SECRETS - 20 Naxos hidden treasures

1. The Abandoned Hotel Turned Street Art Gallery at Alyko

This place... it is a ghost with a colourful soul. We locals have known about it for years. It sits on a beautiful, protected peninsula, a monument to a time of reckless development during the military junta in the 70s. The construction was illegal, and it was stopped, leaving this concrete skeleton to bleach in the sun. For years, it was just an eyesore, a sad scar on a perfect piece of coastline. But then, something wonderful began to happen. Artists, first local and then from all over the world, saw not a ruin, but a canvas. They started to paint. Now, this place is known as the “Hawaii of Naxos,” and it has become one of the most unique spots on the island.

To visit, you drive towards Alyko beach and you will see it rising from the trees. There are no signs, no tickets, no opening hours. You just park your car and walk in. My advice is to wear proper shoes, not flip-flops, as there is rubble and broken glass in some areas. What you will find is a maze of rooms and hallways, each one telling a different story through art. There are huge, breathtaking murals and small, clever pieces of graffiti. The most incredible part is the contrast: the raw, grey, decaying concrete against the vibrant, living art, with the brilliant blue of the Aegean Sea framed in every empty window. Go in the late afternoon, when the "golden hour" light streams through the concrete pillars. It is an eerie, beautiful, and deeply photogenic place, a silent testament to how nature and art can reclaim anything.

2. The Cedar Forest of Aliko

Right next to the abandoned hotel, and the reason that whole peninsula is so special, is the Aliko cedar forest. This is not a forest in the way you might imagine, with tall, straight trees. These are ancient junipers (Juniperus macrocarpa), which we call kedra, twisted and shaped by the wind and the salt over hundreds of years. They grow right out of the sand dunes, their roots holding the very land together. The area is a protected Natura 2000 site, a place of incredible ecological importance.

When you walk here, you must stick to the sandy paths. The ecosystem is fragile. The air is filled with the scent of the junipers and wild herbs. It’s a place of deep tranquility. The forest is dotted with small, secluded coves and hidden beaches, each one more beautiful than the last. You can spend a whole day here, wandering from the forest to a tiny, perfect beach for a swim, and then back into the shade of the trees. It’s a place to escape the crowds, to read a book, to listen to the sound of the cicadas and the gentle waves. For me, this forest represents the wild, untamed spirit of Naxos. It’s a reminder of the raw, natural beauty that exists just beyond the organised beaches. It is a place for quiet contemplation.

3. Filoti's Traditional Barber and Blacksmith Shops

Filoti is the largest village on our island, a bustling hub at the foot of Mount Zas. While many people stop for a coffee under the famous plane tree, most miss these two little treasures that are just a few steps away. These are not reconstructions; they are time capsules. The old barber shop (koureio) and the blacksmith's workshop (kamini) have been perfectly preserved, exactly as they were left by their last owners.

When you peek inside, you step back 50 years. In the barber shop, you see the old leather chair, the razors laid out, the bottles of cologne, the small mirror on the wall. You can almost smell the shaving soap and hear the local men gossiping as they wait for their turn. In the blacksmith's shop, you see the anvil, the heavy hammers, the forge where the fire would roar, the half-finished tools. These were the centres of village life. They weren't just places of business; they were social clubs, places where news was exchanged and stories were told. They are maintained by the village cultural association, and while you can’t go inside, you can look through the windows and doors and get a powerful, authentic glimpse into the hard work and simple daily life of our grandparents' generation. It’s a small, poignant reminder of a Naxos that is slowly disappearing.

4. The Kitron Distillery in Halki

Halki is a beautiful village, a former capital of the island with elegant neoclassical mansions. But the heart and soul of Halki, and its most famous export, is the Vallindras Distillery. This is where Kitron, our unique Naxian liqueur, has been made since 1896. This is not some modern tourist attraction; it is a living, working piece of history.

