This long stretch of golden sand on Naxos' west coast stretches for miles and is popular with families, backpackers and naturists alike. But due to its size, there's more than enough room for everyone.
Starting at Agios Prokopios, the beach stretches south to Agia Anna and becomes Plaka beach further down the coast.
At Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna there are tavernas and shops lining the beach and tourist facilities available, while further afield the beach becomes more remote with fewer facilities.
The sea is clear and the beach shelves gently into the sea, making it ideal for kids.
Agios Prokopios itself is a laid-back beach resort with a few tavernas, bars and shops and a number of hotels and apartments. It lies 6km from the island's capital, Naxos Town.
NAXOS GATE (PORTARA)
The "Portara" is arguably the most recognisable sight on the island of Naxos.
This large marble gate (the only remaining part of a temple dedicated to Apollo, and built in the 6th Century BC) stands on a small island (which is connected to the main island) by the ferry port in Naxos Town.
As you approach the island by ferry, it is likely to be the first thing that you recognise.
The island upon which the Portara sits is very rocky and it is quite a steep climb up to the top. Thankfully, steps up to the Portara have been built to accommodate the hordes of tourists that venture up to see it.
If you stand "behind" the Portara (ie closest to the sea and furthest from the town), the Portara acts like a photo frame framing the view of Naxos Town.
INTERIOR OF THE ISLAND
The west coast of Naxos, where Naxos Town and the beautiful beaches are located, is only the tip of the iceberg. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands and has a lot to offer in its mountainous interior as well.
By far the best way to visit the interior of the island is to rent a car. Then take a scenic loop beginning in Naxos Town and heading out southeast to Filoti, then northeast to Apirathos and Apollon, and finally head back to Naxos Town along the highway that follows the north coast.
PANAGIA DROSIANI NAXOS
This Early Christian church lies near the village of Moni.
The interior wall surfaces have wall paintings of various phases; from the end of the 6th and the beginning of the 7th centuries.
Ápiranthos Naxos
Apirathos is known as the White City because nearly everything there is built from white marble from the island's famous quarries. Even the gravel on Naxos is crushed white marble! Apirathos is on a hill and has narrow winding paths that are fun to navigate. The town was colonised in the 17th and 18th centuries by Crtean refugees trying to get away from Turkish oppression. It really is a wonderful mountain village with marble paved climbing streets which are so easy to get lost in, and 14th century towers which were built by the Venetian Crispi family.
Chalki Naxos
The best way to see more of the island is to hire a car and head off into the Tragaia valley with its little towns and wonderful views. Chalki is a pictureque little place with Ventetian. architecture. It is worth a short stop to wander through the little streets. In the centre is the old Byzantine Fragopoulis tower.
Getting to Naxos Island
By Ferry:
Various shipping lines operate ferries to Naxos and they can and do change from summer to summer. The travel time is between six and eight hours. Boats leave from two ports, the well known Piraeus and the lesser known Rafina which is, in fact, closer to the new airport. There is also a catamaran - the High Speed - which, in theory, cuts the sailing time to Naxos to about three and a half hours.
Under normal circumstances, there is at least one ferry every morning leaving Piraeus at 8 am. arriving at Naxos between 2 pm and 3pm. There is then, usually, one or two in the evening departing between 5 pm and 8 pm and arriving, therefore, between 11 pm and 2 am. This gives a good general guide to times but should never be taken on trust - always try to check and double check these times. By Plane: Small planes fly to and from Naxos operated by Olympic Airways. At peak times there should be two flights a day, leaving Athens at about 9 am and 4.30 pm.
NAXOS HOLIDAYS
For the holidaymakers who can drag themselves away from the glorious beaches, Naxos provides a wealth of ancient Greek remains as well as plenty of Byzantine and Venetian history. The islanda??s capital, also called Naxos, has a Venetian fortress as well as an ancient Greek temple to Apollo.
This temple is usually the first thing that a tourist sees when visiting Naxos by ferry because it stands proudly on the tip of the island, marking the way into the busy ferry port. The temple dates back to 522 BC but its ruinous appearance is not because much of it has been lost to the passage of time, but rather because the ancients never finished building it.
