Naxos is the biggest island in the Cyclades. Its nature scenery makes Naxos special, since it combines high mountains with green valleys, amazing seascapes and traditional villages on mountain tops. You can see many of the locals still wearing traditional clothes and make ends meet off the fruits of the land. The main characteristic of Naxos is coexistence. You can see beautiful old churches, monasteries and at the same time Venetian castles and the Cycladic architecture.
The main villages of the island are Apiranthos, Filoti, Glinado, Koronos and Vivlos. Each of the them sustains an individual charm, associated with its architecture, lanscape, traditions and activities. The view from Apiranthos, for example, is a real stunner! Upon entering the port of the whitewashed Chora of Naxos you’ll encounter the islet of Palatia at its entrance. On Palatia islet the impressive marble gate, temple of Apollo, “Portara” stands still since the 6th century BC. According to mythology, god Dionysus met Ariadni there, who had been abandoned by Thesseus.
Chora, the capital of Naxos, whose landmark is an imposing Venetian castle, is an old castle town with stone paved alleys where you can admire a unique blend of Cycladic and Medieval architecture. Visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a historic building of the Venetian Period, that showcases artifacts from the Early Neolithic Age up to the Early Christian (Paleochristian) Period and an interesting collection of Cycladic figurines.
Despite the fact that Naxos island does not boast of its vivid gay and lesbian scene has one gay bar called Babylonia, located in Chora. There are also numerous nudist beaches around the island, some of which are visited mainly by gay travelers. Two of the most popular gay beaches are Agia Anna and Plaka Beach!
