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SEE NAXOS

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Table of Contents: 
ANCIENT NAXOS
SEE NAXOS TOWN
THE ISLAND.

After you see Naxos, you will wonder why it took you so long to get here.

See Naxos and all it has to offer.
The Old Town section of Naxos is a beautiful maze.

There is ancient architecture before you even arrive. The Portara from the Temple of Apollo sits atop an old site overlooking the harbor. The main town climbs the hill with a castle near the top.

The island has charming hillside villages dotting the landscape, each one more picturesque than the last. The coast has rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. There is something for everyone.

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Ancient Sites.

The island is famous for its marble, dating from ancient times. Ancient roof tiles at Olympia and from the Athenian Acropolis are from Naxian marble.

You can see ancient quarries in the north and central parts of the island. In those days, they would carve the statues at the quarry before moving them.

Unfinished since the 7th century B.C.
The Kouros (a type of statue) in a quarry near Apollonas.

 

Here there are two unfinished statues.
The Melanes ancient quarry.

 

It is a hike down to see this opening that is approximately four feet square.
Not all aqueducts were above ground. This buried one is near the ancient quarry at Melanes,

 

And the local marble was a significant building material throughout the island.

The cities front door to arriving ferries.
The Portara frames the main town.

 

The white marble, blue skies and green trees must have been a sanctuary.
The sanctuary of Dionysos was all in marble. The marble later became “slightly-used” building material somewhere else.

 

Another victim of recycling.
Temple of Demeter (Temple of Sangri) dating from 530 B.C.

 

Don't miss the excellent museum at the site..
A temple, later a church, now a tourist site.

Additional sites include a Mycenaean burial chamber near Koronidas. A cave on Mount Zas is an ancient tourist stop. It contains no structures to view. And yet for more than 3700 years, people have been flocking to see this cave. It is the real (wink wink) cave where Zeus hid from his father. If you like bat poop, it’s may be worth the climb.

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Picturesque Streets and Walks.

Here, fresh seafood arrives daily.
A chapel to St, Nicholas (patron saint of sailors) marks the small boat harbor.

 

Soon the streets will be teeming with people.
A quiet moment on the harborfront promenade.

 

There is nothing like eating seafood righ off a boat.
Soon fresh seafood and other wonderful Greek treats will be on these tables.

 

All roads eventually lead to the harbor.
Get yourself lost intentionally in the old town (Chora.)

 

Every square inch can be used for something.
There is no unused space in the old town.

 

Even a bike would not work with all the steps.
You have to see Naxos on foot.

 

Whitewashed walls mean you are probably lower in the town.
Venetian architecture means you are near the castle.

 

One street has two churches and a chapel in the same block.
Is there space left over? Put in a chapel or church.

 

It is possible to get turned around in the old town.
One secret passageway leads to another.

 

Most restaurants offer house wine containing their own grapes.
See Naxos wine grapes growing right above your table.

 

Ready to go home? Follow the sidewalks down.
Going up means you are heading into the old town. Down is towards the harbor.

 

Everything takes on a new feeling.
At sunset, see Naxos turn into a different town.

 

It's a relaxed energy.
A different mood settles across the town. Tranquil with an undercurrent.

 

White walls now reflect soft colored lighting.
You can see Naxos change colors right before your eyes. From white to…

 

It sparkles and reflects in the water.
Stroll after dinner and see Naxos at night. Magical.

 

Sometimes I think it is a painting.
Don’t forget to look up.

You really could spend a few days in Naxos Town without ever leaving. There are beaches within walking distance and endless cafes and tavernas to sample.  You could, but don’t. Get out and see Naxos in its entirety.

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See Naxos Island.

Besides the town and ancient sites, you also need to see Naxos’s countryside and villages.

Many of the churches are located closer to God, ie on high hills.
A church above the village of Filoti.

 

The keys are kept by a local in Sangri. If you want to visit inside, ask in town.
The 13th century Ayios Nikolaos near Sangri is best reached by foot or 4-wheel.

 

Many of the buildings using the local marble.
The village of Apiranthou extends from the side of a hill.
Patio by day, restaurant by night.
No nook or cranny goes unused.

 

A few of the museums have banned together and one admission gets you three museums.
Apiranthou village has several small museums, but you have to look for them.

 

There's not enough here to fill a day, but a leisurely morning can be done.
Chalki village is also worth a stroll.

 

A reminder, sip Kitron slowly.
While in Chalki, try the famous Naxos liqueur Kitron.

 

This road is in the southwest area of the island.
Just a drive in the country can offer incredible vistas.

 

I think driving from Apollonas to Koronida offers the best views.
The road between Koronida and Apollonas offers many beautiful views ahead of you.

 

Try to visit early morning or after 4pm when the day tourists are gone.
Besides hillside villages, there are also seaside ones, like Apollonas.

 

Avoid in July and August when the tempurature soars.
There are numerous hiking trails all over the island ranging from easy to difficult.

See Naxos, and learn why it is a favorite of vacationing Greeks.

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