NAXOS

General Information

The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos presents the greatest selection among alternating natural landscapes. A beauteous coastline gives way to a lush green interior with fertile farmlands and tree groves crossed by running waters. Its expanse covers a territory of about 430 sq.km, while its population is estimated at about 15000 permanent residents.

History - Culture

Naxos, inhabited and civilized since prehistoric years, successively received populations of migrating Cretans and Ionians. During the 6th century BC and under the leadership of tyrant Lygdamis, the island flourished and became a great naval and commercial power, while it was also famed for its contribution to the arts -especially sculpture- and its fine marble. According to mythology, this was where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, who plunged in despair into the Sea from the steep cliffs of the eastern coast. However, according to tradition, she did not drown; she was rescued by Dionyssos, who later married her, and they lived happily ever after on the island. Ariadne, Dionyssos, Apollo and Zeus were particularly worshipped in Naxos. During the Persian Wars the island was destroyed by the Persians in 490 BC. It then became a member of the Delian league, but oppressive Athenian leadership forced it to revolt. It failed, and thus became a tributary of Athens for most of the 5th century BC. In Byzantine years the island suffered severe raids by pirates, while from 1207 to 1566 AD it became the administrative center of the Venetian Duchy of Naxos. Then the island was conquered by the Turks, briefly occupied by the Russians, and repeatedly pillaged by the French. The countdown for the liberation of Naxos started in 1821, when the Greek War of Independence against the Turks broke out. Naxos was finally incorporated into the Greek nation, after long centuries of foreign rule and exploitation.

Sights

The relatively large size of the island predisposes visitors to an extensive tour including a wide variety of sights. As, expected, there are many beautiful beaches. But, what may not be expected is that, unlike the common bare Cycladic landscape, there are also olive groves, forests, ravines, caves, fertile plains and mountains, all of which compose an exciting natural environment. The road network is satisfactory, allowing visitors to discover the island effortlessly on their own. However, one of the most celebrated sites on the island is the  Castle in Chora, where one can admire remnants of ancient constructs, medieval churches, remnants of loopholes, and the imposing tower of Belonia, from where the view over the main town and port of Chora and the sunset are exquisite. Nowadays, part of the ancient city lies underwater, the privilege of its secrets left only for the divers of the archaeological department. In Chora, there is also the imposing Portara, the entrance to the temple of Apollo. One should also definitely visit the impressive ?albeit unfinished- Kouros statue, which lies at a length of 10.5 meters, dating back to the 6th century BC, located near to the village of Kastraki. The cave of Za (Zeus), decorated with stalactites and abound with prehistoric findings, is worth seeing, while the church hidden within it offers a chance for a prayer in privacy. There are more than 45 picturesque villages spread across the island of Naxos, with Apiranthos being the most representative of their exceptional beauty and tradition.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

As an increasingly popular tourist destination, the infrastructure of Naxos has developed, offering just about everything one could ask for. There are fine hotels, rooms-to-let, well-organized camping sites, and a wide selection of shopping places, cinemas, museums, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bars and clubs -all of high standard- at the disposal of visitors all over the island. To be more precise, accommodations, entertainment and shopping facilities are offered ?as perhaps expected- in Chora, Apollonas, Apiranthos, Aghia Anna-Aghios Arsenios, while taverns and a few guesthouses are found in many villages. There is also an airport and a hospital available on the island. As for sports, water sports equipment is available on many beaches. Visitors are strongly advised to taste specialties, such as dishes prepared of local meat (?kefalopodia?) and the famed cheese of Naxos. Traditional textiles and embroideries are best buys. Ultimately, Naxos is a unique island, which has managed to maintain its genuine and remarkable Cycladic character, regardless of the rapid rate of tourist development evident in the past few years. 

Access

There are flights carried out from Athens all year round. Ferries and flying dolphins sail from Piraeus and Rafina on a daily basis with additional services in the summer.

Connections

Ferries and fast ferries from Piraeus link Naxos, Paros, Ios, Santorini, Syros, Sikinos, Amorgos, Eastern Cyclades, Folegandros, Anafi, Astypalea, Crete, while flying dolphins from Rafina link the island with Syros, Paros, Tinos. In the summertime, there is local ferry connection with Mykonos, Ios, Santorini, Paros, Serifos, Sifnos, Amorgos and Eastern Cyclades (Koufonisia-Herakleia-Schinoussa-Donoussa).

Museums

The Archaeological Museum is a very interesting construct in itself, while it hosts a spectacular collection of findings from local sites. In Apeiranthos there is another Archaeological Museum and a Geological Museum.

Alternative Tourism

Water sports, trekking, scuba diving, archaeology, gastronomy, spiritual, sailing, windsurfing, mountain bike, ecotourism.

Useful Telephone Numbers:

NAXOS AREA CODE:  22850-

MUNICIPALITY: 22850-22717

POLICE STATION: 22850-22100

PORT POLICE: 22850-22300

TAXI STATION: 22850-22444, 24331

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22850-22399

POST OFFICE: 22850-22211

PHARMACIES: 22850-24946, 22761, 22886, 24247, 25517, 22611, 22661, 31787, 31218, 22241, 23183, 26666, 25718

BUS STATION: 22850-22291

AIRPORT: 22850-23292

OLYMPIC AIRWAYS: 22850-23043

HOSPITAL: 22850-23333, 23550

MEDICAL CENTERS: 22850-22346, 51280, 41221, 41484, 31404, 61206