The nine interesting facts about Naxos capture the island’s many distinct marvels, from its mythological connections to the lushness of its landmass. Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, manages to walk the thin line between staying authentic and giving into blatant commercialization. As a result, it is a holiday destination where you can enjoy happening nightlife, good food, as well as quaint villages that offer seclusion and tranquility.
Naxos is one of the most well-connected islands in Greece. However, nothing beats reaching this land of unimaginable beauty by boat. You can easily book ferry tickets through Ferryscanner for Naxos from Mykonos, Paros, Rafina, Patmos, and Piraeus.
A Mythical Land of Ancient Wonders
When island-hopping around Greece, you will likely hear plenty of mythical stories about various islands and their origins. However, none of the other islands are as immersed in Greek mythology as Naxos.
It was, after all, on this very island that Zeus is said to have grown up. It is also where he carried his pre-mature son Dionysus in his thigh, who then called Naxos his home. Raised by nymphs of Mount Nysa, Dionysus, the god of wine, later found his wife Ariadne on the island.
The locals, to date, worship many Greek gods from the all-might Zeus to Apollo, Demeter, Ariadne, and Dionysus. So much is their belief in the gods that they named the island’s highest mountain, Zas (3294 feet), after Zeus.
Naxos’ Vibrant History
A strategically desired location, Naxos changed many hands during its vibrant and turmoil-filled history. From the Byzantines to the Venetians and then the Ottomans, remnants of past empires are forever visible on this land.
What’s genuinely one of the fascinating facts about Naxos is its stronger connection to the Venetians than the Turks. Especially considering that the Turks ruled over the island from 1527 to 1829.
There are two chief reasons for the lack of Turkish influence in Naxos. Firstly, the administration of the Cyclades under the Ottomans was still in the hands of the Venetians. And secondly, hardly any Turks settled in the region. Consequently, the Cyclades remained devoid of Turkish traditions, cultural practices, and food.
A Mecca for Scuba Divers
The waters around Naxos are teeming with vibrant marine life that lives in a colorful and eye-catching world of its own. This makes the island one of the top destinations in Europe for scuba diving, one of the facts about Naxos many seasoned divers also do not know.
Moreover, the diversity of diving options makes Naxos an ideal location for both novice and experienced divers to indulge in the sport. Diving sites around the island include wrecks, underground caves, and extensive reefs, giving everyone the chance to observe sea life from up close.
Beginners looking to whet their skills should visit White Island, a dive site with a maximum depth of only 15 meters. Else, head on over to Panagia, which promises shallow waters and abundant marine life.
As for wreck divers, there’s the cargo ship Marianna. Crashed in 1981, its remains go lie from the surface all the way down to about 25 meters. A more challenging dive, though, is the wreck of the Bristol Beaufighter. The WWII aircraft shot down in 1943 now rests on the seafloor at 33 meters.
A Windy Destination
The north-westerly blowing Meltemi hits Naxos during the summer months, converting the island into a must-visit destination for watersport enthusiasts. In particular, people come from all over the world to partake in wind and kite surfing, as the island provides the perfect setting for both beginners and professionals. It’s pertinent to note that tourists can enjoy wind and kite surfing in Naxos throughout the year, not just during the warmer months.
Only 12 km from the capital, Mykri Vigla Beach, with its sandy coastline, is a paradise for kite surfers. On the other hand, Laguna Beach in the northwest favors windsurfers.
You will find several watersport centers with certified instructors at these locations and other beaches. One can readily rent equipment from the surf clubs or even take a learner’s class if new to the sport.
Famous for its Emery Mines
Among the most intriguing facts about Naxos is its standing as a primary producer of emery in Europe. Emery, known locally as smyrida, is a dark mineral used as an abrasive, lubricant, and for manufacturing slip-resistant materials. It consists of corundum, magnetite, hematite, and other minerals in smaller quantities.
Most emery mines in Naxos are in and around the villages of Koronos Apiranthos and Danakos in the northeastern parts of the island. The mines are no longer in use for commercial purposes. Still, locals can take a limited quantity of emery from about 50 odd mines during a two-month period in the summers.
