The Fanari mountain towers over ELaiolithos – Luxury Villa Suites, on the east side along with the village of Moni. Moni village has a great tradition in the craft of handmade loom weaving, excellent stone builders, very fertile region with plenty water, famous for its quality organic vegetable produce, excellent wine varieties, olive oil, raki and cheeses. Also the oldest Byzantine church of Balkans, Panagia Drosiani, which is one of the most popular visiting monuments of the island after Portara is here.
Fanari Mountain and Fanari Suite is an ideal destination for your holidays on Naxos island, Cyclades, Greece
Fanari mountain (903 m) rises between two high mountains: Mount Zas (1004 m) in the south and Mount Koronos (992 m) in the north. While Zas (Zeus) and Koronos are big and jagged, Fanari mountain is smooth and jolly, and a striking feature of the local landscape. It is surrounded by the picturesque villages of Apirathos in the east, Kaloxilos in the west and Moni in the northwest. These villages have been lying on the slopes of Fanari mountain since the Middle Ages and piracy times. Their active and creative inhabitants raised their animals here, cultivated their land, carved their rocks, sang and danced to traditional bagpipe music, fell in love and passionately savored life.
Moni, the village at the base of Fanari Mountain, is a charming, traditional Cycladic settlement with narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. The village is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the nearby Byzantine church of Panagia Drosiani, one of the oldest churches on Naxos, dating back to the 6th century.
Up until the late 1700s, the Fanari Mountain area, nestled among forests, lush gullies, and bubbling streams, was a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife, including deer, roe deer, beautiful birds, rare swarms of bees, and colorful butterflies. The landscape was also abundant with vineyards, olive groves, and a variety of fruit trees such as fig, almond, orange, apple, pear, and sour cherry.
Today, the area remains characterized by its lush vegetation, featuring a rich mix of Mediterranean flora. Pine trees stand tall alongside olive groves, while aromatic herbs such as thyme and oregano flourish in the underbrush. The mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Aegean Sea, and on clear days, even neighboring islands.
The mountain and its surroundings are home also to diverse wildlife, including various bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The tranquility and natural beauty of Fanari Mountain make it a perfect escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the authentic charm of Naxos.
Numerous little Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches were built in the region, the most prominent one being Panagia Fanariotissa, the church of Virgin Mary in Fanari. Today, these churches still exist, and they’re of central attraction to our visitors.
You can reach Fanari mountain via several different paths but you get to admire the most magnificent 360 views as you ascend from Moni village. One of the top must Naxos’ hiking paths is the Fanarimountainhikingtrail.
Hiking trails crisscross Fanari Mountain, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and trekkers. The paths vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. These trails not only provide access to the mountain’s summit but also lead to several historical sites, offering glimpses into the island’s past.
ELaiolithos is the ideal starting point for the hiking path that takes you through Moni village, continues through forests, streams and majestic hillsides, then you climb Fanari mountain and you end up in the picturesque village of Apeirathos, one of the most famous villages of Naxos. Admire what is unfolding in front of you: This area is quite unique from a geographical viewpoint.
For those interested, here is a link for this hiking trail
The whole region of Moni village is among the most fertile area in Naxos island today, full of vegetation and water springs. ELaiolithos sources its fresh, drinkable tap water from the pristine Mountain Fanari spring above Moni village. This pure water is 100% safe and ensures that guests enjoy the highest quality refreshment straight from nature.
Fanari mountain in Naxos can guide you to ELaiolithos like a lighthouse, it can inspire you, and its views can bring the artist, poet or creator out of you. And somewhere there you end up in ELaiolithos’ Fanari Suite….
We have dedicated one of our luxury suites to honor this majestic neighboring mountain, naming it the Fanari suite. This suite is an indoor homage to the mountain, featuring color palettes and accents that mirror its natural beauty. The artistic interior is adorned with natural, earthy objects and organic materials, exemplifying an au naturel décor that brings the essence of the outdoors inside.
We know that nature has a profound effect on our overall well-being, both physically and emotionally, and our aim was for anyone staying in the Fanari Suite to entail its theme, embrace the earth’s simplicity, and bring the feeling of the outdoor experience into its indoor spaces. With the infusion of natural elements and colors into the suite’s interior, we make every visitor to be connected with the story of Fanari mountain even when they’re inside, and feeling calm. Upon departure we know that our guests have taken with them a piece of our region, a story, a scene, and a memory from our beautiful island!
Fanari Suite is like a local landscape-inspired wall art
~ Article written by Helen Marakis
