Blue water and old buildings in Naxos Greece

Naxos is a big island in Greece. It is known for two main things: beautiful blue water and old buildings. When you visit Naxos, you will see both everywhere you look. The island has a long history, and you can see it in the old towns and castles. It also has many lovely beaches with clear blue water. This mix makes Naxos a special place to visit. It feels real and not too busy like some other islands. You can spend time relaxing by the sea or walking through tiny streets that are hundreds of years old.

Why People Like Naxos

Naxos is the biggest island in a group called the Cyclades. This means it has space for many different things. It has high mountains, green valleys, and long sandy beaches. Because it is big, it does not feel as crowded as some smaller islands, even in the summer. Naxos is good for families, couples, and people who like to explore. It has something for everyone. You can find quiet spots or places with more activity. The food is also very good because the island grows a lot of its own produce.

The Amazing Blue Water

Naxos has some of the best beaches in Greece. The water is often a bright, clear blue. It can be light blue near the sand and darker blue further out. The sand on many beaches is soft and golden or white.

Some famous beaches are:

• Agios Prokopios: This beach has beautiful light blue water and golden sand. It is well-organized with sunbeds and places to eat.
• Plaka Beach: This is a very long beach. It is great for walking. The water is clear, and there are parts that are quiet and parts with beach bars.
• Agia Anna: This beach is next to Agios Prokopios. It has a small harbor and nice tavernas right by the water.
• Mikri Vigla: This beach is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing because it can get windy, but it also has calm spots.

Even if you don't swim, just looking at the blue water is calming. You can sit at a cafe by the sea or take a walk along the coast. The color of the water changes depending on the time of day and the sun. Sometimes, you might see a quiet sailboat on the sea near Naxos Greece, adding to the peaceful view. The sea is a big part of life on the island. Fishermen go out in their boats, and ferries come and go, connecting Naxos to other islands.

The Charming Old Buildings

The main town of Naxos is called Chora. This is where you find many of the oldest buildings. The most famous part is the Kastro. This means castle. It is an old town built on a hill, like a fortress. The Kastro was built by Venetians a long, long time ago, around the 13th century.

Walking in the Kastro is like stepping back in time. The streets are very narrow and winding. They were built this way to confuse pirates who might try to attack. The buildings are made of stone, and many have old wooden doors and small balconies. Some of these buildings are still lived in today. You can find small shops, cafes, and churches hidden in the tiny alleys.

Outside the Kastro, but still in Chora, are other old parts of the town. The buildings here are more like typical Greek island houses – white with blue doors or windows. But they are still old and have a lot of character. The paths are often stone or cobblestone. You can wander for hours and keep finding new little corners.

One very famous old structure is the Portara. This is a large stone gate standing on a small island connected to the main town by a causeway. It is the only part left of an ancient temple that was never finished. It is over 2,500 years old. Seeing the Portara with the sea behind it, especially at sunset, is a must-do. It reminds you how long people have lived and built things on this island.

There are also old churches in Naxos, both in Chora and in the villages. Some are very small and simple, others have old paintings inside. These buildings tell the story of the island's past. You can see pretty buildings and blue water in Naxos Greece together in many views, especially from the higher parts of Chora or near the harbor.

Where the Blue Water Meets the Old Town

One of the nicest things about Naxos Chora is how close the old town is to the sea. The Kastro sits on the hill, looking down towards the harbor. Below it, the old town spreads out towards the water's edge. You can walk from the narrow, quiet streets of the Kastro down to the busy waterfront in just a few minutes.

Along the harbor, you see fishing boats and yachts. There are many restaurants and cafes right by the water. From here, you can look back up at the hill and see the old buildings stacked on top of each other, with the Kastro walls at the very top. It's a beautiful view that shows the history and the sea together.

Walking along the harbor promenade in the evening is very popular. The lights from the town reflect on the water. You can see the Portara lit up in the distance. It’s a place where the old world meets the modern life of the island, all happening next to the blue Aegean Sea.

More to See and Do

While the blue water and old buildings in Chora are highlights, Naxos has more to offer.

Here are some suggestions:

• Visit Mountain Villages: Naxos has traditional villages up in the mountains, like Apeiranthos or Filoti. They have a different feel from the coast, with stone houses and old churches.
• Explore Ancient Sites: Besides the Portara, Naxos has other ancient ruins, like the Temple of Demeter.
• Try Local Food: Naxos is known for its cheese (like Graviera and Kitro liqueur). Eat at a traditional taverna.
• Go Hiking: There are paths that go through the mountains and connect villages.
• Relax on Different Beaches: Each beach has its own vibe. Try a few to find your favorite.

Naxos is also home to different kinds of nature. While you might not see exotic animals everywhere, the island has its own ecosystem. Sometimes, if you are exploring the countryside or even older, quieter buildings, you might encounter local wildlife. For example, some visitors have reported seeing a brown bat hanging upside down in Greece, especially in older structures or caves, showing the island's natural side.