Naxos town is very picturesque port with a maze of whitewashed streets and alleyways, designed with the frequent invasions from Aegean pirates in mind. Its typically Cycladic architecture blends with the Venetian and every turning invites the visitor to explore.
With such romantic charm and mystique, it is little wonder that Naxos has long been popular with writers and artists. Lord Byron visited in his youth and never forgot the experience, referring to it in his writings as the a??Dream Islanda?? and often saying that he would love to return some day.
Naxos has 41 villages and most are worth exploring. They are found in the green fertile, valleys that are sandwiched between the rugged, arid mountains. Many of these are over 2000 feet high and the highest, Mount Zeus is 3,200 feet.
Naxos enjoys the economic rewards of being a tourist island but it does not depend on them for its prosperity. A great deal of farming takes place in its rich valleys and the cultivation of lemons is especially successful. In addition to lemons, Naxos produces cherries, pomegranates and other fresh fruit. It also produces olives, nuts and potatoes whilst its grapes make some of the best of Greek wines.
Naxos Nightlife
Naxos Greece is an extremely well-developed island with many entertainment venues, offering visitors a lot of different options. Along the beachfront drive and in the small side streets of Naxos Town (Chora) there are hundreds of cafes, bars, clubs and live music halls, some of the most exciting Naxos nightlife. The seaside resorts of Plaka, Agios Prokopis, Stelida and Agia Anna, located just south of Naxos Town (Chora), also provide a wide selection of nightlife venues. Apollonas village, situated on the northeastern side of the island, is a favourite place to enjoy a delicious meal and to relax with a cool drink while gazing at the small fishing port.
Naxos Local Festivals
In contrast to the many clubs and music halls, Naxos Greece also hosts plenty of festivals, fairs and events. While in Naxos Town during the summer months, you can take part in the "Dionysia" Festival, which is a mixture of cultural and athletic events. The summer cultural festival that takes place in the Bazeos Castle is simply wonderful, offering a variety of activities to participants. Other Naxos festivals take place on the name day of the patron saints of each village. Some of the popular festivals: Agios Prokopios on July 8 and Agia Anna on July 25 in their respective villages, the Virgin Mary on August 15 and Agios Ioannis on August 29 in Apiranthos, Agia Marina on July 17th in Koronos and the Virgin Mary 3-day festival in mid-August in Filoti.
Local Cuisine Local Products
Naxos Island Greece produces a wide variety of products. The most popular souvenir is a bottle of citron liqueur, which is made from citron leaves. Other Naxos products include hand-made woven fabrics, pottery, hand-made leather goods and jewelry, specially the "Naxos Eye", which is said to bring luck.
Naxos News
Wednesday 21st July
The famous singer Alkinoos Ioannidis is giving a concert at village Danakos- Naxos. The concert starts at 9.30 p.m.
Saturday 10th July
Kick boxing tournament on Naxos is taking place today at 20:00 at the central square down the port. Kick boxing fighters from all around Greece have arrived to Naxos to participate in the Naxos Kick Boxing Tournatment. To watch some of the best scenes press the button below.
Supersession EFPT - Prince of the Wind - Naxos The final of the European Freestyle Windsurfing Pro Tour is on!!! They search for the Prince of the Wind in Naxos.
March 11th 2011
Snow on Naxos Island. Winter has made its appearance on Naxos filling with snow all mountains.
March 10th 2011
The carnival parade , Labadidromies and Dionysia took place on Naxos Island.
The carnival season in Greece is also known as the Apokries (Greek: ÁðïêñéÝò, or the season of the "Opening of the Triodion", so named after the liturgical book used by the church from then until the Holy Week. One of the season's high points is Tsiknopempt? ("Smoke Thursday"), when celebrants enjoy roast beef dinners at taverns or friends' homes; the ritual is repeated the following Sunday. On Naxos Apokries was celebrated on the villages offering with dancing and singing. Each village follows its respective traditions with traditional music and dancing.
14th July - Naxos Saint Nicodemos Nameday
Thousands of people where gathered to celebrate Saint Nikodimos nameday on Naxos.
