While visiting the Village and surrounding areas it is highly recommended not to miss the areas of Katzilierides, the Tsigoures, the Paniolos, the Korakies, the hill of Gorgiri, the hill of Giamaroulis as they display an outstanding natural scenery. In some of the above areas you will find granite rocks where nature has engraved pictures of animals, birds etc.
In Katzilierides the quarry of granite is clearly visible and it is from here where the stone was taken to build the tower of Plaka or Pagona.
The wetland of Aliki and Xekolaria (lakes of Ag. Prokopios) are unique in the Aegean Sea. Flamingos, pelicans, ducks and swans come to rest during the mild winters when the weather here is calm.
Two old windmills are located on the hill of Stroumpoulas and two new ones in the village which are used as houses. Initially the villagers were occupied with fishing and breeding of animals.
Women were excellent at weaving. Later they were producing salt from the lake of Aliki, which was transported by dondeys to store rooms of Eliniko Monopolio in Hora. In the southernmost section of the wetland of Aliki a fishery was created – Taliani – from which they fished snappers, eels and scallops. Some time later the cultivation of potatoes became their main occupation.
The flavor of the Naxian potatoes soon became and still is very popular all over Greece because of the potassium found in the land of Ag. Arsenios, Furthermore a business selling potato seedings was established by the villagers and certified by the European Union. The seedings are still collected and packaged in the factory of Trana Prevolia.
In the area of Afetzia, close to the church of Ag.Arsenios, started the production of Naxian Graviera cheese and which today is produced in the modern dairy of Union Agricultural Association of Naxos located nearby the monastery of Ag. Giannis. The above has also been certified by the European Union. In Ag. Anna you will find the picturesque port which still today accommodates fishing and smaller tourist boats. The Village has a modern equipped primary school, a kinder garden school, a library, a doctor’s office, Communal office, store rooms, offices of Agriculture Association, a Farming Club, a community centre and a football pitch.
The football team of the Village managed to reach the third level of the football league in Greece.
Two cultural associations keep the habits &customs of the Village alive :
The Association of Ag. Arsenios of Naxos which is based in Athens and with a local committee in the Village (established 1956).
The current, local, Ecological Association of Ag. Arsenios, which is based in the Village. Inhabitants of Ag. Arsenios, as they have always been progressive, they created trade unions for the salt workers and for the boatmen in Ag. Anna who loaded the potato seeding harvest onto commercial boats. Today there is an Association for Fishermen of Ag. Anna, the Association of Parents & Guardians of the school, the Agricultural Association and now the newly established Tourist Business Association of Ag. Arsenios, Naxos which is aimed mainly towards tourism. Its creation was vital as 70 % of the inhabitants of Ag. Arsenios are currently occupied with tourism.
The beach of Ag. Prokopios, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea with the unique red coloured lakes located nearby the golden sand, tends to be the most popular beach in our country. Ag. Prokopios was the old port of Naxos where Turkish and pirate boats arrived.
Ag. Anna is one of the most populas summer resorts of Naxos and it is located on the west side of the island, south of Hora. It has a wonderful sandy beach with crystal water which is ideal for water sports and swimming, is well organized and offers all tourist amenities needed. The picturesque small harbour is its central point that accommodates fishing and tourist boats. It is also from here that organized cruises to neighbouring islands commence. Enjoy your food and drink here overlooking the island of Paros and the blue and endless Aegean Sea.
In the peaceful bay of Ag. Nikolaos and next to the forest of cedars, the local fishermen moor their fishing boats and of course the smell of fish soup is everywhere!
South of Ag. Anna and Ag. Prokopios you will find the sea side settlements of Maragas and Plaka, where you can relax on the long and vast beach with its white sand. You will find all tourist amenities here but if you prefer, there are also quiet and peaceful areas without sun beds and umbrellas. Along the beach there are tavernas, ouzeris and restaurants with local and international cuisines.
Modern small and large tourist establishments cover the whole seaside area of Ag. Arsenios, starting from Stelida of Ag. Prokopios via Ag. Anna and finally to Maragas and Plaka, and they are 90% privately owned. The owners, that are inhabitants of Ag. Arsenios, work enthusiastically to satisfy and meet the need of their visitors. The visitors of these areas will certainly return home with sweet memories and vivid images of an ever changing landscape and unique colours.
The beauty &charm of our area are awaiting you!
