Cyclades Guide - Escale Yachting

N a x o s
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Northeast of Chora, in the valley of Egares, stands the towermonastery
of Panagia Ypsilotera, once a refuge for the area's farmers
during the Venetian occupation; moving to the north, one can see the
monastery of Faneromeni (17th century).
The picturesque village Koronos is built at the foothill of mount
Koronos (997m). At its taverns you can try the famous wine of hilly
Naxos. It is worth visiting the Folk Museum and the church of Panagia
Argokiliotissa, where numerous pilgrims gather for the celebration of
Zoodochos Pigi.
To the south, built in the heart of hilly Naxos and at the foothill of mount
Fanari, lies Apiranthos (or Aperathou as the locals call it), a village that
has maintained its architectural character intact from the Venetian
occupation. Apiranthos stands out among the islands of Naxos for the
idiom used and the customs, since it was inhabited by people who
came here from mountainous villages of Crete in the 17th century. The
Zevgolis tower (17th century) is impressive, as it is built on a rock at the
entrance of the village. It is worth visiting three very interesting
museums there: the Archaeological Museum, the Geological
Museum and the Folk Art Museum. Remarkable Byzantine churches
can be seen in the greater area.
From Apiranthos, the road to the east leads to Moutsouna; the coastal
road leads to the beautiful beaches of Psili Ammos and Panormos,
where the sea, the sand dunes, and the cedar forest create an idyllic
environment.
South of Apiranthos lies the village Danakos with the monastery-fort of
Fotodotis Christos, considered to be the oldest monastery of Naxos.
Next is Filoti, one of the largest villages, built at the foothill of the
imposing mount Za, and features liveliness, restaurants, cafes, bars
and a marketplace. It is worth visiting Panagia Filotitissa, one of the
most beautiful churches in Naxos with rare icons, a marble screen and
a sculpted belfry, as well as the tower of Barotsis (1650).
A road from Filoti leads south, to the imposing Tower of Himarros, a
marble observatory from the Hellenistic Period.
In Tragea, at the centre of the island, lies the Castle and several
Byzantine churches which surround Panagia Protothronos which
features a wonderful synthronon from the 9th-10th century. In Halki,
the Tower of Gratsia is impressive. This was actually a fort with tall
walls and an opening bridge.
South of Chora, the touristy settlement of Agios Prokopios is ideal for
nightlife, while the village of Agia Anna is famous for its 7km-long
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