Just a few kilometers north of Chora (Naxos town), Eggares is the richest lowland village on the island and much of what it produces accounts for a sizeable part of Naxos’s agricultural production.
This quaint farming village in the midst of a beautifully fertile plain and plentiful water springs left an indelible impression on prominent writer Nikos Kazantzakis when in his teens. The village is an array of natural beauty and colours, and it is no coincidence that Kazantzakis mentions it as an “earthly paradise” in his book ‘Report to Greco’.
Eggares has about 200 permanent residents but the population swells nearly five-fold in the summer. The hub of the village is its attractive stone-built main square next to the Church of Kimissis Theotokou (Dormition of the Virgin). You’ll also see the wonderfully restored olive mills. The first, dated 1885 now houses the municipal office and the village clinic. The second is said to be several decades older although the actual olive press is dated 1884.
Along the two streams that traverse the village are two uninhabited neighbourhoods: Messa Gitonia where the Foufopoulos tower is, and Lagada which features seven listed watermills. These are pre-industrial era structures that were in operation until the 1960’s. Just beyond Messa Gitonia lies the half-ruined church of Panagia Monastiriotissa likely built in the 9th century on the foundations of an ancient temple. The remains of some frescoes are visible.
A short distance outside the village of Eggares is a two-arched, elegant marble bridge of 1899. In the days before domestic water supply housewives would bring their clothes to wash them in the stream and light a fire under the bridge to heat the water.
East of the village is the hill of the Nativity with a small chapel built into the rock. This is where a sanctuary of the Nymphs existed in antiquity. The spot offers superb views.
Nearby is the beautiful and pristine beach of Ammitis.
The friendly hospitality of the locals is renowned and the taverns of the village serve amazing traditional dishes prepared with fresh local produce, and excellent local wine.
