A quiet paradise in Europe: the Greek island was called ideal for those who do not like crowds

Greece is always a great option for a vacation. The coastline is picturesque and unique, as the country has more than a thousand islands. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands, located approximately in the center of the Aegean Sea. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy nature and avoid noisy hotels and crowded beaches.

Travel expert Wayne Cusk called Naxos a quiet paradise. He stated that the island is much better than the crowded Santorini and Mykonos.

Nature on Naxos is interesting and diverse. The meadows turn into long sandy beaches, and the cliffs abruptly drop off near the sea, there are high mountains along with fertile valleys and many springs. The southern coast of the island is steep and deserted, while the western coast is well protected from the winds, and gentle, with sandy beaches and bays.

"While Santorini and Mykonos are bursting at the seams, other islands still offer those quintessential Greek experiences – without the crowds of tourists. Naxos is a great option. It has clean beaches, historical ruins, and an ideal climate," said Kask.

The main city of the island is Chora, where you can explore historical sites such as the Temple of Apollo and the Venetian Castle.

The island has a long history and played a significant role in the development of Cycladic culture. In the VII-VI centuries BC. Naxos extended its power to almost all the surrounding territories and was known for trade and art, especially sculpture.

In 490 BC, the Persian army sacked and plundered the island. Macedonian rule was established here, and later (166 BC) – Roman rule.

During the long Byzantine period, many churches were built on Naxos, some of which have survived to this day. Then came Venetian rule, which was followed by Turkish rule.

The famous Chora Castle was built in 1210 by the Venetian Marco Sanudo when he proclaimed himself Duke of Naxos.

The combination of history, diverse cultures, and beautiful beaches makes Naxos a great vacation destination.

The well-equipped beaches (the most popular are Agios and Prokopios) are clean and have a range of services such as bars and restaurants.

And for those who want to explore more than just the main attractions, picturesque villages like Agia Anna offer a traditional Greek experience with local shops, cafes, and tavernas lining the narrow streets. These areas have a much quieter atmosphere than the crowded Cyclades.

There will be no problems with transfer – ferries run regularly between Naxos and Athens. The island also has its own airport.

Naxos lives not only on tourism. Black emery lies in the depths of the island. Marble is also quarried here. The locals are engaged in agriculture. There are large citrus and grape plantations. Olive groves can be found all over the island.

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