Mountain village hopping in Naxos

Two possible routes from the main town, Hora, are given below, the first including some of Naxos’ best-known mountain villages and the second with lesser-known options. But feel free to mix and match.

Route 1: Hora to Apiranthos
(6 villages)

Glinado/Galanado

A little village with panoramic views of Hora and the Livadi plain. You can enjoy a quick visit to the Venetian tower of Belonia and the diminutive church of Agios Ioannis, which is both Catholic and Orthodox, or the nearby remains of the Sanctuary of Dionysius. On the way back, Glinado is an excellent spot to catch the sunset before returning to Hora.

Potamia

Actually three settlements (Upper, Middle and Lower Potamia), the name derives from the river which crosses here. A wonderful hiking spot, there are also Venetian towers and other ruins to explore, and more than a dozen mills. Look out for the 17th-century Kokos Tower with a watermill in its basement.

Sangri

Again, a village with an upper and lower part, combining medieval architecture and Cycladic, whitewashed alleyways with little cafes, tavernas and shops selling local products (cheese, citrus liqueur, etc). The Temple of the goddess Demeter and Archaeological Museum of Gyroula are nearby and, each summer, the Bazeos Tower becomes part of the Naxos Festival.

Halki

Beautiful paved streets, neoclassical buildings and a lively market and shops all testify to Halki’s past as the capital of Naxos. Amongst the olive groves are medieval towers and Byzantine churches. Also worth visiting are a citrus liqueur distillery and (from the outside) the three-storey Tower of Barozzi-Gratsia, inhabited since the 17th century!

Filoti

The hillside village of Filoti is Naxos’ largest. Its picturesque square (with plane trees and a main street of cafes, tavernas and shops) and whitewashed houses, flower-potted courtyards and narrow alleyways are typically Cycladic. And it is renowned for its agricultural products (figs, grapes, wine, olives, olive oil, sheep and goats’ cheese called arseniko). On August 15, the Naxian violins ring out here during one of the island’s biggest festivals. A 2km hike away is the Arion springs, from which there is a wonderful view of the village and 15km away is the 15m tall Chimaros Tower, made of Naxian marble and one of the most important classical monuments of the island.

Apiranthos

Surrounded by lush greenery, Apiranthos is a wonderful example of Venetian towers and arches, old stone houses and small squares. Known as the Marble Village because of its stonework, it offers picturesque coffee shops, right in the heart of Naxos. There are also a number of interesting museums here – Archaeological, Natural and Folklore, as well as other little nuggets like the Women's Textile Cooperative and the Nikos Glezos Library (containing the largest collection of books of the Cyclades). The Church of Panagia of Aperanthitissa here is amongst the oldest of the island and the Towers of Zevgoli and Bardani date from the 17th century.

Route 2: Hora to Koronos
(5 villages)

Galini

A quiet little village northeast of Hora with a reputation for high-quality meat, vegetables and wine. Whilst you’re here, make sure you seek out the old path that leads to the ancient springs of the Messonissi area, once used by monks. 

Egares

The church of Kimiseos Theotokou takes pride of place here and, right next door, is an olive oil museum. It’s worth wondering around the two uninhabited neighbourhoods of Lagada, with seven watermills, and Mesa Gitonia, where the Foufopoulos Tower is located.

Melanes

One of the oldest settlements in Naxos, Melanes is famous for its 6th century BC Kouros statue and Temple of the Sources, as well as the island’s ancient aqueduct, which transported water from the nearby springs to Hora. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking.

Keramoti

A lovely little village to explore in the heart of Naxos, with stone houses and scenic narrow streets and an old olive press in the square. To the north and south are the two major rivers of Naxos, which connect close by to create a 6m waterfall. Just outside the village is a fantastic viewpoint, next to the small church dedicated to Timios Stavros.

Koronos

Located in a lush valley at an altitude of 540m, with running water and vineyards, Koronos has a reputation for producing very good wines and a range of agricultural products. There’s a renovated olive press where you can witness olive oil being produced in the traditional way. The Church of Panagia Agrokiliotissa each year celebrates the Friday after Easter Sunday with a festival full of music, dance, food and wine. If you’re here in the summer, the nearby 20m tall Routsouna Waterfall forms refreshing pools – perfect for cooling off.