Green Travel Guide to Naxos and the Small Cyclades
Here is classic Greece. Naxos and the islands of the Small Cyclades (Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonisi and Donousa) have it all: ancient monuments, fishing villages, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and fresh local food. In the tranquil interiors, you'll hear the tinkling of goat bells and marvel at beautifully kept white-washed churches. You can expect generous Greek hospitality in the locally run guesthouses and restaurants, and there are activities for everyone, from kite-surfing, sea-kayaking and windsurfing to climbing, mountain biking and guided walking tours.
Filmed by Green Traveller Productions
Foreword by Christina Kalogera,
Director, GNTO UK & Ireland Office
When travellers come to choose their holiday they know that Greece has everything they are looking for. It is a safe destination, with great weather, amazing landscapes, warm hospitality and a fascinating history and culture. Moreover, Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions - you could walk through the olive groves and archaeological sites, move to clusters of islands, go through beaches and mountains and explore the breath-taking scenery all in one trip.
Naxos and the Small Cyclades is the perfect example of that. With so many undiscovered and commanding treasures waiting to be discovered, these beautiful islands are sure to captivate the most discerning of travellers whether interested in nature, hiking and trekking, cycling, sea sports and snorkelling, history and local festivals, arts and crafts or just simply good food and wine!
Naxos – the largest of the Cyclades – is a destination in its own right. It is one of the most mountainous and fertile Cyclades islands. The local potatoes are a treat and this is also the case for the island’s wide range of cheeses and citrus liqueurs. Its main city of Hora boasts a medieval castle and traditional cobbled streets filled with tavernas and shops while the island is renowned for its long stretches of sandy beaches, iconic villages and archaeological sites, including the famous Portara (Apollo Temple's entrance) overlooking the port. Naxos is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts offering a variety of sea sports such as kite surfing as well as mountain biking and scenic walking trails passing through beautiful villages and sights of cultural interest.
Nearby Small Cyclades are one of Greece’s best kept secrets! They have a small permanent population of around two hundred residents and consist of four inhabited islands located between Naxos and Amorgos. Iraklia - the largest of the group at 19sqkm, Schinoussa, Koufonisi (also referred to as Ano Koufonisi) and Donousa. These beautiful small islands have a distinct character offering a unique holiday experience unlike any other in the Cyclades, whether the tranquility and secluded coves of Iraklia, the turquoise blue waters and gastronomic delights of Schinoussa, the breath-taking walking trails and beaches of Donousa, or the fast becoming fashionable Koufonisi with its beautiful Hora (main town) and sandy beaches with emerald waters.
For more information go to: visitgreece.gr
What our writers discovered in Naxos and the Small Cyclades
Stay, Eat, See & Do
Our pick of places across Naxos and the Small Cyclades
Google Map Key:
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Green = Places to stay; Blue = Places to eat; Yellow = Attractions; Purple = Activities
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