Naxos without sounding too cliche. I mean, what could I possibly say? Crystal-clear turquoise waters? White or golden soft sand? Ravishing settings around? All these sound like I'm reading them from cue cards, even though they are 100% true. That's why I'm not describing, I'm just naming. Take my word for it and visit these beaches. You will not regret it. Where should I eat?

I'm going to start with the restaurant I enjoyed eating at the most: Lefteris, in Apeiranthos. One of the best places in Naxos, I will never forget its creamy dessert. As for Harry, he will never forget the tarama they served (and neither will Georgia, Hope and I, as he still mentions it every once in a while). I Pigi, on the road into the village of Ano Potamia, is a beautiful taverna with a garden of lemon trees and jasmine. Definitely try their mintzithra (soft white goat cheese). Gorgona (=mermaid) in Agia Anna is very popular with locals, a large family run cafeteria. O Giorgis is a taverna in Melanes with a terrace that serves excellent chicken and rabbit. Lucullus Taverna on Agiou Nikolaou Street is one of the oldest tavernas in Naxos and still serves great local food. Finally, Old Inn has a good selection of northern-European food, a children's menu and a children's playground, along with an in-house flea market full of amazing odds and ends. Does Naxos have nightlife?

Ellis Bar and Bar Veggera in Hora are two excellent places for a drink. On The Rocks is ideal for a cocktail, with sounds varying from funk and house to live acts. If you're looking for wild clubbing though, Ocean is the place for you, near Veggera. It's spacious, it features house and techno and it runs special nights with guest DJs. Now Naxos also offers two more ways of having fun I thought I should mention: the movies and concerts. Cine Astra is about a five-minute walk from Plateia Protodikeiou. As for the concerts, they're held several times weekly in the outdoor grounds of the Venetian Museum. How do I get to Naxos? There are speed-boats from Rafina to Naxos almost throughout the whole year. Naxos is also linked by ferries to most of the Aegean islands, especially during the summer, as well as Piraeus and Thessaloniki. As for traveling by plane, there are scheduled flights from the airport of Eleftherios Venizelos throughout the year, which last about 45 minutes.

Naxos island: Travel guide, Holiday planner - Greeka.com Secured server by: Holidays in Naxos Naxos is the largest island of Cyclades and it is located in the center of this complex, between Paros and Mykonos. According to mythology, this was the nuptial isle of the god Dionysus, god of wine. This is why there is a sanctuary dedicated to Dionysus in the inland of Naxos island. Ideal for families and romantic couples, Naxos Greece is famous for the exotic beaches. Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Orkos and Mikri Vigla are among the most beautiful beaches on the island, while the entire western coastline is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strong winds that blow there in the afternoon. A drive to the inland will bring you to picturesque villages and interesting sightseeing. Share it! Hotels Things to see and do The island of Naxos, in Greece, is one of the most popular Greek islands of the Aegean Sea and it belongs to the Cyclades islands group. Naxos island is a mountainous island located in the center of Cyclades.

In fact, it hosts the highest mountain of the group, Mount Zas. The capital of the island, Chora, distinguishes for the traditional architecture, the well-preserved Venetian castle and the Portara at the entrance of the port, a large marble gate that constitutes the only remaining from an ancient temple. All around the coastline, Naxos island offer fabulous beaches with golden sand and crystal water. Some of them are organized with hotels, restaurants and water sports centers, while others are totally secluded. The beaches on the western side, particularly Mikri Vigla, are ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing. A drive in the inland will bring visitors to lovely mountainous villages, interesting sightseeing and spots of natural beauty. During your Naxos holidays, do not miss the two giant statues of Kouros, the towers that the Venetians and Marco Sanudo constructed and the ancient sanctuaries. In this travel guide of Naxos island, you will find all the information you need about your trip. As it is located in the centre of the Aegean Sea, Naxos holidays can be easily combined with other Greek islands, such as Paros and Mykonos.

