Discover Authentic Naxos from ELaiolithos
Welcome to the heart of authentic Naxos. At ELaiolithos, you’re not just staying in a hotel—you’re anchoring yourself in the island’s most enriching, central, and culturally vibrant region. This location guide unveils just how rich and immersive our surroundings are. From ancient treasures to poetic villages, hidden hiking trails to turquoise coastal gems—you’re in the ideal place to experience all of Naxos, without compromise.
✨ Historic & Cultural Treasures (All within 5–15 minutes):
Panagia Drosiani Church – Just a 350m walk from ELaiolithos, to one of the Balkans’ oldest Byzantine churches (4th–6th & 12th century). A spiritual, peacefully frescoed and architectural gem not to miss. 📍 Google Maps link
Kaloxylos Village & Olive Oil Tasting Museum – A picturesque village 2 km away. Visit ERGOSTASIO, where tradition meets flavor. Tour the museum, explore its exhibits, learn and enjoy an unforgettable olive oil tasting experience—consistently loved by our guests.
Halki Village – Only 3 km (5-minute drive). The former capital of Naxos is now a hub of artistry, local craftsmanship, and gastronomy. Find The Kitron Distillery (free of entrance), handmade textiles, workshops, and artisanal shops featuring olive oil, herbs, honey, and more. 📍 Google Maps link
Ancient Temple of Demeter – 11 km away. Older than the Parthenon, this 6th-century BC temple is steeped in myth. Visit the archaeological site and the museum—a true must-see of Naxos. 📍 Google Maps link
Monastery of Fotodotis – Light-Giver of Naxos – Perched on a serene hillside above Danakos village, the Monastery of Fotodotis (meaning “He Who Gives Light”) is one of the island’s most atmospheric sites. Dating back to the 6th century, it offers a blend of spirituality, history, and panoramic views that stretch all the way to the sea. The walk to reach it is a peaceful uphill path, surrounded by olive trees and silence—well worth the journey. It’s a place where time slows down, and light truly feels sacred. It is near the Agia Marina chapel – the starting point for hiking to Zeus mountain.
🏘️ Villages Worth Wandering
Filoti Village – A vibrant local hub, just 10 minutes away. Wander the Fasolas neighborhood with over 6 free-entry museums, the grand Panagia Filotitisa church, and feel the true rhythm of village life. 📍 View on Google Maps Filoti Village
Mylos 360 & Antamoma Café – Enjoy a cultural stop at the restored windmill that shows the wheat-to-flour process. Sip, dine, and marvel at 360-degree views across the island.
Apiranthos – The poetic “marble village,” rich in tradition, language, and soul. Home to five museums, cobbled alleys, and a deep-rooted Cretan-like culture. 📍 View on Google Maps
Moni Village – Just 2 minutes away. Known as the balcony of Naxos, its elevated views, weaving traditions, and olive oil stories make it a quiet but captivating destination.
Damalas Village – visit the Pottery for local handmade ceramics. 📍 View on Google Maps
Keramoti Village & Routsouna Waterfall Hike – one of the most remote and untouched villages in Naxos—a little-known gem wrapped in forests and springs, only about 15 minutes from ELaiolithos. Built amphitheatrically on lush slopes, it feels like time has stood still here. The air is crisp, the silence sacred, and the views of Fanari Mountain are simply majestic.
But what truly sets Keramoti apart is the Routsouna Waterfall, one of the island’s most spectacular natural wonders. From the village, a 40–50 minute hike takes you through verdant trails, citrus groves, and ancient terraces, leading to a dramatic waterfall cascading down a rock face. The path itself is a journey of scents and sounds, where birdsong and running water accompany your every step.
It’s an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers alike—and a side of Naxos that few ever get to see.
📍 View Keramoti on Google Maps
📍 Trailhead to Routsouna Falls
🥾 Nature & Adventure
Mount Zas (Zeus Mountain) – Hike to the highest peak in the Cyclades. Ideal for nature lovers, mythology fans, and seekers of epic views. 📍 View on Google Maps – this is the starting point for hiking (the back side).