Saint Nikodemos the Haghiorite is an offspring of the island of Naxos in the Cyclades Islands. While young, he studied Greek letters in Smyrne under Ierotheos the Teacher. He came to the Holy Mountain in 1775 and was tonsured a Monk in the Sacred Dionysiou Monastery being renamed Nikodemos from Nicholas. In 1809 on July 14th he reposed, at 60 years of age.
Saint Nikodemos has left a multitude of writings of incalculable spiritual Orthodox value which in summary are the following: The Philokalia, Evergetinos, Concerning Constant Divine Communion, Alphabetalphabetos, Handbook of Spiritual Council, All the Writings of Symeon the New Theologian, Confessional Handbook, Invisible Warfare, New Martyrology, Spiritual Exercises, Neon Eklogion, The extant Writings of St. Gregory Palamas, The Sacred Rudder, The Epitaphion Engomia, New Theotokarion, Christoetheia, Euchologion, The Catholic Epistles, Epistles of the Apostle Paul, Commentaries on
the Psalms, Garden of Graces, Barsanouphios, Commentary of holy Haghiorite men, New Synaxaristes, Confession of his own Faith, Eortodromion, New Ladder, and a multitude of troparions, oikos asmatic canons and engomia to many Saints.
Tonight 16/7 at Micri Vigla Naxos ThalaSea Breeze Summer 2011 Festival
At 20:00 with Adedeji Adetayo from Nigeria and Neo Yoruba People (Greece-Nigeria - Cuba)
Tonight in Filoti 16/7 Cafe enjoy Naxos traditional music and cuisine
KINIDAROS DANCE FESTIVAL
Friday 29th of July - dance theater.
The “Dancing Workshop of Naxos” will present the act “Meetings...” and the “ki omos kineitai” dancing group it's new act called “ IL paR?aiso / to heaven”.
The music for “ ILpaR?aiso / to heaven” is originally composed and will be live performed by Dimitris Apostolakis (Hainides http://www.hainides.gr/ ) and Kloenas Antoniou (Mode Plagal http://www.modeplagal.gr/ ).
Saturday 30th of July - Brazilian music and dance culture.
Specifically the academy of capoeira “Banzo di Senzala Atenas” will present the music and the dance of capoeira. The academy is member of the Capoeira Federation “Senzala de Santos” (Master Sombra). It works as an extension of the academy in Barcelona and is dedicated to the diffusion of the capoeira in Athens.
Next on stage will be the “Quilombo Centro Cultural” which will present the music and the dance of Samba, Bosa Nova and Batucada. “Quilombo” was founded in 2004 and it functions as a place for rehearsals, music and dance lessons and seminars from Brazilian professors. Its goal is to spread the music and dance of different areas of Brazil. For further details please visit the web site: http://www.quilombo.gr/home.php
Both days the events are performed with live music. The second day the show will end with Dj set by Stamo Mendez and the participation of the public in the dance.
For further please contact Mr. Ioannis Karpontinis at 6974257744 or yiannis_f@mycosmos.gr .
11th Naxos Festival
You may book your tickets from Bazaios Tower, 12ï klm Town Agiassos Tel +30. 22850 31402 Naxos Tourist Information,port. Tel. 22850 25480 Cafe Citron, naxos town Tel. 22850 22227 Vallindras , Chalki. Tel. 22850 31220
Jazz music by the famous German Markus Stockhausen and Greek music players: George Kaloudis, Vasilis Rakopoulos, Takis Farazis.
Monday 1/8 - at 21:30
Piano Recital - Alexandra Papastefanou
Enjoy music written by Mozart Schumann, Debussy Gulda, Kalogeras and Koukou.
Tuesday 2/8 - at 21:30
One night with the writter Alexandros Isaris. (music - books - video presentation)
Thursday 4/8 - at 21:30
Jazz duo
Anders Lonne Gronseth, saxophone- David Skinner, piano.
Enjoy the Norwegian music players in a combination of the European traditional classical music with American Jazz.
Sunday 7 êáé Monday 8/8 - at 21:30
"Ôï ÐáñôÜëé "
A man who used to wear women clothes and to survive. A beautiful performance by Theodoros Gregoriadis.