Book this holiday package and discover the most famous islands of Cyclades. Live the nightlife of Mykonos, see the wild caldera of Santorini and swim in fantastic beaches. Similar Destinations People looking for Naxos also searched for: Paros Greek island holiday guide: the Cyclades | Travel | The Guardian Greek Islands holidays Greek island holiday guide: the Cyclades The Cyclades are the picture-perfect Greek islands where whitewashed villages tumble down to azure bays. We explore the famous – Mykonos and Santorini – and smaller islands too • More in the Greek Island holiday guide series The most iconic Greek island view, from Oia on Santorini. Photograph: Sylvain Sonnet/Corbis Tuesday 12 August 2014 01.30 EDT Last modified on Tuesday 12 August 2014 11.03 EDT Share on Messenger Close Ask most people to think of the Greek islands and the image that springs to mind probably derives from the Cyclades (pronounced Kyklades in Greek, which does not have a soft “c” sound).

Most evocative of these pictures is of white-washed, cuboid houses on a hillside above an azure bay. The houses themselves are dashed with splashes of bright blue, perhaps mixed in with the odd windmill or domed church. This image becomes reality in many places on this rough circle of islands, which provide the perfect venue for island hopping. In truth, however, the Cyclades consist of a lot of diverse islands with differing cultures and landscapes. It’s impossible to capture them all in a short guide, so will just attempt to point out some highlights. Mykonos, Santorini and Ios form the touristic heart of the islands, each fulfilling the Greek island dream while being beautiful and vibrant in their own way. Naxos, Paros and Milos offer all that you might expect from the group, but are much-visited, and perhaps better seen out of the high season. After these six there are a host of smaller and/or lesser-known islands that tend to compete for the Cyclades’ most fashionable, in-the-know, destination of the moment.

Folegandros, to the south, once remote behind its tall cliffs, is becoming increasingly trendy, whereas nearby Sikinos, with its tiny population of under 300, is still little-visited. The northern Cyclades are within easy reach of Athens, and get plenty of Greek visitors (which is no bad thing). Kea, with its oak forest, and Kythnos , with its hot springs, are both quieter than many of the other islands. Andros is one of the largest Cyclades, with a varied and rugged landscape. Meanwhile quiet Serifos, Tinos with its pilgrimage site, remote Anafi, and Amorgos with its waters made famous by the film The Big Blue, all have something special to offer. I could go on ... All prices are for one week’s accommodation for two in August, and include breakfast, unless otherwise stated. Prices outside of this month can be considerably cheaper. Greek taverna prices are remarkably similar, and if anything have gone down in the past few years. You can usually expect to eat well for €15-€20 a head. If eating places are cheaper/more expensive than this it is stated in the text.

Milos Fishing port and village of Mandrakia, Milos. Photograph: Tuul/Corbis Where to stay: The Marketos Windmill Of the more popular islands, Milos is perhaps the least affected by tourism. Its oddly shaped rock formations and white sandy beaches are reminders of the island’s volcanic past, as is its continuing reliance on mining. Don’t let this put you off: it is well worth the visit, and this converted windmill, just above where the famous Venus de Milo was unearthed, makes a great base. • +30 22870 22147, mylosgreece.com . €1,400 self-catering for four people; family-friendly Where to eat: Foras The windmill is on the outskirts of Plaka, the island’s capital, which is in fact a loose collection of villages that nestle beneath the remains of a Venetian castle. At the bottom of the steps down from this is the Foras, a tradition al meze place. Order a couple of small dishes at a time as you make your way through a bottle of ouzo.

• +30 22870 23954 Don’t miss The beaches of Milos are exceptional. Try Paleohori to the south-east, where underground hot springs warm the waters in natural Jacuzzis. A rock tunnel leads to another small beach backed by vividly coloured cliffs. Folegandros Clifftop views at Anemomilos Apartments Where to stay: Anemomilos Apartments The best way to experience Folegandros’s famous cliffs is to stay on top of one, preferably in one of these gorgeous apartments with balconies over the crystal waters. Though all the accommodation is nice, book a Blue Studio for the balcony view - your every evening should start by helping the sun sink beneath the sea with a sophisticated drink. • +30 22860 41309, anemomilosapartments.com . £1,277 for a Blue Studio Where to eat: I Piatsa, Chora This well-known restaurant sometimes gets overwhelmed by large tour groups. If that happens, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