When you step inside, the first thing that hits you is the smell – a wonderful, aromatic, citrusy scent from the leaves of the citron tree. The distillery is still in the original family home, and it feels like a museum. You will see the huge, old copper stills, the dusty bottles from decades past, the old office with its ledger books. A member of the family will explain the whole process to you: how they harvest the leaves from the citron trees (which only grow here for this purpose), how they macerate them in alcohol, and how they go through a triple distillation process. At the end, you get to the best part: the tasting. You can try the three types of Kitron. The green one is the sweetest and lowest in alcohol, the clear one is in the middle, and the yellow one is the strongest and most traditional, with less sugar. It’s a wonderful experience that connects you to a tradition that is purely and proudly Naxian. Buying a bottle here is taking home the true spirit of the island.

5. The Kouros Statues of Melanes

Every visitor hears about the Kouroi, our giant sleeping youths. But many only see the one near Apollonas because it’s on the main road. The two most impressive ones, in my opinion, are hidden in a lush, fertile valley near the village of Melanes. These are the Kouros of Flerio and the Kouros of Potamia. Finding them is an adventure in itself. You drive to the Flerio area and then take a short, beautiful walk through orchards and gardens.

These colossal, unfinished marble statues, dating from the 6th century BC, were abandoned right where they were being carved, probably because they cracked during the process. They lie on their backs, half-emerged from the earth, as if they are simply resting. Seeing them this way, in their natural, outdoor workshop, is so much more powerful than seeing a polished statue in a museum. You can see the chisel marks; you can understand the immense labour involved. You are standing at the very source of ancient Greek sculpture. The area around them is incredibly green and beautiful, fed by ancient aqueducts. It’s a journey that combines history, nature, and a little bit of hiking. It shows you that Naxos is not just an island of beaches, but an island of marble, water, and ancient secrets.

6. The Cave of Zas

This is more than just a cave; it is the mythological heart of our island. Mount Zas (or Zeus) is the highest peak in the Cyclades, and according to legend, this is where the king of the gods spent his childhood, hidden from his father Cronus. The hike to the cave is an experience in itself. You start from the Aria Spring, just outside the village of Filoti. The path is well-marked but rocky, so you need good shoes and water.

As you climb, the views over the Tragea valley and the island become more and more spectacular. The entrance to the cave is impressive, a dark mouth on the side of the mountain. Inside, it goes deep. You will need a torch (your phone light is a good start) to explore properly. The air is cool and damp. You will see impressive stalactites and stalagmites that have been forming for millennia. For the truly adventurous, the path continues from the cave all the way to the summit of Mount Zas. From the top, on a clear day, you can see the surrounding islands and feel like you are on the roof of the Aegean. Visiting the cave is a pilgrimage. It connects you to the deep, ancient myths that are woven into the very landscape of Greece. It is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

7. Saint Anna Winery

This place is a true hidden gem, a testament to one man's passion. You will not find big tour buses here. Saint Anna Winery is the small, personal project of Manolis Petrakis. It is located near the airport, not far from the beach of Agia Anna. To visit, you absolutely must call him in advance to arrange a time. This is not a drop-in facility; it is an invitation to his home and his passion.

Manolis is dedicated to reviving and cultivating rare, local Cycladic grape varieties. He will walk you through his small vineyard, telling you the story of each grape with infectious enthusiasm. Then, you will sit in his beautiful, rustic courtyard for the tasting. This is not a quick pour and a swirl. He will sit with you, pouring his wines – perhaps a white from the Potamisi grape or a red from the Mandilaria – and telling you about their character. The tasting is always accompanied by a platter of the most delicious meze: his wife's homemade cheese pies (tiropitakia), olives from their trees, and of course, our wonderful Naxian cheeses. It is an experience of true filoxenia. You are not a customer; you are a guest. It is a world away from the commercial wineries. It is a slow, personal, and delicious afternoon that you will remember long after the wine is gone.

8. The Village of Keramoti

Tucked away in a green, remote valley in the very centre of the island, Keramoti is a village that time seems to have forgotten. Very few tourists make the journey here, as it is off the main road that connects Chora to the mountain villages. The drive itself is beautiful, through a landscape that feels more like mainland Greece than a Cycladic island.

