About Naxos, Greece

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Basic Intro to the island of Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the group of Greek islands known as the Cyclades. It has majestic mountains, fertile valleys, rivers and caves and, as if all that wasn't enough, beautiful sandy beaches set against a backdrop of cedar trees encircle the island. Tourism is an important part of the island's economy but agriculture is still an important element. Its wonderful beaches include Agia Anna, Plaka, Kastraki, Alikos, Mikri Vigla, Agios Prokopios and Agios Georgios, most of them near the capital, Hora. The highest point in the Cyclades is the peak of Mt. Zas here, on Naxos. The more notable villages, for the visitor to Naxos, include Moutsouna, Melanes, Pirgos Himarrou, Apollona, Arsenios, Apiranthos, Filoti, Vivlos, Agios Koronos and Glinado.

For the visitor interested in history and mytholgy there are museums, archaeological sites (see Halki, Galanado and Sangri), churches with amazing frescoes like the 11th century examples at Aghioi Apostoloi and Aghios Diassoritis, castles and temples.

On the 'must-see' list, for the visitor to Naxos, must be included the ancient Great Gate (known as the Portara). It was built in the 6th century BC as a temple to Apollo but was never finished after war broke out between Naxos and Samos. Naxos, with its marble quarries, is reputed to be the first Greek island where marble was worked and the craftmen islanders were greatly sought after in ancient times. The Great Gate was one of the early and greatest of works created from the Naxos marble; other great sculptures include the huge male statues, approximately 6.5 m. high, known as the 'kouroi' dating from the 7th century BC. Naxos marble was used in the 6trh century roof of the Temple of Demeter and in the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Originating on the island, but now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, is the famous statue of Artemis dating from around 650 BC. Also well worth visiting is the village of Apiranthos, nestled at the foot of Mt Farani, and known popularly as 'the marble village' because so many of the building utilise this local marble decoratively. Here even the streets have marble tiles! There are workshops and galleries to visit and also the famous marble Towers of Zevgoli and Bardani.

The island also offers all the facilities and attractions that go to make up a great holiday-package. There are marvellous bars and restaurants where the visitor can relax over local (or cosmopolitan) food and drinks; there are shops and and water sport activities or the visitor can opt for an 'away from it all' relaxing holiday in one of the quieter, scenic villages. Naxos is an island that can be 'all things to all people'.

Find Naxos Island Holiday Bargains plus basic Information about the island's, nightlife, accommodation, beaches, hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and your stay on Naxos with NaxosHolidays.info