Important Villages
Filoti
At a distance of 20 km from Hora there is the biggest (it has 3.000 inhabitants) and the most
traditional village of Naxos, Filoti. It is built on a privileged site with a breathtaking view to
the dive-tree wood of Naxos. A visit to Filoti, because of its natural beauty, is advisable, it
is one of the historic centres of civilization on the island with dynamic inhabitants who are in
love with their tradition. We suggest a visit to its small picturesque roads, to the old church
of Panagia (Virgin Mary) with the remarkable icons, and, of course, to the traditional cafes in
the central square of the village. A path leads from Philoti to Zas (Jupiter) mountain with the
historic cave and the magnificent landscapes. One should also visit the historic Tower of Chimaros,
which is a majestic monument of the early historic years of Naxos. A visit to the wonderful
Kalando beach is also advisable. In Filoti there are restaurants, cafeterias, traditional cafes
and some rooms to let. On 15th August, Panagias' name-day, in Philoti there is organized the
greatest festival of Naxos with traditional folk music, dances, wine and delicacies.
Apeiranthos
At a distance of about 27 km from the town (Hora) is built
among two total green valleys, Apeiranthos, which is one of
the most beautiful villages of Naxos and one of the few
traditional cities of Cyclades at the same time.
The stone worked by the best craftsmen adorns the paved
roads and squares and it constitutes the basic material of
construction for the Apeiranthos' house.
Among the sightseeings are the Venetian castle with its
imposing site, the marble belfry of the church of Virgin Mary
and the all round view from and towards the village with the
windmills at the tops of the opposite hills. The footpaths at
the way-outs of the village lead to distinguished Byzantine
churches and especially, most of them dispose unique sacred
paintings like Agia Kiriaki, Agios loannis Theologos, Agios
Pahoumios, etc.
In Apeipanthos there are an exhibition of woven textiles from
the women cooperation of the village, an interesting market of
popular art, even taverns, traditional coffee shops and some
rooms for rent.
Museums of Apeiranthos
- Arcaeological Museum : It concludes exceptional findings of
the Cyclades civilization (3000-1200 B.C.), plaques covered
with iconograms of First Greek writing, engraved
representations on the rocks with scenes of the life of the
period of Cyclades civilization, representations of Spira on
plaques, maps of the sky, even small statuesque figures
(idolia) and olive-oil lights etc.
- Museum of popular art: The Apeiranthos' house with its all
households materials of daily usage is adorned with
handmade woven textiles of a high technique made with
loving care by the women of the village. It also includes many
objects from the occupation of the inhabitants (agricultural,
stock-breeding tools or tools for the process of marble)
- Geological Museum : Exceptional stones of Naxos are
exposed, especially one called Smyrida, even fossils of the
area with the most significant, the head of a dwarf elephant
(small elephant).
Moutsouna
The picturesque harbour of Moutsouna, the port serving the
inland town of Apeiranthos. (at a distance of 12 km from the
village), is one of the few genuine fishharbours which there are
in the island. Overhere, you can have a nice holiday enjoying
both the sea with the beautiful seashores and fresh fish, the
local meat and cheeses, the pies and the traditional appetizers
at the picturesque taverns of the preserved city. There are
some new tottaly equipped rooms for tent and a small market
of daily products.
15 km of marvellous shores and of wild natural beauty
compose the profile of one of the most beautiful beaches of
Cyclades. The bay of Azaia is ideal for surfing and underwater
fishing and also, Psili Ammos, Klidos and Panormos with the
little port and the prehistoyical Acropolis, compose a chain of
unforgettable beauty.
Our suggestions for Moutsouna is to visit the installations of
aerial transport and storing of Smyrida and the visit to the
islands around (Small Cyclades), the Inhabitants organise
excursions daily by boat.
