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| Country | Greece | |
| Region | Aegean Islands | |
| Population | 17 970 (2011) | |
| High | 0-1002m | |
Naxos (Greek Νάξος / 'naksos /) is one of Aegean Islands, and a city of the same name, in Greece. It is the largest in the archipelago Cyclades (Υκλάδες).
Understand
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Naxos is ca. 430km² wide, and thus it is the 8th island in the Aegean Sea by area, the 1st in the Cyclades archipelago. From the northern tip to the southern tip is straight about 30 km.
Much of Naxos is mountainous; the highest peak, the mountain Zas, reaches 1002m, not a few on a small island. To the west of the mountains is a small plain, where the capital is located Naxos, eponymous as the island (often the locals call it Chora Naksu, similar to "City of Naxos", or only Chora, similar to "City").
History
Prehistoric people settled in Naxos at least 200,000 years ago.
The most prosperous time for Naxos was probably the 8th and 7th centuries BC.
During the Middle Ages Naxos was the core of the independent Duchy of Naxos, created by Venetian nobles (1207-1579). In the 16th century Naxos fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and remained under it until 1821, but in fact not many Turks settled in Naxos and the Ottoman influence was small.
Climate
Enter
Enire avie
It is an airport next to the capital (2 km to the south). The name is Κρατικός Αερολιμένας Νάξου (Naxos National Airport).
Naxos Airport is small and mainly reached by flights from Athens. It is also possible to use the nearby airport of Mykonos (with several international connections) and travel by ship from there to Naxos. The boat trip lasts between 40 minutes and 1:40.
Get on board
The usual way to travel to Naxos is by boat.
Note that ships are diverse (gliders, ordinary ships, fast ships) and travel more or less quickly. The voyage time greatly depends on the speed of the ship. Additionally, it also depends on the number of stops.
The naval voyage of Athens to Naxos it is possible to be left from three ports near the Greek capital:
- Piraeus, almost a district of Athens. From there the journey takes 3½ hours or more (up to more than 5). Usually the ship stops in front of Naxos in Mykonos or Paros.
- Rafina (about 30km northeast of Athens). From there the boats need 4-6 hours, with several stops.
- Lavrio (ca. 60km southeast of Athens). Ships from there are rarer and slower, but can be less expensive. The journey takes approx. 8 hours.
There are also many naval connections between Naxos and other islands in the Aegean (as far as Crete).
Many ships (but not all) are ferries, so carry cars.
Information is available online for example at:
- Openseas (in 3 languages: Greek, English, Italian)
- AFerry (in many languages)
- Ferries.gr (in 6 languages)
etc.
Some websites of shipping companies reaching Naxos:
- SeaJets (in 8 languages)
- Blue Star Ferries (only in Greek and English)
To move
Public transport
There are buses, more frequent between the capital and the remaining places in the western plain, less frequent to other towns. The longest rides can take about 2 hours.
Information available for example at Naxos Local Transport (angle).
Drive a car
It is possible to rent cars or motorcycles.
See
10 - The city of Naxos (Greek Χώρα της Νάξου - Tisora tis Naksuu, on the island also only Χώρα, with Latin letters often Naxos or Chora) is the capital of the island. It contains historical sights, traditional restaurants, tourist shops and nearby beaches.
Fari
- Bathe in the sea or sunbathe in the beaches.
- Veltabuli (windsurfing). The wind is particularly strong in the strait between Naxos and Paros, which is therefore a very convenient place for this sport.
- Climb the mountain Zas. The excursion is easy but a bit long (usually at least 3 hours in total, irreverently without stops, but inexperienced guys need up to 5-6 hours).
- Visit the marble workshops. Naxos is famous for the local marble.
Buy
Stores
Eat
Of course, as in all islands, fish is a common food and is recommended.
However, Naxos is also famous for two foods not expected on a Greek island ... potatoes and beef cheese!
Although the ancients did not know potatoes, for two centuries the cultivators of Naxos have been growing a particular variety of potato, called in Greek Πάτατα Νάξου / 'potatoes' naksu /. The potato of Naxos acquired in 2011 the European mark "PGI" (Protected Geographical Indication).
The PGI brand also has (since 1996) a local hard cheese called γραβιέρα (gravel), which is not similar to the most typical Greek cheeses. On the contrary, it resembles the Cretan cheese of the same name, but, while the Cretan gravel is normally made from sheep's milk, that of Naxos is largely from the milk of the local cows, accustomed to the living conditions of this mountainous islet.
Drink
In Naxos is produced liqueur from the leaves of cedratarbo, nomata κίτρον (kitron), in three forms: yellow (more alcoholic), green (more sugar-rich), clear (midway).