If not, this is one of the best places to try a plate of matsata, the local pasta served with rooster, veal or goat. • +30 22860 41274 Don’t miss Piatsa is on the middle one of the five adjacent plateas, or squares, that define Chora, the delightful cliff-edged capital of Folegandros. The whole area is pedestrianised and is a good place to enjoy the evening stroll that still defines much of Greek social life. Andros ‘Perfect’ Ahla beach near Onar houses Where to stay: Onar Paradise is worth making a bit of extra effort for. In this case the 40km drive from Andros’ main port includes a last half hour down a rough dirt track. You won’t be leaving in a hurry, and you won’t want to. Set by a perfect beach, and with a natural pool, these nine houses offer a perfect getaway from the modern world, with a great mix of seclusion and communal get-togethers. Mobile signals are patchy and the internet isn’t up to much either – long may it last.

• +30 21062 51052, onar-andros.gr . £1,166 for a one-bedroom house sleeping three; family-friendly Where to eat As you won’t want to stray far in the evenings, it is good to know that the food provided by the Onar is excellent and based around local ingredients and freshly caught fish. On top of this, local village ladies sometimes offer masterclasses on their family recipes. Don’t miss If you can tear yourself away, Andros has a lot to offer. The landscape is fertile and rewards exploration by car or on foot. An even more idyllic option might be hiring a small boat and chugging from cove to secret cove. Serifos Windmill in Chora, Serifos. Photograph: Guido Cozzi/Atlantide Phototravel/Corbis Where to stay: Coralli Camping This is a top-notch campsite right on the top-notch beach of Livadakia. Plenty of shade is provided by tamarisk trees and the atmosphere around the pool and other facilities is suitably laid-back. • +30 22810 51500, corallicamping.gr .

£95; family-friendly Where to eat: Stou Stratou The “cafe on the street” is on the central square in the island’s main town of Chora (the capital towns of the islands are often called this: the word basically just means “main town”). It is a kafenion rather than a proper taverna – where the old men of the village used to go to discuss the world over Greek coffee. You can eat however, and on top of good breakfasts, and a famed chocolate cake, it is a good place to try a pikalia, a mixed plate that can be based round meat, fish or vegetarian treats. There is also no need to bring any reading matter as the extraordinary menu contains extracts of prose and poetry in several languages. • +30 22810 52566 Don’t miss Away from the beaches, Chora itself is a relatively unspoilt version of a Cycladic settlement and well worth exploring. From here various hiking trails can be followed across the small island. Santorini Oia’s famoius view over traditional blue and white buildings.

Photograph: Sakis Papadopoulos/Corbis Where to stay: Esperas The view from the cliffs of Oia, Santorini’s second village, is one of the most famous vistas in the world, especially as the sun sets. To enjoy it to the full you really need to push the boat out – the best rooms here can come at thousands of euros a night. The Esperas is an excellent bet if your budget doesn’t stretch that far. While its rooms aren’t quite as “designer” as some, it does have the location and the view of the sun dipping below the sea. • +30 22860 71501, esperas-santorini.com . From £175 per night, including breakfast and taxes Where to eat: Floga It’s easy to spend plenty of money on dining in Ia. The options tend to get cheaper as you head east and lose the expensive view. Floga is a good compromise, and has an interesting take on Greek/Mediterranean dining. • +30 22860 71152, on the expensive side Don’t miss The amazing view comes thanks to Santorini’s volcanic past.

Around 3,700 years ago an eruption blew out the middle of the island, so the villages are perched around the cliffs of the caldera (the sea-filled crater). Boat trips explore the caldera, but you should also visit the ruins of Akrotiri to see how the people here lived before the eruption – it’s a mini Pompeii, and much older. Anafi Peaceful isolation with great views nearby Ta Plagia Where to stay: Ta Plagia If you want some isolation, even in high season, Anafi is your island. Another 90 minutes past Santorini on the ferry, this really is the end of the line. You will probably find Athina, the owner of Ta Plagia, waiting at the small port for the boat to arrive. Her 12 simple rooms are a delight, with great views down to the sea. • +30 22860 61308, taplagia.gr .

