Discover Naxos, the quiet and soulful Cycladic gem offering barefoot luxury, vibrant local life, and meaningful travel—guided by native expert Helen Marakis. A different kind of Greek island experience awaits.
Naxos: The Authentic Alternative to Mykonos and Santorini
A Different Kind of Greek Island Experience, Off the Beaten Path
Tired of the crowds in Mykonos and Santorini? Meet Naxos—a Cycladic island where authenticity, barefoot luxury, and soulful experiences define your journey. In this in-depth travel guide, native expat Helen Marakis offers an insider’s view of Naxos through the lens of local life, culture, nature, and experiential travel.
Where Every Essence of Greece Unfolds: A Microcosm of Local Life
More than just a beach destination, Naxos is a living, breathing tapestry of Greek culture. Whether you seek history, gastronomy, or connection with nature and people, Naxos offers a different rhythm. The kind of place where life slows down. Where you don’t just see the people—you meet them.
As the philosopher Epicurus said, happiness lies in simplicity, friendship, and peace of mind. That’s exactly what you’ll find on Naxos.
Living in the Moment: Naxos’ Joyful Way of Life
On Naxos, luxury isn’t found in glittering rooftops or velvet ropes—it’s in the laughter shared in a village kafeneio, the flavors of freshly picked fruit, or a spirited conversation over homemade raki.
Locals live with joy and intention, cherishing the moment, whether in summer or winter. Here, community thrives, and visitors become part of it. From sunrise hikes to moonlit festivals, the island celebrates life daily.
If you’re captivated by culture, history, and society, and you immerse yourself in the authentic life of the places you visit for a genuine experience, then your journey to Naxos will reward you in countless ways.
Here are a few tips:
A Self-Sustained Island in a Globalized World
Unlike many tourist hubs, Naxos is self-reliant. Its rich soil, fresh water sources, and hardworking people support a flourishing agricultural scene. Most households still produce their own oil, vegetables, meat, wine, raki, and cheeses.
Visitors are welcome to experience it all—handpicking ingredients, joining harvests, tasting foods at the source, and enjoying meals made with love and ancestral knowledge.
Hidden Villages, Indigenous Culture, and Natural Wonders
Explore villages like Chalkio, Moni, Filoti, Apeiranthos, and Koronos—each a jewel of culture, art, and architecture. Some feature Venetian towers, Byzantine churches, or loom weaving exhibitions.
The Drymalia/Traghea area, blanketed in ancient olive trees, carries the echo of indigenous culture. Drive or hike through rocky trails, olive groves, citrus orchards, natural springs, marble quarries, and emery mines. Discover Jesuit palaces, hilltop castles, and other marvels often missed by casual tourists.
The Portara, Mount Zas, and That Magical Slow Pace
From climbing Mount Zas (the Cyclades’ tallest peak at 1004 meters) to watching the sunset behind the iconic Portara, Naxos connects body, mind, and soul to the natural world.
It’s a place that invites you to breathe, observe, and belong.
The ELaiolithos Advantage: Where Your Story Begins
When it comes to staying in Naxos, location matters. Nestled above the island’s cultural heart, ELaiolithos offers a gateway to both the beaches and the mountain villages—just 20-30 minutes from all corners of the island.
You’re never far from:
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Chalkio, Filoti, and Apeiranthos
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The Upper Castle and Fotodotis Monastery
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Panagia Drosiani, the oldest church on the island
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Aria Spring on Mount Zas
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And more natural and cultural highlights
ELaiolithos merges comfort, character, and connection, allowing guests to dive deep into local life and come away changed.
Indigineous Culture – Local Villages
Upon reaching the Drymalia/Traghea area, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sight: over four hundred thousand olive trees, some of which are over a millennium old. This region remains steeped in the remnants of indigenous culture, infusing it with a distinct personality that sets it apart from the rest of the island.
Venturing further to Chalkio and its surrounding area, often referred to as the Byzantine Mystras of the Aegean due to its abundance of stunning churches, feels like entering a world of its own. These villages—Chalkio, Moni, Kinidaros, Filoti, Apeirathos, and Koronos—beckon nature enthusiasts with their diverse offerings. From hiking trails to marble quarries, from natural springs to emery mines, and from olive groves to citrus orchards, this region is a haven for outdoor exploration.
Chalkio village, in particular, stands out as a veritable treasure trove of history, culture, and art. Its historic district boasts striking neoclassical architecture and imposing Venetian towers, alongside numerous galleries, taverns, cafes, boutiques, local delicatessens, and loom weaving shops-cum-exhibitions. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic cultural experience, Chalkio promises to captivate and enchant at every turn.
