Naxos lies between Myconos, Amorgos and Paros. Is the largest and the most fertil island of the Cyclades. (103 nautical miles from Piraeus). Though a mountainous island, there are extensive tracts of flat land . In addition to its agricultural produce, Naxos has considerable mineral wealth.
Naxos was first settled by Thracians bringing with them their cult of Dionysos. Naxos was the center of the Cycladic civilisation (3200-2100 BC), it was inhabided in Mycenaean times .During the Persian wars, Naxos became a member of the Athenian Legue and subsequently passed to the Macedonians, Egyptian Ptolemies, Rhodians, and Romans. In 1207 Marcos Sanudos captured the island establishing it as seat of the Duchy of Naxos and the Archipelago. In 1537 it was laid waste by Barbarossa, from 1566-67 it belonged to Joseph Naze and, eventually, capitulated to Turks. It was liberated along with the rest of the Cyclades.
Must see: Chora capital of Naxos stands on a natural amphitheatrical site on a hill-side on the north-west side of the island and is one of the most attractive towns in Cyclades. As the visitor walks from the harbour high up to the Venetian castle,he will be struck by the beauty of the narrow windyng lanes and the old stone houses lining them. An interesting archaelogical museum is to be found at Apiranthos, a village where a number of strange customs and habits have survived.Among churches of interest are those of Our Lady 'Protothroni' at Tragea and Our Lady 'Filiotisa' in the village of Filoti.the Monastery of John Chrysostom, Monastery of Holy Cross, B Virgin Chryssopolitissa, Prophet Elijah, St. George, St.Anthony. Akadimi, Potamia, Danakos, Glinado, Tripodes, Sangri are some of the most beautiful villages of Naxos. There are very nice beaches at Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, Ayassos, Kastraki, Apollonas, Panormos, Psilli Ammos, Pachia Ammos, Chrissi Vrissi, Pirgaki, ideal for swimming and fishing.
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