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Welcome to Naxos in the Cyclades group of Greek Islands. Legend tells us that Naxos is the island on which Theseus abandoned Ariadne after she helped him to escape from the Cretan labyrinth. She allegedly consoled herself with Dionysos, a favoured god on the island. Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades and produces olives, grapes, figs, citrus fruits, corn and potatoes; it is also considered to be one of the most beautiful. In Byzantine times Naxos was an imporant centre and has 500 churches and religious foundations, some of them built on the sites of ancient temples. There are frequent ferries from Piraeus (Athens) and to other islands including, amongst others, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Samos and Rhodes. The island can also be reached by air from Athens, by hydrofoil or catamaran. Hora, a large town on the west coast, is the island's port and capital. It is divided into two communities, the Greek influenced Bourgos, and hillside Kastro where the Venetian catholics had their homes. The archaeological museum can be found in the Kastro which retains its attractive medieval Venetian atmosphere. For those wanting beaches and water sports there is plenty of choice; sandy beaches, tavernas and places to stay are plentiful. Inland is Tragaea, an extensive plain on which olive groves abound and little villages with Byzantine churches wait to be discovered. There are numerous villages and small towns for the visitor to explore and enjoy; amongst them are Melanes, Pirgos Himarrou, Apiranthos, Moutsouna and Apollona |