Mikri Vigla Beach is located 18 kilometers south of Chora (Naxos Town).

This beach has a developed infrastructure.

The width of the beach is about 20 meters.

Mikri Vigla Beach is a beach with fine sand and clear water. Access to the water on the beach is wide and unobstructed.

On the coast there are hotels, villas and apartments of different price categories.

At Flisvos station there is a cafe serving Italian cuisine. In addition, there are numerous establishments on and near the beach: the Kontos restaurant-cafe, the Mikri Vigla restaurant, the Panagia Parthena restaurant, Proeristos, the Coralli pizzeria, the Mikri Vigla hotel bar, as well as the Mikri Vigla and Stratouris supermarkets.

Plaka Beach

Plaka Beach, located on the island of Naxos, is the oldest beach on the island.

It stretches for 5 kilometers and is a real wild beach created by nature. For those who love an active and noisy holiday among people, you can visit the beaches of Anne and Agios Prokopios, which are nearby.

This beautiful secluded beach with clear sea and soft sand is the complete opposite of the noisy city beach. Many tourists prefer this long beach, because it is not very difficult to get to it - buses run here all day. The beach is located just 8 kilometers from Chora. Nudists can often be seen here.

There are bars, restaurants and nightclubs all along the beach, which are popular among young people.

Agios Prokopios beach

Agios Prokopios is the most popular beach in Naxos. In the immediate vicinity there is a whole scattering of hotels. This long strip of golden sand along the clear sea is also included in the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

The beach stretches for one and a half kilometers, protected from the winds that often blow on the island. The golden-colored sand here favorably emphasizes the beauty of the sea - the crystal clear water shines like a diamond, shimmering in all shades.

Part of the beach has a developed infrastructure - umbrellas, sun loungers, water activities and so on. Some of them are not cultivated in any way and please the eye with their natural beauty. The sand forms small gentle dunes. Behind them are hotels, restaurants and shops.

Agios Prokopios Beach is conveniently located and easily accessible by bus from Naxos or Chora.

Agia Anna Beach

Agia Anna beach is located on the island of Naxos in one of the tourist areas, six kilometers from the port.

The beach is a coastline covered with soft white sand, with a length of more than one kilometer. The water here is of exceptional purity. The sand shimmering in the sun and the freshness of the water create the perfect picture for relaxation. The beach has both developed areas and untouched areas that are suitable for privacy seekers.

The beach is one of a chain of beaches that stretch one after another. The village of the same name, adjacent to the beach, has hotels, studios and rooms that can be rented for several days. There are also Greek taverns, restaurants offering a variety of seafood, cafes and nightclubs.

Naxos).

Island Naxos- the largest (428 km 2) among the islands of the Cyclades archipelago, located almost in the center of the Aegean Sea.

The island's capital city Hora(or Naxos) spreads out like an amphitheater over the port on the seashore in the north-west of the island. The island is famous for the extraction of marble and emery, but thanks to the wonderful Mediterranean climate, nature that pleases the eye at every turn, the clear warm sea and excellent beaches, it attracts more and more tourists every year. The southern coast is steep, the west of the island is well protected from the wind, which pleases beach lovers.

The villages here are interesting for tourists Filoti, located at the foot of Mount Za, named after Zeus. The village is located Barotzi Tower and a beautiful church, large market, restaurants and taverns.

In the village Halki there are a lot of beautiful old mansions and Byzantine churches, testifying to a former dawn.

Village Apiranthos located in the mountains at the foot of Mount Fanari, it has retained its appearance almost untouched since the time of the Venetians. Four interesting museums are available to tourists.

How to get to Naxos.

Airplane .

Olympic Airlines flies to the island from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (telephone 210 3530.0000), the ticket costs 70 euros, the flight takes 45 minutes.

You can find plane tickets. Enter Naxos and select the desired flight for the desired dates.

Ferry .

The island is connected by ferry to Greek cities Piraeus(port control, telephone 1440), Rafina And Lavrion. A ticket costs 30 euros for a regular ferry and 50 euros for a high-speed ferry. The regular route takes 5 hours, the express route an hour faster.

Naxos hotels.