Kouronochori Village - Naxos Island
A hidden gem in Naxos Island, just 7 minutes from Naxos Town. There are two very nice tavernas to eat. Gregorys Tavern offers the true traditional Naxian tastes and awesome views to Agioi Apostoloi Village. You may try rooster with pasta which is the villages specialty!
Apeiranthos
The village Aperanthos is located in the gracis of a hill in Eastern feet of mountain range of Fanaria.Is the remarkable village it is reported already on the 1413 from the sightseer Christoforos Bouedelmonti.The name of the village"Apetrathou "is founded in the general fall of the Greek languagefrom the first time we find it written in traditional texts.In our days we have the chance to be present ,walk, enjoy ourselves in one of the most beautiful and traditional settlements of Greece ,which maintains a unique character. It was called the"marble village",because of the marble existing everywhere ,in the streets, in the houses and the sul light of the Aegean is reflecting all over the village .Apeiranthos is situaded around two Towers that were probably built , the 17 th century and were owned byFrancs landowners. Each corner of the village shows the special traditional archtecture, which is particularly obvious in the different types of chimneys.
Filoti
The biggest village of Naxos consists of two parts,'Glefaro"and "Paxidi",two green glacis that are separated by a stream a show spectacular and beatiful .It is full of life and action.The summertime attracts a lot of people locals and foreigners.The cafes ,the pizzarias ,the barbecue shops and other sort of shops are full of people . People of Filoti are proud of the overage and very high platan.The natural beauty of Filoti is unique.The visitors when reaches the square should not forget to visit the historical church of Virgin Mary dormition,to see the white and arcitectural beauty,and the museum exploitation buildings which accommodate the Rural cooperative of Filoti and the Association of Women. Apollonas
The small beautiful village is situated in a cove in the north -eastern coast of Naxos,in distance of 36 Km, from Chora .In the top of village ,in Kastraki point, is found Kouros(young mans"statue).It is an unfinished marble statue,of 10,5 metres lengthand is dated by the 6th B.C. century.Tha archaelogists believe that the statue depicts the god Dionysus or the god Apollo.In Apollonas the visitor can swim in clean ,sandy or with small pebbles beaches and can walk in small dells with fresh running drinking water.In the small sandy beach ,in front of the village there are cafe ,bars and restaurants.
Tripodes
As you look from the street at the graphic windmills ''climbed up'' the hill, you think it is a painting table. The village is located in the South Western part of the island in the passage for the marvellous beaches of Kastraki - Aliko and Pyrgaki without lacking of its own beach, Plaka. Also, the village is well known for its history, the hospitality of the residents, the archaeological monuments as the Paliopyrgos of Plaka, the chapel of Ag. Matthaios, the Virgin Mary Tripodiotissa, the Stayropigi, the Plaka. What happened to the most areas of Naxos also happened to Tripodes. Firstly, a more ancient settlement of Tripodes in the beach of Plaka appears to exist, as it is proved by the ruins of the ancient Tower of Plaka ant the ancient temple of Ag. Matthaios. Later, because of the fear of pirates and the devastating raids the settle - ment was transported inner, while the current position was defined in the years of Francs Domination and it became one of the largest
Galanado
Galanado is a small graphic village of 412 residents. It is amphitheatrically built viewing the fertile flat of Livadi, the Stelida and Chora. It is said that the village took the name after a resident who was named Galanos. The residents deal mainly with the agriculture ant the livestock - farming. In the last years is observed construction of new houses in Ag. Isidoros point, no particulary from residents of Galanado. In the village there is the Church of Agio Pnevma [Saint Spirit] build in 1822, as is written above the door of Temple in the left aisle.
Galini
The settlement was named Galini in 1955. It is one of the small rural villages of Naxos with 192 residents. It is about 6 kilometres from Chora and is located on the northern road axis from Chora to Apollonas. It is located amphitheatrically in the western side of the valley of Eggares, above the rocks, respecting the tradition and the fertility of the ground.
Damarionas
Damarionas is a build on the roots of mountain Rahi at the end of the, full of olives, basin of Tragaia. It is 16 kilometres away from the capital of Naxos, Chora. It has been characterized as traditional dorp. It is appreciated that is construction began from 1400 A. C. and onwards. The first residents of Damarionas lived, as is appreciated, in the beach at south - western area of Agiasos. The fear of the residents for the pirates, that by the 7th A. C. century preyed the islands of cyclades, forced them to go in the interior of the island, first in the place Roalidia, at the side of the Castle of Apalirou and later in the current place that Damarionas is located. The dorps Agiasos and Pirgaki are wind protected, coastal, wiht big beautiful sandy beaches and are located south - western of Damarionas in distance of roughly 15 kilometres. Damarionas is a rural - vaterinary village. Damarionas has been characterized as the ''hospitable village of Naxos''. The festival of the village is on the 6 of August, when the cherch of the village, the Metamorfosis of Sotiros [Savior ] celebrates
Kerami
Kerami is one of the most beautiful places of Naxos. The village is next to the olive grove of Tragaia and near to the other all - white settlements. It is located in the middle of a road that leads from Halki to Filoti. In the past, Kerami was a small village of poor residents, with small fields and a few animals.
