Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades island group, formerly known as Dionysia for its green orchards and vineyards (in Greek mythology the hard-drinking god Dionysius resides on Naxos).
Getting There
From Athens you have two ferry options: regular Blue Star ferries take 5-6 hours to reach Naxos, while faster catmarans operated by Hellenic Seaways and SeaJets take 3-4 hours.
You can include another island in the cyclades to your island hopping, Paros is a popular choice.
Chora
Naxos’ beautiful main city of Chora (often called "Naxos Town," or "Hora") makes a great first impression. As you enter the harbor you’ll spy Portara, a square marble gate dominating a tiny island (Palatia) connected to Chora’s harbor front by a cobbled isthmus. The great portal looms over the meager ruins of the Temple of Apollo, built (but never finished) in 522 BCE.
What to See
Rising above Chora's harbor front Kastro, the historical center, houses the former Palace of Sanudo, built in 1627, and incorporates two of the palace towers. The five-story structure displays archaeological finds dating back to Neolithic times. While the Kastro was originally occupied by Venetian nobles, the Greeks lived below and to the north, in the medieval Bourgos district. It's a warren of narrow streets lined with bougainvillea, geraniums, and studded with chapels. Don’t miss the 18th-century Mitropoli Zoodochou Pigis Orthodox cathedral.
Naxos is full of Archaeological Sites:
Temple of Dionysus
Temple of Demeter
Kouros Melanes & Kouros Flerio
Kouros of Apollonas
Villages of Naxos:
Chalki
Koronos
Komiaki
Apeiranthos
Beaches
Agios Gorgios
Agios Prokopios
Agia Anna
Plaka
Orkos
Mikri Vigla
The Portara
The most incredible sunset you'll see!
Greek Tips!
Regarding traditional alcohol, you can’t leave Greece without tasting Raki (mainly in Crete island), ouzo and tsipouro! Yamas!! It means “to our health”. These drinks are quite strong and normally are mixed with water (especially ouzo).
Have some froyo, greek salads, feta, gryros.. Did you know iced coffee is from Greece? You won´t find it as foamy as starbucks though!
Kosmos taxi. You call at 18300 and the minimum charge is 5 euros. Highly recommended for quick pickups. Cheaper than Uber.
* “Giasou” – Hello,
* “Ti Kanis?” – How are you?
* “Kalimera” – Good morning,
* “Kalinixta” – Good night,
* “Efxaristo” – Thank you,
* “Mou aresi i Ellada” – I like Greece
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