The tourism business on the island is developing very dynamically, and almost any hotel, even if it is a small budget hotel, provides tourists with excellent service, high-speed Internet and other pleasant amenities.

You can choose a good hotel. Choose the number of stars, price, dates and choose what you like.

Climate of Naxos.

Average monthly air and water temperatures in Naxos.

Transport of Naxos.

The island of Naxos is a major maritime hub not only of the Cycladic archipelago; ferries run from here not only to the surrounding islands and the mainland, but also to Crete , Ithaca And Rhodes .

In the capital, on the embankment, there is a bus station from where you can get to Apiranthos (via Chalki and Filoti), Melanes, Apollonos and Agia Anna. In addition, you can rent a car in the capital.

And, of course, it will be more convenient to visit all the sights with a rented car. You can rent it in advance here.

Beaches of Naxos.

Naxos is famous for its beaches, the most luxurious of which are on the west coast south of Chora.

There is a two-kilometer beach in the southwest of the island Agios Prokopios, located 5 km from Chora, is one of the ten best European beaches and one of the three Greek beaches. White quartz sand and clear sea.

There is a sandy beach right next to Chora Agios Georgios, it is quite crowded, but is perfect for families with small children due to its smooth entry into the sea.

Right behind Agia Anna there is a very large and picturesque beach Plaka, will appeal to those who like more deserted beaches.

Another beach Mikri Vigla. Thanks to the winds that blow here, there are many windsurfers on the beach.

In total, the island has about 20 beautiful beaches to suit every taste.

Souvenirs of Naxos.

As souvenirs, a tourist should definitely buy local thyme honey, famous for its special taste and medicinal properties, a local liqueur made from citrus fruits - “kitron”, and a local decoration - made from an interesting shell called the “Eye of Naxos”.

Kitchen of Naxos.

Local cuisine tries to hold high the brand of the famous Greek cuisine. Despite its simplicity, the island's cuisine is quite diverse. Particular attention should be paid to aged beef, various types of cheese, olive oil, and even just local potatoes and tomatoes.

Be sure to try the rooster stewed in wine, the dish is called “rosto”, the very tasty dish “patudo” - made from kid or lamb, sour xinotiro cheese, the local wine is very famous, and honey is added to the rakia here.

Authentic cuisine can be tasted at the Faros Aliko tavern near Aliko beach, or at George's in Melanes.

A little history.

Naxos occupies a worthy place in ancient Greek mythology. Although Zeus and was born in Crete, Naxos can also be considered his homeland, since he grew up here. The island's largest mountain, Za, is named in his honor. The blacksmith god Hephaestus learned his skills here.

The first mention of Naxos dates back to the fifth millennium BC in connection with the origin Cycladic civilization , which reached its peak by the third millennium BC. The inhabitants of the archipelago were skilled sailors, masters of copper, bronze and marble.

The island was subsequently settled by the Ionians, whose development peaked in the seventh century BC. Since those times, the marble Portara Gate has stood here, part of the unfinished temple of Apollo.

Byzantine period marked by numerous churches built from the 7th to the 15th centuries.

In 1207, the Venetian merchant Marco Sanudo captured several islands in this archipelago and created Duchy of Naxos . The Venetians ruled here until 1566, until they were replaced by the Turks.

And finally, in 1821, as a result of the national liberation movement, the island again became Greek.

Sights and excursions of Naxos.

1. – the remains of the never-built temple of Apollo – the visiting card of the island. Built in 522 BC.

2. Venetian fortress. Located on a hill above the port. The city itself has many churches from the Byzantine period.

3. Huge ancient unfinished statues of Apollo and Dionysus 6th century BC can be seen in Melanes and Apollonos.

4. Archaeological Museum . Located in Chora. Here you can see archaeological finds dating back to 5300 BC. Here you can see ancient statues, a large collection of antique vases, porcelain and ceramics. Entrance to the museum: 3 euros, student card - 2 euros, children enter free of charge.

5. . At first it was a tower in which monks lived. Bazeos, who bought this tower in the 19th century, rebuilt it into a beautiful castle. Art exhibitions are often held here.

