The picturesque village of Apiranthos is located in the hinterland of the island of Naxos at 650 meters high, in a valley at the foot of Mount Fanari and 28 km from the city of Naxos, the capital.
It is also called "marble village" since stone and marble are everywhere in Apiranthos: in the alleys, in the houses, in the arches and in the narrow stairways. White is the predominant color, like little in all the Cyclades. Apiranthos is a small jewel where tradition is still alive and which at sunset is covered with charm and romance.
Its name means abundance of flowers and it is so still today, in fact there are plenty of bougainvillea streets with lively shades and fragrant pink oleanders.
History
It is a small and charming village with very ancient origins. It is hypothesized that the village of Apiranthos was founded by some Cretan prisoners in the tenth century, who were exiled to the island of Naxos due to the crowded prisons.
The first certain information on the village of Apiranthos dates back to the early 15th century: the Italian scholar Cristoforo Bouodelmonti during his numerous trips to the Aegean Sea reported in one of his works "Liber insularum archipelagi" (book of the islands of the archipelago) important information of historical-geographical character on Naxos and other Greek islands.
Some buildings such as the Venetian castle, with an unmistakable architectural style, testify to the Venetian domination, of which we can still admire coats of arms, marbles and pomp typical of the time.
What see
Certainly the typical marble houses of the village, with the picturesque arches and squares are the protagonists of Apiranthos, together with the small shops, the stone wheels, the arches and the alleys uphill. Every glimpse deserves a souvenir photo and around every corner there can be a church, a cat on a wall, or a small shop that you will want to carry forever among your memories.
Inside the village you will find the famous church of Panagia Apirathotissas with its ancient iconographies and other noteworthy churches, such as that of Agios Ioannis Theologos, Panagia Theoskepasti and Agios Georgios.
Walking through the alleys of Apiranthos you can visit in addition to the unmissable Venetian castle, the Somaripa, Crispi and Sforza castles. In the large church of Agia Kiriaki which is located outside the village, you can admire the colorful abstract representations of birds with ribbons around their necks. If you love trekking you can venture on Mount Fanari and after about an hour's walk you will reach the picturesque chapel of Agios Pachoumios, from which you can admire a breathtaking view.
Don't miss the imposing Zevgoli tower located at the entrance of the village, built around the 17th century by the Franks. Today it is a private home and cannot be visited inside, but a souvenir photo is a must!
In the small village of Apiranthos there are not even museums, there are four in fact and all equally interesting: the Archaeological Museum, which contains ancient and important finds found in the area. The Geological Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Folklore Museum where you will find interesting evidence of life on the island of Naxos.
Curiosity
As we said the traditions in Apirathos are still very strong and rooted among the inhabitants of the village, mainly dedicated to the breeding of cattle, the cultivation of indigenous vines and the production of handicrafts in ceramic and fabrics.
The inhabitants of Apirathos dress in a traditional way, the women in black and especially the older ones wear the headscarf. Here mules are still used for some activities and life goes on slowly and peacefully, you will feel like you are stepping back in time!
The language of Apirathos is also particular, it is in fact a dialect reminiscent of ancient Greek, with Byzantine inflections.
The village of Apirathos is also renowned for its inhabitants' inclination for poetry and for their ability to speak in verse. The locals are also known for their skills in weaving, singing and art in general.
Do not miss the excellent traditional cuisine, with the typical taverns offering local products at Km 0. In the picturesque "kafeneia" the cafes and in the taverns you can taste the typical Naxos mountain wine.
You already have many reasons not to miss this fabulous village and its white houses, nestled in the green valley. You will rediscover a unique silence and fabulous views!