Panagia Drosiani

Top choice in Naxos


Located 2.5km north of Halki, just below Moni, this is among the oldest and most revered churches in Greece. Inside are several small, cavelike chapels. In their depths, monks and nuns secretly taught Greek language and religion to local children during the Turkish occupation. Several frescoes still grace the walls, dating from the 7th century. Look for the depiction of Mary in the eastern chapter; the clarity and expression is incredible.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Naxos attractions

1. Marble Quarries

1.3 MILES

The area between Melanes and Kinidaros has been the island's marble quarry since ancient times. Marble is still collected from this region, and you'll see…

2. Fish & Olive

1.33 MILES

This gallery displays the exquisite work of Naxian potter Katharina Bolesch and her partner, artist and jewellery designer Alexander Reichardt. Each piece…

3. Vallindras Distillery

1.35 MILES

The Vallindras Distillery on Halki’s main square has been distilling the kitron liqueur in the same way since 1896, passing from one generation to the…

4. Phos Gallery

1.36 MILES

See the island through the lens of talented photographer Dimitris Gavalas. Stunning black-and-white landscapes – mostly of Naxos – grace the walls of this…

5. Museum of Fine Arts of Apiranthos

1.66 MILES

Exhibits the creations of 75 artists from Apiranthos (painters, sculptors, printmakers and potters) and artists from all over Greece. It is in the…

6. Natural History Museum of Apiranthos

1.69 MILES

This museum specialises in local flora and fauna and has a marvellous collection of shells. It is split into two sections, one focusing on the sea, the…

7. Archaeological Museum of Apiranthos

1.7 MILES

This museum is part-way along the main street. It has a marvellous collection of small Cycladian artefacts collected by mathematics professor Michael…

8. The Folklore Museum of Apiranthos

1.7 MILES

Housed in a traditional building in the village square, this museum represents a traditional Apiranthos house of a century ago, with three rooms (kitchen,…