Travelers to Naxos who feel the need to visit a quieter, more remote island with less of the tourist trappings of Naxos Town, often set their sights on the small Cyclades islands of Koufounisia, Iraklia and Donousa. But you really don't need to get on a boat or leave the island to find what you are looking for. Because on the far north eastern side of Naxos is the fishing village of Apollonas with its long sandy beach, shops, tavernas, cafes and hotels.  Apollonas has the beauty, pace and serenity of a small remote island but it is just a 36 kilometer drive from Naxos town and the airport.

Named after the God Apollo the town has been inhabited since ancient times when the port was used to ship marble from the nearby quarry where you will find the 6th century Kouros of Apollonas, a massive unfinished statue a popular tourist attraction of the island. It is made out of Naxian marble and has a length of more than 10 meters. It dates back to the Archaic period (7th-6th century BC) and was abandoned half-finished in the place where it had once begun to be sculpted, probably due to the large cracks that appeared in the marble. The ancient quarry of Apollon is one of the two ancient quarries of Naxos and is just a 10-minute walk from town. It is also accessible by car from the main road.

The mountain of Apollon, Kalogeros (greek for "Monk"), is a trademark of the village almost as much as the statue of Kouros. It offers an unsurpassed view and the ruins of the "castle of Kaloyeros", which has been here since the prehistoric times through the Byzantine period and the Turkish domination. A prehistoric tower with cyclopean walls and some of the Byzantine installations (towers, rooms and tanks) are preserved. It takes about an hour to climb from Apollon to the top of Kalogeros.

Apollonas has a magnificent long beach with crystal blue and clear waters. The beach is partly covered by sand and partly by smaller or larger pebbles. It is suitable for families with young children, couples, nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts. The beach is easily accessible by the road. It also has access for people with disabilities, showers and changing rooms. If you wake up early one morning in the summer you will find a breathtaking sunrise that colors the horizon. For nature lovers,  visit the nearby Stream of Apollo and  enjoy the flora and fauna of the area.

A short drive away, the attractive beach in the picturesque Lionas cove has white pebbles and crystal-clear waters, it is ideal for those seeking an escape from tourism. There are  rooms to let and good fish tavernas and a traditional boatbuilding and repair yard .

Agios Ioannis is the patron saint of the town of Apollonas and there is a celebration  on August 29. Vespers on the eve are followed by a litany procession of the icon and a traditional feast in the local tavernas. The village also holds the annual Fishermen's Festival on June 28, when the blessing of the waters and boats is followed by traditional feasting.

There are a number of restaurants, cafes and fast-food places in there whitewashed village of Apollonas including the popular Nikos Taverna which features fresh fish and grilled meats as well as oven cooked dishes and island specialties as do Apollon Restaurant and Delfinakia. La Sabbia is right on the sea and serves coffees, drinks, breakfast, snacks, salads, crepes and sweets. Nearby Limanaki offers similar fare and both are good spots for an ouzo and meze and a view. The same can be said for Stin Plaz known for its cocktails, pizza, sandwiches and friendly owner and staff as is Akrogiali. The Hotel Adonis has a traditional restaurant where they serve lunch and dinner, posting the menu daily for their guests though it is open for anyone. They take pride in the vegetables which come from their organic garden and the food which is like home cooking.

Hotels

Adonis Hotel is the ideal solution for the traveler who wants to get to know the wonderful island of Naxos while staying in a quiet, warm, family environment, with modern facilities and services. The hotel, built according to the traditional architecture of Naxos, is located in the center of the seaside village of Apollonas, 2 minutes from the beach, 36 kilometers from the port of the island (about 50 minutes by car) and 40 kilometers from the airport (about one hour by car). The hotel can provide transfer services from the port or the airport and there is a car rental desk within the hotel as well.See their website

For more hotels in Apollonas visit Booking.com's Apollonas Page