Naxos Island
Naxos, for which Herodotus held that she exceeded all islands in wealth, is the largest island in the Cyclades (the name stems from the circle (Cyclos) of islands around the sacred island of Delos). According to mythology, it was on Naxos that Theseus abandoned Ariadne, who had helped him defeat the Minotaur in Crete, on condition that he would take her with him.
The island has vast coastline, mountainous hinterland of rare beauty with unique traditional settlements and countless vast beaches which satisfy every taste (Agia Anna, Ayios Prokopios, Plaka, Alyko, Moutsouna, Ayios Georgios, Mikri Vigla, Kastraki, Kalantos, etc.). The island has great historical and archaeological interest. Monuments worth visiting are the Portara, the Venetian Castle, Sanoudos Tower, The Kouros statue in Melanes and the statue of Apollo, The Temple of Demeter, the Sanctuary of Dionysus, etc.
Plaka
The beach of Plaka in Naxos, continuation of Ayia Anna, is located in the western part of the island. The hippies’ favourite beach during the decades of the 60‘s and 70’s, it has new emotions reserved for the current visitor. With a view to Glaronisia and Paros, Plaka is of unparalleled beauty. Thanks to its vast white gold sand and turquoise crystal clear waters, it has won a blue flag.
The huge dunes formed behind the beach with scattered “lilies” that grow after August, provide the feeling of absolute isolation and relaxation and give a unique, exotic colour. A beach satisfying every taste since some parts remain free to discover and some are organised with umbrellas and natural shade from cedars growing close to the sea.