Tour 4 - Central villages

At the point where the road forks away to the southern part of the island lies Tripodes or Vivlos, with the windmills that are so characteristic of the Cyclades. The next village is Ano Sagri, situated on a hillside and commanding a splendid view, and nearby the old monastery of Agios Eleftherios which served as a secret school during the years of Turkish rule.

To the south lies the monastery of Agios Ioannis at Gyroulas, where excavations have revealed a temple that is believed to date from the 6th century B.C. and which was dedicated to the goddess Demeter. A little further south the Kastro of Apalyros, the stoutest fortress on the island, dominates the landscape.

Back on the main road, the traveler passes through Damarionas and Halki, two villages where the local aristocracy lived in fine Neoclassical houses. Further east along this road lies Filoti, built in amphitheatrical fashion on the foothills of Mount Zas and the beautiful village of Apeiranthos, clinging to the slopes of a low hill amongst densely-planted vineyards and with an enchanting view of the sea. Apeiranthos is one of the oldest settlements on the island, and has much in the way of interesting folklore to offer, as well as some remarkable examples of traditional architecture.

Here the widespread use of marble for both masonry and road construction is such a characteristic feature of the village that it is also known as "Marmarino", (meaning "made of marble"). Steep, narrow little lanes with covered archways; balconies decorated with flowering plants in pots; clean, freshly painted houses; delightful little squares surrounded by cafes and tavernas, meeting-places for the local people - at every turn, every unexpected secret little cul-de-sac, a further surprise awaits the visitor… A unique feature of the houses of Apeiranthos are the "twin", chimney pots, so constructed as to draw better.

Tour 1 - Naxos Town

the medieval castle and the churches of naxos town

Ruins of a huge ancient temple, traces of a Monian settlement and inumerous archaeological finds. Approaching the island by boat, the visitor will see two small islands to the left and right of the harbor, one with the little church of Myrtidiotissa, and the other called Palatia which is linked to Naxos Town ...
naxos town, the port, portara, grotta

Tour 2 - Naxos Town castle and churches

military and religious naxos town

An impressive medieval castle, several old and more recent churches, traditional chapels, monasteries and fountains. The impressive medieval castle of Naxos Town has protected it for decades against pirate invasions. Today, the castle includes lovely shops and taverns and hosts concerts and art events ...
crispi - glezos tower, churches, catholic cathedral

Tour 3 - The countryside of Naxos

the scenic and lush countryside of naxos

High mountains that form lush valleys of olive groves and vineyards in between. The scenery in the countryside outside Naxos town is very beautiful; there are picturesque little villages scattered high up in the mountains or down in the valleys, with an abundant supply of water and lush vegetation ...
countryside, villages, secluded beaches, towers

Tour 4 - Central villages

the central villages of naxos

At the point where the road forks away to the southern part of the island lies Tripodes or Vivlos, with the windmills that are so characteristic of the Cyclades. The next village is Ano Sagri, situated on a hillside and commanding a splendid view ...
tripodes, sagri, filoti, apeiranthos

Tour 5 - Mountainous Naxos

from apeiranthos to the emery mines of moutsouna

Amongst the area's sights the Church of the Apeirathitissa Panagia, with its sculpted marble screen, and the Churches of Theoskepasti, Ag. Ioannis Theologos and the oldest of all, Ag. Paraskevi, located a little outside the village, are all worthy of mention ...
apeiranthos, zevgoli's tower, moutsouna, kouros of melanes

Tour 6 - Northern Naxos

exploring the northern side of naxos

The next place along the way is Kinidaros, a village with plentiful supply of water and renowned for its excellent singers, its feasts and festivals. To the south lies Moni, with the monastery from which it takes its name lying just outside the village ...
kinidaros, koronos, koronida, apollonas, kouros of apollonas

Tour 7 - Southern Naxos

the most magnificent beaches of naxos

From the nearby village of Gallini a road leads up to the Monastery of the Sublime Virgin, which is known as the Angelakopoulos Tower after the name of its last owner. One of the most notable buildings on the island, it lies not far from the sea in the valley of Engares. Originally, as the marble plaque at the entrance tells us ...
monasteries, lush valleys, amazing beaches