6.Vallindras Distillery , where the famous “kitron” is made according to ancient recipes. Located in the village of Halki. It can be visited in the last 2 summer months from 10.00 to 23.00, and in May, June, and the first autumn months until six in the evening. The tour is free, and you can also buy this drink here.

How to call Naxos (Chora).

30 (Greek code) 2285 (Naxos code) subscriber's telephone number.

Required telephone numbers:

Island Police - 22-100

Municipality – 22-717

Port Authority – 22-300

Museum of Archeology – 22-725

In the vicinity of the village of Sangri, on the island of Naxos, there is a temple of the goddess Demeter. In Greek mythology, Demeter is the patroness of farmers, which is why her shrine found its place in the endless fertile fields of Naxos. The building dates back to the 6th century BC. The temple has lost its former grandeur, but it was not so much time that stole its beauty as greedy people, hunters for expensive marble. Thanks to the merits of German archaeologists, the main columns and chapels of the temple were reconstructed. The architects note that the Temple of Demeter is a unique example of a building of that time with a rectangular plan at the base.

Plaka Beach

Plaka Beach, located on the island of Naxos, is the oldest beach on the island.

It stretches for 5 kilometers and is a real wild beach created by nature. For those who love an active and noisy holiday among people, you can visit the beaches of Anne and Agios Prokopios, which are nearby.

This beautiful secluded beach with clear sea and soft sand is the complete opposite of the noisy city beach. Many tourists prefer this long beach, because it is not very difficult to get to it - buses run here all day. The beach is located just 8 kilometers from Chora. Nudists can often be seen here.

There are bars, restaurants and nightclubs all along the beach, which are popular among young people.

What sights of Naxos did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Blue Fins Dive Center

Blue Fins Dive Center is located in Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades archipelago. The famous complex, surrounded by ancient ruins, teaches scuba diving not only to adults, but also to children, and you can also rent or buy diving equipment here.

Blue Fin Divers teaches scuba diving to beginners, but there are also special courses for professionals to improve their skills. The center's instructors are considered one of the best in Greece and approach the learning process with full responsibility, so even the youngest students can be trusted with them.

At Blue Fin Divers, the emphasis is on safety and lessons are taught in a pleasant and relaxed environment. The training course can be ordered for several people, but instructors recommend taking the training individually.

Greece is a maritime power. And, of course, there are enough places for in-depth training in various types of water sports. For example, windsurfing.

One of the best windsurfing centers is located on the island of Naxos in close proximity to the city of the same name. The location of the club provides the opportunity to “catch” the wind, and high-quality equipment allows you to fully enjoy the fight with the elements, which, in essence, is what windsurfing is. This venue caters to all difficulty levels, providing different speed lanes, freestyle moves and the ability to jump on waves. The bottom here is sandy, without stones or crevices, so special shoes are not needed here. Behind the reef, the waves can reach 3 meters in height, which will definitely appeal to advanced surfers.

Certified instructors will help you master the intricacies of sailing; people of any age and with any level of training will be able to try themselves in this sport. In addition, the surf club offers tourist services: organizing excursions, accommodation in a hotel or apartment, mountain biking, car rental, ferries to Naxos and so on.

Church of Our Lady of Refreshing Power

If you drive a little over fifteen kilometers south from the capital of Naxos, Chora, near the small village of Moni you can find a unique Byzantine church - Our Lady of Refreshment Church. The Greek name of one of the most ancient Christian shrines of the island is Panagia Drosiani.

The temple belongs to the early Christian buildings of the Byzantine era and dates back to the 7th century. Some rare frescoes also belong to this time. Particularly famous are the altar image of St. George and the dome painting “Christ Pantocrator” (“Christ Pantocrator”), which were created in the 9th century. The face of the Virgin Mary is also covered in legends - after the frescoes were completed, the long drought ended, which explains the unusual name of the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The temple had a beautiful marble screen, but it turned out that an even greater miracle was hidden behind it - an amazing ancient carved wooden iconostasis.

During the day, Panagia Drosiani is usually open. But even if the door is locked, tourists just need to call the caretaker, and they will definitely be given the opportunity to get acquainted with the Byzantine church, built of flat stone.

