Exploring the island of Naxos
Automatic dialing code for Naxos, Greece: 22850, Port authority (incl. code): 22850/22300Museums: 22725, 24151, Taxi station: 22444, Tourist offices: 24000, 23330 Police: 22100
The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos, is the island where Zeus was brought up, where Dionysus invented wine, where Theseus abandoned Ariadne and it has a much more varied landscape than the majority of other islands in the region.Under the rule of the Venetians Naxos was once the capital of Greece and today the mixed landscapes, extensive agriculture, vineyards and olive groves make it also an economic powerhouse in the region. The Naxian marble is well known for its high quality and some people still use it for sculpture, though it is mainly used for buildings and furniture.
The island also offers to tourists a large choice of villas for rent, daily flights to and from Athens and a busy schedule of ferries in and around the region. Indeed, Naxos may be the number one choice for many villa holiday makers!
What to do on Naxos
Wherever you go on this island you will encounter small traditional villages, fishing harbors, beaches and calm coastal waters.
If you enjoy exploring, then Naxos will provide you with a much greater choice of walks, drives and cycle routes than any other island in the Cyclades. There are also some real tourist gems, including a Venetian castle, several museums and a host of activities in which you can participate. Scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular around the caves and bays of Naxos, which is unsurprising given the clear blue waters and delightful grottos and rock pools that surround the island. Horse riding and boat trips are also very popular on Naxos.
Naxos is also home to some of the most important ancient sites in the Cyclades at Tragea and there are also important Christian monuments in the central part of the island. As you head East of Naxos Town, Mount Zeus approaches offering a completely different feel and scenic opportunity for exploring this lively island. Not far from Mount Zeus is what is considered to be the prettiest village on the whole of Naxos. Apiranthos is also a favorite for independent travelers, given its castles and old world homes that dominate the village. Town houses here are extremely popular to rent and tend to be snapped up quickly.
Naxos town
With its crazy street layout and huge Kastro (castle) Naxos retains much of its character despite the many tourists that visit each year. Shopping and dining are particularly well supported, with many supermarkets to assist the villa holiday makers keep their grocery bills down. The majority of the major night spots are also found in and around Naxos and it's not just foreigners who take to the dance floors. Naxos discos are actually very popular with Greeks from other islands and from the mainland.
