EXPLORE NAXOS ISLAND!
General Information
Melanes is one of the oldest villages on Naxos, located about 8 km southeast of Chora. Perched at an altitude of 63 meters, the village is home to roughly 500 permanent residents, most of whom are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming.
General Information
Plaka Beach on Naxos began as a nudist-friendly spot during the 1960s and 70s and has since become one of the island’s most beloved beaches. Today, it attracts families, couples, young travelers, and virtually anyone visiting Naxos.
Location: Melanes
The impressive Kouros statue can be found just outside the village of Melanes, nestled in the Naxian countryside.
The statue remains in its original location where archaeologists discovered it. Measuring approximately 6 meters in length, it dates back to the 7th century BC.
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.
General Information
Maragas Beach is one of Naxos’ most stunning coastal spots and a highlight among Greece’s top beaches. It follows Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios beaches, while Plaka Beach begins at its western end. The shoreline stretches for approximately 4 km.
Location: Naxos Town (Chora)
Naxos Castle, also known as Kastro, is the historic Venetian quarter of Chora and was originally built to protect the Sanudo fortress. Its construction was overseen by Marco Sanudo, the Venetian conqueror who established control over the Aegean in 1207. Stones and marble from a preexisting ancient acropolis, including blocks from the Portara, were reused in the fortress’s construction.
General Information
Halki—also spelled Chalki—is a traditional village located in the heart of the Tragea region, an area known as the largest olive-growing valley in the Cyclades. It lies about 16 km from Naxos Town. The village has a rich past and once served as Naxos’ capital, functioning as its administrative and commercial hub. Its former prosperity is still evident in the many elegant neoclassical buildings that line its streets.
General Information
Agia Anna Beach is situated about 6 km from Naxos Town and forms the natural extension of Agios Prokopios Beach. It is one of the island’s most vibrant coastal areas thanks to its well-developed tourist facilities, offering a wide variety of accommodations as well as many cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Location: Naxos Town
The Portara—also known as the “Great Door”—is a monumental marble gateway and one of Naxos’ most iconic landmarks. It stands on the small islet of Palatia, just next to the port. In ancient times, the islet was connected to the northern edge of the harbor by a natural strip of land, now replaced by a modern causeway. According to legend, this is where Ariadne, daughter of the Minoan king, was deserted by Theseus after he defeated the Minotaur in Crete.
General Information
Filoti is the largest village on Naxos, situated about 18 km from Naxos Town. It sits amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Za, the tallest peak in the Cyclades. Nestled within the lush Tragea valley, the village is surrounded by countless olive trees and rich greenery.
