Talking with friends about Naxos, I am always impressed by a different angle from which everyone sees the good - and bad-of the island. Difficult one stays in the usual phrase "So much for the island of Naxos." Increasingly, there is something to add, increasingly a part and to mention from one place you go to another and from one beach to further and kataligeis be talking throughout the length and breadth of the island, as if this is the picturesque metropolis.
Yet metropolis may not be, it is the largest and most fertile island of Cyclades. Both rich and fertile, water, mountains and green to confirm the myth that wants blessed by the god Dionysus. It is no coincidence that even residents of Naxos dealing more with less agricultural and fishing trades.
What Naxos ranging from mythology. It is said that Zeus, but was born in Crete, but grew up in the highest mountain of Naxos, Mount Zas. An important role is also played on the Cycladic island culture, which martyratai from countless archaeological findings, outlined in the archaeological museum of the village Apeiranthos, culminating in the classic years, which flourished on the island and the arts, sculpture and architecture.
The most striking landmark, indeed, the island, the Portara, a legacy from that period (mid 6 th century. BC). This is the great marble gate, the ruins of the temple of Apollo, and - like any door-stands on the threshold of the island to receive visitors. For the romantic, Portara appears with a huge frame on the horizon and there are few people who gather there for the sunset to admire the sun through this eternal plan.
Speaking about the ancient symbols of the island, is worthy of mention even the sanctuary of Demeter, a well diatirimenos temple near the village of Sangri and the Kouroi, the giant statues that lying to misoteleiomena ntamaria of Naxos. The two of them will find them in the village Melanes and third (EUR 10.10 meters) in the village of Apollonas.
And if the distance between Naxos of Naxos yesterday and today is measured in centuries, the image of the country's island limits this distance in just a few minutes. Until, that is, is the Old Country with the Venetian castle, cobbled streets and stone-built, from the large port with the secular shops, restaurants and bar, which are essential and night life of the island.
All this, however, bind both harmony between them which the visitor seems natural sequence that is morning in cosmopolitan beach bars and beaches and in the afternoon on the market in the Old Country. To fotografizei the Venetian coats on doors kastropoliteias be lost in the narrow alleys and rediscovers his way with the smell from the Graviera, kitro, and the sweet grapes, trading in small bakalika.
No, not prospername the beach bars and beaches. You could, indeed, because not only are many but also compete in beauty each other. Near the Country, therefore, is St. George, the great golden sand, beach bars and water sports which attract mainly younger.
A few kilometres further is the beach St. Prokopis, with natural continuation of the beach at St. Anna. Both are characterized by the crystal clear waters, the chontrokommeni sand and the kataprasinous cedar trees, which seem to have sown instruments, and create an exotic backdrop…!
Some, however, argue that even better than the St. Prokopi and St. Anna, is the third in a series of beach Plaka, with the blue and spectacular beach of 4 km., While others prefer the busy Alikos, with the exotic sand dunes and yperaionovious cedar trees.
The love of surfing should know that ideal conditions and air wave will find the beach of the Virgin. Anyone looking calm should prefer the Pyrgaki, while Apollo, which otherwise has a beautiful fishing village, suitable for swimming only in very brave , Who will not hesitate to fight with the waves.
And although the seaside villages of Naxos in the summer months inevitably steal the show, not a few people who love the island on the mountain side, with traditional petroktista mansions kataprasines to clamber up the slopes.
At the heart of mountain Naxos singling out the "Village of Marble". The Apeiranthos is a very important part of our cultural heritage, not only for the superb architecture of form kept intact by the Venetian years, but also for the terminology of the inhabitants, the manners and customs. The arts and letters is the main employment of locals, which is evident from the cultural sites that succeed each other: Workshops textiles, archeological, geological and folk art museum, gallery with tables and reports and photos libraries. And all this press the auspices of the Zefgoli tower, built by the 17 th century. the entrance of the village.
As, however, they amaze you the Apeiranthos not paramelisete to visit and Filoti, with a strong life and the beautiful Lady Filotissa, Koronos, built in the valley of the homonymous mountain and Damariona, with the old mansions. But mostly, when you are there, then a stopover at a square, sit in one of the cafes and try the famous wine of mountain Naxos, omoio will not find elsewhere.
There are still countless mountain villages, each with a staff of the cultural component, which deserves to discover one by one. We, however, will conclude the trip in our Potamia. These three small villages: Upper, Middle and Lower Potamia, built along a green, fertile valley, stolismeni with old water mills. Take a walk alongside the gorge and surprised by the unique landscape and small, the hidden secrets.
Finally, we must advise you to take with you always, or to rent there-means of transport. And not only because the island is large and full of places to visit, but mainly - and this is probably the only "evil" because of Naxos-municipal transport are few and not particularly serve. As paradise if you look Naxos, remember that you are in Greece.
Where to eat:
* In Axiotissa, on the road to Alikos will probably find the best fish of the island.
* The Mermaid and Faro in St. Anna, for true Greek cuisine.
* In Manolis, the beach Maragka, and Meze, the beach Plaka, for… everything!
* In Lefteris, Apiranthos, unique food and… to meet the Manolis Glezo.
Where will enjoy:
* In Ocean and the Super Island, the Country for xefrena xenychtia.
* The Island, in St. Anna, for beach parties.
* In Naxos on the Rocks, in the Country, for - what else? - Genuine rock nights.
* In Karma and Cream, also in the Country for looser situations.
* In Sala, Apiranthos, Greek coffee. Simply.
Where to stay:
* In Porto Naxos (4 stars), the beach of St. George. The price, the high season, for a double starts from EUR 200 with breakfast (Tel 22850 23970).
* In Naxos Palace (A class), Country. The price, the high season, for a standard double with garden and swimming pool is at 205 euros, while for a superior double room with sea view is at 240 euros including breakfast (Tel 22850 29133).
* In the Plaza Beach Hotel (4 stars), Plaka. The price, the high season, for a double starts from 140 euros with breakfast (Tel 22850 29400-9).
* In Astir of Naxos (4 stars), at the port. The price, the high season, is on a double to 160 euros and for the Suite at 300 euros including breakfast (Tel 22850 29320-21).
