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    Naxos

    Naxos

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    5. Naxos
    As the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades, Naxos offers an impressive diversity, from long sandy beaches to mountainous hinterland and traditional villages. The capital Chora impresses with the Portara, the monumental marble gate of the ancient Temple of Apollo, which overlooks the harbour. In the heart of the city, you'll find the Venetian Kastro, a medieval quarter with narrow alleys and historic buildings, reflecting the island's long history. Away from the coast, a trip is worthwhile to mountain villages like Apiranthos, known for its marble architecture and museums, or to the mythologically significant mountain region of Zas. Try the local products such as Naxos Graviera cheese and Kitron liqueur in the tavernas. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, to explore the island at pleasant temperatures and with fewer tourist crowds.
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    • Neighborhoods & highlights
    • Walking tours
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    • Culture
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    Overview

    As the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades, Naxos offers remarkable diversity, ranging from extensive sandy beaches to a mountainous inland landscape. The capital, Chora, welcomes you with the imposing Portara, the monumental marble gate of an ancient Apollo temple, which majestically overlooks the harbor and offers an ideal spot for sunsets. In the heart of the town, the Venetian Kastro, with its winding alleys and historic buildings, invites exploration, allowing you to experience the island's long history firsthand. An excursion into the mountainous hinterland leads to traditional villages like Apiranthos, known for its unique marble architecture and informative museums, or to the mythologically significant region of Mount Zas. Don't miss trying the award-winning Naxos Graviera cheese and the characteristic Kitron liqueur in the local tavernas. For a relaxed trip, late spring or early autumn is recommended to enjoy pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors.

    Places in Naxos

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Sights in Naxos

    1Tubby Black Kitty

    The Tubby Black Kitty is not a traditional architectural sight, but a charming, unofficial landmark of Naxos Town, often found near the Kastro or by the harbour. This particularly friendly black cat has over the years become a popular photo subject and a symbol of the island's relaxed way of life. Its presence highlights the deep connection Greeks have with their stray cats, which are often lovingly cared for here. You'll often find it dozing in the sun or on one of the many chairs outside the tavernas. Look out for its distinctive, plump physique. For an undisturbed photo, it's best to observe it from a distance and not pursue it. Respect its personal space. You'll best encounter it in the early morning hours or late afternoon, when fewer tourists are around and it's often searching for food.
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    2Ciccio & Lady cute cats

    Die Katzen Ciccio & Lady sind keine historische Stätte im klassischen Sinne, doch verkörpern sie ein wesentliches Element des Lebens auf den griechischen Inseln, insbesondere auf Naxos. Streunende Katzen sind hier ein fester Bestandteil des Stadtbildes und haben oft eine informelle Rolle bei der Schädlingskontrolle. Ciccio und Lady haben sich durch ihre charmante Präsenz und ihre oft zutrauliche Art zu lokalen Persönlichkeiten entwickelt, die die entspannte Atmosphäre der Insel widerspiegeln.Du triffst sie meist in den verwinkelten Gassen der Chora oder in der Nähe kleiner Tavernen, wo sie sich in der Sonne aalen oder auf eine kleine Aufmerksamkeit hoffen. Ihre Anwesenheit erinnert an die enge Verbindung zwischen Mensch und Tier in der ländlichen griechischen Kultur.Tipp für Besucher: Beobachte die Tiere respektvoll und aus angemessener Distanz, um sie nicht zu beunruhigen. Das beste Licht für natürliche Fotos findest du in den frühen Morgenstunden oder am späten Nachmittag. Wenn du sie füttern möchtest, wähle tiergerechtes Futter und vermeide es, sie zu überfüttern.
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    3Castle Cat

    Das Kastro von Naxos-Stadt, ein herausragendes Beispiel venezianischer Festungsarchitektur, ist ein Kernstück der Inselhauptstadt und dient als Kulisse für die oft anzutreffenden „Castle Cats“. Errichtet im 13. Jahrhundert unter Marco Sanudo, dem Gründer des Herzogtums Naxos, war es einst das politische und militärische Zentrum der Kykladen. Beim Erkunden der engen, labyrinthartigen Gassen innerhalb der ehemaligen Festungsmauern stößt du auf historische Gebäude, darunter das venezianische Museum und das archäologische Museum, die die reiche Geschichte des Ortes dokumentieren. Die zahlreichen Katzen, die sich hier ansiedeln, sind ein fester Bestandteil des lokalen Lebens und prägen die Atmosphäre des Kastro auf ihre eigene, unaufdringliche Weise, indem sie die alten Gemäuer bevölkern. Unser Tipp: Um die Menschenmassen zu meiden und die besten Lichtverhältnisse für Fotos der historischen Architektur und der Katzen zu erhalten, empfiehlt sich ein Besuch in den frühen Morgenstunden oder am späten Nachmittag. Von den höheren Punkten des Kastro genießt du zudem eine beeindruckende Aussicht über die Stadt und das Ägäische Meer.
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    4Antico Veneziano Antique shop Naxos, greece

