Villa Oskelos Estate

Villa Oskelos Estate is nestled into the hillside of the southwest of the Greek island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. You can get to Naxos via Athens, and then a forty-five minute flight to the local airport, or take the ferry from Piraeus or Rania, which can take between three and six hours depending on if you take the high speed or Blue Star line. Island hop from Santorini, Paros, Milos, Ios, or Mykonos, as part of an Aegean Sea odyssey.

The estate is near the village of Kastraki, and the unspoilt Glyfada sandy beach, with its crystal clear waters, and kitesurfing club. Ask the concierge to arrange well almost anything for you, from private yoga lessons on the lawn to a private chef, or push the boat out and charter your own yacht to sail the Aegean seas. Naxos is famous for its water sports, most especially kite and windsurfing, with seven major clubs around the coastline, the Meltemi north wind effect makes it the most perfect conditions. Other great beaches include Agia Anna for its sea caves and tavernas, Aliko with four beaches and a backdrop of cedar forests, Mikri Vigla for excellent water sports, Agios Prokopios for its white sand, and promenade populated with restaurants, and the most popular Plaka, with four kilometres of organised sun loungers and shady parasols.

Go north to Naxos town, known locally as Chora, a lively commercial centre, with a port, whitewashed houses, and original Venetian architecture. Visit the thirteenth-century castle, the Archeological and Venetian Museums, and the landmark Portara, constructed in 530BC, as the original entrance to the unbuilt Temple of Apollo, best seen at sunset. A trip to the local villages to see traditional Naxian life is highly recommended, make your way up to the mountaintop setting to see Koronas and the Church of Panagia Agrokiliotissa. Don’t miss a chance to visit Chalki (Halki), once the capital of the island, see the past grandeur in the neoclassical Venetian homes and towers, and walk the cobbled streets as you shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit the Vallindra Distillery where they make Kitron, the island’s famous lemon liqueur, sample some, and take a bottle home with you. For something a bit more sporty, the island offers hiking and cycling tours, where you can discover the local flora and fauna, mountain biking and horseback riding, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, and for the daredevils, Naxos is renowned for its cliff diving. For something more cultural there is the seventh-century BC Statue of Kouros sculptures, the sixth-century AD Temple of Demeter, the Crispi Tower Byzantine Museum, and the Cycladia Cultural Centre at Damala that hosts events throughout the season. Not to mention the many churches and monasteries that can be found all over the island, with their ornate interiors and original icons.

No trip to Naxos is complete without a boat trip, island hop, swim and snorkel in secret coves and hidden bays, dine aboard, and then sail into the harbour at sunset. After all that, wind down with a wine tour of one of the local vineyards, and sample their wares, before settling down for an evening under the stars at the open-air cinema.

Read more about Naxos

As you sail into the island, be in awe of the Portara of Naxos, the vast marble gate to the Temple of Apollo. Crowds gather at the iconic emblem to admire the sun setting in this spectacular setting.

It’s not just Naxos’ rich history which attracts visitors to the largest island in the Cyclades. It may be relatively less known compared to Mykonos and Santorini yet those in the know come to Naxos for its glorious beaches, verdant landscapes and charming villages. Ferries arrive into Naxos town from Mykonos, Santorini, Piraeus and Rafina or you can fly into Naxos Airport from Athens.

Starting off in Naxos town, potter around the picturesque streets and soak up its rich heritage as you catch idyllic glimpses of the sea. Narrow lanes of bougainvillea-clad houses wind through the Kastro district towards the fortified Venetian castle. Get lost in the old town with its arched pathways, little shops and pretty cafes, spotting sleepy cats as you explore, and be enchanted by the authentic Greek charm all around you. As the evening approaches the town comes to life with its restaurants and cocktail bars, many with rooftop terraces and great views.

The sandy beaches near Naxos town are much loved by tourists and locals alike – hire summer sunbeds and parasols at the likes of Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna and make the most of the turquoise-coloured Aegean for snorkelling and diving. Seek slightly quieter shores further south as you come across the fine white sand of Plaka Beach and the more remote Hawaii Beach protected by rocks. Meanwhile, Mikri Vigla, also on the western coast, is popular with watersport enthusiasts (kite-surfing, windsurfing).

Then there’s the traditional villages dotted across the island amongst olive groves, citrus orchards, byzantine churches and mountains. Chalkio is often referred to as the most beautiful with its flower-filled lanes, white-washed houses, art galleries and traditional tavernas serving locally sourced dishes. Apeiranthos is another gem of Naxos with its unique architecture, marble alleys and museums alongside locally-owned shops and shady café terraces.  

In spring and autumn, follow hiking trails between coast, mountains and historic villages, passing wild flowers, herbs, olive trees and ancient ruins, a fine way to appreciate Naxos’ incredible nature. Horse-riding excursions can be arranged with mountain and sea views (as well as donkey rides for younger guests) or explore the island by boat with day trips to visit the sea caves, rocky shores and even the neighbouring islands of Paros and Antiparos.