Exploring the picturesque mountain villages of Naxos reveals another side of the largest island in the Cyclades, delighting those eager to discover it.
Naxos is an island that has it all and can satisfy everyone. Both those who want to lounge for hours under an umbrella on a golden sandy beach and those who prefer to explore its every inch.
The beauty of the largest island of the Cyclades is not limited to its wonderful beaches and thecosmopolitan part with Chora, the iconic Portara and the Venetian Castle. Within Naxoss lush interior, picturesque and peaceful traditional villages,labyrinthine alleys with arches, medieval towers,intriguing museums and cool squares with plane trees and traditional cafés await visitors who want to discover the islands authentic side. Touring these settlements is an experience you shouldnt miss.
Mountainous Naxos: The villages you absolutely must visit
Apeiranthos
Apeiranthos is the most famous mountain village on Naxos. The village of Manolis Glezos - «t Aperathou», as the locals call it - preserves its traditions, the distinctive speech of its inhabitants, which recalls the Cretan dialect, and its architectural character from the era of Venetian rule. Here youll walk on marble-paved alleys with vaulted arches, admire Venetian towers and two-story stone houses, see interesting museums (Archaeological, Folklore, Center of Visual Arts, Natural History and Geological) and have coffee with the locals in traditional cafés, such as «Apeiranthos», in the villages central square.
Renowned tavernas in the village include Lefteris (try the stuffed bifteki) and Platanos, while Rotonda, in a wonderful location near the village,is an ideal stop for coffee or food with a view of the sunset.
Halki
Halki,the islands former commercial capital, is a jewel of Naxoss inland. Just 17 km from Naxos Town, this well-preserved village hides along its cobbled lanes splendid neoclassical mansions with paved courtyards, majestic towers and Byzantine churches filled with frescoes. Dont miss visiting the historic «Vallindras» distillery and tasting its famous kitron. The liqueur made from citron leaves,Naxos kitron, comesin three versions based on its alcohol and sugar content (yellow, white and green).
In Halki you will also find the best galaktoboureko on Naxos, at the Galanis kafeneio, otherwise called Spitiko Galaktoboureko.Coffee and delicious, homemade sweets are served at the tasteful Cafe Grecco.
Filoti
The largest village on Naxos, Filoti,lies at the foot of Mount Zas, at an elevation of 400 m and 18 km from Chora. The first impression for the visitor approaching the village is impressive, as it is built amphitheatrically on two hills, while it consists of three settlements: Rachidi, Klefaro and Lioiri. In the village square a centuries-old plane tree dominates, while the paved, labyrinthine lanes and arches transport you to another era.
The villages trademark is the church of Panagia Filotissa, which has stood since 1710 at one of its highest points. In the village you will also see the impressive Barozzi Tower (Barozzi), one of the many Venetian towers of Naxos. A very good choice for coffee, dessert and food is Platanos, which makes rustic pizza with local products in a wood-fired oven. At a distance of just 2 km from Filoti, is the stone fountain of Arias, from which you will enjoy a unique view of the village.Following a path that starts at the spring, you will discover the Cave of Za.
Koronos
Koronos is one of the oldest settlements in northwestern Naxos. Built at an elevation of 540 m, on the slopes of a ravine, it presents from afar a magical landscape, drenched in green. The village consists of the neighborhoods Anegyrida, Kastro, Leivadaki, Kato Geitonia, Apano Sterna, Platsa and Provolakia, which are connected by picturesque cobbled lanes and countless steps. Almost every neighborhood has its own square and retains its old fountain, while there is also a central square, Platsa as the locals call it.
In Koronos you will find the famed taverna of Matina that serves traditional cuisine with vegetables and meats from the family farm in a very lovely space full of flowers.
