Naxos Page 4

Inland villages to the north of Naxos Town

Inland villages to the north of Naxos Town begin with Melanes, where the ancient marble quarries are. Look for the signpost to the 20 foot high kouros off the road in cypress grove. Near Melanes, in Kourounochori, are the ruins of a Venetian castle: Ag. Thaleleos. A beautiful walk begins at Kourounochori, descending to the Chapel of Artemis and following the Xerotakri River down to Egares.

A road links Koronos to Lionas beach, but the main road heading north twists and turns its way to the island's highest village at Komiaki. From this height, there are great views of terraced vineyards.

The road leads back down to Apollonas on the coast, where there is a sandy beach. The quarries form steps leading up to a 33 foot kouros from the 7th Century. Appolonas was supposed to be sacred to Apollo and the kouros is believed to been intended for a temple that once stood there.

The northwest coast

The road along the north coast heading back to Naxos Town from Apollonas will take you by the isolated beach at Ormos Abram where a marble head sits abandoned on a rock.

At Pachia Ammos you can see the 16th Century Monastery of Faneromeni.

The northwest coast does have some nice beaches as long as the meltemi isn't blowing.

Drinking and Dining

Naxos has a buzzing nightlife and many bars. There are excellent restaurants of every description from traditional Greek to Asian, Mexican and more. Be sure to try the famous local wines.

More Naxos Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5