    The Antico Veneziano Antique Shop on Naxos offers a fascinating journey through the island's rich history. You'll find a curated collection of objects reflecting Naxos' centuries-long Venetian presence. Browse fine ceramics, traditional textiles, antique furniture, and jewellery, each recalling bygone eras. Each piece boasts unique character, providing authentic insight into the cultural heritage of the Cyclades and Venetian era. The selection spans from everyday objects to exquisite collector's pieces. Our Tip: Take your time to examine each object's details and uncover its stories. Visiting in the morning allows for undisturbed browsing before peak hours. Look for local craftsmanship and pieces with Byzantine or Venetian influence, often unique island testaments.
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    5Port of Agia Anna

    The Port of Agia Anna on Naxos is a picturesque anchorage, retaining its origins as a humble fishing village. Today, it serves local fishermen, their colorful kaikis defining the scene, and smaller excursion boats taking visitors to nearby beaches and islands. Here, you'll find an authentic blend of traditional island life and relaxed tourism. Along the waterfront promenade, charming tavernas line up, offering fresh fish straight from the boat. Its small size fosters an intimate atmosphere, with adjacent sandy beaches inviting you to linger. Historically, Agia Anna was key for local trade and fishing before tourism gained importance. Our tip: Visit the port late afternoon to watch the busy returning fishermen and then enjoy a seaside sunset dinner. For a quieter atmosphere and great fishing boat photo ops, an early morning visit is recommended.
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    City walks in Naxos

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights — handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Naxos-Stadt: Eine Zeitreise durch Gassen und Geschichte

    Entdecken Sie die charmante Hauptstadt von Naxos auf diesem zweistündigen Spaziergang. Von antiken Ruinen bis zu mittelalterlichen Gassen führt Sie diese Tour durch die Höhepunkte der Chora, gespickt mit atemberaubenden Ausblicken und dem besonderen Inselcharme. Eine perfekte Mischung aus Kultur, Geschichte und authentischem griechischem Flair.

    ~2 Std. 5 Min.
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    Stopps (6)

    Dining & Drinks

    Naxos: Cultural Heritage and History

    Naxos boasts an extraordinarily rich history dating back to the Early Cycladic civilization of the 3rd millennium BC. As the largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos was an important center of ancient cultures, renowned for its high-quality marble and the cult of Dionysus. Numerous archaeological sites bear witness to this glorious past.Venetian rule, particularly the Duchy of Naxos from the 13th to 16th century, left a lasting architectural mark on the island. The imposing Kastro in Chora, with its medieval walls, gates, and the Glezos Tower, is an outstanding example of this era and now houses the Archaeological Museum. Besides Venetian architecture, numerous Byzantine churches with valuable frescoes can also be found.Local traditions are reflected in daily life and cuisine. Naxos is known for its agricultural products, such as its famous potatoes, a variety of cheeses, and the unique Kitron liqueur. Festivals honoring patron saints and traditional music evenings preserve the island's vibrant culture and offer insights into its authentic identity.