Festival of Athens production in cooperation with Naxos Festival and DIPETHE KAVALAS Check out the latest news on Naxos
Thursday 11/8 - at 20:00
Ãéáôß öõóÜåé ï Üíåìïò;
Muppet Show with live music, songs based on a fairytale of Lefkada island. Organized by FTOU KSELEYTHERIA team
Saturday 13/8 - at 21:30 –
Music Festival with full moon in Dionisos Temple - Iria
"CITY VOICES"
Mania Papadimitriou - Kostas Vombolos singing for real and virtual cities
Tuesday 16/8 - at 21:30
Maran Atha
Giasemi Kelaidoni performing based on the book written by Thomas Psirras "Maran Atha"
Friday 19/8 - at 21:30
CamilleClaudel: "ôï êýìá ôçò ôñÝëáò"
All festivals will take place in Bazaios Tower, apart from the music festival that will take place on Saturday 13/8 that will take place in Dionisos Temple in Iria archaological site.
Ticket Cost for all festivals
20 € and 15 € (student). The muppet show that will take place on 11/8 will cost 10 €.
You may book your tickets from
Bazaios Tower, 12ï klm Town Agiassos Tel +30. 22850 31402
Naxos Tourist Information,port. Tel. 22850 25480
Cafe Citron, naxos town Tel. 22850 22227
Vallindras , Chalki. Tel. 22850 31220
BEACH VOLLEY MASTERS 2011
ON NAXOS ISLAND
from 29th - 31st July
These are the places that will host Beach Volley Masters 2011 for this year Greek Tournament. The tournament starts in Aigina on 16/6-19/6 , and will continue in:
Voula (1-3 July) RETHMNO (8-10 July) KERAMWTI (22-24 July) NAXOS ISLAND FINAL VOLLEY MASTERS (29-31 July)
For teams that wish to take part on Hellenic Masters Beach Volley 2011 you may contact up to the 15th July at
Tel: 22853 60172
Fax: 22850 23570
E-mail: efitrou@naxos.gov.gr
Orfeas Peridis on Naxos
August 6th Apiranthos Village
OLD NEWS
Wednesday 21st July
The famous singer Alkinoos Ioannidis is giving a concert at village Danakos- Naxos. The concert starts at 9.30 p.m.
Saturday 10th July
Kick boxing tournament on Naxos is taking place today at 20:00 at the central square down the port. Kick boxing fighters from all around Greece have arrived to Naxos to participate in the Naxos Kick Boxing Tournatment. To watch some of the best scenes press the button below.
All boat iterinaries will be cancelled for Wednesday 4th of May due to strike throughout Greece.
Banks will be also closed and all public services on Naxos Island.
Registrations hav
Registrations have already began for the dancing workshop of "Nisos Naxos 2010 ",
The workshop will last for 12 days, from July 19th to August 1st. Organized in cooperation with the municipality of Drymalia Naxos and with the participation of many villages, Nisos Naxos 2010 gives to the participants the opportunity to learn the 50 beautiful dances from all Cyclades islands. A real celebration of Greek culture!
Festival of Koudounatoi & Kordellati on Naxos Island
February 2010 9:09
As you may already know naxos is the birthplace of the god Dionysus.
From the very first Saturday of Carnival, the celebration begins with the slaughter of pigs and other events.
At noon on the last Sunday in Apiranthos "koudounatoi" make their appearence. They wear hooded cloaks and go around the village making noise and the indecent expressions. Hold "stove" wood be parallel with the Dionysian phallus.
Mixed with them the "old man", the "Old Woman" and "Bear." On Halloween events "Koudounati" one can see the 'Marriage of the Bride, "" Death ", the" Resurrection of the Dead "
Shrove Monday in communities Potamia, Kaloxiloso, Livadia, etc. residents are dressed "Kordelati" or "Leventes" .
The second name, "Leventes" attributed to pirates. They follow the robbers, the "Spararatoroi, who grab the girls to put in force in the dancing and celebrations being held up to morning.
AEGEAN PALACE hotel in Naxos is a 4 star luxury hotel located in the western coast of Naxos - in Plaka beach, 7 klms from the city centre of Naxos. With 60 guest bedrooms and 10 suites this privately owned hotel is designed as a restful, elegant refuge for both the business and leisure traveller.
