Naxos Attractions

Portara (or temple of Apollo) is the trademark of Naxos. This is the first sight of the island that you get as the ferry approaches the port. It is the unfinished gate of a big temple dedicated to Apollo.

Kastro (Castle) is the most picturesque quarter in Naxos Town. It is actually the part of the old town. Around this castle, the modern part of the town has been constructed.

Recently restored, this ancient temple is dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of grain. It dates back to the 6th century B.C. and it was discovered in 1949. A small church to Saint John stands next to the temple.

The giant statue of a young man (Kouros) can be seen outside the village of Melanes. It lays on the site where it was excavated.

The Kouros of Apollonas dates from the 8th century BC and it lays on the site it was discovered. Archaeologists believe that it depicted a young man or Dionysus, the god of wine.

Built upon the steep rock, seemingly hanging a few kilometers away from the bright blue waters of Agiassos bay in the southwest part of Naxos, the whitened chapel of Agios Sozon attracts many visitors as it shines brightly under the sun.

The Archaeological Museum is situated in the quarter of Kastro, Naxos Town. It is housed in a superb 17th-century Venetian mansion, which used to be the Jesuit School of Commerce before. This really interesting museum exposes a collection of objects and artworks dating from the late Neolithic period until the early Christian times.

This beautiful church is standing near the little village of Moni, on the island of Naxos. This is an Early Christian church, one of the oldest churches of the island, dating back to the 6th- 7th century. It has round smooth shapes and a dome. The interior is decorated with beautiful wall paintings.

Mount Zas is the tallest mountain in Naxos and generally the Cyclades islands. Due to its altitude and the rich flora and fauna, this place is popular for trekkers and birdwatchers.

The Cave of Zas is located at the western side of Mount Zas, at an altitude of 600 meters. According to the Greek mythology, God Zeus was raised here as he found shelter in the cave while he was prosecuted by his father, Kronus.

The Monastery of Christ Fotodotis is located on top of a hill with fantastic sea view. Originally established in the 6th century BC, the architecture of this monastery looks like a fortress.

The Jesuit Monastery of Kalamitsia is located at a distance of 2 km dirt road from the village of Melanes. The monastery is deserted today but worth to visit for the amazing nature.

Agios Mamas is also one of the oldest churches of Naxos, dating from the 9th century. The church of Agios Mamas is famous for its fine cross, sculptures, and murals and it is dedicated to Agios Mamas, the patron of shepherds.

Routsouna waterfall, a spectacular 20-meter plunge, is the result of two important streams that run north and south of Keramoti. You need a 45 minutes hike to reach the falls.

Rina cave is a beautiful sea cave located at the beach of the same name. It can be accessed by boat from Panermos beach or from a day cruise from Naxos port.

This traditional watermill is in a lovely location, between Mesi and Ano Potamia, on the banks of a small river. It worth the visit to see the landscape and a walk following the river's path is a must.

The ancient temple of Dionysus is located close to Glinado village, in Iria position. As Naxos was the residence of god Dionysus according to the myth, it comes as no surprise that there is such a temple on the island.

Vallindras is a distillery in the mountainous village of Halki, the old capital of Naxos island. The distillery was established in 1896 and it is still run by the same family. Today, it also works as a museum with interesting tools and equipment.

Bazeos Tower is one of the most prominent sights in Naxos, located on the main road that connects the Chora with the mountainous villages of Halki and Filoti. Dating back to the 17th century, the castle was built in this peculiar location as an attempt to provide safety to its residents from the frequent pirate attacks.

The Folklore Museum of Kaloxylos village offers the opportunity to learn more about the local history and culture with the exhibition of thousands of object. A place not to miss and under the auspices of UNESCO!

Quite close to the picturesque village of Halki, in the path that leads towards the Monoitsia settlement, visitors can find a small yet impressive church that is dedicated to Saint George.

Besides Apollonas and Melanes, the locals discovered yet another impressive Kouros in a lying position within a field in the Flerio area.

Located outside Gallini village, the monastery tower of Ipsilotera was built in 1660 by a local nobleman, Iakovos Kokkos. The monastery is located inside the walls of a tower, used for the protection of the region from enemies and pirates.

The exact year of its resurgence is not known, however, it is estimated that the imposing tower was built during the 17th century and is an architectural example of the post-Byzantine era. Following the tradition of other buildings of the tower genre that were extensively built around the Cyclades during the years of the Venetian and Ottoman sovereignty, the tower of Agia was originally the resort home of the Kokkoi family.

One of the most impressive archaeological findings in Naxos are the remainings of the ancient aqueduct that can be traced in various locations on the island. Relevant research shed light on the origins of the constructions and placed the aqueduct’s creation in the Archaic period.

Close to the village of Ano Potamia, there is a hiking path leading to Epano Kastro, also known as the Castle of Tragea. This path is not easy but totally worth it when you reach up there.

Another fantastic Venetian structure of the 17th century in Naxos is the Tower of Kokkos family, built atop the small river located in Lierado, a quarter of Potamia settlement. The concrete path leading to the tower is of moderate difficulty, while the verdant surroundings add a dreamy vibe to the experience.

Naxos is one of the rich with marble deposits on islands of the Aegean Sea, known since ancient times as artifacts as old as the Neolithic Ages have been uncovered in the nearby area. Many quarries can be seen in the area of Kinidaros.

Venetian Museum

Naxos ​​Town

(Closed - New museum under construction) The Venetian Museum is located in the Town of Naxos in an 800-year-old house that belongs to the Della Rocca family. In summer, it organizes many cultural events.

Gratsia Tower

​​Halki

The imposing tower-house of Barozzi-Gratsia was built in the beginning of the 17th century by the Venetian Barozzi family. It is located in the picturesque village of Halki (Chalki) in Naxos, behind the orthodox church of Panagia Protothroni.

