Hidden Gems of Naxos: Off the Beaten Path

Danakos Village – Under the Radar

Could the most peaceful place on the island also be one you’ve never heard of?
Tucked into the slopes of Mt. Zas, Danakos feels like time paused here. Fewer than 100 residents call it home, and it shows in the slow pace and handwritten taverna menus. It’s also the starting point for a rewarding hike to the Photodotis Monastery.

⛪ Local Note: Stop at the main spring in the village square — the water is cold, clear, and perfect for refilling bottles.

Routsouna Waterfall – Nature’s Hidden Oasis

A waterfall on a Cycladic island?
Yes — and it’s wonderfully unexpected. Near the village of Keramoti, a short walk through shaded forest and streams leads to the gentle cascade of Routsouna. In spring and early summer, it flows steadily, surrounded by lush vegetation.

🌿 Good to Know: Bring walking shoes with grip. The path is not difficult but uneven in places.

Monastery of Kalamitsia – A Silent Echo

What if you stumbled upon a palace in the woods?
That’s exactly how the abandoned Jesuit monastery of Kalamitsia feels. Built in the 17th century as a place of retreat, its crumbling arches and mossy courtyards sit quietly beneath the trees — visited mostly by goats and the occasional hiker.

🏛️ Worth Knowing: Accessible by foot from Melanes via a scenic trail. Go early for best light and solitude.

Kinidaros – Where Music Lives

Want to hear something truly local?
Kinidaros is a village that hums with tradition — especially music. Known for producing many of Naxos’ musicians, you might hear live violin and lute pouring out of a backyard or taverna. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable.

🎶 Local Tip: Evenings are best. Stop for dinner and ask which house or square the music is coming from — locals will happily point you there.

Agiassos Beach – Remote Beauty

How far would you go for your own stretch of sea?
Located at the island’s southern tip, Agiassos feels like a secret. It’s wide, quiet, and often nearly empty, especially outside peak August. The waters are shallow and clear, with soft sand underfoot and a few casual tavernas nearby.

🚗 Good to Know: Best reached by car. The last stretch of road is partly unpaved but manageable.

The Kouros of Farangi – Forgotten Giant

Have you seen the kouros no one talks about?
Unlike the well-known Melanes and Apollonas kouroi, the Farangi statue rests in deep countryside, almost hidden along an old stone path near Flerio. It’s broken, weather-worn, and strangely moving — all part of its mystery.

🗿 Traveler’s Note: The path starts just beyond the village of Myli. You might pass no one on the way.

Skado and Komiaki – Where Roads Narrow

What’s at the end of the winding road?
In the island’s north, Skado and Komiaki (or Koronos) offer a glimpse of traditional life barely touched by tourism. Expect terraced hillsides, coffee under grapevines, and conversations that drift slowly in dialect.

🧉 Good to Know: Bring cash. Shops and tavernas are old-school — in the best way.

Old Potamia – The Shaded Path

Looking for a walk without dust and sun?
The shaded valley of Potamia, especially the older upper section, is lined with fruit trees, springs, and old stone homes. A quiet walking path connects the three Potamia villages and ends near the sea.

🚶‍♂️ Tip: Perfect for early evening strolls. The scent of figs and basil fills the air in summer.