Village Filoti

Filoti in Naxos is the largest settlement on the island and lies around 18 km from Naxos Town. The beautiful village is amphitheatrically built on the foothills of mount Za, the highest mountain of the Cyclades. Since it is also enclosed among the vegetation of the verdant Tragea valley, numerous olive trees surround it.

Filoti is considered lively, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops scattered across it. A bank and a post office are also available there.
As in several rural areas in Greece, in Filoti’s heart lies the main square. The sprawled branches of an imposing old plane tree lavishly provide the guests who enjoy their coffee or snack at one of the paved square’s establishments with shadow.

Architecturally wise, the houses are whitewashed and flat-roofed, while the regional streets are narrow and flowered. Locals use those flat-topped houses as balconies.
Churches are plenty and worthy of a visit. The most renowned church of the district is Panagia Filotitissa(the Holy Mary of Filoti). The current building was established in the 18th century and boasts a three-bell tower with exquisite carved details. In front of the church lies the Ecclesiastic and Folklore Museum of Filoti. There, guests have the chance to see how a traditional house used to be and admire some of the relics and icons of the church.

The village is also home to the Chimaros Tower, one of the most well-known sights of Naxos. It was built in the 4th century BC and initially reached 17 meters high.

Last but not least, because of its location below Mount Zas, Filoti constitutes an ideal place for trekking. At a 600-meters altitude, one can spot the Cave of Zas, the place that allegedly was the refuge of Zeus during the time his father Kronus persecuted him. The cave also boasts impressive geological formations like stalagmites and stalactites.