At Anna Beach Studios in Agios Prokopios, Naxos, guests can select the type of accommodation that best suits their needs and tastes from a wide variety of apartments and rooms. The hotel includes 9 studios and 1 suite in different sizes.
Anna Beach Studios are especially charming, built and decorated in the traditional Cycladic style, providing guests with a ‘taste’ of genuine island life. All apartments are fully-equipped with modern facilities for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
There are 3 types of apartments available: standard, superior and family (2-room), all of which feature a balcony or a veranda.
Contact info
E-mail: info@anna-studios.com
Mobile: +30 6945 019 597
AYGERINOS VILLAGE - AGIASSOS BEACH - NAXOS
The Hotel is situated next to Agiassos Beach with amphitheatric view to the seashore of beautiful Agiassos.
This family run -hotel is especially designed to provide accommodation for families in comfortable and fully air-conditioned villas, with the apartments designed to relax, completely equipped kitchens, capacious balconies with the sea view.
Birikos hotel in Agios Prokopios offers guests a wide variety of rooms and suites to suit both desires and budget. All units are tastefully decorated to reflect the traditional Naxos ambience.
Equipped with all modern facilities, Birikos hotel in Agios Prokopios in Naxos island promises to offer world-class hospitality and personalized services to tourists visiting Greece. It offers unparalleled services to leisure travelers. Birikos Resort can be termed havens of luxury, comfort and coziness, satisfying every possible need.
Birikos Hotel in Agios Prokopios consists of 3 buildings, the superior unit ,(9) luxurious appartments. The standard unit consists of seven (7) studios and nine (9) appartments. The room-friendly unit consists of 12 double rooms.
For reservations you may: Call: (+30 22850) 41654 , 25474Fax on: (+30 22850) 41583 Our adress is Naxos Island - Agios Prokopios, P.C. 84300Contact Sales Manager by email: info@birikos.com http://www.agiosprokopioshotel.com
Chrisallis Studios in Naxos have comfortable beds, air conditioning, fridge, television, sea view , balcony or terrace, private shower and WC.
All of the rooms have kept their traditional style and decoration and offer a relaxing atmosphere for your vacation.
Keep in mind that in a 5 min distance, you will find the organized beach of Ag. Prokopios with a big variety of restaurants, stores and beach sports!
To make a reservation or to enquire about the rooms, facilities or services at Chrisallis Studios , please send us your message at nek_sch@yahoo.com. You can also contact us by phone at Tel.: +30 22850 41854/ -mob.:+ 6949 105 347. Thank you for selecting us.
GLARONISSI STUDIOS - PLAKA BEACH - NAXOS
Glaronissi 1 is a family run , built with care on the golden beach of Plaka, Naxos Island, awarded with the "Blue Flag" of the European Union.
It consists of 6 studios, with private balcony overlooking the deep blue of the Plaka beach. Glaronissi 1 is situated just 7 km away from the picturesque town of Naxos. Plaka is 5 km distance from Naxos Airport. A bus-stop is situated nearby the hotel allowing for transportation from Plaka to all the hot-spots of the Naxos.
To make a reservation or to enquire about the rooms, facilities or services at Glaronissi 1 Studios, please send us your message. You can also contact us by phone at +30 22850 41201 or mob.:+693 6762700. You may also email us at info@glaronissi1.com
http://www.glaronissi1.com
GOLDEN SILENCE STUDIOS - AGIOS PROKOPIOS - NAXOS
Golden Silence, Agios Prokopios, Naxos, Greece
Golden Silence Studios in Agios Prokopios beach consists of comfortable studios, all designed in a simple and elegant way.
Enjoy your breakfast gazing over the deep-blue waters of the Aegean or your evening drink watching the sunset that covers the sea with thousands of colours.
Our primary goal is the immediate and discreet response to our guests' demands.
All rooms have bath, refrigerator and the proper utensils, air-conditioning, and television adn fully equipped kitchen.
Kalamuria Studios in Plaka beach consist of 8 double - triple comfortable studios, all designed in a simple and elegant way.
Enjoy your breakfast gazing over the deep-blue waters of the Aegean or your evening drink watching the sunset that covers the sea with thousands of colours.