    How to Get Around

    Die charmante Insel Naxos setzt auf unkomplizierte Fortbewegung, da es hier keine U-Bahn oder Straßenbahn gibt. Die wichtigste Säule des öffentlichen Nahverkehrs ist das Busnetz von KTEL Naxos, das Chora effizient mit vielen beliebten Stränden wie Plaka und Agios Prokopios sowie malerischen Bergdörfern verbindet. Bustickets können direkt im Bus oder an ausgewiesenen Verkaufsstellen erworben werden; für häufige Fahrten lohnt sich die Nachfrage nach Mehrfahrtenkarten oder Tagespässen.Für kürzere Distanzen und die Erkundung der Umgebung von Chora sind Fahrräder und E-Scooter eine ausgezeichnete Wahl, die an zahlreichen Verleihstationen verfügbar sind. Taxis bieten eine bequeme, wenn auch teurere Alternative, besonders für Fahrten vom Hafen oder Flughafen, wobei Ride-Sharing-Dienste auf der Insel weniger verbreitet sind. Die Altstadt von Naxos-Stadt (Chora) ist wunderbar fußgängerfreundlich und lädt zum Flanieren ein, mit vielen verkehrsberuhigten Zonen.Wer die Insel in all ihren Facetten erleben möchte, dem sei die Anmietung eines Mietwagens oder Quads empfohlen, um entlegene Buchten und Bergdörfer flexibel zu erreichen. Gerade in der Hochsaison ist es ratsam, frühzeitig zu buchen und sich auf begrenzte Parkmöglichkeiten in beliebten Gebieten einzustellen.

    Accommodations in Naxos

    Accommodations in Naxos

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    Cyclades

    Cyclades

    The Cyclades, a breathtaking island group in the Aegean Sea, are the epitome of the Greek dream. With their iconic whitewashed villages, brilliant blue-domed churches, and pristine beaches, they offer an unparalleled blend of cultural richness and relaxed Mediterranean flair. Discover the allure of these islands, where history meets hospitality and every sunset is a masterpiece.
    Paros

    Paros

    Paros, an island of the Cyclades, captivates with its authentic aesthetic and the combination of lively coastal towns and quiet mountain villages. The capital, Parikia, welcomes you with a charming harbor, winding alleyways, and the impressive Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani. In Naoussa, you'll find a picturesque fishing harbor that transforms into a vibrant meeting point in the evenings, known for its excellent seafood. Visit the traditional mountain village of *Lefkes* to get a glimpse into authentic island life and enjoy the panoramic views. The island is blessed with numerous beaches; Chryssi Akti (Golden Beach) is ideal for windsurfers, while Santa Maria allows for more relaxed sunbathing. To explore the island at your leisure and discover hidden coves, renting a scooter or car is recommended. The best time to visit is in late spring or early autumn, to experience pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
    Mykonos

    Mykonos

    Mykonos, one of the most famous islands of the Cyclades, captivates with its characteristic architecture of dazzling white houses and a labyrinth of narrow streets. The capital Chora, also known as Mykonos Town, features picturesque districts such as Little Venice, where colorful buildings stand directly by the sea. A historical landmark is the windmills of Kato Mili, which once served for grain processing and today offer a striking sight. Culturally, the island combines its heritage as a fishing village with a cosmopolitan flair, which is also reflected in the well-known beaches like Psarou and Elia. To explore the charming alleys and boutiques in Chora in peace, an early morning walk is recommended. The best time to travel for a more relaxed atmosphere is the pre- or post-season, especially in May or September.
    Syros

    Syros

    Syros stands out as one of the most elegant Cycladic islands, with its capital Ermoupoli boasting impressive neoclassical architecture. The city, once a significant commercial hub, impresses with its magnificent Town Hall on Miaouli Square and the historic Apollo Theater, a miniature version of Milan's La Scala. Above it lies the medieval Ano Syros, a labyrinthine, Catholic quarter that, with its narrow streets and the Cathedral of Saint George, forms a fascinating contrast. Syros is also the birthplace of Rebetiko, represented by Markos Vamvakaris, and cultivates a vibrant music culture. For a more relaxed experience, a visit in late spring or early autumn is recommended to enjoy the island and its beaches, such as Galissas or Kini, without the summer crowds. The island offers an authentic blend of cosmopolitan flair and traditional island life.
    Santorini (Thira)

    Santorini (Thira)

    Santorini, officially Thira, is a Greek island in the Cyclades, renowned for its dramatic caldera and unique Cycladic architecture. Its characteristic whitewashed villages like Fira and Oia cling to steep cliffs, offering expansive views of the Aegean Sea, especially at sunset. The island was formed after a massive volcanic eruption in the Bronze Age, whose remnants shape its current crescent form and buried the archaeological site of Akrotiri. Visitors explore its narrow streets, admire the blue-domed churches, and the breathtaking landscape. Beyond the main towns, beaches such as the Red Beach or the black sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos are also worth a visit. To avoid the large tourist crowds, the shoulder season in spring or autumn is recommended; book accommodations and restaurants in popular locations early to avoid disappointment.