ESSENCE OF NAXOS: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE AUTHENTIC VILLAGES AND SACRED SIGHTS OF NAXOS

Time to visit ornate Halki village and the gracious manor that hosts the Vallindras distillery. Here, we will taste the famed local liqueur Naxos Kitron (PDO), meet the producers and learn about this fiery Naxian aperitif, before continuing our stroll around the beautiful narrow streets and enjoying a short coffee break.

 

Awaiting us next is the byzantine church of Virgin Drosiani, a remarkable monument of the early Christian period. Some of the preserved frescoes date back to the 6th century, making them among the oldest in the Balkans, while others hark from the 11th to the 14th centuries. Notably, the surviving icon of Panagia Drosiani is connected to many legends: one such story claims that whenever the residents of nearby Moni village were in danger, the icon would manifest tears or dewdrops (Drosiani means “dewy” in Greek). Your destination angel will illuminate this historic site with more colourful stories and legends about the church.

 

Crossing the village of Moni, we now arrive at the Crossroad of Keramoti, the largest locus in the mountainous spine of Naxos, found between Apeiranthos, Keramoti and Koronos. Get ready to set your Instagram on fire with the magnificent uninterrupted view to the eastern and western side of Naxos. Through Keramoti we make our way to our last stop of the day, Apeiranthos, the best-known village of Naxos, to soak up its perfect harmony between natural splendour and traditional Cycladic charms. Did you know that many Cretans call this village home? If you have been to Crete before you might notice that the dialect sounds similar.

 

We’re headed for the Archaeological museum to view fascinating finds from the proto-Cycladic period. There will be free time to explore the village on your own also: stroll the marble paved alleys or even take in one of the other three museums here: the Geological Museum boasts some rare items among its approximately 2.000 exhibits; the Natural History Museum is a trove of the area’s fauna and flora (including a small aquarium); while the Folklore Museum displays traditional fabrics, embroidery and tools. Reward your wide wanderings with a leisurely meal of delicious local flavours in one of Apeiranthos’ tried and tested traditional tavernas.

 

Naxos’s most impressive sculptures are in the open air. They are one of the most popular attractions on the island. Colossal, half-finished statues of young men – Archaic kouri – they have been resting for aeons in the same spot, one in a garden at Melanes, where are last stop will take place.Lying, as if waiting, for their creators to come and finish the job. Return to Naxos town.