To make a reservation or to enquire about the rooms, facilities or services at the Golden Silence Rooms & Studios, please send us your message. You can also contact us by phone at +30 22850 41180 or +30 210 9625323 mob.:+30 6937 678912
Kalia Studios has 9 studios and 2 appartments overlooking the cedar forest of Agia Anna and the Aegean Sea.
Each room is equipped with a television set, a high speed internet access, WiFi access, safe box, hairdryer, fridge, A/C.
Each suite has its own soul, its own individual harmony.
Hotel address: Agia Anna - Naxos - P.C 84300
Our telephone center operates everyday and our phone numbers are :+30 22850 41930
Our fax number is :+30 22850 41933.
Built in a traditional way according to the Cycladic style, Studios Katerina and Babis is situated a few steps away from the famous beach of Naxos Agios Prokopios beach.
Enjoy your holidays in Naxos island, the stunning sunsets and the unique hospitality offered in Katerina and Babis Studios in low prices.
In case you decided to spend your holidays in Agios Prokopios in Naxos island and wish to stay in our studios yïõ may send us an email to nek_sch@yahoo.com or contact us by phone on +6997058184, 22850 42753, 22850 42573, or fax on +30 22850 42753.
Klimataria Studios in Agios Prokopios Naxos is comprised of 11 spacious and elegantly furnished apartments and studios. Guests will find a variety of comfortable facilities and will be assisted by our warm and hospitable personnel who make Klimataria one of the most hospitable studios in Agios Prokopios.
Klimataria Studios operate from April 15 to October 31.
MANOLIS STUDIOS are found in tourist region KASTRAKI - MIKRI VIGLA, NAXOS with the eminent beaches and marine sports, near the sea, with access in a lot of near beaches such as MIKRI VIGLA, KASTRAKI ALIKO, AGIOS PROKOPIOS, and AGIA ANNA
It is constituted from 10 completely equipped studios that service from 2 to 5 individuals, operating from April up to October.
Naxos Edem Studios are located near the center of Naxos Town and Saint George Beach.
Here you may enjoy the sparkling sea, the golden bay as well as marine sports.
In case you need further information you may contact us by phone at :
+30 22850 23221
+30 22850 24780
mobile: +30 694 229 1210 Þ or fax at +30 22850 23221.
EMAIL: info@naxosedemstudios.com
Thank you for your preference.
PANORAMIC VIEW - AGIOS PROKOPIOS - NAXOS
Panoramic View Resort offers visitors 8 comfortable hotel rooms and 2 hotel studios, all-inclusive facilities and immaculate hotel services in a hospitable environment, ensuring that its guests spend a fully enjoyable and relaxing stay in a serene setting. We will be glad to welcome you at Panoramic View Studios & Apartments complex, one of the finest Agios Prokopios Naxos hotels operating from April 15 to October 25.
Our rooms are decorated with great elegance and they are expecting to accomodate all visitors,and offer you the best accomodation and convinience during your vacation.
Three lakes Hotel rooms are appointed with distinctive Naxian inspirations and well-designed state-of-the-art facilities.
Check in time is 14:00 hrs and check out time is 12:00 noon.
To make a reservation or to enquire about the rooms, facilities or services at the Three Lakes Hotel, please send us your message at dimitrokallista@yahoo.gr. You can also contact us by phone at +30 6977 33 57 77.
VILLA VERANDA STUDIOS - PLAKA BEACH - NAXOS
Our resort is located in Plaka beach in Naxos, only 6km, from the city center of Naxos.
Here you will experience your desired holidays, as the area is one of the most well known within Naxos.
Only 50m from one of the best Naxian beaches, our hotel will definitely offer you peace and quite as well as relaxation in a family environment.
Additionally we offer:
- Special Group and Family rates
To make a reservation or to enquire about the rooms, facilities or services at Villa Veranda Studios ,please send us your message at nek_sch@yahoo.com. You can also contact us by phone at Tel.: +30 22850 41480/ -mob.:+30 6937301162. Thank you for selecting us. http://www.greenverandastudios.gr
ed Dionysiou Monastery being renamed Nikodemos from Nicholas. In 1809 on July 14th he reposed, at 60 years of age.
You may also send us an email at :
