Leaning against the boundaries of the plot, the small church of Agios Panteleimon becomes a 'part' of the accommodation experience, creating an even stronger connection with the local elements of Naxos. Combined with the outdoor area around it, the chapel can be a unique setting for events, which will give an extra 'liveliness' to the operation of the hotel.
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Naxos is the largest island of the Cyclades, with an area of 429.79 sq.km. and a distance of 103 nautical miles from Piraeus.[2] The capital of Naxos is Chora (Naxos), with 7,070 inhabitants (2011 census). 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 civilization.[2] The island is known as a source of emery, a rock rich in corundum, which until modern times was one of the best abrasives available.
In the past, Naxos had a very rich flora and fauna. Until the 17th century, deer lived on the island and it was customary to hunt them by local lords and visiting officials. Today, two areas of the island, the central-mountainous-southern coastal zone and the Naxos salt marsh wetland, have been designated places of special ecological and social value and have been included in the European Natura 2000 network. Also, the habitats of Za and Koronos have been registered in Corine list, as areas of special ecological importance.
Geotectonically, Naxos belongs to the Attic-Cycladic zone, with dominant schist rocks. Its mineral wealth is also important, with two well-known products: marble and Naxos emery or "naxia land".
Naxos is rich in crystalline schist rocks - not yet usable. These rocks are mainly crystalline schists, gneisses and marbles in alternating layers with blocks of granite and are relatively close to the town of Naxos and in the northwestern part of the island. Rocks of the Pleistocene period exist on the Stylida peninsula, mainly sandstones, as well as north-northeast near the coastal areas of the island. Rich igneous rocks are also found near Egares and elsewhere.
In the center, north-east near Koronos, there are the famous deposits of emery or "precious earth". This is the only part of the world where high quality emery is found in exploitable quantity. However, its industrial exploitation has now ceased due to the discovery of synthetic substitutes that are much cheaper.
The climate of the island is Mediterranean, mild and dry, with cool summers and mild winters.
Thanks to the strong relief and the size of Naxos, a series of different ecosystems have developed that you can get to know by following the marked paths to every corner of the island (Chora-Melanes-Halki, Halki-Danakos-Apiranthos, Skado-Apollonas etc.) . The route from Apeiranthos to Moutsouna beach through the old mills is of insurmountable beauty, dreamlike images and unique landscapes accompany you on your way to the sea. In addition, the highest mountain of the Cyclades, Zas (alt. 1004 m.), and Fanari (alt. 908 m.) offer lovers of mountaineering and mountain biking special thrills. Going up to Za, a stop is required at the cave of the same name, at an altitude of 628 m., with its impressive stalagmites, a place of worship of Zeus during ancient times.
An island with a strong cultural movement, Naxos stands out for the multitude of alternatives it offers with traditional festivals and cultural events to brighten up the stay on the island. Among them stand out the Naxos Festival at Pyrgos Bazaios, an event with international appeal, and the Dionysia, high-level cultural events under the auspices of the municipality of Naxos that develop throughout the summer and close solemnly in September with the Wine Festival and the Feast of the Fisherman
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BEACHES IN NAXOS
Naxos has many beaches thanks to its long coastline. Organized with umbrellas or more secluded and deserted, with calm seas or waves for water sports, the island has beautiful beaches for all tastes! Ferryhopper recommends the following:
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Saint George:
the nearest beach in Chora (a few minutes' walk). It is organized and has a wide sandy beach and shallow waters. -
Agios Prokopios:
organized beach with white sand and crystal waters. It is located very close to Chora (about 5 km) and is easily accessible by the island's KTEL bus. Here you can do diving and other water sports, but also eat in the taverns of the homonymous village. -
Saint Anna:
is located immediately after the beach of Agios Prokopios. It has fine sand, umbrellas and cedars that offer shade. -
Plate:
a continuation of Agia Anna, the beach has white fine sand and large dunes that make up an enchanting scene. It has umbrellas and taverns. -
Little Vigla:
these are 2 beaches separated by a rock, Parthenos and Limanaki. The first is suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strong winds, while in the second you can enjoy your swimming and sunbathing without wind. -
Kastraki:
large and quiet beach with white sand, ideal for relaxing and walking. -
Aliko:
relatively small and secluded beach with white sand and clear blue waters, easily accessible by vehicle. Although the beach itself has no shade, there is a cedar forest right above it. -
Ayassos:
quiet and sandy with clear blue shallow waters, it is located at the south-west end of the island. -
Panormos:
small bay at the southeast end of the island. The beach is windless with turquoise waters and white sand.
SIGHTSEEING IN NAXOS
Naxos offers many options for visits to monuments and attractions. Ferryhopper's recommendations:
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Portara Naxos, the huge marble gate of the temple of Apollo dating back to the 6th century. e.g.
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Venetian Castle
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Archaeological Museum of Naxos
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Naxos Venetian Museum
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The Temple of Demeter in Gyroula Sangriou
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Folklore Museum of Epiranthos
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Kouros of Apollo
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Municipality of Naxos: 2285360100
KEP Chora Naxos: 2285024303
Naxos General Hospital - Health Center: 2285360500
Naxos Port Authority: 2285022300
Naxos Police Department: 2285022100
Naxos "Apollo" Airport: 2285024816
Naxos Bus: 2285022291
Taxi: 2285024331, 2285022444