Keramoti
Keramoti is a mountainous traditional village,lost in the rich vegetation ,in the bottom of the dell between the mountains, Koronos ,Atraliki and Vouno .It is located in the centre of the island and is connected via the bigger road network in mountainous Naxos(cross -road of Stauros Keramoti)and with three rural streets with the village Apeirantho,Koronos,Kynidaros,and Moni.In this spot is situated a small church ,dedicated to the Rise of Cross .the gave the name to the cross-road.The location of the church is unique , because someone can see the eastern and western coasts of Naxos.It is 25Km far from Chora and with Apeirantho,Korono and Komiaki they are the emery-villages(excavation of emery)of Naxos.The name was given to the village because of Its shape that looks like a tile (keramos)
Kinidaros
In altitude of almost 400metres ,Kynidaros is situated between vines ,olives,,oaks ,platasand prinies.Tradition reportsthat the village was firstly builtin another location ,in the graphic valley of Halandros,the Kiouria point.According to the tradition , the area of Halandron had rich and dense vegetation with a lot of waters and wild animals.
Eggares village is located 8 km northeast from Chora. It is a beautiful, verdant village east of Eggares valley. It’s worth visiting the Pradouna tower and Faneromini Monastery. In the wider region you will find two artificial dams: one at Eggares and one, under construction, at Faneromeni. In the valley of Eggares Galini village is built, about 7 km from Chora. The fortified monastery of Ypsilotera, built in 1600, rises between the village and the beach of Amiti: during Frankish rule, local farmers sought shelter there. The village crosses two rivers with verdurous riversides. Along the one we meet the abandoned settlements “Mesa Geitonia” with the tower of Foufopoulou and “Lagkada”, as well as seven watermills. There is a reservoir, main supplier of water to the bigger part of the island. Below the plain is situated the beach of Ammiti, a nice and quiet beach. Next to the sea there is the Lake Ammitis where reeds grow up. Other saved monuments are the old marble bridge that needs to be restored, on the top of Gennisis mountain remnants of a monastery and in a cavern is chapel of “Agias Gennisis”.Other places of interest of the village are the two renovated olive presses – one of them is hosting the Local Office of Eggares.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDvAPfmDxwg
Komiaki – Koronida
The name Koronida determines the whole Community, not only the village. It probably took the name after the concept that it is the main one of the many “towns” (small villages) that are situated in the area.
However, just by hearing the name “Komiaki”, someone thinks of the comedians. It is said that the residents of the village are of pleasant personality, with facetious disposal, with humour and they are famous for their jokes and playful remarks, as the comedians.
Koronida was also the name of Asclepiad’s mother, who gave birth to him after her affair with Apollo. Koronida is said that was living at Koronos mountain, in the higher top that now is situated Komiaki, above Skeponi and is reported as one of the local nymphs of Naxos, Yades. That is to say that the nymphs that had raised Dionysus and Zeus change them into the homonym constellation. Zeus entrusted three sisters, Koronida, Filia, Ckeidi with the raising of Young Dionysus so as to avoid Ira’s anger after his mother, Semeli, died. Voutis after kidnapping Koronida married her and Dionysus imposed her with holy fury, madness, so as to punish her.
The village is situated at the fertile glacis of “Koronos” mountain, at an altitude of 650 m, N, NE, and NW of Naxos, in “Malliasmena Chorafia” point. In the feet of the village, is situated Podaria and impetuous torrents, karioti, koykoymavlas (Ai Giorgis), the Marinou, the Rodinon, the Romanos flow and delimit the village. Tranos Riakas River flows from Mavromari debouch into the sea, at the graphic night of Apollonas.