£278, breakfast from £4 Where to eat: To Steki Five minutes’ stroll on from Ta Plagia is the oldest taverna on the island, and still the destination of choice for many locals and Anafi “old hands”, making it a good place to swap gossip on hidden coves and hikes. The welcome and the food are both traditionally Greek. • +30 22860 61380 Don’t miss The pleasure of Anafi comes from its peaceful isolation and fantastic beaches. If you do want to stir yourself, the stiff hike up Cape Kalamos is well worth it, and rewards with fabulous views. Apparently this is the largest single rock formation in Europe (including Gibraltar). On its slopes can be found two uninhabited monasteries, including the whitewashed Kalamiotissa at its peak. Naxos Naxos Town.

Photograph: Gavin Hellier/Corbis Where to stay: Chateau Zevgoli The best way to approach Naxos Town is from the sea, where you will be drawn towards the remains of the Temple of Apollo that seems to act as a gateway into the island, and then the old Venetian castle that looms above the old town. To stay here at Zevgoli, simply follow the signs through the winding backstreets to this converted mansion, decorated in the old style of the island. • +30 22850 22993, apollonhotel-naxos.gr/naxos-hotel-zevgoli . £305 Where to eat: Metaxi Mas Also tucked away in the old town is this good-value little ouzeri that serves plates of salad, local cheese, and fried small fish. It can get crowded, but the atmosphere remains convivial. • +30 22850 26425 Don’t miss Naxos is probably the only Cycladic island that could survive if all the tourists stayed away. Its often more workaday atmosphere comes as a refreshing change from some of the other islands.

This can be sampled in the attractive, inland village of Sangri, from where you can also hike to a ruined temple (dedicated to the goddess of fertility) and a Byzantine castle with stunning views. Kea Afternoon sun over the pool at Villa Terrier Where to stay: Villa Terrier If a few of you are going to the islands, a villa rental is always worth considering. This stylish option, with its own pool, is on the island of Kea, only a two-hour trip from Athens. This means it gets a lot of Greek visitors, which gives it an authentic feel, even when busy. The villa is in the more isolated south, but the island is small enough to be easily explored. • 020-3286 5400, thegreekvillas.com . From £2,856 in low season, sleeps six adults and two children; family-friendly Where to eat: Porto Koundouros Below the villa is one of the best beaches on the island. It hosts this complex of cafes, bars and restaurants that cater mainly for Greeks and the yachting crowd.

Perhaps because of this, the food is of a great standard, and with kids’ entertainment often laid on, you could while away a whole day here. • +30 22880 31111 Don’t miss The inland capital of the island is called Ioulidha, or sometimes just Chora. Its pedestrianised centre is well worth an explore, especially out of season, when it is wonderfully quiet and atmospheric. There is, of course, the remains of a Venetian castle, and a surprisingly good archaeological museum. Mykonos Fishing boats in Mykonos Town. Photograph: Richard Cummins/Corbis Where to stay: Manoulas Even the beaches are high-energy on Mykonos, but it is nice to have somewhere tranquil to retreat to. A short taxi or bus ride from Mykonos Town above Agios Ioannis beach (made famous in the film Shirley Valentine ), the Manoulas has whitewashed balconies, a pool, and relative peace and quiet. • +30 22890 22900, hotelmanoulas.gr .

From €1,680 Where to eat: Eva’s Garden This being Mykonos, you could dine at a branch of Nobu should you so want. For something a bit more Greek, with prices to match, head to this taverna in a pretty courtyard in the centre of town. The spanakopita (spinach pie) and grilled fish are particularly good. • +30 22890 22160 Don’t miss Mykonos is all about the party scene, and it’s surprisingly affordable – the cover charge to hear a world-class DJ can be as little as €10, compared with €70 on Ibiza, and drinks are more reasonable too. Sikinos Sea views from Lucas Studios Where to stay: Lucas Studios The Lucas family run a couple of small apartment buildings as well as a taverna. Try and get into the A Studios, whose simple rooms are right on the sea. All of them have large balconies for enjoying the view, as well as small kitchens. • +30 22860 51075, sikinoslucas.gr .

£278 self-catering; family-friendly Where to eat: To Steki tou Garmpi The Lucas’s taverna is good, and may be one of the few options out of season. It’s also worth making the short trip to the island capital (named Chora, would you believe) for this traditional taverna that has its own barrel wine. • +30 22860 51215 Don’t miss The island is tiny and quiet, but still manages to hide some good beaches and worthwhile walks. To get to some of the more isolated beaches, such as Malta, it is worth trying to hire a kaiki, or Greek fishing boat. As with all things, the Lucas family should be able to help. Getting There There are airports on some of the bigger islands (Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Syros and Milos) that can all be linked to via Athens. Easyjet flies direct in summer to Mykonos and Santorini from the UK (Mykonos starts at around £65 return if you book early; Santorini tends to be more). The islands are all linked by ferries to each other and to mainland Greece.

The ones nearer to Athens are accessible fairly quickly, whereas Santorini takes from five to nine hours, depending on the route, and Kea is another hour an half after that. It’s the most romantic way to arrive at the islands, however, and often the only option, perhaps combined with a flights to the nearest island airport. • This article was amended on 12 August 2014 to correct the starting rates at the Esperas Santorini hotel. The Cyclades island of Andros is no longer the preserve of Greece’s shipping dynasties now that a local initiative is opening up its 300km of hiking trails Published: 5 Aug 2016 Of all the Greek islands, Crete is one of the most distinctive and beautiful.

Our holiday guide features great places to stay (from campsites to boutique hotels), the best tavernas and the island’s must sees Published: 23 Jul 2014 The second in our series on holidaying in the Greek islands focuses on where to stay and eat and what to see and do in the Ionian islands Published: 18 Jun 2014 Rhodes and Kos may be the most popular of the Dodecanese but lesser-known islands – including Nisyros, Kalymnos and Symi – offer an equally scenic holiday, minus the crowds but with affordable accommodation and food Published: 3 Jun 2015 Naxos Island Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com Jump to: navigation , search The map of Naxos Naxos is a Greek island. It is the largest of Cyclades group islands. Its total area is 430 sq.m. . It is in the center of the Aegean Sea . Naxos has 18,188 people. The largest town on the island is Naxos city, with 6,533 people. Sights-Tourism Naxos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.

Every year, many tourists visit Naxos. Most of them are from western European countries. [1] Naxos has many beautiful beaches. In Naxos there are ruins of medieval castles and ancient temples. The most famous sight is a part of an ancient temple which is in the entrance of Naxos port. Also the medieval castle of Naxos. History A part of ancient temple in Naxos In mythology, Naxos was the place where the god Dionysus abducted the daughter of king Minos , Ariadne . Ariadne was on island with the ancient hero Theseus . In ancient times, Naxos was an Ionian colony. The island belonged to association of Delian League with Athens and other Ionian cities. In the year 503 B.C. Naxos was destroyed by a Persian fleet. Later, Naxos was a poor island without power. In the medieval era, Naxos was under the Byzantine rule and afterwards under the Venetian rule. [2] In the sixteenth century it passed under the Ottoman rule. Naxos became a part of the Greek state in 1832.

References Visit Greece | Cyclades Tweet The most famous island group in the Aegean Sea comprises some of the most beautiful islands in the world! Gorgeous sandy beaches, architecture in white and blue, traditional lifestyle, folk music, warm, hospitable people and barren landscapes with isolated chapels turn a trip to the Cyclades into a lifetime experience. The name “Cyclades” refers to the islands forming a circle (the name in English means: “circular islands”) around the sacred island of Delos. According to the Greek mythology, Poseidon, God of the sea, furious at the Cyclades nymphs turned them into islands. Millions of Greek and foreign visitors come to the Cyclades every year to enjoy the dazzling light and the crystal blue waters, in the quest of the paradise on earth. Let your dream come true in one of the following islands: Andros is the northernmost island of the group with a great naval tradition and no landscape like the postcards from the Cyclades: apart from the sandy beaches, there are rocky coastlines, mountain ranges alternating with fertile plains, lush vegetation and abundantly flowing streams.

One of the most enchanting yet less known islands of the Cyclades, Tinos is the religious centre of the country thanks to the church of Panayia Meyalóhari (the Blessed Virgin Mary). Pilgrims from all over the country come here to fulfil their vows and to seek spiritual comfort. One of the most famous destinations worldwide and a favourite holiday spot of the jet set, Mykonos , is extremely beautiful and well known for its bare hills, the amazing sandy beaches, the white country chapels and the Cycladic architecture. Due to its proximity to Attica, Kea is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades, bird-watching is a real delight. Cousteau looked for the lost city of Atlantis on Santorini . Crescent-shaped Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades.

Also called “Thermiá” on account of its thermal springs, Kythnos is very close to Attica; still, it is one of the less visited islands of the Cyclades. Greek Mythology has it that Anafi , a paradise of pristine beauty and “exotic” beaches washed by crystal clear waters, had emerged from the bottom of the Aegean sea to give shelter to the Argonauts. Ios . The locals call their island “Nios” but its formal name comes from “ion”, the Greek name for the flower violet. It is said to have been the birthplace of Homer’s mother and the place of his own tomb. Remaining untouched by the growth of the tourist industry, Folegandros (or Polykandros) offers complete relaxation in a typical Cycladic landscape. The Greek mythology refers to Folégandros as son to Minos and head of the first colonists on the island. Ideal for a relaxed holiday, Serifos is a typical Cycladic island with white villages, quiet harbours, golden beaches, bare hills and beautiful landscapes. The mild tourism growth has not affected the island’s nature and traditional features.

Kimolos .This tiny and extremely beautiful island lies in the western part of the Cyclades, close to Milos island. Possessing a volcanic soil and a unique variety of minerals, it is famous for its fantastic beaches, ranging from thin sand to pebbles. Sifnos will definitely turn a holiday into an unforgettable experience, having a rich tradition in pottery and gastronomy. Due to its gold mines, it used to be one of the richest islands in the ancient times. Escape from everyday stress and anxiety on this small island, located between Íos and Folégandros. Sikinos is a typical Cycladic island, with terraces, low stone fences and numerous country chapels dotting a scenery bathed in the wonderful green and blue waters of the Aegean. Delos , the birth place of Apollo and Artemis, used to be a religious centre for the whole of Greece in the ancient times, as well as the principal trading port in the Eastern Mediterranean during the roman times. Delos is uninhabited today and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, receiving large numbers of visitors who flock to admire remarkable monuments and impressive mosaics.

Unrivalled natural beauty, beaches of crystal clear waters, “unique” Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes make Paros , located at the heart of Cyclades, one of the most beloved holiday destinations in Greece… Naxos : the biggest and the greenest island in Cyclades with impressively high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional villages perched high on mountain tops, where the inhabitants still wear their traditional dress and live off the fruits of the land! Nàxos is also an island of beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with Cycladic cubic houses... Iraklia is a tiny island with only 115 residents located at the western edge of the Small Eastern Cyclades island group. Dense vegetation, natural springs, smooth hills, crystalline waters (with shipwrecks at the sea-bottom!), scenic bays and caves are the characteristics of this unspoiled paradise in Cyclades. Schinoussa is located at the centre of the Small Eastern Cyclades island group, south of Nàxos and north-east of Iraklia.

It is a tiny island with three villages: Hora, Mesaria and Mersini. Koufonisia is a small group of two islands, Pano Koufonìsi (Upper Koufonìsi) and Kato Koufonìsi (Lower Koufonìsi), that are separated by a narrow strait. They are located southeast of Nàxos and west of Amorgos; Pano Koufonìsi is inhabited, with a land area of 5.5 sq. km and a population of 366 residents Donousa is the northernmost island of the Small Eastern Cyclades is located east of Nàxos and north of Amorgos. The island has a land area of 13.5 sq. km and numerous coves some of which hide magnificent sandy beaches. The islet of Antiparos , lying southwest of Paros, is ideal for a relaxed and serene holiday and can easily be reached from Punda or Parikia by boat. The ancient name of Antìparos was Oliaros.

Amorgos : The island of “The Big Blue” – a large part of the Luc Besson film was shot there – is at the southeasternmost point of the Cyclades and it displays a very special scenery: mountains, cliffs ideal for climbing, terraces, precipices and picturesque coves with lovely waters. Milos : The volcanic activity in ancient years has endowed this island with an exciting variety of gorgeous landscapes, consequently offering the visitor a wide range of activities. The funny shapes of the rocks and their wonderful colours at the beautiful white sandy beaches are one expression of the volcanic features of Milos. Syros : This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoúpoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century. Read or download your Cyclades' Travel Guide Naxos: Holidays to Naxos Greece Naxos Naxos Holidays Greece - Naxos Holiday Packages Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades group, a green, mountainous jewel of an island amongst many barren places.

It is a wonderful isle to spend a couple of days exploring as it’s full of history, beauty and culture. Naxos's history is long and detailed. In mythology, the island was the site where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, who then went on to meet Dionysus, the protector of the island. There are two stories as to how this meeting ended; one stating that Ariadne fell in love with the vivacious god, the other claiming that she threw herself off the cliffs behind the Portara. Historically, the island has been an important trading island, the green hills producing many crops. The Venetians invaded Naxos in the 13th century, who built much of the old town and the Kastro, the island having its own seat in the Venetian court. Unlike many of the other islands in the group, the Ottoman empire had little influence on Naxian life as few Turks settled there. It became part of Independent Greece in 1821. The first wonder tourists will notice is the Temple of Apollo, the ancient site that greets visitors as they come into the port.

The temple, also known at Portara or the Church of Ariadne is instantly recognisable as it frames the Naxos Town. The shape of a large picture frame, or gateway, the dimensions of the temple are recognisable as the icon for National Geographic magazine, and it is one of the most photographed ancient sites in the world. Naxos Town is a mix of restaurants, shops and amazing sites. The waterfront bustles with tourists and locals during the day, taking on a life of its own in the evening. Behind the waterfront is the Old Town and the Kastro, a spectacular area build by the Venetians, still inhabited by people of the town. The old town is a myriad of narrow streets and underpasses, a reminder of another time. It is a place to wander about during the siesta, when in the heat of the afternoon; the full impact of the atmosphere can be felt. It is stunningly preserved and a must for all tourists to the island. Monasteries, churches and ruins are a forte of Naxos. As the island has been continuously inhabited since Mycenaean times, these historic sites are well documented. The Venetian invasion has left a number of castles still in good condition.

Being such a large island, there are many places to visit. There are numerous sandy beaches dotted about the Naxos coastline, indeed, there are over 40 kilometres of beaches to be explored, many with their own towns nearby. The nearest beach to the town is Grotta, to the north of the town, which is by no means the best nor the quietest beach on Naxos. A car or moped is often the best way to get to these out of the way beaches, though many of the local buses service the beaches nearest to Naxos Town. On the Inland, there are many quaint towns to visit, such as Apiranthos, to the east in the mountains. Settled by Cretan refugees nearly two hundred years ago, the marble lined streets are beautiful. Getting off the main roads of Apiranthos, the back streets are a maze of laneways. Apollonas, to the North East, is a traditional fishing village, where lunch in the taverna and a walk along the beach can be had in the quieter atmosphere. Halki used to be the trade centre of the island, and the architecture of the town, with its towers encapsulating the sky.

Koronos appears to be spring out of a crevice in the mountains. There are plenty of other villages to visit, and the public transport on the island means that you can get to other parts of the island and back to the main towns in a day. Naxos has so much to offer all tourists, and is a place that should not be missed on a trip to the Cyclades islands. NAXOS BEACHES THE ENDLESS SANDY BEACHES OF THE SOUTHWEST SIDE From the bay of St. George, south of Chora up until the bay of Agiassos, there is one magical beach after another; Agios Prokopios (St. Prokopis), Agia Anna (St. Anna), Plaka, Orkos, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Aliko, Pirgaki and Agiassos. St. Prokopis and St. Anna beaches are well organized for tourism with shops of every kind. The rest of the beaches offer facilities for the tourist but they are not so crowded. Agios Georgios (St.

