Nowhere is the real, space- and soul-friendly vacation better preserved than in the Aegean Sea, on the island of Naxos. While the sister islands, popular with developers, offer a chance to enjoy the developed infrastructure, the large number of impatient tourists, and luxurious but expensive hotels, Naxos allows the visitor to become immersed in the unhurried cadence of everyday life of a Cycladic.
Nowhere is the real, space- and soul-friendly vacation preserved better than in the Aegean Sea, on the island of Naxos. While the sister islands, popular among developers, offer the opportunity to enjoy the developed infrastructure, the large number of impatient tourists, and luxurious but expensive hotels, Naxos allows the visitor to become immersed into the unhurried cadence of day-to-day Cycladic life.
The capital provides an amazing view of the medieval citadel that was once the focus of the ancient castle. But a walk up the hill reveals magnificent views of Naxos. This sight overlooks the twisting streets of the castle, which hugs the hillside. Houses painted white seem to be heated to golden by the Mediterranean sun and enhanced with bougainvillea growing along the heavy wooden doors. The dukes of Venice, who built this walled and winding city to protect themselves against invaders, would hardly recognize the mica-reddened stone walls, arcaded cloisters, and enclosed patios that offer the modern-day explorer a chance to rest and ponder. Winding up its steep and narrow streets, the traveler may find himself lulled into the very heart of tradition by an exceptionally authentic Greek melody that flows out from some casement, past carved crests above older manors. The music might well be a Venetian classic, played on a lute. The simple beauty of the island, as well as an abundance of traditional products is one of the attractions of Naxos. This island really is a unique Greek island destination. Unlike many of the South Aegean islands, Naxos is blessed with exceptionally fertile land, which yielded its bounty of fruits, vegetables, dairy and livestock products, with yields spilling generously into the traditional markets. Local specialties such as the sweet Naxian potatoes, tangy Arseniko cheese, and Kitron liqueur, a citrus flavored spirit distilled in traditional copper alembics since the 19th century can be sampled on the island. The tradition of Naxos’ agriculture dates back to ancient times, thus adding to the uniqueness of each mountain village with its own local specialties and distinct character. Almost every casual visit to a taverna becomes a true Greek culinary experience with its emphasis on fresh tasting food. For example, enjoy locally grown, slow-roasted lamb, fragrant with wild oregano, handmade pasta and fresh cheeses, and crusty bread dipped into olive oil, accompany your meal with a glass of the local wine. Additionally, the unspoiled nature of the island contributes to a memorable family-oriented atmosphere, as locals eagerly share their time and good food with you – the visitor. It is not uncommon to be joined at the table of the taverna by the local owner who shares his wine and spoon sweet specialties made of wild figs with you, telling you about his family and ancestors.Naxos has plenty of less known coastline for those of you who want to venture away from the typical and enjoy a more traditional Greek island getaway. Miles of secluded sandy beaches will provide you with the ultimate place to enjoy a sunset beach session or even a bar-b-que. The sandy beaches of Plaka and Agios Prokopios are practically undiscovered and provide a fantastic setting for a more low-key evening in the company of the greek sea and sun. Spend a cool night in the summer at Mikri Vigla with a kitesurf adventure. Hidden away in the greek nature of Naxos, the locals of Naxos make the best out of their environment and enjoy it to the fullest.In this respect, the island village of Apiranthos is most interesting to visit, attached by a narrow isthmus to the end of Chora. It’s most famous for the most astonishing view over the bay with the 2,500 year old marble doorway of the Portara, the unfinished Apollo temple looming overhead the harbor. As the sun sets over Naxos, locals and visitors alike gather on the rocky crest to watch the sky blush pink and gold blend into the dark blue of the Aegean Sea, with the golden glow filtering through the great marble porticos. Statue like unfinished kourois – marble figures of gods or heroes – lie dormant in the excavated ruins of Apollonas, carved in the 7th century BC surrounding an excavated frieze of acanthus leaves which once decorated the ancient temple.
Set in the wild slopes of Mount Zeus, the village of Apiranthos boasts picturesque stone cottages, their white marble facades glowing in the setting sun. Local women continue their age old tradition of hand weaving beautiful woolen costumes, while local men congregate at the stone floored cafes, sipping strong Greek coffee and chatting in a mixture of the local Greek dialect and ancient Cretan Greek. Fragrant herbs add their spicy touch to the evening air, providing a most welcome coolness to the village inhabitants, who venture up the mountain slopes for their daily walk. In many ways, the magic of a Naxian holiday is related to the complementarity of its diverse attractions. In particular, the climb of the rocky path up to the top of Mount Zeus, the highest peak of the Cyclades, offers the most rewarding view over the whole island. Cool mountain springs and caves are scattered along the hiking trail following the local legend that the Zeus of the Olympian gods was raised on these very slopes. Classical mythology melts into the landscape of Naxos as the scenery takes on unique shapes reminiscent of the classical period.
As the sun sets on the horizon, transforming the island’s coastal tavernas into glowing beacons, the white washed buildings of Chora are hugged by the warm sea air, drifting past the aroma of freshly made Greek specialties and the sound of traditional music filling the evening air. Local fishing boats are moored in the marina for the night as their owners are set to set sail again in the morning in the daily rhythm of coastal life. Unlike other Cycladic towns dedicated to satisfy the demands of the international tourist, Naxos has been true to its time-honored character, offering the visitor a chance to experience the real Greek island tradition. As the international jet-setters explore other Cycladic islands, the locals of Naxos go about their business in a most unperturbed manner and welcoming the occasional foreign visitor with genuine Greek hospitality.
By combining the varied attractions of Naxos, from its relatively undiscovered sandy beaches, local flavors of traditional Greek cuisine and a fascinating array of Venetian and ancient history, this beautiful Aegean island offers the visitor a unique insight into the new age Greek island getaway that is all about authenticity, charm and character.
The Last Undiscovered Paradise of the Aegeon
