A Local’s Guide to Naxos Island

With various beaches, mountains, gorges, rivers and waterfalls, Naxos offers so many natural hideaways that it takes some serious thought to answer this question.

I guess that growing up so close to the sea, inevitably turns you into more of a beach than a mountain person, so my quiet place is most often some beach setting. It’s not a specific one, though. Depending on how far I wish to drive and most importantly on where the wind is blowing from, I’ll find my safe haven for the day.

Naxos is blessed with a beautiful coastline. One can find beautiful, golden sand beaches that stretch for kilometers, just 10 minutes away from Town while if you’re willing to drive a little longer, you’ll find some hidden gems to make you richer in experience, awe and gratitude. Secluded bays are waiting to be discovered on every corner and provide the perfect hideaway every now and then.

And when I don’t have much time to spare, my childhood’s memories setting or my “neighborhood beach” as I like to call it (aka St. George Beach) will always be a great choice for a recharge.

You haven’t met the real Naxos, if you haven’t visited one of the hidden villages in the mainland, wandered around its narrow streets, randomly running into a local, that will wish you a heartfelt “Kalimera” and will most probably offer you something delicious to eat or drink!

You haven’t met the real side of Naxos, if you haven’t seen people dance to the upbeat music of violins! “Nisiotika” (music of the islands) is a category of Cycladic folk music, very well-known within Greece. Many famous Cycladic folk artists come from Naxos, with every village having its own songs and dancing style, it’s no wonder why Naxians seem to be born with an innate talent for music and dance. And, for a next level experience, by all means, join in and dance with them! No need to worry if you don’t know the steps, the locals will be happy to teach you.

Oh, this is a no brainer. It’s definitely the said “laziness”!
There is a rumor that Greeks just sip ouzo or coffee and play tavli (backgammon) all day long while basking in the sun but we are actually among the hardest working people in Europe and in the world! Don’t just take my word for it, you can look it up in various studies conducted by the OECD.

This stereotype is actually quite strong and it hit me back in 2011 when I spent a year abroad, studying in a European country (right when the Eurozone crisis was off the roof). I will never forget how many times my professors tried to embarrass me in the classroom for being Greek, insinuating that our laziness will cause the whole EU structure to fall to its demise. As if a country of 11 million people would even have that power! The truth is far from it, though. We do work long hours and we work hard. And I don’t see anything wrong in enjoying our beautifully sunny country on every occasion possible!