The village is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of two hills, with a river running between them. It is incredibly peaceful. The main reason to visit Keramoti is to experience its profound tranquility and to taste its treasures. The area is renowned for its beekeeping. The thyme-scented hills produce some of the best, most aromatic honey you will ever taste. You can buy it directly from the local producers. The village is also known for its traditional cheesemaking. If you are lucky, you might find a local willing to sell you some of their homemade arseniko or myzithra. There is a small, traditional taverna in the village where you can have a simple, authentic meal under the trees. A visit to Keramoti is an escape. It’s for those who want to see the agricultural heart of Naxos, away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. It is the quiet soul of the island.

9. The "Violins" Nights in Apeiranthos

Apeiranthos, the marble village, has a culture all its own. The people here have a distinct dialect and a fierce pride in their traditions, many of which have roots in Crete. One of the most vibrant of these traditions is the impromptu musical gathering known as a glenti or, as it is often called, a night of "violins" (ta violia). This is not a scheduled performance for tourists. This is the real thing.

On a summer evening, you might be sitting in a taverna in the village and suddenly hear the sound of a violin and a lute starting up. A group of local musicians will have gathered, and soon, someone will get up to sing a kopaneli or a traditional rhyming couplet. Then, people will start to dance the energetic island dances like the Ballos or Syrtos. These events can be sparked by anything – a baptism, a name day, or just the joy of a summer night. They can go on until the sun comes up. As a visitor, the best thing you can do is sit respectfully, order a drink, and enjoy the show. If you are smiling and appreciating the music, you might be offered a glass of raki or even pulled into the dance. This is Naxian kefi (high spirits, passion) in its purest form. To witness one of these nights is to be let into the inner circle of island life.

10. The Chirosfagia Festival in Filoti

This is one of our most ancient and primal traditions, and it is not for the faint of heart. The chirosfagia (the pig slaughter) is a ritual that takes place during the Apokries, the carnival season before the start of Lent, usually in February or March. It is a tradition born of necessity from a time when a pig was a family's main source of meat for the year.

In villages like Filoti, families and friends gather for this communal event. The pig is slaughtered, and then begins the work of processing every single part of the animal. Nothing is wasted. They make sausages (loukanika), preserved pork in fat (pichti), and other delicacies. This work is accompanied by a huge celebration, a glenti, with lots of wine, music, and dancing. The feasting that follows is incredible, with dishes you will not find on any restaurant menu. This is not an event designed for tourists, but a deep-rooted community tradition. If you happen to be on Naxos during carnival and you are invited to witness or partake in a chirosfagia, it is a rare and powerful insight into the island's rural traditions and the strong bonds of our community. It is a raw, authentic piece of our cultural heritage.

11. The Temple of Demeter at Sangri

While the Portara in Chora is the most famous ancient monument on Naxos, the Temple of Demeter near the village of Sangri is, for me, the most beautiful and significant. This is a place of profound peace and classical perfection. Built around 530 BC, entirely from the finest Naxian marble, it is one of the earliest and most important Ionic temples in Greece. It is dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, which is fitting for its location in the middle of one of the most fertile plains on the island.

What makes it so special is the quality of the light and the masterful restoration work that has been done. Parts of the temple have been re-erected using the original marble, allowing you to truly understand its form and elegance. It predates the Parthenon in Athens by decades. There is also a small, excellent museum on-site that explains the history of the site and displays some of the finds. You can see how the temple was later converted into a Christian basilica, a common practice that shows the layers of faith on our island. Go in the late afternoon when the crowds have gone and the sun bathes the marble in a warm, golden glow. You can feel the ancient energy of the place. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply a place of serene beauty.

12. Church of Saint George Diasoritis

The Tragea valley is often called the "Mystras of Naxos" because it is dotted with dozens of small, ancient Byzantine chapels. While Panagia Drosiani is the most famous, my personal favourite is the 11th-century church of Agios Georgios Diasoritis. It is a hidden gem that requires a small effort to reach, which makes it all the more rewarding.

You find it by taking a short, lovely walk of about 15 minutes along a stone path that starts from the village of Halki. The walk itself, through the ancient olive groves, is beautiful. The church itself is a perfect example of Byzantine architecture, with a unique cross-in-square design and a dome. But the real treasure is inside. It is adorned with remarkably well-preserved frescoes from the 11th to the 13th centuries. You can see paintings of saints, of Christ Pantocrator, and scenes from the Bible. The church is usually kept locked to protect the frescoes, but there is often a caretaker in Halki who can be found to open it for respectful visitors, or you can ask at the cultural office in the village. To stand inside this tiny, ancient church, surrounded by centuries-old art, is a deeply moving and spiritual experience. It is a quiet testament to the enduring faith of our island.

