NAXOS
Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades.According to tradition, the first inhabitants of the island were the Thracians and the Pelasgians. Later came the Kares, led by Naxos, to whom the name of the island is attributed. It was the center of the archaic Cycladic culture.It is located approximately in the center of the Cyclades, south of Mykonos and east of Paros.
1. Temple of Demeter
As Demeter was the Olympian goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility, people built temples dedicated to her on fertile lands, such as that of Sangri.Excavations have led to the conclusion that the area was serving religious purposes since the late Mycenaean Era. During that time, places of worship used to be open-air.
The temple of Demeter in its current form was built around 530-520 BC, in the Doric architectural style that later influenced the Parthenon of Athens. It is of major archaeological importance, and some of its best-preserved sections have helped experts gain a better understanding of the architecture of that period.Its construction took place under the rule of Lygdamis, the tyrant of Naxos. had planned to create some of Greece's most impressive monuments in Naxos, including the Temple of Demeter and Portara, which supposedly would be a part of a great temple dedicated to Apollo that was never completed.
2. Agios Sozon
Traditionally regarded as the protector of sailors, Agios Sozon's worship is celebrated in the villages of the mainland and coastal regions.
His name translates into Greek as "savior". Sailors often invoke him to save them from rough seas, saying "Holy Savior, save us!"The small chapel with the cone-shaped dome is considered to date back to the Byzantine era, having been built as a vow of a merchant, who, during a shipwreck, swore to raise a church in honor of Agios Sozon in case the grace of the Saint helped him survive the incident. Reportedly, as his merchandise was mainly wine and oil, he placed these ingredients in the chapel's foundations. Agios Sozon is accessible by taking the hiking path that begins from the beach of Agiassos, while you can also reach the chapel by boat.
3.The archaiologis museum
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is one of the most important museums in the world due to its early Cycladic collection which includes the famous marble figurines. It boasts unique works of art and objects of daily use from Naxos and the so-called Little Cyclades complex which highlight the history of the Aegean region. Currently the Museum is closed since it is part of the project 'Islet of Museums in the Castle of Chora, Naxos' which is in progress of works.Findings of excavations that have taken place over the years across Naxos are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum. It houses various types of items, from objects of everyday use to works of art dating from the Late Neolithic period to early Christian times.The museum houses an impressive collection of marble Cycladic statues, gold jewelry, vessels, marble and clay pots, wooden tools, and funeral gifts found at the sites of these places. Many vessels are hand-made, consisting of coarse grain clay, sometimes decorated with a herringbone design.The museum also has an outstanding collection of Mycenaean pottery dating back to the second millennium BC. Pottery, terra-cotta figurines, and statues from the Bronze Age, Archaic period, Classical era, Roman Era, and Hellenistic period are also parts of the museum.
4. Routsouna waterfalls
Routsouna waterfall is a marvelous sight located near Keramoti, a picturesque village in the central region of Naxos.The height of Routsouna Waterfall is about 20 meters.
It is created by two streams that converge at the settlement's western edge. The wellsprings of the rivers are spotted in Koronos and Fanari mountains.Routsouna waterfall is a unique sight that differs from the common Cycladic setting.
Note that you can only approach the area on foot and need around 40 minutes to reach the waterfall.
5. Naxos aliko beach
The beautiful sandy beach of Alyko is located in the south-west of Naxos and is approximately 17.5 kilometres away from the island’s capital. It is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches of Naxos, with white sand and a new forest of cedar trees. Alyko is,the name of the greater coastal area that includes the saltpans right after Glyfada beach and the peninsula that follows. It includes several sandy beaches and coves.Alyko is the most popular of them all, most probably due to its easy access and its convenient orientation that make it a safe haven when the north winds rise.A vehicle is needed to get access to this beach and it is an easy ride because you drive on an asphalt road all the way on our suggested route from Naxos Town towards the south coastline.There are a few rooms and studios to rent and a short way off there are resorts and very few but excellent taverns. The main beach of Alyko is the southernmost of the group and is situated within a small cove, adequately protected from the northern winds. It is an ideal beach for those who seek isolation, although it gets a bit busy during high season. Since it is not an organised beach there are no umbrellas or sun-beds available for rent, so make sure you bring your own.This excellent beach is one of the best choices for those who prefer quiet, but also wish to be in short driving distance from the many and varied tourist facilities
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