Church of the Virgin Mary in Halki

In the village of Halki, located on the island of Naxos, southeast of the city of Chora, you can see one of the earliest cross-domed churches in Greece - the Church of Panagia Prototron (First Enthroned Virgin Church). The temple dedicated to the Mother of God dates back to the 9th century and is a strict white stone building, topped with a single dome. The building was originally a basilica, and inside it is the strange chapel of Agios Akindinos.

During restoration work in the Byzantine early Christian temple, frescoes created between the 6th and 13th centuries were discovered. In general, on the walls of the church, historians and restorers counted five layers of paintings dating back to different eras, from the early Christian period to the late Byzantine period. For fourteen centuries, the temple continues to operate, and in our time there is the Orthodox Church of Panagia Prototron.

Bellonia Tower

Bellonia Tower is a tall and graceful stone structure with a square shape. The tower is located in the village of Galanado, just a few kilometers from Naxos town. The tower offers stunning views of the entire island.

The towers were originally built on the island to protect against pirates. You could hide in them both in shelters and use them as alarms. Strategically, the towers were located throughout the island in such a way that if an attack was made, the roof of the affected tower was illuminated by fire and was the first in the chain reaction. From tower to tower, fire notified the islanders of an enemy attack.

Next to the tower is the Church of St. John with two altars - one for Orthodox and one for Catholics.

Cafe-bar Scholio

Cafe-bar Scholio is located in the center of the village of Koufonissi, in an old stone house built in 1852 overlooking the sea. The establishment is famous for its large selection of excellent drinks, good rock music, unique interior, as well as the boundless hospitality of its owners.

According to visitors' reviews, this is the best bar on the Greek islands. Scholio regulars recommend trying freshly squeezed juices, pancakes, yogurt with honey, nuts and fresh fruits here. Every year from June to the end of September, the cafe hosts the photo exhibition Mimis & Nena, which is accompanied by an educational story about the island of Naxos, its history and inhabitants.

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades islands. For a long time, tourists did not pay much attention to this resort, which distinguished it from the other islands of the group. This lack of interest has allowed the purity of the sea water and the incredible natural beauty of Naxos to be preserved. The island brings together all the best for a wonderful Greek holiday. The warmth and hospitality combined with the scenery have made this place a tourist paradise.

Naxos is the greenest island of the Cyclades archipelago

448 square kilometers of the island are covered with bright greenery, creating coziness. The proximity to the Athens port of Piraeus (distance 103 nautical miles) provides convenient connections with mainland Greece.

Za is the highest peak of the Cyclades, named after Zeus, it reaches 1003 meters. The mountain is dotted with traditional villages, beautiful stone houses, mansions, towers from the Venetian period and ruins of ancient buildings.

The first acquaintance with Naxos can create a feeling of the inaccessibility of the island, the mystery of these lands. In fact, this is a dire necessity. Historically, the island was very often threatened by pirates and invaders, so small settlements were hidden by the mountains, and Chora, the capital of the island, was fortified with a castle. However, times are changing; now tourists are greeted by the cozy port of Naxos, on both sides of which there are picturesque islands.

Naxos: myths and history

The territory of Greece is full of myths and legends. Here, as mythology tells, the main god of Olympus, Zeus, was raised. The god of wine and winemaking, Dionysus, was also born on Naxos. Mount Za was named after the first, while the second made the island famous, giving it fertile lands producing rich harvests and wonderful wine equated to divine nectar. Theseus brought Ariadne here, leaving her on the island. The story of her fate diverges: according to one version, the girl died of grief, while the second says that Ariadne was taken as his wife by Dionysus.

Finds discovered by archaeologists prove that people have lived on Naxos since the 4th millennium BC. The island was of great importance for the formation and development of the Cycladic culture. The Thracians and Pelasgians were the first to populate the territory. Later, the lands were occupied by the Kares under the leadership of Naxos, whose name the island is now called. The area was inhabited by Ionians from Attica, after which numerous conquests took place, during which the island came under the rule of various peoples. Naxos received complete freedom only in May 1821.

