Probably the ‘most authentic’ village on the island and known as the ‘marble village’, Apeiranthos is located roughly in the centre of the island. Amphitheatrically built on the slopes of Mount Fanari, it boasts magnificent views of the Naxian mountain ranges.
This is no ordinary village, far from it. Apeiranthos has managed to retain its unique authenticity for centuries, which is apparent in every step you take, in every alley you walk and wherever you look. The particular dialect of the people of Apeiranthos alongside their unique customs suggests that most likely Cretans inhabited the region during the 10th century. This small village is where Manolis Glezos, the hero of Greek resistance and politician originates from.
Of its most impressive features is the architecture, stone built towers, old houses and churches, marble paved alleys, traditional small souvenir and local craftsmanship shops, and its 5 museums, namely:
the Apeiranthos Archaeological Museum
the Geological Museum
the Museum of Natural History
the Visual Arts Museum and
the Folklore Museum
all well worth visiting.
A visit to the Apiranthos Women’s Traditional Crafts Cooperative located opposite Panagia (Virgin Mary) church is highly recommended -if only for a glimpse of the woven products made on traditional local looms (krevataria). Continuing tradition, locals reproduce and create excellent quality woven products and other decorative items for domestic purposes. The cooperative was founded in 1987 on the initiative of then mayor Manolis Glezos –a Greek WWII resistance hero. The products, which are made in a section of the village Cultural Centre during winter, are exhibited in a showroom opposite the aforementioned church every summer for you to pick up some hand-woven textiles straight from the source. Besides woven items it also retails books by local writers.
From Chora (Naxos town) the shortest route to get to Apeiranthos is via the villages Galanado, Damalas, Damarionas and Filoti and it is 25km long.
However the most commonly used route is from Galanado to Halki and Filoti which is only 1km longer, but offers easier access and showcases the beauty of the countryside as you drive ever upwards to get to its jewel.
