Naxos is famous for its beautiful seaside villages but also has another version to enjoy. It’s an equally beautiful mountainside. Somewhere there, is the most mountainous village of the Cyclades with the greatest green landscapes and livestock production. It’s Komiaki. It is located in the northern part of the island and if you are there for holidays it is worth visiting…
Naxos, the most mountainous village of the Cyclades
Komiaki-Koronida is the northernmost village of Naxos and the most mountainous of the Cyclades. It is about 40 km from the city of Naxos (Chora). It is located at an altitude of 650 meters on the ridges of the mountain “Koron”. Its population is 550 people. Most residents are engaged in agriculture, livestock farming, construction work, and tourism. It has a primary school and the holy temple of the village which is dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary.
The Komiaki, according to history, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its own name indicates the center (Komi) of many smaller settlements. But also from a large number of tombs of the Protocyclic period around 3,500 BC which are located around the village. The characteristic of Kominakis is the green landscapes, thanks to the abundant water of the springs that exist and allow for various crops despite the mountainous terrain of the area.
The white Cycladic houses and the green colors from the cliffs create a beautiful landscape. Inside the village, you will find narrow alleys with arches, whitewashed paving and flower-decorated courtyards. Evidence showing the residents’ love for the village. You will also find traditional cafes with raki and local flavors. Komiaki is famous for its good wine, cheese, and meat. Its inhabitants are very friendly and they enjoy music and dancing. They have great traditions.
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Apart from the village itself, there are monuments nearby that are worth visiting. The only Mycenaean vaulted tomb that has been discovered on the island, is located north of Komiaki. There are also old Byzantine churches such as Agios Georgios (1416 BC) with its distinctive wall paintings and Agia Marina (1600 BC).
Finally, one of the activities that can pique your interest is hiking: it is worth following a path that will lead you to the area of Skeponi, through a path of green landscape. But if you want to continue the route to the north you can visit the seaside village of Apollo which is also the sea of Komiakis.
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Naxos: The beach paradise in the cedar forest
