The Island Of Naxos, A Silent Place

The Aegean Sea is completely dotted with islands of all sizes. Each and every one of them overflows with the beauty of the Hellenic culture that dominated a good part of the small seas that converge in the great Mediterranean. Without a doubt, the island of Naxos is one of those quiet places that is worth visiting and enjoying.

The island of Naxos is located in the South Aegean and is part of the so-called Cyclades archipelago ; Naxos is the largest island. Its 428 square kilometers are full of history, culture, beautiful towns, silent beaches and a varied and delicious cuisine.

It is an island not very crowded by mass tourism; This is largely due to the small size of its port, which prevents large cruise ships from berthing. Therefore, if what you are looking for is the tranquility of a peaceful place rich in culture, you are in the right place.

On the other hand, next to Naxos there are other islands of great tourist interest that can also be visited in one-day itineraries. Examples of this are the island of Paros, where it is worth visiting the cities of Naousa or Piso Lavadi, and also the crystal-clear beaches of the island of Koufonisia.

Naxos, between mythology and history

Like much of the Greek world, Naxos is torn between history and mythology. One of its legends tells that it is the place where Theseus made a stopover after having killed the Minotaur. Here he left Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, who was picked up the next day by Dionysus and taken to Lemnos.

Another version narrates a legend, related briefly by Homer in the Odyssey, in which Artemis killed Ariadna in Dia, the island washed by rivers, which Diodorus Siculus assimilated to Naxos. In any case, what is certain is that, since ancient times, Naxos has worshiped Dionysus, patron of the vineyards, who was the main crop of the island.

Its history dates back to the end of the first Cycladic period – before 2000 BC. C. – when it was colonized by the Ionians in archaic times. It quickly became prosperous; it had its period of greatest splendor during the 7th and 6th centuries BC, when it became the watchtower of the entire archipelago.

Then came turbulent times, in which he passed from one hand to another. It went from Macedonians to Romans, and already in the Middle Ages under the yoke of the Venetians, as a result of the Fourth Crusade. Either way, no civilization has managed to detract from the beauty of this island, but rather the opposite.

What can we visit in Naxos

If you travel in summer, the greatest attraction is presented by its multiple beaches of fine white sand, which you can almost always enjoy without large crowds. Some of the quietest are Moutsouna Beach, Psili Ammos or Agiassos. Without a doubt, they are the most peaceful places, ideal to disconnect.

The beauty that its towns expose is also an alternative that you cannot miss. In the tiny town of Sangri, after walking through its flowery streets, you can visit the churches of Agios Taxiarchis and Nikolaos, highlighted by a really curious architecture and where white and pink colors are mixed.

Very close to Sangri, you can visit the temple of Demeter, dating from the 6th century BC and which is one of the best preserved in Naxos. On the other hand, there is Vivlos, a small town whose main attraction is the group of windmills and the temple of Theotokou, which is highly original.

Other interesting towns are Halki, rich and varied in native Greek taverns and old mansions, or Filoti, whose streets have a special charm due to the snowy white of its walls. Of course, you should also visit Naxos Town, which is the island’s capital and port, where the old Venetian-era castle is worth a visit.

Naxos, the island that will not stop surprising you

We could be touring each and every one of the corners of this island without being completely impressed with its many towns, its beaches, its temples and its varied culture.

For all these reasons, Naxos is the perfect getaway when sailing the Greek seas. We assure you that, when you return from your trip, you will want more. His legacy, like that of the rest of Greece, is infinite.