Naxos, in its own time.
The biggest of the Cyclades, and the greenest — mountains inland, long soft beaches all along the coast. Ili is in Plaka, on the quiet south-west side: set back among olive groves and low stone walls, a few minutes above the longest sand beach on the island, with the Aegean always in view.
Farmland and white houses, not resort — the airport and Naxos Town are close by, yet out of sight and sound.
Naxos, beyond the door.
Bigger than a week can hold — marble villages, Venetian towers, empty beaches, and a temple that has watched the sea for 2,500 years. A few places worth the drive.
Ask us and we’ll arrange a private sailing day, a food tour, or a car to explore on your own.
The Portara
A lone marble doorway — all that was raised of a temple to Apollo — standing on an islet off Naxos Town. Walk out at sunset; nothing on the island frames the light better.
Chora & the Kastro
The old town climbs from the harbour through a maze of white lanes to a Venetian castle at the top. Lose an evening in it — small shops, tavernas, and the view back over the port.
The beaches
Plaka runs straight on into Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna; further south lie Mikri Vigla, Kastraki and the wild dunes of Alyko. Shallow, clear, and rarely crowded.
Villages & Mount Zas
Inland the island rises green: Halki with its citron distilleries, marble Apeiranthos, Filoti beneath Mount Zas — the tallest peak in the Cyclades, and a fine half-day climb.
White chapels
Small whitewashed churches sit on almost every hill and headland, blue-domed against the sky. You come across them on a drive; most are open.
Food & makers
Naxos feeds itself — its own cheese and potatoes, citron liqueur, honey and wine. Look for village kitchens, weavers and potters; we’re glad to point you to ours.
