Naxos: The Enchanting Gem of the Cyclades

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάς Αγγλικά;
  [Milas Anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveeno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Iyia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosos, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fige!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agorasoo...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάζω
  [Apla kitazo]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Mise (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Aurio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννέα
  [Ennea]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για το...);
  [Ena isitirio (gia to...)?]

Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, has an illustrious history that dates back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was inhabited as early as 4000 BCE. The ancient city of Naxos was a thriving center of Cycladic culture, marked by its distinctive marble sculptures and artifacts.

Greek mythology richly colors Naxos’s history. According to legend, Naxos is where Theseus abandoned Ariadne after she helped him escape the labyrinth of Crete. The god Dionysus found her there and made her his wife. This myth underscores the island's deep connection with the god of wine and festivity, Dionysus.

During the Classical period, Naxos was renowned for its economic prosperity and cultural achievements. The island’s fertile lands produced high-quality wine and marble, which were exported throughout the Aegean. Naxos also played a significant role in the Ionian Revolt against Persian rule in the 5th century BCE.

The Byzantine period saw Naxos become an important religious center, dotted with numerous churches and monasteries. In 1207, the Venetian Marco Sanudo captured the island, establishing the Duchy of the Archipelago. The Venetian influence is still visible today in the island’s architecture, especially in the Kastro (castle) district of Naxos Town.

Naxos fell under Ottoman rule in the 16th century, though the Venetians retained some influence. The islanders endured heavy taxation and occasional pirate raids. Despite these hardships, Naxos became a center of resistance against Ottoman rule, contributing to the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s.

Following Greece's independence, Naxos integrated into the modern Greek state. The island continued to thrive, benefiting from agriculture, especially its famous potatoes and citrus fruits. Today, Naxos is a vibrant tourist destination, celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Naxos is accessible by both sea and air. The island has a small airport, Naxos Island National Airport (JNX), which receives flights from Athens. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Athens' Piraeus Port, with several companies offering daily services. The ferry ride takes approximately 4-6 hours, depending on the type of vessel.

Naxos has a variety of transportation options. You can rent a car, scooter, or bicycle to explore the island at your own pace. Public buses operated by KTEL Naxou connect the main town (Chora) with villages and beaches across the island. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Additionally, many hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport or port.

The official currency in Naxos is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages and family-run establishments. ATMs are available in Chora and other major tourist areas.

Naxos is generally a safe destination for tourists. Nonetheless, it's important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, and be cautious when using ATMs. While Naxos doesn't have any specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, medical, and fire services. The main hospital is located in Chora and there are several pharmacies throughout the island for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Swimwear should be confined to the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good evening). A handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Naxos like a local, visit the local markets in Chora where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Greek goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Portara, an ancient marble gate, especially at sunset. For a unique experience, explore the lesser-known beaches and hike the trails around Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades.