(Area 448 sq. km. Distance from Pireus 103 nautical miles).Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands, lies almost at the centre of the Aegean. Meadows running down to vast beaches, cliffs sinking suddenly into the sea, rocky mountains side-by-side with fertile valleys, abundant springs and streams these are just some of the features of a natural environment marked for its variety. The coastline of Naxos is abrupt on the south side and more sheltered to the west, with numerous inlets and sandy beaches. The island is first heard of in the myths and then mentioned throughout every period of history, though it was at the peak of its glory during the period of the Cycladic civilisation. Naxos or Hora stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site on a hillside on the north-west side of the island and is one of the most attractive towns in the Cyclades. As the visitor walks from the harbour high up to the Venetian castle, he will be struck by the beauty of the narrow winding lanes and the old stone houses lining them. Interesting monuments from various periods are to be found all
over the town. They include fine Byzantine churches, the castle
itself (with its tower and battlements), and traces of Mycenean
buildings in the spot known as Grota. The Archaeological Museum
of Naxos has some notable exhibits. Given that traces of Greek
antiquity are to be seen everywhere, each part of the island has
something of interest. Near the pretty coastal village of
Apolonas, for instance - on the north side of the island - is a
half-finished outsize 'kouros' (statue of a youth), dating from
the 6th century BC, still Iying in the marble quarry where it
was abandoned. Another such statue can be seen at Melanes. An
interesting archaeological museum is to be found at Apirathos, a
village where a number of strange customs and habits have
survived. Among churches of interest are those of Our Lady
'Protothroni' at Tragea and Our Lady 'Filotitissa' in the
village of Filoti. There are good swimming beaches at Agios
Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Alikos, Pirgaki, Agiassos (on
the west side), Apolonas, Psili Amos, Panormos, Pahia Amos and
elsewhere. The superb beaches of Naxos, its attractive villages
and its wealth of monuments draw thousands of visitors to the
island each year. The good tourist amenities in Hora make it
easy to tour the charms of the island.
How to get there By ferry from Piraeus Information: Piraeus Port
Authority, tel.: 01 /422.6000. From Rafina Inforrnation: Rafina
Port Authority, tel.: 0294/22300.Useful telephone numbers Automatic dialling code: 0285. Police: 22100 Municipal Office: 22717 Port Authority: 22300 Archaeological Museum: 22725.
Things to buy Woven goods embroideries woollens honey various cheeses citrus drink.