Naxos

Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, offering a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, historic sites, and traditional villages without the tourist crowds of its neighbors. The island's main town, also called Naxos or Chora, welcomes visitors with its iconic ancient marble doorway - the Portara - standing tall since 522 BC, framing gorgeous sunset views.

The island has an impressive history dating back thousands of years. Once an important center for Cycladic civilization, Naxos later became known for its marble quarries, which provided materials for many ancient Greek sculptures and buildings. Today, you can still see impressive marble statues called 'kouros' left unfinished and abandoned in ancient quarries.

Naxian cuisine is worth noting - the island is famous for its exceptional local produce. The fertile land yields fantastic potatoes, cheese (especially the local graviera), and citrus fruits. Naxos also produces its own distinctive spirits, including kitron, a liqueur made from citron leaves.

The mountainous interior hides charming villages like Apeiranthos, known for its marble streets and preserved architecture. These inland communities maintain authentic Greek traditions and offer a glimpse into local life that coastal resorts often lack. With crystal clear waters along its shores and rugged mountains dominating its interior, Naxos provides a more diverse landscape than most Greek islands.