Naxos is the biggest island of the Cyclades and lies on the eastern side
of the group. It is 428 sq km in area, 103 nautical miles from Piraeus,
and 87 from Rafina. It is a mountainous island, with mount Za as its highest
peak (1,004 metres), but it also has very fertile plains. Its numerous underground
streams supply the springs and the wells so water is abundant. This, together
with the fertile soil, insures a considerable production of agricultural
produce. The most important produce are potatoes, the well known Naxian
apricots, vegetables, citrus fruit and oil and wine, which are said to have
been blessed by Dionysus himself. Naxos is also famous for its excellent
stock-breeding products. Its marble well-known since antiquity, competed
with the Parian marble. The climate of Naxos is dry and very healthy, with
mild winters and cool summers. The 15,000 inhabitants of Naxos are mainly
farmers and stock-breeders, but they also live off fishing and tourism.
Naxiots are open-hearted and warm people. They are gentle, hospitable and
attentive. They love visitors and try to make their stay at Naxos as pleasant
as possible.