Naxian Local Products: From Land to Table

Naxian Cheese – A Culture of Its Own

Ever tasted a tradition passed down in milk?
Naxos is a cheese-lover’s island. From buttery graviera (PDO-protected) to tangy arseniko and creamy xynomyzithra, each cheese tells a story of grazing goats, mountain herbs, and age-old recipes. Local cheesemakers still use wooden molds and natural aging methods — no shortcuts here.

🧀 Must-Try: Graviera Naxou — rich, nutty, and often served as meze or grated over pasta.

The Famous Potato – Simple, Legendary

Can a potato be worth talking about?
In Naxos, absolutely. Naxian potatoes are a protected product (PGI) and considered among the best in Europe — firm, flavorful, and grown in the mineral-rich lowlands of the island. You’ll find them fried to perfection, cooked in stews, or served as street food during the annual Potato Festival.

🥔 Fun Fact: Locals say it’s the salty island air that makes them taste better.

Kitron – The Spirit of Citrus

What if a tree could become a legacy?
Kitron is a liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree — a close cousin of the lemon but with its own distinct character. Naxos is one of the few places in the world that makes it, and the Vallindras Distillery in Chalki still produces it with copper stills and careful hands.

🍋 How to Enjoy: Served chilled after a meal — the green version is sweet, the yellow dry and strong.

Naxian Honey – From Thyme to Table

Ever tasted sunshine in a spoon?
Local honey in Naxos is mostly thyme-based, giving it a floral, herbal aroma. Beekeeping here is still traditional, and many families bottle their own jars seasonally. It’s not uncommon to see hives dotting hillsides as you drive.

🐝 Best Use: Drizzled over yogurt or warm cheese pies — an island breakfast staple.

Olive Oil – Liquid Gold of the Aegean

What makes one oil better than another?
In Naxos, olive trees grow in ancient groves, and the oil they produce is often cold-pressed and unfiltered. You can taste the land in it — slightly peppery, green, and alive. Many tavernas use only local oil, and small producers often sell directly from their homes.

🌿 Tip: If you see it in a reused wine bottle, it’s probably the real deal.