Village Melanes

Melanes in Naxos is one of the oldest villages on the island, located 8 km southeast of Chora.
It comprises a village built at an altitude of 63 meters, with a population of about 500 permanent inhabitants. The main occupation of the locals is cattle breeding and agriculture.

Legend has it that the village’s name originates from a sibling conflict: in the past, two brothers dueled for the governance of Naxos and were eventually killed in the places where Agios Georgios church lies today. Their sister ordered them to wear melanas chitonas (black tunics); that way, the village is named Melanes ever since.

A walking distance from Melanes, in the location of Flerio, there is a Kouros statue. It is an oversized statue of 6,4m in height, lying on the ground among the olive trees. This statue remains at the exact location where it was found, and archaeologists believe it represents either a mortal man or the god Dionysus. In a 200-meter distance, one can encounter a similar Kouros that dates back to the 7th century.
At Flerio, guests can also find the entrance to the ancient aqueduct of Naxos.

In addition, the Jesuit Monastery of Kalamitsa is situated 2 km from Melanes. It is surrounded by vegetation and was initially used as a meditation place for monks. Nowadays, guests can admire its elegant design but have to be very careful since it hasn’t been restored.
Around Melanes lie many towers scattered here and there. Those were used as homes or summer houses by the noblemen in Medieval times.

The village’s main church is Agioi Apostoloi, celebrated on June 29 every year with a 3-day-long feast that features music, food, and wine.

Melanes is a frequent destination for hiking, too. Many hiking trails start from Chora and lead to the region of Melanes, passing through lovely valleys, small settlements, and ancient sites.