Naxos: The island of self-sufficiency and exploration

The paradise that Nikos Kazantzakis found here will become yours, too, when you see Portara at sunset, when you go up to the Venetian Castle of Naxos, when you dive in the turquoise waters of Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios, when you watch the surfers in Ai Giorgis and the kite surfers jumping over the water in Mikri Vigla, and when you are quiet away from the crowds on the beaches of Agiassos, Psili Ammos, and Kleidos.

Naxos is beautiful. Green and blue in all possible shades dominate the palette that spreads before your eyes every summer, inviting you to fill it with your colours and experiences.

Naxos is large—the largest island in the Cyclades—and inexhaustible. You'll understand when you've seen some beaches, tavernas, and nice little hotels.

Ascend to the cave of Za, where, according to mythology, Zeus lived during his childhood, and an eagle delivered the thunderbolt to him.

Walk on the plain of Tragea and discover its Byzantine monuments one by one, and visit Apeiranthos with its four museums and the people who keep traditional customs and dialect.

Tour Halki with its neoclassical houses and Koronos.

See the emery mines with the aerial bridges, the Demeter Temple at Gyroulas, as well as the imposing towers of the countryside.

Naxos is self-sufficient. And generous.

Olive oil and olives, delicious potatoes and fresh meats, graviera P.O.P. Naxos, Kopanisti Naxos P.O.P., and other cheeses, tsipouro, wine, honey, almonds, along with traditional recipes.

Naxos is happy. It reverberates with the music of the festivals organised throughout the summer, the traditional feasts, parties, dances, and songs.

The Cycladic Island must be your next travel destination, not for one trip but for many, as only then will you look behind the tourist window and appreciate it fully.

READ MORE: Kos: An island of wine, olive groves and fresh produce.