All inland villages of Naxos are very old and though there are new buildings as well, they keep their original architecture and outlook. The alleys inside are narrow and car-free, the whitewashed houses are decorated with beautiful flowers, and the tavernas are simple and home-like. For this article we carefully chose the most scenic and instagrammable villages to visit during your stay on Naxos.
Naxos Old Town
The Old Town of Naxos is the old neighborhood of Naxos Town. It is a must-see, especially if you are on the island for a few days and have no time to visit distant villages. Follow the cute little alleys to the castle from any point near the promenade - they all go up.
Apeiranthos
They call it "the marble village of Naxos" - large marble pieces cover the alleys and steps in the old part of Apeiranthos. It is one of the largest villages on the island and you can wander up and down the quiet alleys for hours, then to choose a cafe or taverna to relax. Pay attention to the Zevgoli Tower.
Chalkio
You will immediately notice that Chalkio doesn`t look much like a village of the Cyclades. The whitewashed houses with blue window covers are missing and replaced by tile-roof buildings in various colors. The village center is small but car-free, with a couple of nice cafes, galleries and shops for traditional products. Points of interest in Chalkio are the Valindras Kitron Distillery, the Barozzi-Gratsia tower and the church of Agios Georgios Diasoritis.
Koronos
Nestled between the mountain slopes, Koronos is one of the remotest villages from Naxos Town. Everything is amphitheatrically built and when you take a glimpse of the village from the road, each house seems to be built on the top of the other. Tourists are few here and you can enjoy a quiet walk, going up and down on the alleys and steps. The small family-run tavernas of Koronos would gladly host you after the walk.
Vivlos
Vivlos is not usually on the list of things to do on the island, although it is within less than 10 minutes drive from Agia Anna. For this reason, you will be pleasantly surprised if you give it a chance. The first thing that will grab your attention when entering Vivlos are the old windmills on the elevated area of the village - leave the car at the public parking and take a stroll to the mills, then walk down to the lovely little square with a cafe-restaurant.
Filoti
Filoti is the most populous inland village of Naxos, with densely built houses and variety of places to eat. But if you want to see its more authentic face, you need to turn into the side alleys between houses where no cars can pass. For example, from Platanos Cafe in the center take the alley up to Panagia Filiotissa church and to the Barozzi Tower. The area around Filoti is rich in hiking trails and churches with breathtaking panoramic views.
Ano Sangri
Small and tranquil, Ano Sangri is often neglected by Naxos visitors. It has neither shops, nor tavernas. But its charm lies in the opportunity to see the laid back existence of the village and its inhabitants without the tourist flow. Inside the village you can see the monastery of Agios Eleftherios which looks like a castle, and it is a good idea to combine the visit to Ano Sangri with the Bazeos Tower and the Temple of Demeter which are not far away.