Naxos

Naxos

The excitement is great, always: whether or not it is the first time you have come to this little peninsula, a clot of lava congealed by the waters, stretching out info the Ionian Sea, between a little stream and the mythical Akesines to the southeast and the magnificent, deep bay to the northeast. Here is Cape Schiso; here is the landing place of Theocles the founder and of the apoikoi from Euboea and of the Cyclops driven with their ships onto these fertile and beautiful lands by a slight easterly wind. Here there was Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily: at this precise geographical point in the world, 2700 years ago, there began thegreat adventure of a people that, in the spare of a few decades, was to create an unparalleled and envied myth and whose cities, for over five hundred years, were to rival, in splendour and beauty, the most splendid and beautiful ones in the homeland.

Activities

Portara is the "trademark" of Naxos, if you will. It has many names. Some of them are: Portara, Palatia, Temple of Apollo, Church of Ariadne. It's been there for thousands of years and still stands there, showing the glory of ancient Greece. The Venetian castle still remains one of the biggest "live" parts of the history of Naxos and Chora Naxos in particular. There are still people living in the Castle area. One of the most well known families still living there is the one of Dellarokas. The museum of Chora Naxos is at the heart of the Castle. It has a big number of artefacts from various periods of the history of Naxos. You will be able to see samples of ancient local art and the influences coming from other civilizations. In order to go to the museum, get into the old town of Chora and you will see little signs every now and then pointing you to the museum. Alternatively, just ask one of the locals there. The old town of Chora Naxos hides a lot of the secrets of the old Naxos. The old style houses, the little shops, the small tavernas and old style bakeries show the beauty and friendliness of the old town and its people. It is highly suggested that you go for a walk there. The famous Naxos' Eye is a special stone that can only been found on the island of Naxos. Created by the combination of the Greek sea, sun and other climatic conditions Naxos Eye remains one of the trademarks of Naxos. You can find it on jewels sold at jewellery shops on the island

Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Greece.

Weather Forecast

Sailing Calendar

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