Apano Kastro: Naxos's Venetian Fortress
Explore Apano Kastro, Naxos: A Venetian fortress with stunning views and ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history.
Apano Kastro, or Upper Castle, is a historic Venetian fortress perched on a hilltop near Tsikalario in Naxos. Offering panoramic views, the castle's ruins date back to antiquity, with significant reconstruction during the 13th and 14th centuries by Venetian rulers. Explore the remnants of walls, churches, and cisterns while soaking in the stunning landscape.
A brief summary to Apano Kastro
- Naxos, 843 02, GR
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for the hike to Apano Kastro, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring water and sun protection, as there is limited shade along the trail.
- Allow ample time to explore the ruins and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop.
- Combine your visit with a stop in the charming village of Chalki or Tsikalario.
- Be mindful of the faint trail and use rock cairns to guide you, especially on the final ascent.
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Getting There
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Walking
The final approach to Apano Kastro is primarily on foot. From the village of Ano Potamia, follow the signs towards Chalki and Apano Kastro. The initial paved road turns into a dirt and gravel path. Continue along the path, following the stone wall on your left. After a break in the stone wall, a faint trail climbs uphill to the castle ruins. The hike from Ano Potamia to Apano Kastro takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.
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Public Transport
To reach the trailhead for Apano Kastro using public transport, take the bus from Naxos Town (Chora) to Halki. From Halki, follow the road west towards Tsikalario. Then follow the hiking trail to Apano Kastro. Bus tickets cost approximately €2.00. Verify the latest bus schedules at the main bus station in Naxos Town, as they may change seasonally.
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Taxi
To reach the Apano Kastro trailhead by taxi, take a taxi from Naxos Town (Chora) to Ano Potamia. From there, follow the walking directions to the site. A taxi from Naxos Town to Ano Potamia will cost approximately €30. Taxis in Naxos use taximeters with a base fare of €3.50 and a price of €1.00 per kilometer. During peak season, taxis can be challenging to find.
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