The Sanctuary of Demeter in Sangri is one of the few structures from the ancient world to have survived in such a complete state. This place alone shows how far back the stories of Naxos reach. The island lies in the central Aegean Sea and is the largest of the Cyclades. Ancient buildings, traces of the Middle Ages and mountain trails offer different perspectives on its history and landscape.
Buildings from Different Eras
In Chora, the Kastro, or castle, was built by Marco Sanoudo in 1207. The military fortification developed into a medieval castle town. The Portara offers a different note: the monumental gate of the Sanctuary of Delian Apollo still stands today and is a landmark and point of reference on Naxos. The two structures tell of different times—one of a fortification that developed into a castle town, the other of an ancient sanctuary.
The island’s technological history is also on display. The ancient aqueduct is about eleven kilometers long, was built in the 6th century BC and remained in continuous operation until the 8th century AD. The Tower of Cheimarros differs in both form and scale: the round marble tower dates from the 4th century BC and survives to a height of 14 meters. These specific dimensions give the structures their own place in the history of Naxos.
Mount Zas and Two Very Different Hiking Trails
Mount Zas reaches 1,004 meters and is the highest mountain in the Cyclades. The Zas Cave offered the people of Naxos shelter in the Neolithic period and is considered one of the island’s earliest natural monuments. Hiking Trail 2 includes both sites on a circular route: it starts and ends in Filoti and passes Agia Marina, Levgasa, the summit of Zas, the Zas Cave and the Arion Spring. The route described thus links the mountain summit and cave in a loop.
Hiking Trail 1 has a different layout. It runs from Apiranthos to the emery mines and mostly follows a paved old mule track through lush, varied scenery. While Trail 2 starts and ends in Filoti, Trail 1 runs between its named endpoints. The villages of Naxos are also starting points for numerous trails leading to mountain peaks or gorges with flowing water and lush vegetation. If you’d like to include hiking in your trip, the two routes described offer specific, clearly distinct destinations.
Museums and Crafts
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos holds outstanding pieces relating to the history and art of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades. They shed light on prehistory and history from the Neolithic period through to the Late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. The museum also has an Early Cycladic collection featuring exceptional pieces, many of them unique. It is considered the world’s second most important collection of its kind, after the corresponding collection at the National Archaeological Museum.
The Sangri Archaeological Collection displays finds from excavations at Gyroulas: vases, household objects and tools, as well as parts of the pediment, roof and columns of the ancient temple. There are also kouroi statues and inscriptions, along with parts of the ambo and marble windows from an early Christian church. Another historic site is Christ Photodotis, a fortified monastery dating from the 6th century and considered the oldest monastery on Naxos.
In Apiranthos, the Folklore Museum displays traditional fabrics, embroidery and tools. The village is also home to a women’s weaving cooperative. Here, you can encounter both preserved everyday objects and an organized weaving tradition. These are two distinct glimpses into the cultural life of Naxos.
Island Flavors and Experiences
Naxos Graviera, also known as Naxos Gruyére, has been protected since 1988 and has held protected designation of origin status since 1996. The cheese is made with at least 80 percent cow’s milk and 20 percent goat’s and sheep’s milk. If you’re interested in how local products are made, Chalki offers another special stop: the Vallindras Distillery provides guided tours of its facilities. These include equipment from 1862, historic advertisements and posters, explanations of the distillation process and a tasting of the finished product made on site. Check visiting arrangements before your trip.
Coastal towns and water sports add to the picture. Moutsouna lies by Naxos’s only natural harbor, and the beach has several fish tavernas. Mikri Vigla is suitable for windsurfing and is considered the best place on Naxos for kitesurfing. These contrasts—from historic collections and mountain trails to cheese, distilleries and water sports—can help you choose the themes that will shape your trip.
Discover More Destinations
Chora, Naxos, ApĂłllon, AmorgĂłs, Stelida, Moutsouna, GalĂni, Aghios Prokopios, Katápola, Plaka, Agia Anna, Kastraki, Filoti, Donousa, Glinado, Egiali, Arkesini, Vroutsis, Tholaria, Iraklia, Koufonisia, Agiassos, Schinoussa, Aperathos, Kalantos, Agkidia, Melanes, Ano Potamia
For the wider travel overview: South Aegean.
