Naxos, the largest Cycladic Island, used to be the center of the Cycladic civilization and a place of utmost importance during Venetian Era. Towers, castles, ancient temples, monasteries, churches, traditional villages, beautiful beaches and majestic mountains form the backdrop of this special island.

Chora (Naxos’ Town) is both the capital and the major harbor of the island. It is set up around and inside the castle, which is built on a hill, on the ruins of an ancient citadel. White houses with colorful shutters, whitewashed flowery courtyards, alleys, arches and old mansions create a dreamy scene!

In the modern part of the town, you will find meticulous restaurants and taverns with traditional cuisine, atmospheric cafés/bars and shops. Beyond the tourist character, Naxos’ Chora has precious historical and archaeological monuments. One of the most important monuments and Naxos’ landmark is Portara. A huge marble gate situated on the Palaces’ islet, in front of the port. Portara faces Delos Island. It is thought to be the entrance of Apollo’s temple which was never completed. The Palaces’ islet is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.

In Chora, you will find numerous scattered churches of which the Orthodox Cathedral stands out. For its construction materials from old temples and ancient buildings were used. The granite pillars of the temple are said to come from Delos’ ancient Island ruins. In front of the Cathedral, there is the Epitopio Museum (On the Spot Museum), in which findings are exposed exactly where they were discovered.

The old town of Naxos is one of the most important castles that exist in Greece. Entering from the castle’s gates, you will find yourself in a place where time seems to have stopped! Narrow streets, flowered patios and houses with coats of arms on the lintels compose a scene that seems to have sprung from a medieval film! Major attractions of this castle town are the Crispi-Glezos’ Tower, the Catholic Cathedral, Ursulines’ School, Kazatza’s Sistine and the Commercial School (where today the Archaeological Museum stands).

If you really wish to know Naxos, you should explore its magnificent hinterland and walk at the picturesque mountain villages. In the heart of the mountainous areas, there is the picturesque Apiranthos (Aperathou) village. The "marble village", as it is called, still maintains its traditional “character”, as well as the local dialect which resembles the Cretan one. Narrow streets, often covered with mosaic marble arches, towers which are exquisite specimens of the Venetian military architecture, two-storeyed stone houses with atypical architectural details, and small, picturesque squares create a unique residential complex of exquisite beauty! Important attractions of the village are Panagia Aperathitissa and Zevgolis’ Tower. It is worth visiting the Archaeological, Geological, Folklore and Natural History museum of the village, and enjoy your coffee at one of the traditional cafés.

At the foot of Zas Mount, lies another beautiful village; Filoti. Here you can visit Panagia Filotissa Church and the Barozzi’s Tower.

During your stay in Naxos, visit the emery mines with its cableway transport, which constitutes a monument of the island’s modern history.

Conquerors, pirates, princes and ancient gods have left their indelible marks on Naxos, which harmoniously combines its tradition and important historical heritage with its modern cosmopolitan character, constantly surprising its visitors!