Getting to know the Chora of Naxos

Traditionally, the Greek capitals of the islands are called Chora. The local Chora is significantly different from the island capitals of the Cyclades, so a walk around this city is worth exploring. A pedestrian promenade leads tourists to the castle. Once up, you can see the structure of the Choir, consisting of a medieval core surrounded by towers and gates. Various areas of the capital are scattered around the protected part, expanding more and more and making Chora a modern city.

Naxos is a place that is suitable for vacationers with children, lovers who want to spend time together, noisy groups of all ages looking for entertainment. This is where one of the most beautiful Greek beaches is located - Agios Prokopios.

Beaches of Naxos

The beautiful beaches of this Greek island are known to many. Their number exceeds 20. The beaches occupy about 100 kilometers of coastline, while their level surpasses many resorts in Greece. Choosing the right one will not be difficult, regardless of who you come to relax with.

Agios Georgios - Chora beach. The city's vacation spot is perfect for families with children: a smooth entrance to the sea, a flat bottom and shallow depth make the beach safe. There are always a lot of visitors here, and therefore Agios Georgios is a rather noisy place.

Agios Prokopios is the most popular of the island's beaches and is one of the best Greek and European beaches. Located near the capital. The beach area is protected from wind blowing, the covering is white quartz sand. The local sea evokes involuntary associations with a swimming pool: the water is clean, transparent, and always calm. It is convenient that the beach is equipped with various attributes of a sea holiday.

Moving further from Chora, the tourist will reach Agia Anna. This beach is surrounded by cedar trees, the scent of which fills the air. Plaka is another place for relaxation, it will be ideal for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle. A small number of visitors and the absence of a cafe make the beach calm and secluded. For active recreation, head to Mikri Vigla. Local winds allow windsurfing.

Entertainment in Naxos

Fans of noisy night parties will definitely remember Naxos. Numerous nightclubs and open-air discos right by the sea. The incendiary music of DJs will not let you stand still. Themed parties are often held, especially attracting young people and children.

Those interested in scuba diving will appreciate Taormina. This large center allows you to rent the required equipment and equipment. Beginners, under the guidance of instructors, will be able to see the beauty of the underwater world. Experienced divers will also not get bored.

Local shops are rich in unusual goods. Particular attention should be paid to grocery stores that sell various types of cheeses. The markets of the capital of Naxos offer crafts from local craftsmen, unusual souvenirs, as well as unique mother-of-pearl products from island jewelers.

Directly by the sea there are wonderful restaurants, taverns and cafes that serve dishes with a real Greek character using the freshest local products. Be sure to taste the wines of Naxos. The fertile lands of the island allow winemakers to grow the best vines, and the mild Mediterranean climate saturates the berries with sun. Tourists are also recommended to try citron liqueur, gourmet cheeses, and thyme honey, which has healing properties.

Naxos is the place that captivated Byron. Having arrived here, the traveler leaves problems and vanity far away. The island is created for peace, enjoying nature and green meadows, and in combination with the sea, Naxos leaves a feeling of warmth and comfort long after the end of your vacation.

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Attractions

Hora

You don't have to travel outside the capital to see the beauty of the island. Chora (the capital) certainly deserves the attention of tourists. The marble gate of Portara is the hallmark of Chora. The gate suggests the entrance to the temple of Apollo, which was never completed. Some researchers believe that it was built in honor of the god Dionysus. Construction dates back to the 6th century BC. Portara survived due to its heaviness (the weight of each marble block is about 20 tons). In the evenings, hundreds of tourists gather near Portara to watch the amazing sunset.

An architectural shrine rises above the city - the Venetian Castro Fortress. The fortress has been perfectly preserved to this day, although it was founded by the Duke of Venice in the 13th century. The Kastro Fortress is not just an ordinary building, but a whole cultural complex.

Apiranthos

The main attraction of Naxos is the ancient village of Apiranthos. This place preserves the centuries-old history and culture of the island.

Here is the ancient Church of the Virgin Mary Apirafitissa, which was built in the mid-17th century. It contains several ancient rare icons.

There are several museums: Geological, Archaeological and Folklore Museum. You can also visit an ancient windmill and several 17th-century Venetian castles - Somaripa, Cristpi and Sfortsa.

