Villages with History: Naxos’ Living Past

Apeiranthos – Marble and Memory

How many generations can carve a village from stone?
Built almost entirely from marble, Apeiranthos feels like it’s both anchored in the mountain and suspended in time. Arched passages, old Venetian houses, and five small museums line the narrow lanes. The villagers still speak a distinct dialect, and the culture is proudly preserved.

🗿 Don’t Miss: The Women’s Traditional Art Cooperative — selling woven textiles made in the village for centuries.

Halki – The Quiet Noble

What does elegance look like in a farming village?
In the heart of the Tragea valley, Halki (or Chalki) was once the commercial hub of Naxos. Old mansions, neoclassical façades, and Orthodox chapels reveal its past prosperity. Today, it’s a slow-paced place where art galleries and citron distilleries mix with fig trees and cobbled paths.

🏛️ Worth a Stop: Vallindras Distillery — a short tour and citron tasting in a preserved 19th-century building.

Filoti – Beneath the Mountain

How do you blend epic nature and community pride?
Tucked on the slopes of Mount Zas, Filoti is the largest village on the island — and one of the most atmospheric. Its winding steps, wide main square, and amphitheatrical layout give it both gravity and charm. Churches, cafes, and proud locals make it feel alive year-round.

🍽️ Local Tip: Settle into a kafeneio under the old plane tree — conversations stretch longer here.

Koronos – Terraced and True

What grows in stone when the land rises steeply?
Built along the sides of a dramatic ravine, Koronos is a true mountain village. Stone terraces climb the hills, once home to the island’s emery miners. The village has a quiet authenticity — few tourists, many cats, and stories layered into every wall.

🧑‍🌾 Look For: Locals tending small gardens on impossible slopes. This is old-style mountain resilience.

Potamia – Water and Whispers

What if your path followed the sound of a stream?
The three hamlets of Potamia — Ano, Mesi, and Kato — line a green valley threaded by a small river. Once rich in mills and orchards, the area still feels abundant. Trails connect the villages through shade and stone, past ruined towers and lush gardens.

🌳 Bonus Tip: Combine Potamia with a visit to nearby Flerio and the ancient kouros statues.