Naxos

   Naxos belongs to the Cyclades Island group located in the Agean Sea. The Cyclades are made up of about 220 islands. Naxos is 429 km2 (166 sq mi) and the main

       capital is Naxos or Hora. Hora is also the largest port on the island

       Drymalia and Naxos are the two main areas of the island. Drymalia is located in the southeast and Naxos is located in the Northwest.

       At 3000 feet in elevation, Mt. Zeus is the highest point of the island.

       In Greek mythology, Zeus was raised in a cave on Mt. Zeus.

        Homer also mentions this island as “Dia”, the sacred island of the Goddess and the island is known for its Temple of Demeter, built in the 6th century BC. It is located in the northwestern region of Naxos and has classical Greek architecture. The temple was partially torn down in the late 6th century AD and later a church was constructed over it that eventually got torn down as well.

        There is a greater measure of rainfall on the island than in other Southern areas of Greece. This results in agriculture being a major part of the islands economy.Naxos is a good climate for fruits, vegetables, and cattle ranching.

       Naxos is also known throughout Greece as a major producer of potatoes.

      Naxos is known for its 16 long sandy beaches most popular on the west side. There are 16 beaches in Naxos. Plaka is claimed to be the most famous beach in Naxos and is a common spot for tourism.
    Agios Prokopios is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Naxos. It is located on the central west coast about 5.5 km from the main town of Naxos

      The West side of the island features many taverns.

Ottoman Naxos 1564-1821

       Very few Turks ever settled on Naxos.

       Ottomans were satisfied with the people of Naxos because of their returns of taxes

       In 1821 the islands revolted resulting in joining the country of Greece in 1932

       There are many small churches located throughout the island built during Turkish rule.

       People that lived on the island would attend secret night school at these churches and because of the number and sizes of the churches it would be discrete to form a system of education.

      A famous church for holding school was Agia Kyriaki outside the village of Galanado. It is famous for being very hidden so many people could come learn.