General Information
Apiranthos is widely regarded as the most picturesque village on Naxos. Situated 26 km from Naxos Town, it rests at an altitude of 650 meters between two verdant valleys. The village received its current name shortly before the Greek War of Independence. Some historians suggest the name comes from Perinthos in Constantinople, as former residents fled there to escape Ottoman persecution. Additionally, the village’s customs and dialect resemble those of mountain Cretan settlements, hinting that many locals may have Cretan ancestry.
Apiranthos is also famous as the birthplace of Manolis Glezos, a Greek World War II hero renowned for removing the Nazi flag from the Acropolis, an act that inspired resistance against German occupation.
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Perched on a hilltop, Apiranthos is one of Naxos’ largest and most charming villages. Its streets are lined with elegant marble houses, adding to its timeless beauty. The main street begins near the bus stop and the historic Church of Panagia Aperathitissa—one of the island’s oldest churches—home to valuable and beautiful icons.
More About Apiranthos
Apiranthos is also a cultural hub, hosting four notable museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Folk Art, the Art Museum located in the Cultural Center, and the Geological Museum. The village is home to the Nikos Glezos Library, the largest library in the Cyclades, founded in 1964 in memory of Manolis Glezos’ brother, who was executed during WWII. Outside the Folk Art Museum, a majestic plane tree creates a perfect photo backdrop.
The pedestrian streets are dotted with traditional cafés and taverns, offering sweeping views of the village and the valley below. Venetian influences are evident in the architecture, from ornate balconies to houses adorned with family coats of arms, creating a historic and timeless atmosphere.
Above the village stands a ruined windmill, known as the Frantzeskos windmill, built around 1901 and operational until 1917. Apiranthos also hosts the Zevgolis Tower, a dilapidated Venetian structure that is privately owned and not open to the public.
