Naxos / Town and Villages

Apiranthos is located at 32 kilometres from the capital, between two green valleys, at an altitude of 650 metres. This is one of the most beautiful and charming villages of Naxos, full of wonderful houses made with fine marble.

Apiranthos is a large village and sits precariously on a hilltop. Journey to the top of the town to park, and this is also where buses stop. From there, there is a largish street, beyond the impressive Church of Panagia Apeirathitissa which is one of the oldest churches of the island and houses some fine and valuable icons. All the museums are situated there. Apiranthos has three interesting museum which are the Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos, a Museum of Folk Art and an interesting Geological Museum.

There are a number of cafes and tavernas there. A magnificent view is offered, overlooking the town into the valley. The architecture in this town is very interesting with the Venetian influence clear. One can see houses with coats of arms above their doors and there are also some ornate balconies on view. There is a windmill in ruins situated above the village. There is also a dilapidated Venetian tower. As you walk around the streets you will notice the marble under your feet and look out for the church of Panagia Aperathitissa which is one of the oldest on the island.

The lovely fishing village of Apollonas is located in the northern side of the island, 54 kilometres from the island's capital. It has a small sandy beach, boarded by a few nice taverns.

Nearby the village of Apollonas the beautiful statue of Kouros can be seen, which is a half-finished statue of 10. 5 metres, dating back to the 6th century BC and believed, by many archaeologists, to represent the god Dionysus.

The Tragea region is famous for its olive groves and little Byzantine churches and they are very much in evidence in the village of Filoti. It is situated 19 kilometres from the capital of Naxos, in a beautiful verdant valley near the mountain of Zas.The village is situated on quite a steep hill and the main street contains the main life in terms of cafe and restaurants.

It is a traditional Cycladic village built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the mountain with whitewashed flat roofed houses and narrow flowered streets. Local people use this flat topped houses as balconies. Filoti has a superb little main paved square surrounded by picturesque cafes and taverns, shadowed by a huge and majestic plane tree. Churches are plenty and are worth exploring if the doors are open.

The village of Halki is located in the central area of the region of Tragea which is the biggest olive cultivation area of the Cyclades, 16 kilometres from Hora, or Naxos Town. Halki has a long history and was once the capital of Naxos as well as its main administrative and trade centre; the many neo-classical houses and buildings testify about the past wealth and power of the village.  

Many well-preserved Venetian Towers and fine Byzantine churches can be found in the area such as the 9th century Church of Panagia which is one of Naxos' oldest churches and houses some beautiful Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescoes.

Parking up or arriving by bus on the main street you can make the short journey to St Georges church which is a great example of Byzantine design. On the path there you will notice the olive groves on either side, something the area is famous for. Going back into the main village notice the architecture and the handsome villas.

Gratsia Pyrgos is well signposted and is an excellent example of a tower house. Built by an aristocratic family (notice the coat of arms) it was used as a lookout in the days of pirate raids. Unfortunately you can't enter the tower but it can be admired close up. The Valindraa Kitron distillery is in the heart of the village and can be entered for free.

Hora is the capital and main harbour of the island of Naxos Greece. It considered to be one of the most beautiful Cycladic villages in the entire group for it has a fine architecture, composed of Venetian and Cycladic elements. Naxos Town has kept an authentic and traditional character and a strong local colour. This large town is located on the west coast of Naxos and on its top, stands an impressive Venetian castle, characteristic and trademark of the island.

In the northern part of the capital a long paved road leads to the islet of Palatia (Palaces) were stand the unfinished Temple of Apollo and the trademark of the island, the famous Portara (Big Door) which is the gate of the temple.

Around the port area you will find most of the important features like banks, bus departures, luggage storage and car hire. The waterfront and marina slope all the way round to the headland, on the other side of which Agios Georgios Beach begins. Various fish restaurants, taverns, cafes and bars are lining on the waterfront which is the island's centre of touristy activity.

The traditional mountain village of Koronos is located at 36 kilometres away from the capital, at an altitude of 540 metres, in a picturesque valley full of vineyards. Apart from excellent quality wine, the village also produces all kind of fine agricultural products.

This village is in a dramatic setting. It's almost built on a crevasse and there are two distinct halves to it that face each other. On one side you will notice the vineyards which sit on the hill divided by walls.Nearby Koronos is standing the Church of Panagia Agrokiliotissa which feast is celebrated every Friday after the Easter Sunday with a great religious festival, full of music, dances, food and wine. The church of Panagia Agrokillotissa can be found by taking a turning to the right about 500 metres before the town. There is also a fantastic, large church which you can find in the centre of town.

In the same area can also be found the cave where Pan, Dionysus' helper and friend, was worshiped and where clay statues of this deity have been excavated.

Built amphitheatrically in the centre of the island, Moni village is surrounded by lush greenery and olive trees. Its traditional architecture demands narrow paths and houses of stone.

Moni has a rich tradition in textiles and in fact, the women of the village have many workshops and exhibition rooms for handmade textiles. Even young women seem to carry on this tradition.
Close to Moni village, there is the famous church of Panagia Drossiani, built in the 6th century AD in the Byzantine style.

Located 9 kilometres from Naxos Town, or Chora, the lovely village of Potamia, like quite a few on the island, is perched on a hillside. The mountain village of Potamia has a population of about 500 inhabitants and is one of the most productive villages of the island.

This area is known for its fine fruits and you can see them growing in the valley below the village. You can also admire a wonderful view. In the area surrounding the village of Potamia, many beautiful towered houses and churches can be visited. The famous 9th century church of Agios Mamas, patron of the shepherds, is also located nearby the village, and houses many fine sculptures and frescoes. This 9th century church has a beautiful and interesting architecture.