You should take time for walking. Apiranthos fascinates with its local architecture. The village is rich in its traditions and history. Walking along the narrow streets, you can enjoy the beauty of centuries-old stone and marble buildings and a variety of flowers.

The settlement is famous for its excellent infrastructure. There are many shops and cafes where you can taste traditional cuisine. Large selection of hotels and inns for every budget. The shops sell handmade souvenirs that guests buy as a keepsake of this wonderful place.

Despite the fact that Apiranthos is located high in the mountains, you can get to it from Chora by bus or on your own by renting a car.

Apollonas

The small village of Apollonas is located 48 km from Chora in a cozy harbor. The main attraction of this place is the giant statue of the god Apollo, after which the village is named.

In this place you can admire the mountain landscape and enjoy delicious cuisine. The village is modern and touristic. It has a good selection of hotels, inns and apartments. On the embankment there is a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and taverns, where travelers enjoy excellent local cuisine. Beach lovers should visit the huge pebble and sand beach. You can get to the village from Chora either by bus or by taxi.

Near Apollonos there is an ancient marble quarry. Here you can see one of the most famous landmarks of Naxos - the impressive 10.5 m high marble Kouros (reclining statue). Kouros dates back to the 6th century BC.

Halki

Lovers of silence or those who are tired of city noise should visit the village of Halki. The quiet village, which in the past was a rich and large city, has retained all its beauty and history. Byzantine churches and other ancient buildings are hidden behind the olive trees. In the very center of the village stands an ancient Byzantine tower built by an aristocratic family. It served as an observation deck. Halki is famous for the historic Vallindras distillery, which was built in 1896. The distillery is famous for its signature liqueur “Kitron”. Having visited this area, you can learn its traditions and get an insight into the life of the indigenous people.

Koronos

Koronos is considered a picturesque mountain settlement. The distance from Chora is about 36 km. On the main square of Plats you can enjoy cozy cafes serving excellent local cuisine. Platsa is one of the most favorite places for tourists.

In Kornos you can also visit the Church of Agia Marina, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of the Olive Press.

One of the most famous attractions of the island is the Church of Panagia Argokiliotissa, located approximately 4 km from Kornos.

Donusa

An extraordinary island flaunts 15 km from Naxos. It lacks any infrastructure. A trip to Donusa is suitable for lovers of untouched nature. It is famous for its variety of stunning deserted beaches. Particularly recommended are Kedros, Stavros, Livadia, Fikio, Mesa Amos, Kalotaritissa, Limni, Tripiti and Vathi Limenaria.

Donousa has preserved not only its pristine beauty, but also its historical values: the churches of the Holy Cross and Panagia, Hagia Sophia and St. John, the abandoned village of Messaria, old windmills, the ruins of a geometric settlement, two unusually beautiful caves - Fokospilia and the Cave of the Wall.

The tiny island is undoubtedly a wonderful place for travelers from different countries. You can get there by ferry departing from the capital.

Temple of Demeter

The Temple of Demeter, believed to have been built in 530 BC, is located in the Archaeological Park near the village of Ano Sangri.

Named after Demeter, the patroness of nature. The ancient Greeks revered her. The inhabitants of the island were engaged in farming, fishing, winemaking, and growing olive trees. From time immemorial, this religious building has been an important spiritual center of Naxos.

The goddess Demeter was originally worshiped there. Later, with the advent of Christianity in Greece, it began to be used as a church. In the 6th century, the temple was finally rebuilt into a Christian basilica, without losing the main features of its original architecture. Several auxiliary sanctuaries and altars were built near the basilica, which can be partly seen in the archaeological park and partly in the Archaeological Museum of Naxos.

The archaeological park also contains small shrines to Apollo and other Greek gods. All historical values ​​have retained their former beauty and are in excellent condition.

Filoti

Like other villages, Filoti is steeped in the history of ancient Greece. Narrow streets, ancient buildings, mountain landscape - all this is worth seeing with your own eyes. Many religious buildings have been preserved in the village - the Church of Our Lady of Philiotissa and the Holy Trinity. These works of architecture are more than 300 years old.

Near Filoti is the tower of Pyrgos Himarou, built in the Hellenistic era.