Naxos island, Greece

Situated almost in the center of the cluster of Cyclades Islands, Naxos island is the largest of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. The

neighboring islands of Naxos are Mykonos and Delos in north, Paros in west, Donoussa in east, Schinoussa and Koufonissia in south. Among the Cyclades islands, Naxos is gifted with the most fertile soil resulting in ample vegetation and agricultural productivity. Naxos island is only at a distance of 103 nautical miles from the harbor of Piraeus and can be reached from the mainland by air as well as by the aid of ferry and catamaran services.

Spread over an area of around 440 sq kilometers, Naxos island comprises of rocky terrains, stretches of plains covered with lush greenery, fertile valleys and sandy beaches. The climate of the island is said to be ideal for mild winter and summer. The best time to visit Naxos island is from April to September, but the fine climate is conducive for traveling all through the year.

The island is famous for abundant production of potatoes, olive, cheese and good quality wine. Besides being blessed with scenic natural beauty, Naxos island is the home of Mount Zas which is the largest mountain peak among the Cyclades islands. The beach of Naxos island is the longest of all the beaches of Cyclades island.

The capital of Naxos island is Hora, another name of which is Chora. It is beautiful town in the west of Naxos island where an old Venetian castle overlooks the city. The castle built by Marco Sanudo in the thirteenth century, is in a shape of pentagon and a wonderful specimen of medieval Venetian architecture. As you walk in the surroundings of the castle, you can feel the ambience of an

old world as the surroundings are replete with beautiful old buildings, mansions and impressive churches. There are many more castles and towers scattered all across the Naxos island. Archaeological Museum of Naxos is present in Chora to make you learn about the history of Naxos and other Cyclades islands.

Portara or the Great Door comes first in the list of sightseeing in Naxos island. This is a magnificent doorway, located around half kilometer north of Chora and near the port of Naxos. The ancient door of white marble leads to nowhere but is believed to be part of an unfinished temple. Though the climb to the hilltop to reach the Portara might be tiring, the splendid view of the whole Naxos island and the sunset through the Portara are worth it.

You can see a glimpse of a traditional Greek island village if you pay a trip to Naxos Apiranthos village which has four different kinds of museum. Enjoy your day in the beautiful fishing village, Apollonas village north east of Chora. Else, you can get engaged with different kind of sports like trekking, rock climbing, windsurfing and various water sports. Some of the famous beaches of Naxos island are Plaka Beach, Maragas Beach, Orkos Beach and there are many more.

Number of international standard hotels, restaurants and pubs are present in and around Chora to welcome the visitors.

Holidayshub.com provides detailed online information on Naxos island in Greece.