Naxos

Naxos is a Greek island and the largest of the Cyclades. It was the centre of archaic Cycladic culture. The island is famous as a source of emery, a rock rich in corundum, which until modern time was one of the best abrasives available.

The largest town and capital of the island is Chora or Naxos City, with 6,533 inhabitants (2001 census). The main villages are Filoti, Apiranthos, Vivlos, Agios Arsenios, Koronos and Glinado.

Naxos is a popular tourist destination, with several ruins. It has a number of beaches, such as those at Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Alikos, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Plaka, and Agios Georgios, most of them near Chora. As other cycladic islands, Naxos is considered a windy place perfect for windsurfing, as well as kitesurfing. There are seven sports clubs in the island that offer both of these sports and other water activities.

Naxos is also known for its wine, and for a variety of cheeses such as Graviera, Mizithra and Xinotiro.

History

In ancient times the island was a center of Ionian culture and luxury, known for its wines and its marble; today it is a quietly prosperous island with a diversified economy where tourism plays a significant part.

Historical sites on the island include the Temple of Demeter near Sangri, Demeter being a locally venerated pre-Hellenic deity, the Iria (a temple near the coast south of Chora), the Sanctuary of Dionysus, and a variety of other temples dating back to the sixth century BC. An ancient marble quarry near Flerio, which provided marble for the Portara of Naxos and the temples of Delos, can still be visited today.

Geography

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades island group in the Aegean. It spans over 429.785 square kilometres and its highest peak, Mount Zas, is 1,004 metres high.

Economy

The economy of Naxos is primarily based on tourism, which has grown rapidly over the last decades. In addition, agriculture is a significant part of the economy, with the island producing a wide range of fruits and vegetables in addition to its traditional crops of olives and grapes.

See also

• Cyclades
• Greek Islands
• Aegean Sea

References

Naxos Resources
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