Naxos is an island with a long history and notable contribution to the creation of Greek civilization. Naxos has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Zeus, father of the Greek gods, was born on Crete but raised on Naxos; the island’s highest peak, Za, with an altitude of 1004 meters, takes its name from him. Dionysos, the god of wine, lay on Naxos with Ariadne, goddess of fertility. The fertility of the island is credited to their union. Even though the island today has considerable tourist development, locals also engage in other industries including agriculture, stockbreeding, marble quarrying, and trade.

Naxos has the cosmopolitan air of a modern tourist resort but also retains its traditional color and its folk culture. The seemingly endless shoreline lapped by clear waters and shaded by cedars that extend along the southern and southwestern coasts, as well as on the island’s northern side, harbor spots of incredible natural beauty and alluring landscapes. Devotees of windsurfing will love the island for the unique conditions it offers for their favorite sport. The meltemi, or summer winds that blow during the daytime, are their best ally.

For cycling aficionados, Naxos offers unique routes while hikers and nature-lovers will find the island satisfies their passion for exploring. The island is a veritable paradise with scores of paths crossing it. Visitors interested in learning about the day to day lifestyle of the island and its folk culture should explore its interior where visitors are welcomed as honored guests. The island is also a trove of culture and history, with a number of noteworthy monuments concentrating relics representing a range of period. It’s also an excellent summer holiday destination for those for whom vacations are synonymous with nightlife as Hora in summer doesn’t sleep.