George) This is the popular and busy beach south of Hora and is large and sandy with crystal, clear sallow water, protected from the wind and ideal for children. There are shops of every kind and organized water sports. Agios Prokopios (St Prokopis) St. Prokopis beach (4 klm. from Chora) with its wide stretch of sand and crystal clear sea, like a huge swimming pool, is very popular. There are many facilities for tourists on the beach and organized sea sports. Agia Anna (St.Anna) The beach of Agia Anna (5 klm. from Chora) is a continuation of the beach of Agios Prokopis. Agia Anna beach offers many facilities for the tourist and there are organized sea sports. There is a rare kind of cedar tree, which grows along the beach, which is like the Lebanese cedar and thrives in hot sand. Plaka Further on from the beach at Agia Anna, is Plaka, a sandy beach several kilometres long. A dirt road separates the beach from some tavernas and bars, which are spread out along the beach. MIKRIVIGLA The rock of Mikri Vigla (16 klm.

from Chora), separates the sandy beaches of Parthenos and Mikri Vigla. Because of the perfect weather conditions the beach of Parthenos has become a meeting place for surfers from all over the world. Mikri Vigla beach with its crystal clear water stretches as far as the eye can see. There are few tavernas. Kastraki Carrying on from Mikri Vigla is Kastraki beach (15 klm.from Hora) with it's white sand and clear water. In this area there are some ancient remains and the Tower of Oskelos. There are few tavernas. Aliko Aliko is a sandy beach with sand dunes, cedar trees and exotic atmosphere. It is not a well-known beach and it is quiet. In the area there are few tavernas. Pyrgaki The circular road, which starts from Hora, ends up in the south at Pyrgaki, a magical sandy beach with cedar trees. There are tavernas. Agiasos Agiassos is a sandy isolated beach with sallow clear water. There are two dirty roads leading to Agiassos. One of them starts just outside Sangri and the other just before Pyrgaki.

There is a taverna next to the sea. THE EAST COAST On the eastern side of Naxos there are also magical beaches, far away from the tourist development and the tourist crowds. Apollonas is the exception. On the east coach you can find a peaceful place just for you and your company even the summer months. Apollonas Apollonas (54 klm from Chora) is a beautiful, green, seaside settlement on the northeast side of the island, with picturesque tavernas and cafes. There is a large beach made up of small white marble pebbles and an area of sand. Just outside the settlement, you will see a half finished "Êouros" (male statue) lying on the ground, which has never been moved from this spot. Lionas Just outside the village of Koronos there is a road, which leads to the beach of Lionas (40 klm. from Hora). It is a small quiet, beautiful pebble beach, perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds. There is a settlement and few tavernas next to the sea. Moutsouna Outside Apiranthos there is a road which leads to Moutsouna (39 klm.

from Chora) a beautiful little seaside settlement with picturesque tavernas situated right on the edge of the beautiful beach. Moutsouna is the port from where emery was shipped during the period of thriving commercial activity. Psili Ammos From Moutsouna starts a seaside road, which leads south to the wonderful beach of Psili Ammos. It is a fine sandy beach with sand dunes, cedar trees and idyllic atmosphere. Kalados On the southern tip of Naxos is the bay of Calados, a magical place sheltered from the wind, where the land meets the sea. Calados is reachable only by boat (there is a very rough dirt road, which starts from Filoti and leads to Calados but we do not recommend it unless you have a suitable vehicle. It's necessary to take supplies if you decide to visit the beach. THE BEACHES OF THE NORTHWEST SIDE On the northwestern coast of Naxos there are some quiet beaches, ideal for swimming, but exposed to northerly winds. Ambram Ambram beach (25 klm. from Chora) is a wonderful beach for swimming, with crystal clear water. There is a taverna next to the sea.

Close to the bay is the monastery of Phaneromeni (17th century), with rare icons. Amitis From Galini starts the road, which leads to Amitis, a long sandy quiet beach. On the road stands a monastery - tower dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Image Gallery

Question: Of which group of Greek islands is Naxos the largest?
Answer: CYCLADES