Present ever since the Bronze Age, the mines run as deep as 600 meters in some cases. Interestingly, they have names based on different factors such as the number of workers, places on the island, countries, wars, or families who own them.
Naxos’ Emerging Street-Art Scene
Myth and history might engulf Naxos, but the island’s eccentric and contemporary persona often emerges in the most unusual of places. The concept of street art is a worldwide phenomenon, a way to make an impact while simultaneously adding an artistic element to the otherwise concrete jungles we live in.
In Naxos, though, street art is a recent addition that is slowly catching the attention of travelers around the world. The most prominent location to find street art in Naxos is Alyko. The otherwise secluded area in the island’s southwest is famous for its gorgeous sandy beaches and cedar forest. It is here, near Alyko beach, that you will find large, vibrant murals hidden inside the crumbling remains of a 1960s abandoned hotel.
The artwork in this complex is diverse in its disposition, painted by various artists. However, Athens-based Balinese street artist WD (Wild Drawing) is responsible for making this location famous. While walking through the maze of rooms, keep an eye out for Dragon, Beaching, No Place Like Home by WD, Hope by Andrea Nyffeler and Killing Time with Spraypaint by Skitsofrenis.
Fertile to the Core
An interesting fact about Naxos, apparent once you arrive, is that it is the most fertile island in the Cyclades. Self-sufficient in every way possible, from water and vegetables to fruits and cattle breeding, the island takes immense pride in its agricultural ancestry.
Besides the passion for growing food among the residents, agriculture in Naxos also benefits from the presence of Mount Zas. The towering mountain traps passing clouds, resulting in the island receiving favorable rain throughout the year.
Not surprisingly, Naxos is among the most-admired culinary destinations in Greece. It was also a favorite with the late Anthony Bourdain, who fell in love with the local cuisine while filming an episode of his series here.
Among the must-have local delicacies here are Naxos cheeses such as the local gruyere and the strong-flavored arseniko. Furthermore, the island is known for its potatoes, olives, honey, seafood, meats, and kitron – a liqueur made using citron fruit leaves.
Festivals Galore
Culture, tradition, and heritage are inherent parts of life in Naxos. Consequently, the island seems to be in a perpetual state of festivities throughout the year. For residents, it is a way to celebrate their beliefs and history. At the same time, tourists get an unmissable opportunity to immerse themselves in the local ethos.
The Fishermen’s Fest in June is a nod toward the island’s maritime history. The event takes place in the village of Apollonas. It includes a blessing of the boats and the sea and a feast at St. John’s church. As with most festivals in Greece, locals then indulge in music and dance while savoring traditional seafood and fish dishes.
Held in August first week, the Festival of Demetria takes place in the village of Sagri. Over a few days, locals celebrate the goddess of agriculture with much fanfare. The event primarily includes a setup of stalls selling a variety of regional produce. Furthermore, the 17th-century monastery of Agios Eleftherios plays host to various dance, theatrical, artistic, and musical performances, and exhibits.
The many culinary festivals of Naxos are a delight for gourmands. The Olive Oil Festival at the traditional olive mill of Dalamas, the Potato Festival in July, and the Raki Festival in October shine a bright spotlight on the island’s delectable gastronomic offerings.
Callipolis – An Early Name
Many famous cities worldwide have had their names changed over the centuries. While the reasons for the change differ, these names more often than not highlight various aspects of the region.
One of the lesser-known interesting facts about Naxos is that the island had an entirely different name in the beginning. Callipolis, translating to “beautiful city,” was the title given to the island and its first settlement (probably the capital Chora) by initial settlers. A name true to its meaning, it signified the immense exquisiteness of Naxos and its reputation as an emerging cultural center of the Cyclades.
However, the name did not last long. The Thracians, who controlled the island for two centuries, soon changed it to Naxos, after their leader. An alternate origin story of the name also exists. Some people believe that Naxos comes from the Greek word naxai, meaning sacrifices, done by the locals to appease the gods.