Panagia Filiotissa

​​Filoti

Nested in its eastern premises of the village of Filoti is the orthodox church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Filotissa or Filotitissa; it is known with both names of the same origin, the village’s name.

Ecclesiastic and Folklore Museum

​​Filoti

The Ecclesiastic and Folklore Museum of Filoti is located just in front of the church of the Assumption of Mary. It offers an important insight into everyday life during the interwar period in the village of Filoti.

Folk Art Museum

​​Apiranthos

The Folk Art Museum in Apiranthos shows a representation of the interior of a traditional house, exactly as it was in the 18th century.

Catholic Cathedral

Naxos ​​Town

The Catholic Cathedral has been built in the central square of Kastro, the most picturesque quarter of Naxos Town. This is a beautiful church decorated with Naxian marble on its floor and various icons.

Apiranthos Archaeological Museum

​​Apiranthos

Located in the picturesque village of Apiranthos, this Archaeological Museum houses a collection of findings brought to light by various archaeological excavations which are coming from different areas of Naxos island.

Agioi Apostoloi Church

​​Kerami

Close to the abandoned settlement of Metohi, outside the Kerami area, the church of Agioi Apostoloi constitutes a unique example of Byzantine architecture.

Orthodox Cathedral

Naxos ​​Town

The Orthodox Cathedral is dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi, which means the life-giving Virgin Mary. It is located in the north side of the capital and was built around 1787. In the interior of the church, fine wall paintings can be admired. Right next to the cathedral, there is the site of Ancient Naxos.

Ursulines School and Merchant Academy

Naxos ​​Town

Established by monks of the Jesuit order in the 17th century, the Ursulines School is located inside the Chora’s Kastro (the Castle), close to the Catholic Cathedral.

Garinou Spring

​​Kinidaros

The Garinou Spring is located in a valley behind Kinidaros village, about 40 minutes walk. It is a verdant place with many water turtles. It can be accessible by car but only a 4x4.

Geological Museum

​​Apiranthos

The Geological Museum is located in the village of Apiranthos Naxos and it houses a rich collection of more than 2000 rare exhibits. The Geological Museum of Naxos is considered as one of the most interesting museums of this kind in Greece.

Palaiologos tower

​​Sangri

As with multiple Venetian structures in Naxos, this tower-house was also part of Barozzi family’s heritage. The impressive building is nested between the hills of Naxian land, a few kilometers away from Sangri village

Markopolitis Tower

​​Halki

Markopolitis-Papadakis tower is a beautiful and imposing Venetian tower located in the upper part of the village of Halki.

Chimaros Tower

​​Filoti

Chimaros Tower is one of the important monuments in Naxos. Along with Portara, this is a point of reference for the island, located between Filoti village and Kalandros beach.

Panagia Protothrone

​​Halki

The church of Panagia Protothrone (First Throne) is one of the earliest churches of transitional type and dates back to the first half of the 9th century. It is found in the village of Halki, in the island of Naxos.

Panagia Mirtidiotissa

Naxos ​​Town

The church of Panagia Mirtidiotissa is a lovely tiny chapel constructed on a small islet opposite the port. It is considered one of the trademarks of the island, along with the castle and the ancient temple of Portara standing on a hill, on the right side of the port.

Egares Olive Press Museum

​​Egares

The Olive Press Museum is hosted in a renovated olive press building in Eggares village, which is located at the western part of the island, under 8 kilometers from Chora.

Panagia Aperathitissa

​​Apiranthos

The serene, whitewashed and built with impressive marble pieces orthodox church jewels the entrance of Naxian Apeiranthos village.

Necropolis

​​Tsikalario

The Geometrical Era Necropolis is dated to the 9th-8th century BC. It is located near the village of Tsikalario, near Halki. Note that you need a 20 mn walk to reach the site.

Panagia tis Spilias

​​Damarionas

Panagia tis Spilias (Virgin of the cave) is a church build in a cave, in the area of Damarionas village.

Folklore museum of Koronos

​​Koronos

The folklore museum of Koronos introduces the visitors to the local life by exhibiting old everyday objects.

Mycenaean tomb

​​Koronida

Archaeologists estimate that the tomb was built in 1300 BC with the purpose of becoming the last residence of a local ruler, whose identity, however, remains a secret due to the monument’s condition. Some suggest that it might be dedicated to Naxos, the first king of the island after whom it was named.

Panagia Argokoiliotisa Church

​​Koronos

A local of the nearby Koronos village in Naxos visualized in their slumber a visit from a spiritual being that revealed a specific location. There an old icon was found and a church was built.

Monastery of Agios Ioannis Chryssostomos

Naxos ​​Town

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Chryssostomos is located on the hill of Grotta, 3 kilometers away from Naxos Town. Its main church is a beautiful construction dating back to the 17th century. From the monastery, one can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the island and the sea.

Museum of Naxos Ancient Town

Naxos ​​Town

The Museum of Ancient Naxos is also known as the Metropolis (Cathedral) Museum. It is found in Chora, next to the church of Zoodochos Pigi. It contains exhibits from settlements on the island in the Mycenaean and Geometric Era. The actual site is also open to visitors.

Panagia Parthena Islet

​​Mikri Vigla

The islet of Panagia Parthena is located in front of the beach of Mikri Vigla. The name is due to the little chapel on the islet. The church opens only once a year on the day of its celebration.

Prehistoric Acropolis

​​Panermos

The stone settlement dates back at 25000 BC and consisted of 20 room spaces, circled by fortification that featured five towers. A magnificent achievement for its time, this settlement signifies the transition from the farming period to the hierarchical society.