Naxos is the biggest and most fertile island of the Cyclades. Its rich geographical relief has created dramatic changes of scenery. High mountains, fertile valleys, plateaus, springs, rivers, caves, huge beaches, sand dunes with cedar trees growing on them, all existing harmoniously on this small piece of earth.

It is one of the few islands, which has been inhabited continiously since ancient times (end of the 4th millennium B.C.) till today. It has been possible to gather information about the history of the Aegean from traces left behind from each historical period, along with unique monuments which are scattered all over the island.

Beaches in Naxos Island

Agios Prokopios Beach
It is located 800 metres from Kedros Villas and a few years ago placed in top ten best beaches in Greece. It is very long and wide with golden sand, crystal clear waters and well protected from north winds. Beach amenities include loungers and umbrelas, restaurants, clubs and diving centre.

Agia Anna Beach
Located within walking distance from Agios Prokopios. It is a popular beach with fine sand, sun umrelas, loungers, restaurants and clubs.

Plaka Beach
It is the longest beach in Naxos with very fine and whitish sand at the southern part of it. Beach amenities include diving centre, water sport facilities, loungers and sun umbrelas, restaurants, clubs.

The beaches mentioned above, can be easily accessed by the bus that stops ouside Kedros Villas complex.

The sights - Naxos Town (Hora)

The archeological museum
All findings from excavations are kept in the archaeological museum, proof of the uninterrupted cultural presence in Naxos from pre-historic times until the end of the ancient times. The museum is housed in the building of the former Commercial School in the area of the Castle.

Grota's archaeological site
Excavations made under Metropolis square have revealed some remains of the Mycenaean city of Naxos (1600 - 1100 B.C). The place has been landscaped and it is open to the public.

Portara
Portara can be seen from afar as ships approach the island of Naxos, standing on the northern side of the port. This monument is a gigantic gate, which remains from a temple that was dedicated to Apollo. It was built during the 6th century B.C, when Naxos used to be a commercial and cultural centre.

The Venetian Castle
An impressive monument which was built during the long Venetian rule (1204-1537); it is located on a hill which is the natural acropolis of Hora. A medieval town in the heart of the Aegean still in its original form, inhabited continuously since 1207. The external walls of the peripheral houses shape the wall of the Castle, which has only three entrance gates.

Sightseeing - Outside of Naxos Town (Hora)

The museums of Apeiranthos
The village Apeiranthos has a museum of archeology, geology and folk art. In the archeological museum there are pre-historic exhibits that have been excavated from the southeastern part of the island.

Iria - Dionysus' sanctuary
The Iria sanctuary, situated 10 kilometres south from Hora, at Livadi area, was the formal sanctuary of the city of Naxos, dedicated to Dionysus. During the various historical periods some buildings were destroyed and new ones were built over them. It has been discovered that at the fourth Iria temple (580-550 BC) was the beginning of classical Greek marble architecture. The restoration of the site is finished.

Sagri - Demeter's temple
It is situated south of the village Sagri, at Gyroulas area. The marble temple was dedicated to Demeter (the goddess of fertility) and to Apollo and is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Greece, dating from 530 B.C. The restoration of the site is finished and there is also a small museum.

Kouros (Flerio - Melanes Village)
At Flerio, near the village of Melanes, there is a half finished male statue, belonging to the 7th century B.C., 6.4 metres tall, which was found in an olive grove.

Kouros (Apollonas)
Near the village Apollonas and near to the entrance of an ancient mine, there is a half finished "Kouros" (male statue) lying on the ground, which has never been moved from this spot. The statue is 10.45 metres high and is dated at the beginning of the 6th century B.C.

The fortified monastery of Fotodotis (light giver) Christ
It is situated next to the village of Danakos. According to a legend it was built by a princesse during the byzantine years.

The church of Protothroni Virgin
The church of Protothroni Virgin (9th-10th cent.) in the village Halki is the biggest Byzantine church in Naxos, with important wall paintings. Mass has been held here since Early Christian times until today.

The church of Drosiani Virgin
The church of Drosiani Virgin near the village of Moni is one of the best-preserved monuments from the early Christian era in the whole of southeastern Europe. It was constructed in three stages starting from the early Christian period. The oldest frescoes are from the 7th century.