Naxos is different from some other famous Greek islands like Santorini, which is known for its dramatic cliffs and bright flowers and blue white houses in Santorini Greece. Naxos feels more traditional and grounded, with its focus on farming, local products, and a mix of long sandy beaches and historical depth. It offers a different kind of Greek island experience. Greece has a very long history, and you can see ancient things on many islands and in cities like Athens, where you can find famous statues at the Acropolis in Athens Greece. Naxos adds its own layer to this rich history.

Getting Around Naxos

Getting around Naxos is quite easy. You can rent a car, scooter, or ATV to explore freely. There is also a bus system that connects Chora to the main beaches and some villages. Taxis are available too. Walking is the best way to see Chora and the Kastro because the streets are too narrow for cars.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Naxos is usually from May to October. * May, June, September, October: The weather is warm and sunny, but it is not too hot. There are fewer people than in the peak summer months. The sea is warm enough for swimming. * July, August: This is the hottest time and also the busiest. Everything is open, but beaches and towns will have more people.

Visiting in the spring or fall lets you enjoy the blue water and old buildings without big crowds.

Summary

Naxos is a wonderful Greek island that offers a great mix of things to see and do. Its beautiful blue waters are perfect for swimming and relaxing on long sandy beaches. The old buildings in Naxos Chora, especially the Kastro and the Portara, tell stories of a long history and are fascinating to explore. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town and then seeing the clear blue sea nearby is a special experience. Naxos feels authentic and welcoming, making it a great choice for a Greek island holiday.

FAQ

What is Naxos known for?
Naxos is known for being the largest island in the Cyclades group. It is famous for its beautiful long sandy beaches with clear blue water, its fertile land producing local foods like potatoes and cheese, and its rich history seen in ancient ruins and the medieval Kastro (castle) area in Chora, the main town.

Is Naxos expensive to visit?
Naxos is generally considered less expensive than some other popular Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos. You can find a range of accommodation and food options to fit different budgets. Prices for things like meals and sunbed rentals on beaches are often more reasonable.

How do I get to Naxos?
You can get to Naxos by ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) or from other nearby Greek islands. There are both slower, larger ferries and faster high-speed ferries. Naxos also has a small airport with flights from Athens.

What is the Portara?
The Portara is a large marble gate that stands on a small island connected to Naxos town (Chora). It is the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo that was started in the 6th century BC but never finished. It is a famous landmark and a great spot to watch the sunset.

What is the Kastro in Naxos?
The Kastro is the old castle area built on a hill in Naxos Chora. It was built by the Venetians in the 13th century. It is a maze of narrow, winding streets and old stone buildings. It used to be the main center of power and protection for the island.

Are the beaches in Naxos sandy?
Yes, many of the most popular beaches in Naxos, especially on the southwest coast, are known for their long stretches of soft, golden or white sand. Beaches like Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and Mikri Vigla are all sandy. There are also some pebble beaches on the island.

Is Naxos good for families with children?
Yes, Naxos is very good for families. The beaches are often wide with shallow, calm water, which is safe for children. There are many family-friendly tavernas, and the island is large enough to offer various activities without feeling overwhelmingly crowded.

What local food should I try in Naxos?
You should try Naxian potatoes, which are famous in Greece for their taste. Also, try local cheeses like Graviera Naxou (a hard cheese) and arseniko (a strong, traditional cheese). Don't forget to try Kitro, a local liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree.

Can I walk around Naxos Chora easily?
Yes, Naxos Chora is best explored on foot. The old town, especially the Kastro area, has very narrow streets and steps where cars cannot go. Walking allows you to discover hidden shops, cafes, and beautiful old buildings at your own pace.

How long should I plan to stay in Naxos?
To really enjoy Naxos and see both the beaches and the old towns and villages, a stay of at least 4 to 7 days is recommended. This gives you enough time to relax by the sea, explore Chora thoroughly, and maybe take a trip to a mountain village or ancient site.

Is it easy to get around Naxos without a car?
It is possible to get around without a car using the local bus system, which connects Chora to popular beaches and some main villages. However, renting a car, scooter, or ATV gives you more freedom to explore the island's more remote areas and hidden spots.

What is the history of Naxos like?
Naxos has a very long and rich history. It was important in ancient Greek times, with myths connecting it to gods like Dionysus and Ariadne. It was also a major center during the Cycladic civilization. Later, it was ruled by Venetians, who built the Kastro, and then by the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of modern Greece.

Are there things to see besides beaches and Chora?
Yes, Naxos has much more. You can visit traditional mountain villages like Apeiranthos or Filoti, see ancient sites like the Temple of Demeter near Sangri, explore old churches, or go hiking on mountain trails. The island's diverse landscape offers many different experiences.

Is the water in Naxos clear?
Yes, the water around Naxos is generally very clear and clean, especially on the popular beaches along the southwest coast. The clarity of the water is one of the main reasons people love swimming and spending time at the Naxos beaches.

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