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Naxos island is a mountainous island located in the center of Cyclades. In fact, it hosts the highest mountain of the group, Mount Zas.
Greece » Cyclades

Why Visit
The capital of the island, Chora, distinguishes for the traditional architecture, the well-preserved Venetian castle and the Portara at the entrance of the port, a large marble gate that constitutes the only remaining from an ancient temple.

All around the coastline, there are fabulous beaches with golden sand and crystal water. Some of them are organized, while others are totally secluded. The beaches on the western side, particularly Mikri Vigla, are ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing. A drive in the inland will bring visitors to lovely mountainous villages, interesting sightseeing and spots of natural beauty. Do not miss the two giant statues of Kouros, the towers that the Venetians and Marco Sanudo constructed and the ancient sanctuaries.

History
Mythological background Naxos is the largest island in Cyclades, renowned for its rich history and beutiful architecture. According to mythology, Zeus, the king of gods grew up in Naxos, hidden away from the ferocity of his father, Cronus as well as his son Dionysus, the god of wine. Dionysus loved so much Naxos that he made it a fertile land, full of vineyards, producing a wine of excellent taste and fine quality. The locals then built a temple to Dionysusto honour their god.

Naxos is also the place where Theseus, after killing the Minotaur of Crete, took Ariadne, the daughter of the Cretan King, Minos, who helped him find his way in the labyrinth were the Minotaur was kept, and stopped in Naxos on his way back to Athens. There, he left Ariadne (or Ariadne left him, depending of the version of the legend) for whom Dionysus fell madly in love with.The god took the young girl to Mount Drios and, from there union, Oinopion (Wine Drinker), Staphylos (Grape) and Evanthi (Lovely Flower) were born.

Ancient times
Historically, Naxos was the most important centre of civilization of all the Cyclades during the ancient period, 4000-1000 BC. The Thracians were the first inhabitants in Naxos who remained for two centuries, until the Carean took control of the island. It is believed that the island owns its name to their leader of Thracians called Naxos. Then the island was dominated by the Ionians who contributed in the development and growth of Naxos, with the sea trading which brought wealth during the 7th century BC. Prelude to the Persian war, Naxos revolt encouraged other cities to join the strugle against the Persians. Then the Peloponnesian War came, during which the Athenians lost from the Spartans taking under control of the island. Then, Naxos felt under a succession of authorities which were the Macedonian Empire, the Ptolemy of Egypt, the Rhodians and, in 41 BC, the Roman Empire. Christianity appeared on the island during the 1st century AD.

Venetian period
The Venetians marked an important period in the history of Naxos. In 1207, Marco Sanudo took the Cyclades and established a duchy, called the Duchy of the Aegean where Naxos was the headquarters and the new ruler was installed creating the begining of a long line of Dukes in Naxos. The first reaction of the inhabitants of Naxos was negative against the Venetian ruler but they were obliged to admit their defeat.

During those years, Marco Sanudo divided the island into 56 provinces, distributed among the various Venetian nobles, and built the beautiful and powerful castle on top of Naxos Town. The Jesuit Commercial School was also founded inside the castle. The power of Marco Sanudo last until 1564, when the Turks took the entire Greece.

During the Turkish Ottoman rule, Naxos had a privileged place for the Venetian negotiate to keep their authority and their monarchic administration and the Turks never established on the island and, the only thing there were demanding was to receive their taxes in time. The island of Naxos became part of the liberated New Greek State in 1831.

Museums - Archeological
Naxos has a long drawn history from the Mycenaean period to the Venetian times and excavations on the island have brought to light important finds dating from antiquity to the Byzantine years. The collection is spread to many museums in Chora and other regions of Naxos. The existence of these museums bears witness to the strong culture of the island, through the ages.

One of the most interesting museums in Naxos is the Archeaological Museum housed in an elegant Venetian mansion. Inside visitors can view a fascinating collection of traditional items, tools and various findings from the ancient years. Similar themes are also explored in the museum of Apiranthos. In close distance there is the impressive Geological Museum offering a great collection of rare stones and other specimens.

Moving back to the beautiful Chora, there lies the Museum of Naxos ancient town. The exhibits list includes of many findings from the Mycenean and Geometric era. Interestingly enough, the museum is close to the excavated sites which is open to visitors.

In the Venetian town of Naxos, you have the chance to visit an interesting museum which takes you to a unique journey back to the Venetian style. It stands for eight centuries as the symbol of Naxos old town and during summer it is used for cultural events. the village of Halki is the birthplace of kitron liqueur, the local drink of Naxos. There you can pay a visit at the original Vallindras distillery, where kitron liqueur is still produced.

Beaches
Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla, Orkos, Maragas, Agia Anna, Aliko, Pyrgaki, Sahara, Kastraki, Agios Georgios, Abram, Agiassos, Amitis, Grotta, Laguna

Religious Monasteries and Churches
Sacred sites and religious monuments embellish the island of Naxos like little jewels. The historic monuments of Naxos associate with many civilizations, but the most important of them date from the Venetian period. Catholic monks also played an important role in the foundation of churches and monasteries, most of which can be seen even today.

Among the countless churches of Naxos that will draw your attention is Panagia Myrtidiotissa, located in the old port, on top of a reef looking towards the Portara, the trademark of Naxos. A couple kilometers from the capital, on the slopes of a mountain stands the 17th century Monastery of Agios Ioannis Chrissostomos. In the surroundings of the Venetian castle is the catholic cathedral of Naxos. The Orthodox cathedral lies in Grota area, in the north side of the capita, dedicated to Zoodochos Pigis(Life giving source).

Some kilometers away from the main village is the church of Panagia Drosiani, one of the oldest Christian structures in Europe where many people attend for the church service. One of the best examples of Byzantine architecture is Panagia Protothrone, built in Chalki between 9th and 10th century.

Outside the village of Galini is the monastery of Ipsilotera. Up to this day it is considered the strongest fortress of the island and it is located within the Angelopoulos Tower. It played a major role during the battle with the Venetians. Among the oldest churches of Naxos is the church of Agios Mamas, patron of shepherds dating from the 9th century.