13. Rakitzia: The Autumn Raki Distillation

Summer has its festivals, but autumn has its own special magic. After the grape harvest (trygos) is over in September, the island's communities come alive with the tradition of rakitzia. This is the process of distilling raki (also known as tsipouro), our strong, local pomace brandy. The leftover skins, seeds, and stems of the grapes (strafylla) are put into a large copper still, called a kazani. A fire is lit underneath, and the whole village seems to gather around.

The rakitzio is a party. It is not a quiet, industrial process. It is a social ritual that celebrates the end of the agricultural season. While the kazani bubbles away, the music starts – usually a violin and a lute. Food appears – grilled meats, cheeses, and whatever is fresh. The first drops of the new raki that trickle from the still are a moment of great excitement. This first spirit is very strong, and it is passed around for everyone to taste. The celebration goes on for hours, fueled by the music, the food, and of course, the steady flow of fresh raki. These events are not advertised. They happen in homes and on farms in the villages, especially Filoti, Chalki, and Sagri, from late September through November. If you are visiting during this time and you hear music and smell that unique, sweet, boiling-grape smell, you have found one. Be respectful, and you will likely be welcomed with a glass.

14. Potato Festival in Agia Anna

This might sound like a funny idea for a festival, but you must understand: we are incredibly proud of our potatoes! The Naxian potato is famous throughout Greece. It has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status because the island's unique, potassium-rich soil gives it a superior flavour. So, of course, we celebrate it!

Every year, usually on the first weekend of August, the Potato Festival takes place in the area of Agia Anna. It is a huge, fun, and very popular event. Local agricultural cooperatives and volunteers peel and fry literally tons of potatoes. They are served fresh and hot, for free, to thousands of attendees, often topped with our wonderful Naxian Graviera cheese. But it's more than just potatoes. It is a proper paniyiri. There is live traditional music with violins and lutes, and a huge dance floor where everyone, from young children to their grandparents, gets up to dance the traditional island dances. It's a fantastic, family-friendly celebration of our land and our most famous product. It’s a chance to eat, dance, and celebrate with us in a very joyful and authentic atmosphere.

15. Dimitria Festival in Sagri

The Dimitria Festival is a wonderful event that beautifully combines our agricultural heritage with our cultural life. It takes place in early August in the village of Sagri, a place deeply connected to the land, as it is home to the Temple of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. The festival is set in the beautiful grounds of the restored Agios Eleftherios monastery, a 17th-century building that now functions as a folk museum.

The festival is a showcase of the best of Naxos. There are stalls where local producers display and sell their products: honey, cheese, olive oil, wine, and traditional sweets. There are exhibitions of local crafts, like weaving and pottery. The main event, however, is the cultural performance in the evening. This could be a traditional music concert, a theatrical performance, or a dance show. It is a high-quality event that attracts people from all over the island. The atmosphere is magical – a warm summer evening, the beautiful setting of the old monastery, and a celebration of the traditions that keep our island alive. It is a more refined and cultural experience than some of the wilder paniyiria, but no less authentic.

16. Torchbearers Parade (Lampadiforia) in Naxos Town

This is one of the most spectacular and surreal events of the entire year. It takes place during Apokries, the Greek Carnival season, on the last Saturday before Lent begins. The Lampadiforia is a torch-lit parade that winds its way through the labyrinthine alleys of Chora. But this is not your typical happy carnival parade. It has a deep, primal, Dionysian energy.

The participants, called Kordelatoi, are dressed in white sheets or robes, their faces painted with black and white patterns, making them look like ghosts or spirits. They move in a silent, hypnotic procession, each one carrying a lit torch. The only sound is the relentless, rhythmic beat of drums that accompanies them. The atmosphere is electric, a little bit scary, and completely mesmerizing. The parade follows a specific route through the old town, culminating in a central square where a symbolic effigy is burned in a massive bonfire. This is a ritual of purification, a symbolic cleansing of the town's sins before the solemn period of Lent. To witness it is to feel a direct connection to the ancient, pre-Christian traditions of our land. It is a powerful, unforgettable spectacle.