The landscape is rough with rich vegetation of platens and oaks, with stubbles, ravines and dells that rotate, rocks are combined with the Traditional Islander Architecture with mitara, threshing floors and benches, tanks and ponds, gardens and “alitanes”, scattered country churches, Agia, Ampram, the Apollonas, the Areles, Kampos, Melinos, Myrisis, Skeponi, Falakros, Faneromeni, the Chilia Vrisi are composing the graphic picture of the village. Enjoy your swimming in the virgin beaches of settlements of Koronida. Agia, St. Thodoros, Ampram, Apollonas, Arelles, Plain, Melinos, Platis Yialos, Stavri, Faneromeni, Falakros, and Chilia Vrisi are beaches near the village with clear, clean sea.
The visitor can enjoy the local gastronomy in the taverns with the traditional “patoudo”. He can also, drink wine made of the famous local vineyards and accompany it with tasty cheeses as xinomizithra, kefalotyri or xinotyro, made of the milk of ovine of free pasturage. Get in touch with the islandr music at the traditional cafes as the residents of Komiaki influence the musical events of Naxos, mould and evolve the traditional music of the island. Komiaki is a birthplace of musical tradition, with “Vitzileadistiko” dance and the “ Komiakitiki Vlaha”.
Visit the traditional Komiaki, explore the Dateless Vaulted Mycenae Tomp in Axos valley, near Hostis tap, Kana with the Greek castles, Apollonas with the famous kouro, which was dedecated to god Dionysus, the monastery of Agia, the after Byzantine churchof Theoskepasti, with age-long platan at the village square, the Byzantine church of Saint Nikolaos at Troullos point and the Monastery of Faneromeni of the 16th century.
Koronos
Koronos is one of the oldest, the biggest and the most mountainous villages of Naxos. The picturesque and the beauty of village are something unique and discrete. It is located in the northeast part of island in distance of 30 km from Chora and the biggest part of it is built on the sides of one deep and green glen, for that it was named “vothroi” ( cessopools ) up to the 1932. The village is divided into seven neighbourhoods, that are:
The “Centre”. It is located at the centre of the village. “Platsa” (the square) is situated there with arbours, cafes, the characteristic “palace of” Mayor of the old times and the big central well of the village.
The “Anegyrida”. It is the most beautiful place of the village. Scrambled up on a green and abrupt mountainside, round a huge grey black rock, fills with awe and admiration whoever sees it. Characteristic of this neighbourhood are the very abrupt uphill roads with endless, cemented steps.
“Provolakia”. It is a relatively small neighbourhood on the roots of “Anegyrida”, with a small and narrow street sculptured in the abrupt side of “Ryaka”.
The “Apano Sterna”. It is a small neighbourhood near the “Centre” where in the past was full of life.
The “Castle”. It is a big enough neighbourhood, that is extended continuously because of the near to it road. In the past it used to be called “Above neighbourhood”.
“Katogeitonia” (neighbourhood). Here, as tradition says, the first houses of the village were built in order not to be seen from the sea and not to be in danger by the pirates.
The “Livadaki”. It is an anough big and full of life neighbourhood, with shops and cafes, with the church of Agia Marina and the school of the village.
Behind the school the bakery of the village is found and in from of it the “Karampinados”, in which, when there was a lot of rain during the winter time and it was full of water, the local women were washing their clothes.
An important factor of the local economy, which existed for a lot of years, was the excavation of emery, that today is barely maintained and its deal mainly with the livestock-farming, the agriculture and the viticulture.
The extraordinary street plan and traditional architecture of the houses compose a breathtaking picture that it intensely refers to a village of Pilion.
Feast and festivals, walks in the alleys with stone terraces and the many steps under stiasta and arches at Kakanasi and the squares of village, the visit in the folklore museum, but also the acquaintance with the local products and dishes constitute indubitably an attractive proposal for the visitors. Traditional small cafes in “platsa” of the village and on the way to Saint Marina wait for those who wish to try locals sweets and “raki” while the traditional taverns in the Brigde of the village with the local recipes constitute a unique choice for good eaters. The church of Panagia Argokoiliotissa just outside the village, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year at its festival.
Melanes
The village Melanes is one of the more ancient settlements of Naxos. The name Melanes came from a fable very similar to the one of Roxanne at which, two brothers after duel for the governing of Naxos killed each other in the area, where today is situated the Byzantine holy Church of Saint George and their sister ordered Nigrescent (melanos) Tunics to be worn. At Flerios point the first faculties of sculpture were functioning, where was found the Kouros of Melanes, a piece of work of the 6th century B.C. (much older than Acropolis) and bethel of the sources (the house of archaic ages). Other important monument is the Tower of Jesuit. It is one medieval building that is dated roughly in 1680 A.C. Perhaps it is the most important building of Middle Ages not only in Greece but also in Mediterranean.
