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Last Updated: Jan 28th, 2008 - 17:11:39 |
The largest and arguably most beautiful of the Greek Cyclades Islands is Naxos, a fusion of beautiful landscapes and beaches, rugged hills and picturesque villages.
The island is one of the most self-sufficient of the Cyclades Islands, producing its own agricultural and dairy products, and has relied on a mixture of agriculture, marble-quarrying and emery-mining since ancient
times.
In recent years however, it has been lapping up the additional benefits of a growing tourist trade and is rapidly becoming renowned for the array of attractions it has to offer.
An archaeological paradise, Naxos was important in the Byzantine era and over five hundred churches and monasteries are still scattered across the landscape, some containing frescoes which date back as far as the ninth century.
The island's capital, Hora, is little more than a large village made up of traditional white-washed houses clustered around narrow, stone-paved alleys.
Hora is overlooked by a well-preserved Venetian castle which is surrounded by a series of old chapels and offers an awe-inspiring view of the sea.
Greece recently came third in a list of the world's favourite walking destinations and its typically Mediterranean climate, with mild, moist winters and dry hot summers, makes Naxos a superb island to explore on
foot throughout the year.
Its countless villages and churches are linked by a network of pathways which pass through some of the lushest valleys in the Greek islands, adorned with olive, grape and fig trees.
Naxos has a highly-regarded sailing industry and those visiting on sailing holidays can expect to enjoy a wide variety of scenery including ancient coastline monuments and sandy beaches.
Many of the island's beaches provide excellent swimming and thousands of visitors are drawn to the island every year by its charming coastline.
Over 98 kilometres of golden sands stretch around the island, adorned with parasols and sun beds and offering a wide range of water sports in the shimmering turquoise waters.
The island's nightlife is equally rich, with its many bars and nightclubs dotted along the seafront and squeezed into the narrow alleys of Hora.
The most well-known beach resorts of Agia Anna, Agios Georgios and Agios Prokopios offer a variety of lively bars and clubs.
Naxos is part of the most visited island group in Greece, offering visitors a blend of the exotic with the historic, and promises both an entertaining and relaxing holiday.
Flights regularly link Naxos with Athens and the island is also accessible by ferry or hydrofoil, although the latter service makes frequent stops en route and is often affected by weather.
Just be sure not to leave this picture-perfect paradise without taking a few of the island's traditional gifts home with you, including woven and embroidered goods, woollen items and traditional island cheeses.
Call Global Holidays on 0870 1999038 for details of holidays to Naxos.
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Book online 24 hours a day or contact our telephone helpline on:
0870 1999 038
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday 09.00 - 22.00
Sunday 10.00 - 22.00
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