Explore Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades

The capital of Naxos is Chora, or Naxos Town, which surrounds the old Venetian castle. Naxos Town is the main port where you'll find shops, bakeries, and tavernas lining the waterfront. The north shore of NaxosTown is called Grotta, with fabulous views of the Portara. To the south west of Naxos Town is the popular town beach area of Agios Giorgios.

Explore the interior of the town and step back in time. Narrow cobblestone lanes meander through shops and houses with bouganvillea-adorned verandas. Naxos Town has two distinct areas; Bourgos where the Greeks lived and Kastro where the Venetians settled. In this part of Naxos town you can find galleries with hand-made arts and crafts as well as restaurants and coffee shops.

Wander through these streets and eventually you'll emerge at the highest point in town, inside the castle. This medieval area of town is very peaceful and quiet, particularly during afternoon siesta. The archaeological museum, which houses early Cycladic figurines as well as vases, torsos and funerary steles is located here, in a former school once attended by the famous author Nikos Kazantzakis.

Around Naxos, visit Halki to see ancient tower houses built as lookout posts in the days of pirate raids, and the Church of Panagia Protothronis with it's beautiful frescoes.

Filoti , on the slopes of Mt. Zeus, is the largest village in Naxos. Located in the center of the island, Filoti offers beautiful views over the rest of Naxos and the Aegean

Apiranthos is a village where all the streets are paved with marble. There is an archaeological museum featuring local finds. Apiranthos has no accommodation but there is a taverna where you can have a meal or a drink.

Apollonas is located at the north-east coast of Naxos. Once a tranquil fishing village, the beautiful beaches of Naxos now beckon tourists to this popular resort area. Just outside of the village lies a gigantic, 7th century B.C. kouros statue. This 34 foot tall statue, the largest of three on the island, was apparantly abandoned when it cracked.