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Naxos Villages
Naxos Chora
The main town, tourist centre and port. Bustling and busy at all times of the year for Naxos is a "working" Island - that is, it has other sources of income than tourists so, unlike many islands, you will find Greeks as customers in bars and restaurants in equal numbers to visitors.
The town has spread around the heights of the Castro, a Venetian castle. The old town is a maze of twisting lanes and steep marble stairways full of geraniums, jasmine and morning glory. If you always head higher, eventually you will find yourself in the Castro proper, probably by way of an impressive, very ancient, wooden door. Pass through, leaving the Castro at midnight, when the moon is full and you can make a vow which you will keep and so change your life. Looking out from this door you can see, through dazzling, white walls and bougainvillea, a slice of sea and, on a clear day, Mykonos. Wander, without direction, through this pleasant confusion of streets and alleyways and arches until you reach the central square. Here you will find the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Naxos museum.
Descending from the Castro, heading West, and you will eventually come down to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral and a covered archaeological site. The rough beach of Grotta is just behind the houses, only really for watching the sea when it is angry. Walk round and you can cross the causeway to the islet of Palatia with its monumental gateway, the Portara. Unfortunately, you will rarely find the opportunity to be alone here and thus be able to relax and feel the atmosphere of the place. Sometimes, late at night you might be the only ones there.
Apeiranthos
The village of Apeiranthos, is a village full of life.Words are not enough to describe it. Located in the heart of the mountainous Naxos, about 32km from the main town, Apeiranthos lies on the slopes of a hill
Filoti
Filoti, is a village at the foothills of mountain Za, connected with the worship of god Zeus. Located in just 20 km from the main town, in the heart of a green valley, is one of the most beautiful villages in Naxos.
Kinidaros
In a distance of 14 km from the main town of Naxos, we come across the beautiful and most romantic village in the entire island.
Koronos
The village of Koronos is located 36 km away from the main town, on the eastern foothills of Mountain Koronos, at a height of 540 meters above sea level, in a valley full of vineyards.
Melanes
Melanes is a small village, but the richest one in tradition and legends. It is located in a beautiful valley full of olive and fruit trees, just a breath away from the main town, around 8 km.
Potamia
Leaving the village of Melanes and driving through the orchards of Paratrechos, we reach the village of Potamia, famous for its orchards and for fruit of every kind. About 9 km from the main town
Chalki
Just 17km away from Naxos town, you will reach the region of Chalki. Chalki is known for its beautiful old mansions and many Byzantine churches. |
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