In the existing monuments, characteristic also are, the roman aqueduct and the archaic aqueduct that were transporting water from Fleriou point to Chora of Naxos (Nowdays four parts are saved in various points). Byzantine Churces of Saint George, Virgin Mary of Kryptomatis, the resort of Sanoudos in the Kampones, the tower of Sanoudos in the Koyrnohori, the olive press of Demari. Remarkable are also the watermills, the green valley with olive groves and oranges and the traditional taverns of the village. The residents deal with building works (some of the best artisan in Greece) and also with the livestock-farming.
Moni
Moni is situated up to a green ridge of mountainous (central) Naxos and specifically in an altitude of 500 m of the mountain Fanari. The natural position is so much wisely chosen and harmonic to an environment full of olives, vineyards, fruit trees, gardens with green vegetables and tomatoes and gardens with mellows and water mellows, that constitutes, admittedly, one of the most beautiful naturally “balconies” of Aegean Sea.
This landscape, following the bubbling gargling stream with the old stone bridge precisely nest to the village, overflows as a torrent in the roots, shaping initially a green basin full of crops, while, unexpectedly it tears the mountainous volume into two parts and leads hedonically in the sea, that is visible from Moni, even if it is situated in a distance of 20 km. from Chora.
This incredible view, when the sky takes a clear blue colour, reveals everything around, far to the Aegean Sea and allows the observer to see even opposite at Paros. This place, even if it is “burned” by the sun and the Greek sky, does never “burn” humans. Since ancient times, it was the natural place of Goddess of wisdom, who worshipped in the Antiquity as “Athens drosos” and later, when the Christianism prevailed, became “Virgin Mary Drosiani”. For this reason, remained the tradition that the icon of Virgin Mary of Drosianis “refreshes”: because she diffused dew in the environment, but also “sweat”, each time that Moni and its residents were threatened by someone, warning them thus, in time. This icon is situated in a very ancient palaiochristian chapel, in a small distance from the village. The church constitutes a very important monument with frescos even from the 6th century, concurrent or even more ancient from those at Ravenna. The eldest part of the chapel, with the primitive conical room and the three niches in the sides, is uilt with naked stonework and plates in the roof, while the place of construction leads to the conclusion that there was, probably, situated a mausoleum up to a moment in the past.
Stone dominates everywhere in the architecture, thus the craftsmen of the stone of Moni were always famous and manufactured many bridges, booms etc. all over the island. Thus, after you reach at the war memorial, at the beginning of the village, and after parking your car there, you can walk in the graphic alleys of the village and see first of all the paved with slabs small “platsa” (square) of the village. At your walk, you will see two old olive presses and a remnant of an old Venetian Tower in eastern part of the village and finally, the source of Moni and the well in the other end of the village.
But not only the men of Moni are famous as craftsmen of Stone, famous are also the women of the village. They are famous all over the world for their art in looming, thus they practice traditionally the textile art and they teach it with pious consequence to young girls. Moreover, do not forget to visit the very interesting wood carving workshop, woodcut in olive, just outside the village, on the way to Halki. Two other important occupations of residents of Moni, are cheese-making and wines. It worth tasting the pure flavour cheeses of pasturages, but also the wine that is produced by the households of the settlement, as well as the exceptional raki (arrack). You can find all these in the restaurants of the village and your can accompany with their “heady” sweet or peppery flavour, the traditional mezes (titbits) that you will be served hospitably there.
Potamia
Potamia is one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of Naxos. It is hardly 8 km far from the harbour and it is lodged in a green valley with age-long platens., many gardens with fruitful trees and various other beauties that make the visitor wonder- strucked. It took the name after the rivers that are crossing the village and running all seasons. It is constituted by four settlements : pano Potamia, kato Potamia, and Lierado. The residents deal with the agriculture and the livestock-farming. Main products are the oil, the citrus fruits, the horticultural and cheeses.
According to tradition the first people that submerged the magic coast of Naxos were the prehistoric population. Thraces, Kares followed them and then Ionians. However because they had frequent attacks from the pirates, they began moving to the interior of the island, choosing dominating points in order to be able to defend themselves from an invulnerable position. Thus they reached in Potamia, where after they realized the wealth of valley which yielded the spring source of Theologos at any season, they began systematic culture planting fruitful trees of any kind and flowers, thus changing it very quickly to a land paradise and to the most important resort of Naxos. Then, in points where the water of source did not reach were planted the olive groves.
