Naxos is the biggest island of the Cyclades! The alternation of the mountainous and fertile landscape makes the island very attractive. You will be impressed by the large coast with sand, the blue water, the green valleys and the springs of the island. Moreover, Naxos Is well known for the tapestry, the embroidery, the knits and also her local products, such as the drink citrus, the cheese, the local meat, and the tradition of hunting. As in every island, Naxos has a lot of beautiful villages, some of which are mountainous and others coastal. So, we present the most picturesque villages of the island that you definitely have to visit during your stay at this amazing island of Cyclades.
Apiranthos
Apiranthos could be characterized as a marble village, because it has a lot of marble streets, graphic squares and two floored houses. It is located at the foot of mount Fanari, in height of 600 meters and at a distance of 28 kilometers from Chora. It is considered that the local residents have come from other regions, such as Asia Minor and Creta, because they used to practice fishing and navigation, occupations that are unusual for mountainous villages. Besides, in the village you will meet the biggest library of Cyclades and a feminine cooperative of the art of tapestry. You should visit the Archaeological and Geological museum, as well as the Museum of Natural History and the Laografic one. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can use the bus, that often departs from Chora.
Apollonas
Apollonas is on the northeast side of the island and is the most developed touristically settlement of northern Naxos. It is inhabited from the antiquity, because of the marble quarry, that existed there. They would transfer the marbles outside of the island through the port. A few meters in front of the main entrance of the village, you can see the giant Kouros of Apollo, that lies there from the ancient times. Inside the village you can find a big sandy beach and some stores, cafeterias and tavernas. At 29 of August there’s the celebration of Saint John, the patron saint of the island, and every year at 28 of August they do a traditional feast at the tavernas of the village. The buses depart very often from Chora and can transport you to the village.
Koronos
Koronos is located on the northwest side of the island and is considered as one of the oldest settlements. It’s built at a height od 540 meters, on the slopes of a stream, from where you can admire a magical, green landscape.In th village you will meet a lot of squares, cafes, tavernas, stores and workshops with local products. In the village there is the Laografic Museum, inside a traditional hostel. Chora is 28 kilometers away from the village and if you don’t have a car, you can use the public transportation that has frequent itineraries from Chora.
Sangri
Sangri is said to be one of the most beautiful villages of Naxos and is well known for its architecture. It’s built on the west side of the village and it’s divided into Ano Sangri and Kato Sangri. A Ano Sangri, a visit to the ex monastery of Saint Eleftherios is really worth it, as it used to function as a secret school during the ottoman rule. Today it hosts the Laografic Museum. A Kato Sangri, you will meet the ruins of two Venetic Towers, meanwhile in a distance of 20 minutes there’s another tower, the tower of Palaiologos dated in 1699. The village is 11 kilometers away from Chora. Near the area you can find lots of known beaches, such as Mikri Vigla, a paradise for the lovers of windsurfing and kitesurfing, such as Glyfada, Kastraki and Alykos with its cute cedar forest.
Myli
Myli is a small village a western Naxos, built at the green valley of Melana. Its name originated from the watermills that existed in the aerea. There aren’t a lot of permanent residents in the village, but those who have remained, still practice the traditions of their land. The route to the village is the best thing of all. Gardens full of flowers and trees, old water mills and huge planes next to fresh waterfalls. The route is just magical. The public transport to the village is not very frequent, there are only a few itineraries from morning till noon.
