Naxos
(103 n.m. from Piraeus)
Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands, lies almost at
the centre of the Aegean.
Meadows running down to vast beaches, cliffs sinking suddenly into the
sea, rocky mountains side-by side with fertile valleys, abundant springs
and streams these are just some of the features of a natural
environment marked for its variety.
The coastline of Naxos is abrupt on the south side and more sheltered to
the west, with numerous inlets and sandy beaches. The island is first
heard of in the myths and then mentioned throughout every period of
history, though it was at the peak of its glory during the period of the
Cycladic civilisation.
Naxos or Hora stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site on a hillside on
the north-west side of the island and is one of the most attractive towns
in the Cyclades. As the visitor walks from the harbour high up to the
Venetian castle, he will be struck by the beauty of the narrow winding
lanes and the old stone houses lining them.
Interesting monuments from various periods are to be found all over the
town. They include fine Byzantine churches, the castle itself (with its
tower and battlements), and traces of Mycenean buildings in the spot
known as Grota. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos has some
notable exhibits. Given that traces of Greek antiquity are to be seen
everywhere, each part of the island has something of interest. Near the
pretty coastal village of Apolonas, for instance - on the north side of the
island - is a half-finished outsize "kouros" (statue of a youth), dating
from the 6th century BC, still lying in the marble quarry where it was
abandoned. Another such statue can be seen at Melanes. An interesting
archaeological museam is to be found at Apirathos, 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 "Filotitissa" in the village of Filoti. There are good
swimming beaches at Agios Prokopios, Mikri Vigla Kastraki, Alikos,
Pirgaki, Agiassos (on the west side), Apolonas, Psili Amos, Panormos,
Pahia Amos and elsewhere.
The superb beaches of Naxos, its attractive villages and its wealth of
monuments draw thousands of visitors to the island each year. The good
tourist amenities in Hora make it easy to tour the charms of the island.
Little Cyclades
South/ Southeast of Naxos lies a group of little islands very popular among sailors. Beginning with Iraklia, a small island just 3
miles S of Naxos, most yachtsmen prefer to spend the night in beautiful Skhinoussa, just a mile NE of Iraklia, where the
almost landlocked bay of Myrsini offers good protection from the meltemi. Another mile NE you come across two islands
known as Koufonisia The photo of the Cyclades index was taken in Kato (Lower) Koufonisi,which is not inhabited, while Ano (Upper) Koufonisi has a little
fishing port and to the NE one of the most spectacular beaches of the Aegean, approximately 1 mile from the harbour, recognised by a sole palm tree on the
sandy beach. Anchor in 3 to 5 meters of sandy bottom. Beware of the outlying surfacing rock!
Dhonoussa, a high windblown island just 9 miles E of Naxos, is truly off the beaten track, and for the lucky ones who are able to sail there (winds permitting)
this unspoiled island has many beauties to explore. You can anchor either in Dhonoussa harbour (S) where there ia a little hamlet, or immediately E at Dendro
Bay or at Roussa Bay on the E - NE coast which offers protection from the northerlies sheltered by the islet of Trigono.
Karos and Antikaros lie further SE of Naxos, with Antikaros only 3 miles away from the SW cape of Amorgos. Karos is
not suitable for mooring overnight, whereas in calm weather you can anchor in the narrow channel between Antikaros and
Drima island.