Arion Spring – At the foot of Mount Zas, under a grand oak tree, you’ll find a natural water spring surrounded by tranquil beauty. 📍 View on Google Maps – this is the starting point for hiking Mount Zeus through the Zeus Cave (the front side)
Hiking & Cycling Trails – Trails begin right outside our door. We provide guidance and maps for various trails, including:
- Upper Castle & the Necropolis Trail 📍 View on Google Maps
- Trail #4 Circular Route – Explore 4 villages and dozens of Byzantine monuments in a 4-hour hike. A stop at the picturesque Calliope Taverna is a must on your way back
🏖️ Coastal Gems (20–35 Minutes Away)
Best Beaches of Naxos – Just a short drive from ELaiolithos opens up a world of unspoiled beauty. Discover secluded coves and long sandy shores—untouched, unorganized, and deeply romantic. Perfect for those seeking quiet, authentic moments by the sea.
Agiasos Beach — Tucked away on the island’s eastern coast, a serene, sandy stretch where the sea shimmers in endless shades of blue. A 25-minute drive from ELaiolithos, this beach is known for its quiet, untouched beauty, shallow waters, and surrounding cedar trees that offer natural shade. Ideal for couples, families, or anyone longing for a moment of peace, Agiasos is less crowded than the western beaches—giving you that private island feeling.📍 View on Google Maps
Moutsouna Bay – Swim and dine on fresh seafood right on the shore, next to the historic emery port infrastructure and loading bridge. 📍 View on Google Maps
Panermos Beach & Rena Cave Tour – A scenic drive leads to this magical spot where land meets sea in poetic beauty. Discover over 20 secluded beaches en route—perfect for private swims. Scenic coastal drive, secluded sands, plus a local boat tour into Rena Cave for about €20.
Rena Cave Tour – From Panermos, hop aboard a local boat tour with Yianni. For just 20 euros, explore Rena Cave, leap from rock ledges, learn about native herbs like kapari, and savor traditional meze on the sea.
📍 View on Google Maps for Pantermos Beach
📍 View on Google Maps for Rena Cave
Picture-Perfect Places You Won’t Find in the Guidebooks
Stavros Keramotis – Where East Meets West – A must-stop viewpoint on the way to Keramoti village, Stavros Keramotis offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Naxos. From this hilltop cross, you can gaze out at both the eastern and western coastlines of the island—a rare double view that feels like you’re standing at the center of Naxos’ soul. 📍 View on Google Maps
The landscape unfolds like a painting: rugged hills, fertile valleys, distant villages, and the vast Aegean Sea on either side. Whether you’re heading to Routsouna Falls or just exploring the highlands of the island, everyone stops here for a photo—and once you’re there, you’ll understand why. 📍 View on Google Maps
Argokiliotissa – A Place of Deep Faith and Panoramic Grace. Perched high above the valley, Panagia Argokiliotissa is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Naxos. Known for its icon of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be miraculous, this sacred place draws thousands during Orthodox Easter for one of the island’s largest religious festivals.
Even outside of feast days, it’s a peaceful visit worth making—offering breathtaking panoramic views, a serene chapel atmosphere, and a meaningful insight into the spiritual traditions of the Naxians. They are 3 churches in this spot, make sure you enter all of them with the smallest one to enter inside go through its interior and exit on the roof.
📍 View Panagia Argokiliotissa on Google Maps
📍 Why ELaiolithos is the Perfect Base
- Central crossroads to all parts of Naxos
- Close to nature and culture
- Just 20 minutes from the coast
- Surrounded by authenticity, history, and untouched beauty
We invite you to explore Naxos with us—from mountain paths to seaside wonders, ancient temples to village cafés. ELaiolithos is more than your hotel. It’s your gateway to everything that matters in Naxos.
Explore More ELaiolithos Experiences → and become part of the land
