Naxos

Naxos, Greece

Naxos stands out, thanks to its unusually crisp white beaches and an exceptionally lush, fertile terrain. With none of Mykonos' pretence or Kos' ferocious partying, the island is a destination for those who enjoy a good hike and low-key evening entertainment. Naxos is also home to its fare share of ancient sites, off-lying mountain villages, and excellent family-run taverns.

Population:

18,904 (2011)

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 112
Tourist police: 171

Opening Hours:

Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours in the summer. Some business targeted primarily at tourists do not operate during low season.

Newspapers:

Aegean News
Ekathimerini

The Island

Life on Naxos centers around the Hora, or Naxos Town, where most of its taverns, restaurants and shopping spots are concentrated. Travelers will need to venture out south of town to find some the finest Naxian beaches, however - settlements most revered by tourists include waterside Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna, as well as the long stretch of sandy Plaka Beach. The windy beaches of the northwest are reserved for water sports enthusiasts, while the inland mount Zas and tucked away village of Halki attracts adventure-seeking hikers.
Naxos isn't one to rely solely on tourism, however - its fertile terrain produces ample olives, citrus, potatoes, and a variety of other fruit and vegetables, which allows for the existence of so many organic-only eateries. Most local businesses are family-run, passing on knowledge and experience to the younger generations - it is not unusual to see a cafe or small store managed by father and son only. The island is also home to its very own "Kitron" citrus liquor distillery and an old olive press manufactory - both open to visitors and offering guided tours.

Beaches

Naxos is especially well-known for its uncharacteristically beautiful beaches, the most attractive of which are concentrated along the island's southwestern coast. During the summer months, the larger beaches truly come alive - holidaymakers rush to the seaside and seasonal taverns and beach bars come back into operation.

Do & See

Whether it is beach relaxation, active pursuits, ancient ruins, or even museums that you're looking for - Naxos has it all. Sites of particular interest include the gate-shaped Portara, Venetian Kastro, the beautiful hiking trails inland (towards the village of Halki, containing the historic Vallindras citrus distillery), and the island's sparse (yet present) archaeological sites.

Dining

Perhaps surprisingly, Naxian cuisine is known more for its meat than seafood - grass-fed beef, lamb, goat meat and poultry often feature as primary dish ingredients on the island restaurants' menus. Try the Naxian specialty Easter dish called "patoudo" - stuffed lamb meat with herbs, often accompanied by the celebrated regional potatoes. Meals often start with a round of small plates called "meze" - these may contain seafood, meat, and vegetables. The island is also particularly known for its locally-produced wines and cheeses - do give those a try if the opportunity presents itself.