Naxos Island
Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades, known for combining dramatic mountain landscapes, long sandy beaches and rich ancient heritage. Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Naxos offers a more authentic and agricultural character, with traditional villages, local livestock farming and strong food culture. It was a powerful center in antiquity, famous for its marble, which was exported across the ancient world. The island’s highest peak, Mount Zas, is the tallest mountain in the Cyclades and adds to its impressive inland scenery.
Temple of Dimitra (Demeter)
The Temple of Demeter, located near Sangri, was built around 530–520 BC and is one of the earliest examples of Ionic architecture in Greece — predating the Parthenon by nearly a century. Dedicated to Demeter, goddess of agriculture and fertility, the temple stands in a fertile valley that reflects the island’s long agricultural tradition. Built entirely of local Naxian marble, it highlights the island’s importance in ancient Greek art and architecture.
Damalas Village – Manolis Limpertas Pottery
Damalas is a small rural village where traditional pottery techniques have been preserved for generations. At the workshop of Manolis Limpertas, visitors can observe the craftsmanship passed down since the late 19th century. The handmade ceramics include functional kitchenware and decorative items, maintaining the island’s artisanal heritage and connection to clay and earth.
Chalki Village (Halki)
Chalki was once the administrative and commercial center of Naxos. Situated on the Tragea plateau at around 270 meters above sea level, it stands out for its elegant neoclassical mansions and Venetian architectural influence. The village is also home to the historic Vallindras distillery, where “Kitron,” the island’s traditional citrus liqueur, has been produced for over a century. Its marble alleys, art galleries and boutique shops give it a refined yet authentic atmosphere.
Filoti Village
Filoti is the largest mountain village on Naxos, built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Zas at approximately 400 meters altitude. It is a lively village known for livestock production, traditional tavernas and pastoral lifestyle. The Church of Panagia Filotitissa, built in 1718 over an older Byzantine structure, dominates the village square. Filoti serves as a gateway to Mount Zas hiking routes and represents traditional Cycladic mountain life.
Apeiranthos
Apeiranthos, often called the “marble village,” sits at 570–640 meters altitude on the slopes of Mount Fanari. Recognized as a protected traditional settlement since 1978, it is distinguished by stone-paved alleys, marble houses and medieval towers dating to the Venetian era. The village has a unique dialect influenced by Cretan settlers and hosts several museums, including an Archaeological Museum featuring Cycladic-era finds from the 3rd millennium BC.
Kouros of Apollonas (Colossus of Dionysus)
Located near the fishing village of Apollonas on the north coast, this monumental unfinished marble statue dates to the 6th century BC. Measuring over 10 meters in length, the Kouros lies in its original quarry, where it was abandoned during ancient times. It is believed to represent either Dionysus or Apollo. The statue demonstrates the advanced marble craftsmanship of Naxian sculptors and the island’s historical importance as a marble quarrying center.
Eggares Olive Oil Museum
Set in the traditional village of Eggares near Naxos Town, this restored 19th-century olive press operates as a cultural museum. It displays traditional millstones, wooden presses and storage vessels used in olive oil production. The museum explains the process from harvest to extraction and offers insight into the significance of olive oil in Mediterranean culture and daily life on the island.