At the first years of Byzantine Empire, as the old ruins testify, the first settlement was Ziria in the valley of Potamia. Then was built another settlement , the one of “Psarrou”, which was found in Mesaia Potamia, in front of the current Elementary School. The ruins that exist there but also many more traditions testify its existence. Simultaneously, in small distance from it was created were built also the third settlement, Lierados, in the banks of river and in 200 m from the current Elementary School. Later were erected the existing today three villages, which constitute the community of Potamia. Did not skip the attention of settlers the motive force of shaped stream cereals of the residents. In apano Potamia you can visit one of them.
The village reached in big acne when Naxos was dominated by Venetian origin Francs invaders, which under the protection of Dukes of Naxos occupied alla the valley of Potamia and divided the land as they wanted, making imposing towers : Massena, Della Rokka, Kokkoy, Bageri, Malatesta, Afentikon, Mousou Mari, Ammodaras. The visitor can wander in the stone natural peripatetic paths, visit the Above Castle and the Girl of Potamia (statue of woman). He should not forget to visit the marble “faucet of Faraksou”, for which fables report that Franc house-holders changed its original shape in order for their wives to seat around the channels and discuss with them their romance. Also, in south-western Kato Potamia is the land property of Agios Mamas and the Byzantine church of the 9th century, the Virgin Mary, as well as 34 other old churches and chapels that are also scattered in the four settlements. Finally, each visitor that will be found in this graphic village can taste the tastiest homemade titbits in the traditional shops, as well as the hospitality, the kindness and the politeness of the people of Potamia.
Sagri
Sagri, the apple of Naxos eye! The village is situated above a hill with the horizon open in front of it. It is named “small Mystras” because of the abundance of Byzantine churches. Inside the village, the famous monastery of Saint Eleftherios is situated, that functioned also as a secret school in the years of the Ottoman domination and today accommodates the Folklore Museum. Near the village is the most important archaeological site of the island, Gyroulas with the recently restored Temple of Demeter and a remarkable museum.
The villages is also famous for the Venetian towers, two of which, devastated, are situated in Kato Sagri, a preservable settlement , while a third, Palaiologou Tower, renovated, is in distance of 20 minutes. But not only the Byzantine churches and archaeological sites make Sagri stand out. It is mainly the enchanting beaches with the white sand and the wonderful colors of the Sea. Mikri Vigla is a very famous beach with rocky hills, which separates two beautiful beaches, wind protected Vigla and Orkos. At summertime, the champions of wind surfing gather in Orko to enjoy this sport, taking advantage of the cool meltemi of the Aegean.
After Mikri Vigla, the extensive beaches Kastraki and Glyfada spread to the bays of Alykos and a magnificent forest of small cedar trees come out on the white sand. It is a landscape of unique beauty in the island. Alongside these beautiful beaches there are many hotels, villas and rooms for visitors to enjoy a stay as much pleasant as it can be in a beautiful and hospitable environment.
Halki-Tragea
Halki is a small, but unique capital village. It stands out because of the old mansions with tiles, the classic balconies with nice rails, garlands on roofs and paved with slabs country-yards. Located beside the stream, with very high trees and running water, ponds, where women used to wash clothes and engaging young evergreen gardens. Thousands of visitors each year experienced a different feeling of enjoyment and exploration of an area that successfully marries the past with the present. Most houses are renovated and inform us with pride, for the wealth of those few people at a time when life in the other villages was very tough. That happened due to the location of Halki, which connects all villages and therefore has become and important commercial centre.
Inside and around the village there are many ancient ruins, Byzantine churches full of frescoes and high Venetian Towers. Major monuments are Panagia Protothroni (6th century AC), Saint George the Diasoritis (9th century AC) and the Tower of Barotsi (Gratsia), a magnificent building built in the early 17th century by the Venetian family Barotsi. The last years Halki has shown resurgence. There is the seat of Municipality, a Country court, a notary’s office, a land registry and various shops that serve all the around area. Also, there is a very beautifully place for pastries, coffee and snacks, as well as a restaurant in the square of the village with interesting flavours that await the visitor in the summertime, under the shade and the dew of the trees. The distiller “Vallindra”, offers to the visitors and passengers an exceptional drink, the citron, made of distillation of leaves of citrons. Eminent textiles (handmade), prompt whoever sees them to admire them and to ensure a memoir from the island, for him and his friends.
