Moni village built amphitheatrically in the center of the island, on a mountain slope, it’s called “the balcony of the Aegean” because it has the best views on the island and onto the Aegean Sea. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Mt. Zas, of the Tragaia plateau valley with its thousands of olive groves, of the Filoti, Chalkio. Damarionas, Damalas and Monoitsia villages. The village is embraced by 2 mountains: to the left of Moni, going up from Chalki, is the mountain “Profitis Ilias” and to the right is the mountain “Fanari”.
Moni village is surrounded by lush green landscape, citrus and olive trees. The traditional stone built houses architecture with narrow cobble-stoned streets take you back to another era in the past. The men of Moni village are famous on Naxos island for their skilled stone masons. They were the best craftsmen of stone processing on the island, and manufactured a lot of works and bridges all over the island. Back in the old ages, every day the men of Moni were crossing over by foot the Fanari mountain to Apiranthos village and worked there. The locals state that most construction of the Apiranthos village is built by the Moni’s skillful stone masons. This is the reason that stone dominates everywhere in Moni’s and Apiranthos’ architecture.
Worth visiting in Moni village is the traditional “well” that has been kept in very good condition. Till 1980, the women used to laundry their clothing here. Strolling around the village will offer you views of the picturesque central cobble-stoned square where the village’s festivities take place, of two old olive press mills, the parish Church of Agia Fotini, the Byzantine Church of Agios Nikolaos, and stone house arches.
Moni village derives its name from the former Byzantine era monastery (moni in Greek) and now been converted to Panagia Drosiani (Virgin Mary) church, which is on the way to Halki village. Built in 4th,6th and 12th century AD, it’s one of the most important churches in all of Greece and among the oldest in the Balkans. Many myths are associated with the church’s name. Inside the church you’ll find charming cave-like chapels, where nuns and monks taught Christianity and Greek language to children during the Turkish occupation. Panagia Drosiani is a famous Byzantine church, and the most visited monument of Naxos after the Portara gate. Its magnificent architecture leaves every visitor in awe!
Moni village has also a rich tradition in handloom woven textiles created solely by women, who are the best loom weavers on the island. Even young women nowdays carry on this tradition. The village retains alive the craft of the traditional loom, supported by the Moni Weavers Association.
Moni village is blessed! It’s known for its countryside with its region to be very fertile due to the abundance of water coming from Fanari mountain. Its soil produces the best vegetables of the island: exceptional quality organic produce, potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, olive oil, vast variety of fruits, vineyards, and livestock products. Its agricultural products are the best on the island with incredible taste. Also the village has more than 50 vinification varieties of vineyards, producing amazing local wine and raki spirit that are highly rated on the island.
Moni village located at an altitude of 500 m, it has about 220 permanent residents. It’s 17 Km from Naxos town, a 20 minute drive, and accessible through 3 different routes. There are a few traditional taverns and cafes here, along with a small market, and a traditional bakery for bread. Moni village and its surrounding area offers the most beautiful hiking trails on Naxos with great sightseeing.
Enjoy incredible views far onto the Aegean Sea, and the Zeus mountain with its 8-pyramid shaped mountain tail. The magnificent vistas from Moni village were the inspiration force of the well-known Greek poet Odysseus Elytis for his “Axion Esti” work, that described it as: “the shades above in the mountain, with the raise of sun, create the picture of a proud eagle with open wings and renders Moni a unique energy place, that revives the body and the spirit in the minimum time, and create a feeling of euphoria and energy to everyone that experiences this condition.”
Moni village is located on the main road axis of Naxos town, Chora – Chalki – Panagia Drosiani – Stavros Keramotis – Koronos – Skado – Komiaki – Apollon.
ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat is located 1.5 Km outside of Moni village, and 300 meters away from Panagia Drosiani Byzantine Church.