The Naxian hinterland beckons visitors with the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in untamed nature, whether by foot or by car, promising a day filled with fulfillment and wonder.
As you journey along the road from Potamia to Chalkio, the imposing silhouette of the Upper Castle emerges, capturing the imagination much like the famed Sarakiniko in Milos. Here, the landscape takes on an otherworldly quality, with towering rocks sculpted into mesmerizing shapes that seem to belong to a lunar landscape.
Nestled between the villages of Ano Potamia and Melanes lies the magnificent “Kalamitsia” – The Jesuit Palace, an architectural marvel that demands exploration from every angle.
With vibrant cultural experiences, thrilling eco-adventures, and tantalizing local organic cuisine awaiting at every turn, Naxos stands as the ultimate destination for those seeking their own slice of “pura vida.” Scaling Mountain Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades reaching 1004 meters, offers a captivating journey with panoramic views of the entire archipelago. Standing atop its summit feels akin to conquering the world itself.
Life in Naxos goes slowly in everything. Here you don’t just see the people but you meet the people.
Naxos, with its expansive landscapes and diverse offerings, warrants at least a week’s exploration to truly grasp its essence. What sets this island apart is the remarkable variety it presents – from its breathtaking landscapes to its rich cultural tapestry, vibrant local personalities, and delectable cuisine. However, the true essence of Naxos lies in its people. Warm and hospitable, locals readily welcome visitors into their homes, inviting them to share in meals, drinks, and laughter. Embracing this invitation opens the door to an authentic village experience, steeped in beauty and tranquility, that lingers in memory long after departure.
Why Naxos is Different
✅ Less crowded than Mykonos and Santorini
✅ More affordable, more genuine
✅ A place where you don’t watch a culture—you live it
✅ Ideal for families, couples, photographers, adventurers, wellness seekers, and solo travelers
LOCATION MATTERS:
Location is key when exploring Naxos, and ELaiolithos boasts an ideal position for discovering all the island has to offer. Conveniently situated, the hotel is just a 20 to 30-minute drive from even the most remote beaches, making it the perfect base for your adventures. Plus, with renowned villages like Chalkio, Filoti, Apeiranthos, Kinidharos, Damarionas, and Koronos all within close proximity – some just a short drive away – you’ll have easy access to the heart of Naxos’s cultural charm.
Major attractions are also nearby, with Panagia Drosiani just a 5-minute walk away, the marble quarries a quick 5-minute drive, and the Upper Castle and Fotodotis reachable within 20 minutes. Even the Aria Spring in Zeus Mountain is just a 10-minute drive away.
ELaiolithos serves as your gateway to authentic Naxos Island, offering a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to travelers seeking something truly extraordinary. With a blend of comfort, charm, and genuine hospitality, every guest feels at home while immersing themselves in the authentic essence of Greek island life.
Seasonal Celebrations & Cultural Richness
Want to truly experience Naxos? Come in November for the magical raki-making season, or visit during Apokries, the local carnival that lights up every village with costumes, feasts, and live music. These are not staged events—they’re real moments of shared culture, open to all.
For an authentic experience, seek out a local gathering in Moni or Kinidharos village and immerse yourself in this centuries-old tradition. Moni village further celebrates this tradition with its annual “Raki Festival” event, featuring live music and open to all. Here, locals and visitors alike come together to partake in raki-making, indulging in freshly barbecued meats and lively dancing that lasts well into the night.
During the Apokries (Halloween) festivities, heralding the start of carnival season in Greece, Naxos truly comes alive. Spanning two weeks leading up to the 40-day Lenten period before Easter, each village boasts its own unique traditions and celebrations, offering a non-stop extravaganza of merriment. With a vibrant local music scene boasting numerous folk musicians, traditional festivals on Naxos are a spectacle unto themselves, with locals and visitors alike reveling in the joyous atmosphere that extends into the early hours of the morning.
And no visit to the island would be complete without a pilgrimage to the Great Door of the Cyclades, the iconic Portara. Perched majestically overlooking the archipelago, it exudes a timeless allure, perhaps serving as a portal to another realm for those with a touch of imagination. Watching the sunset from the hill of Portara is an experience of unparalleled beauty, etching unforgettable memories in the hearts of all who witness it.
Conclusion: One Inseparable Whole
In Naxos, everything is connected—the people, the land, the traditions, and the guest. The island offers something deeper than a vacation: it offers a homecoming to simplicity, purpose, and joy.
If you’re looking for meaningful travel, cultural depth, and soulful moments, Naxos—and Helen Marakis—invite you to come see what life feels like when it’s lived fully.
Article written by Copyright © Helen Marakis . All rights reserved
