Naxos History
3000 years of history
Naxos History
Naxos, the largest island in the cyclades group, is famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Zeus, the king of the greek gods was living in Naxos. It was the most important center of civilisation of the Cyclades in the ancient period.
Known for its incredible natural beauty, rich musical tradition and impressive rock formation and history, Naxos is the perfect place for all types of holidays.
Mystic Naxos
According to Greek mythology, the young Zeus was raised in a cave on Mt. Zas ("Zas" meaning "Zeus"). Homer mentions "Dia"; literally the sacred island "of the Goddess". Károly Kerényi explains:
This name, Dia, which means 'heavenly' or 'divine', was applied to several small craggy islands in our [Aegean] sea, all of them lying close to larger islands, such as Crete or Naxos. The name "Dia" was even transferred to the island of Naxos itself, since it was more widely supposed than any other to have been the nuptial isle of Dionysus.
One legend has it that in the Heroic Age before the Trojan War, Theseus abandoned Ariadne on this island after she helped him kill the Minotaur and escape from the Labyrinth. Dionysus (god of wine, festivities, and the primal energy of life) who was the protector of the island, met Ariadne and fell in love with her. But eventually Ariadne, unable to bear her separation from Theseus, either killed herself (according to the Athenians), or ascended to heaven (as the older versions had it). The Naxos portion of the Ariadne myth is also told in the Richard Strauss opera Ariadne auf Naxos.
The giant brothers Otus and Ephialtes figure in at least two Naxos myths: in one, Artemis bought the abandonment of a siege they laid against the gods, by offering to live on Naxos as Otus's lover; in another, the brothers had actually settled Naxos.
Stella's walking tours
Discover real Naxos
Koronos - Lionas Bay
Walk from the mountains down to the beach- Distance 9 Km
- Duration 3h
- Difficultly 3.5/5
Seven Villages Trail
Kourounohori - Mili - Kouros Statue - Potamia - Kalamitsia - Jesuits Monastery - Melanes- Distance 12 Km
- Duration 4h 30m
- Difficultly 3.7/5
Moni - Kaloxylos - Halki - Potamia
At the Heart of Naxos- Distance 10 Km
- Duration 4h
- Difficultly 3.5/5
Agia Marina - Photodotis - Apiranthos
The best view of Eastern Naxos- Distance 10 Km
- Duration 3h 30m
- Difficultly 3.5/5
Apiranthos to Agia Kyriaki
Apiranthos, the famous marble village on Naxos Island- Distance 12 Km
- Duration 4h 30m
- Difficultly 4/5
Skado - Komiaki (Koronida) - Apollon Bay
Hike and swim- Distance 12 Km
- Duration 4h 30m
- Difficultly 4/5
Thank you so much
Amazing Hike on Naxos
What an amazing hike. When visiting Naxsos hiking with Stella is a must. Stella is a caring and knowledgeable guide.The views of the mountains, the plants along the way and finally the beautiful swim and lunch at the end was memorable. We will definitely do another hike the next time we are in Naxsos.
s1966, Singapore
Never a dull moment with Stella. She is a hidden gem
We hade a great amazing experience on our hike with Stella from Koronos to Lionas Bay. Stella has unlimited knowledge on the botanics, history and geography of Koronos region at Naxos. Our group of 16 greatly enjoyed her passionate story telling and learned so much during the beautiful hike. ended with a dive in the waves of Lionas Bay and a fantastic lunch. Highly recommeded.
RPPVDB, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Beautiful hikings
I really enjoyed this 2 days walking with Stella, I did 2 différents hikings , one through 7 beautiful villages of Naxos island. Stella knows about medicinal plants and tells stories about the history of the island. The second hiking is a fantastic way from the village of Koronos to the bay of lyonas. Stella is well organized I really had pleasure with her.
RitaAM M, Geneva, Switzerland
Koronos to Liona Bay Hike
We had a wonderful day with Stella. She picked us up at the hotel in Ágios Prokopios and then drove us to Koronos where the hiking started. The marble path is fantastic! Stella makes us feel very relaxed, shows the different villages surrounding the area and provides a lot of “aromatherapy” experiences with the herbs that grow in the area.
oliveirathompson, Florida, US
Want to find the real Naxos? Ask Stella.
My wife and I have been coming to the blessed island of Naxos for 10 years. This year we decided we must make more of an effort to discover more of the island. Stella is a local lady who gave us a brilliant waterfall walk. She is awesome. Knowlegable about everything Naxos, including plants and herbs founds on the walk. Ignore the rest, choose the best... Stella.
Gordon Stuart
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