Damarionas is a classic Aegean village in the centre of the island. The village is considered a mountainous one although it is only at an altitude of 230 meters. It is a beautiful settlement built on the south side of the sunny Tragea valley.
The village apparently acquired its name from Damaris the Athenian who was amongst the very first to accept Christianity and passed it on to the settlement who honoured her by naming the village after her.
It is said that the first inhabitants of Damarionas actually inhabited the coastal area of Agiassos, but the prevalent fear of pirates forced them to migrate inland.
Today Damarionas, with its picturesque white-washed houses adorned with flower pots and flowers, paved streets, genuine Cycladic churches and beautiful squares has been listed as a traditional settlement and offers many attracions such as the mansions’ “Prompona”, “Vasilikoulas” and “Bakalainas”, the beautiful “Square of Potirou” with a huge and very old plane tree, and the old churches of Christ and St. George in the Patelou square. The “Androniki” Spiritual and Cultural Centre serves as a space for meetings and conferences. Damarionas is also home to many picturesque early Christian chapels in the greater area of Baouzi as well as the early Christian church of “Kaloritsa” built in a cave on the western side of mount Ai Lias (St. Elias – Elijah).
Locals are mainly farmers and almost everyone in the village owns an olive grove (Greek – elaiochorafa). The village operates a modern mill. While here, do try the delicious Kitron Sweet Preserve and the hortopita (foraged greens wrapped in flaky, buttery phylo pastry).
The village festival (panagiri) is celebrated on the eve and the day of August 6, on the Transfiguration of the Saviour by the church of Christ, and is followed by wine, food, song and dance.
You can reach Damarionas from Naxos Town (Chora) via Galanado and Sagri villages. The road is only 16km long.
