Naxos Facts for Kids

Naxos is a beautiful Greek island. It is the largest island in the Cyclades island group. Naxos is famous for its rich history, stunning beaches, and tall mountains.

The island has been important since ancient times. It played a big role in Greek myths and history. Today, Naxos is a popular place for visitors. They come to enjoy its natural beauty and learn about its past.

Where is Naxos?
- Mountains and Valleys
- Beaches
A Glimpse into History
Life on Naxos Today
- Villages and Traditions
- Local Products
Naxos (Sicily)
Images for kids
See also

Where is Naxos?

Naxos is in the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Cyclades, a group of islands in Greece. It is located near other famous islands like Paros and Mykonos. Naxos is known for its diverse landscapes. You can find sandy beaches, fertile valleys, and high mountains here.

A beautiful view of the Naxos landscape.

Mountains and Valleys

The island's highest point is Mount Zas. It is also called Mount Zeus. This mountain is important in Greek mythology. People believed that Zeus, the king of the gods, grew up in a cave on this mountain. The island's center has many green valleys. These valleys are great for farming. They produce olives, grapes, and citrus fruits.

A green valley between the villages of Potamia and Moni.

Beaches

Naxos has many amazing beaches. Some are long and sandy, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Others are quiet and hidden. Popular beaches include Agios Prokopios, Plaka, and Hawaii Beach. The clear blue waters are inviting for all ages.

An aerial view of Hawaii Beach on Naxos Island.

A Glimpse into History

Naxos has a very long history. People have lived here for thousands of years. The island was a major center in ancient times.

Ancient Naxos

Naxos was home to one of the oldest civilizations in the Cyclades. Archeologists have found many ancient items here. These show how people lived long ago. The island was also a center for art and sculpture. Famous marble from Naxos was used to create many ancient statues.

Neolithic finds from the Zas cave, including jewelry, pottery, and tools.

One of the most famous landmarks is the Portara. This is a giant marble gate. It stands on a small island connected to Naxos Town. The Portara is the entrance to an unfinished temple of Apollo. It was built around 530 BC. It is a popular spot to watch the sunset.

The impressive entrance to Apollo's Temple, known as the Portara.

A view through the Portara towards Chora, the main town of Naxos.

Mythology and Legends

Naxos is linked to several Greek myths. As mentioned, Zeus was said to have grown up here. Another famous myth involves Dionysus, the god of wine. He met Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, on Naxos. She had been left there by Theseus. Dionysus fell in love with her and married her.

Medieval Times and the Duchy of Naxos

After ancient times, Naxos became part of the Byzantine Empire. Later, in the 13th century, it was conquered by European knights. They created the Duchy of Naxos. This was a powerful state ruled by families from Venice. The Duchy lasted for over 300 years. During this time, many castles and towers were built. These structures helped protect the island.

A map showing the Duchy of Naxos and other Frankish states in 1265.

The Sanudo tower, part of the old Ducal Palace.

The historic Belonia tower on Naxos.

Life on Naxos Today

Naxos is a vibrant island. It combines traditional Greek life with modern tourism. The main town, Chora, is a charming place. It has narrow streets, old buildings, and a Venetian castle.

Villages and Traditions

Beyond Chora, Naxos has many beautiful villages. Each village has its own unique character. Some are built on hillsides, offering great views. Others are nestled in green valleys. Villages like Apeiranthos, Filoti, and Koronos are known for their traditional architecture and local customs.

A tower in the village of Apeiranthos.

The village of Filoti, located at the foot of Mount Zas.

The traditional village of Koronos.

The village of Chalki, Naxos.

The village of Kaloxilos, Naxos.

The village of Vourvouria.

The coastal village of Apollonas.

The village of Keramoti.

Local Products

Naxos is famous for its delicious local products. The island produces excellent cheese, potatoes, and olive oil. A special local drink is kitron. It is a liqueur made from citrus leaves. Naxos also has important quarries. They produce marble and emery, a very hard mineral used for grinding.

An emery mine on Naxos.

A marble quarry on Naxos.

Naxos (Sicily)

There was also an ancient Greek city called Naxos in Sicily, Italy. It was founded around 735 BC. This makes it one of the oldest Greek colonies in Sicily. The city was important for trade and culture. Today, you can visit its archaeological park. It shows the remains of this ancient city.