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NAXOS GREECE
Naxos is one of the most attractive and beautiful of the Greek Islands. It harmoniously combines a majestic mountain beauty with the intensively
cultivated agricultural plains, lush valleys of citrus and olive groves, pastel coloured coastal plains, kilometres of sweeping golden sands and unspoilt villages.
Over 40 kilometres of beaches (Naxos Beaches are among the best in Greece), over 40 traditional villages, 500 churches, monuments, archaeological sites, beautiful drive on the mountains, fertile valleys make Naxos Island one of the best holiday destinations in Greece.
In contrast to most of the Cyclades is Naxos really green and variegated. Rambling olive groves, densely Macchia and knee-high Phruganga plants define the view. In gorges and dales also cypresses are growing, near the sea Tamarisks and reed. In former times wide forests of oak trees preexisted. But they had been nearly totally deforested - mainly by the Venetians - for the armada or as firewood.
Naxos is mentioned by Homer (Zeus Island). Its mythological fame is due to the Athenian Hero Thesseus and Ariadne, the Cretan Princess who loved him,
stopped to rest at Naxos on their way to Athens. The next morning while Ariadne slept, Thesseus set sail and abandoned her on the island.
Ariadne had aided Thesseus by arming him with a ball of string that helped him to find the way in the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur in Crete.
Dionysos, the god of wine, fell in love with her and both lived happily.
The story of Thesseus and Ariadne inspired many artists, most notably Richard Strauss' opera "Ariadne auf Naxos".
Naxos went under Venetian Occupation when Marco Sanudo came to Naxos in 1207.
He built a powerful castle in Naxos Town (todays the Venetian Castle in Hora) which was consisting from 7 towers.
This remarkable castle today includes a housing complex with the structure of a medieval city,
it is one of the very few preserved in Greece and it is a "must be seen" monument. Venetians Catholic descendants still live in the old mansions which encircle the site.
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Naxos is reputed for its many beautiful long sandy beaches.
There are over 40 Kilometres of beaches to choose from, and most of them are sandy.
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Horsback riding, trail riding, children pony riding, natural horsemanship on Naxos!
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Naxos Island is the wind and kite surfing paradise for all. Beginners, experienced and cracks!
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Churches with byzantine frescoes, ruins of neolithic settlements, ancient temples, Frank castles, Venetian castles, palaces, archaeological museums, folklore museums marked with the stamp of past glories.
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There are many villages in the island, each with its own history and style.
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There are adequate connections between Naxos, Athens and the neighbour islands.
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