Day 1 Central Naxos Villages & Ancient Sites
This beautiful and diverse hiking route explores the lush, water-rich heart of Naxos. The trail begins in the charming village of Kourounochori, known for its hillside setting and the impressive medieval Sommaripa/Fragopoulos tower house. You continue toward Myli, passing striking old watermills set in a serene, green landscape.
The path then follows an elliptical loop beneath the remains of the ancient aqueduct, which you can visit, and leads to Flerio. Here, near the natural springs, you’ll see the famous unfinished 6th-century BC Kouroi statues, still lying in the ancient quarry where they were carved.
From Flerio, the route climbs toward Potamia, revealing well-preserved threshing floors and lime kilns along the way. A marble-paved path brings you to Ano Potamia, home to an ancient fountain, followed by the traditional settlements of Middle and Lower Potamia. These villages, surrounded by watermills, chapels, tower houses, and olive presses, showcase some of the best traditional architecture on the island.
The trail continues through shaded areas by the stream and the historic stone laundry at Platanaki, before a short detour leads you to the impressive Kokkos Tower overlooking the ravine. The hike concludes at Kato Potamia, before returning back to town.
