Villa Panagiotis

Just moments from the beach in Mikri Vigla, Villa Panagiotis sits on a large landscaped plot. Within walking distance are supermarkets, a bakery, restaurants and of course the fabulous white shimmering sands. The island of Naxos enjoys glorious, panoramic scenery, stunning views, endless sandy beaches, a lively main town, gorgeous mountain villages, a rich history and a superb dining scene where you will be served delicious local produce. It is said that Naxos is where Dionysus (the God of Wine) met and married Ariadne. The first Dionysus Festival was held on the island which later became famous for its exquisite marble. Together with the marbles, the emery mines, its fertile land, its geographic location in the Aegean Sea, its pottery and its cuisine are some of the reasons for its stature in the Cycladic islands and its popularity.
 
Mikri Vigla was named after the observatory at the top of the cape that was used to watch out between Naxos and Paros to protect the island and for following ships on the ancient trading route from Crete to Athens. According to the myth, the southern bay was a hideout for legendary pirates. The beach is very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers with its perfect wind conditions. Naxos boasts amazing beaches, particularly in the west and including Plaka, Aliko, Agios Prokopios and Sahara as well as Mikri Vigla, all with endless white glistening sands and crystal clear water. Plaka too enjoys great waves due to the winds. Aliko is a fabulous beach, backed by a cedar forest which has been declared a protected natural area. Agios Prokopios is lovely with watersports, refreshments and gorgeous sands. The tiny chapel dedicated to Saint Prokopios stands on the western side of the beach. Close by, you will find Agios Anna, a quieter version of Agios Prokopios and pink-coloured salt lakes with many birds and other wildlife. Agios St George is on the edge of Naxos Town with its warm shallow water. On the east of the island, the small quaint harbour of Moutsouna is a great place to eat fresh fish and the coastal ride leads to Panormos Bay, a pristine, tranquil spot. There are lots of hidden beaches and the Rina sea cave.
 
Naxos Town is within very easy reach of the villa. It is guarded by its Venetian castle and enjoys narrow, winding, cobbled streets, gleaming white architecture, ancient churches, antique shops, buzzy bars and wonderful restaurants. Marko Sanoudo II, the Venetian emperor invaded and conquered Naxos in 1207 and built the castle. It was the seat of power for the Cyclades islands for three hundred years. During the summer months, music festivals are held in the setting of the Kastro and painters and sculptors also hold exhibitions in the castle. Naxos’ Archaeological Museum is housed in the old Jesuit School of Commerce with a wonderful collection of old Cycladic art, white marble monuments and local ceramics. The great writer Nikos Kazantzakis attended the school and it is where he wrote ‘Zorba the Greek’. The car-free old town is known as Kastro, located within the castle’s old Venetian walls and enjoying steep narrow lanes decorated with tumbling colourful bougainvillaea, numerous churches and elegant Venetian mansions. The lanes from Kastro lead downhill to Bourgos which is where the Greeks lived during the years of Venetian occupation. The new town is situated next to the main port and with many of the town’s restaurants, bars and cafes. As soon as you enter the port of Naxos, you notice the ancient monument of Portara which means ‘Big door’ in Greek. The Portara is a centuries-old marble doorway built in 522BC as the entrance gateway to the unfinished Roman Temple dedicated to Apollo. It stands on a small islet and is an incredible Instagram-worthy spot at sunset when the sky turns to orange and gold.
 
Naxos is a wonderful destination for those that enjoy eating out. You will fall in love with the island’s cuisine and unique products. The island is very fertile and almost self-sufficient. You will taste delicious vegetables, cheeses, meats, fish and alcoholic drinks. Must-try dishes include pig rosto, pork stuffed with garlic and braised in wine, pork fricassee flavoured with the leaves of sea lavender and tasty cheeses including Graviera of Naxos, Arseniko and Xynotyro. There are excellent vineyards in the north of the island. The island’s Kitron is wonderful, made from the fruit and leaves of the citron tree. Visitors can enjoy cooking workshops like Vioma and visit and tour wineries such as the Saint Anna winery in the small village of Kato Potamia.
 
You mustn’t forget to explore the mountains and valleys of this lush island and the charming villages sprinkled around. The picturesque village of Halki is utterly charming with neoclassical architecture, tiny alleys, bougainvillaea, jasmine trees and charming shops. The marble village of Apiranthos should not be missed too. It is brilliantly well-preserved and is the highest village of the Cyclades. It is famous for its tavernas that serve delicious local meat dishes. Not to be forgotten are the island’s major sites of the Demeter Temple. Kouros of Melanes, Kouros of Apollonas, Panagia Drossiani Church, the Monastery of Fotodotis and Kalamitsia Monastery. The oldest of the island’s churches is Panayia Vlacherniotissa which boasts a beautiful carved alter screen. Panayia Myrtidiotissa stands on a tiny islet in the port of Naxos and Theologaki is a tiny chapel in a cave.
 
You can hop on large luxurious catamarans to find the island’s secluded and hidden beaches or sail to some of the small Cyclades. The boat trip to the island of Koufonisia takes just under two hours, a lovely experience with wonderful fresh fish lunches in the tavernas and secluded naturist beaches if that is your thing.

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.