In this guide
Most visitors only see the beaches of Naxos, and they miss half the island. Inland, the mountains rise to the highest peak in the Cyclades, and the valleys are full of olive groves, stone villages and chapels painted centuries ago.
Life here still follows the seasons: farmers, shepherds, cheese makers and old men playing tavli in the square. Here are the villages we love, and how to plan a perfect day.
6 villages worth the drive
Halki
Neoclassical mansions in the Tragea valleyThe old capital of the island's interior, with elegant neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches and a historic distillery of kitron, the local citrus liqueur. Small galleries and cafés make it a lovely first stop.
The Tragea valley
An olive forest full of chapelsAround Halki stretches a wide valley covered in olive trees, dotted with tiny Byzantine chapels and Venetian towers. Easy footpaths connect the villages through the trees.
Filoti
The biggest mountain villageBuilt on the slopes of Mount Zas, Filoti has a lively square under huge plane trees, a beautiful church and wide views over the valley. It's the starting point for hiking up Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades.
Apeiranthos
The marble villagePerhaps the most beautiful village on the island, built entirely of stone and marble, with Venetian towers, arches and narrow lanes. It has its own dialect, several small museums and wonderful tavernas.
Koronos & Koronida
Emery mining villagesAmphitheatrical villages hanging on steep slopes, once the center of emery mining. The old cable-car line that carried the stone down to the sea can still be seen.
Melanes & the kouros
Ancient giants in the fieldsNear the village of Melanes, an unfinished giant marble statue of a young man (a kouros) from the 6th century BC still lies in the garden where it was carved, abandoned after it cracked.
A perfect mountain day
Leave Naxos town
Head inland toward the Tragea valley. The road climbs through olive groves.
Melanes kouros (optional)
A short detour to see the ancient giant statue.
Halki
Coffee, a walk through the lanes and a kitron tasting.
Filoti
The square under the plane trees and the view over the valley.
Lunch in Apeiranthos
Local meat, cheese and vegetables at a village taverna, then a stroll through the marble lanes.
Back to the coast
Drive back for a late swim and the sunset, or continue north to Apollonas.
Explore the mountain villages with a driver
Winding mountain roads, no parking stress and a local who knows the best tavernas. Book a driver for the day.
What to eat in the mountains
Graviera of Naxos
The island's famous hard cheese, nutty and slightly sweet.
Local meat
Slow-cooked goat, lamb and pork from local farms.
Naxos potatoes
Grown in the island's fertile soil and loved all over Greece.
Kitron
Citrus liqueur distilled in Halki, a perfect end to lunch.
Key takeaways
- Don't miss: Halki and Apeiranthos.
- Plan a full day and have lunch in a village.
- Try: graviera cheese and kitron liqueur.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the marble lanes.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful village in Naxos?
Apeiranthos, the marble village, is often considered the most beautiful, followed closely by Halki and Filoti.
How long does it take to visit the mountain villages of Naxos?
Plan a full day to visit Halki, Filoti and Apeiranthos at a relaxed pace, with time for lunch in a village taverna.
Can I visit the villages of Naxos by bus?
Yes, buses connect Naxos town with the main villages, but a car or a private driver lets you visit several in one day at your own pace.
What is kitron?
Kitron is a traditional liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree, distilled in Naxos for generations, especially in the village of Halki.