17. Theoskepasti Festival in Komiaki and Potamia

On September 8th, we celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, a major religious holiday all over Greece. On Naxos, this day is particularly special in the northernmost village, Komiaki (now officially called Koronida), and in the villages of Potamia. The festival is named for the Panagia Theoskepasti, the "Virgin Mary Sheltered by God."

The celebration is a classic paniyiri, but with a deep sense of local devotion. The day starts with a religious service at the church dedicated to the Theoskepasti. After the service, the celebration moves to the village square. There will be live traditional music, with the violin and lute playing the beloved songs of the island. And, of course, there is feasting. The local community prepares food to share, and there are stalls selling grilled meats and local wine. The dancing will go on for hours, late into the night. What makes these festivals special is their location. Komiaki is a remote, traditional village with breathtaking views. Potamia is a cluster of three villages nestled in a lush, green valley. Celebrating with the local community in these beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations is a chance to experience the heart of Naxian hospitality and faith.

18. Panagia Argokoiliotissa Pilgrimage in Koronos

This is one of the most significant religious pilgrimages on our island. High in the mountains above the village of Koronos, there is a monastery dedicated to the Panagia Argokoiliotissa. The name means "Virgin Mary of the Silver Belly," and the story is that a miraculous icon was found here. The main pilgrimage takes place on Holy Friday, during Orthodox Easter week.

On this day, hundreds, sometimes thousands, of faithful from all over Naxos and beyond make the journey to the monastery. Many people walk for hours, some even starting from Chora, as a fulfillment of a vow (tama). The atmosphere is one of solemn devotion. People light candles and pray before the holy icon, which is believed to have healing powers. It is a deeply moving display of faith. Later in the day, the mood shifts to one of quiet community as people share simple Lenten food. The monastery itself is in a spectacular, wild location with incredible views. To be there on Holy Friday, surrounded by the quiet faith of the pilgrims, is to witness a profound part of our island's spiritual life, a tradition that has remained unchanged for generations.

19. Fisherman's Festival in Apollonas

Apollonas is a charming fishing village on the remote northeastern coast of Naxos, famous for its giant, sleeping Kouros statue. On June 28th, the village celebrates the festival of Saints Peter and Paul, who are protectors of fishermen. This is known as the Fisherman's Festival, or Giorti tou Psara.

The celebration begins in the late afternoon with a religious service and a blessing of the fishing boats in the small harbour. The boats are decorated, and it is a beautiful sight. After the formalities, the party begins! The local fishing community offers fresh fish, grilled right there on the harbour, to everyone for free. You will also be offered plenty of local wine and souma (our version of raki). Then, the live traditional music starts, and the whole harbour front turns into a dance floor. It is a celebration of the sea, of the hard work of the fishermen, and of the community. It is a joyous, lively, and very authentic festival, set in one of the most picturesque spots on the island. It’s a wonderful way to experience the culture of our coastal villages.

20. KouzinoMagiremata: Traditional Cooking Contest in Danakos

For anyone who loves food, this is a dream come true. Danakos is a small, beautiful village tucked away in the mountains, known for its cool springs and ancient plane trees. At the end of July, the village hosts KouzinoMagiremata, a traditional cooking contest that celebrates our unique Naxian cuisine.

The event takes place in the village square, under the shade of a huge, centuries-old plane tree. The local women of the village, our incredible yiayiathes (grandmothers), are the stars of the show. Each one prepares a traditional Naxian dish, often using recipes that have been passed down through their families for generations. You will find dishes you would never see in a restaurant – special vegetable pies, unique preparations of goat or pork, traditional sweets. A panel of judges tastes the dishes and awards prizes, but the real winners are the visitors. After the judging, everyone gets to sample the food. It is a true feast of authentic, homemade Naxian flavours. The event is, of course, accompanied by live music and dancing. It is a celebration of our culinary heritage, our mothers and grandmothers, and the incredible bounty of our land. It is the most delicious festival on Naxos