Filoti in Naxos

It is only a few kilometres from Chalki to Filoti, the road twists along a beautiful valley with olive trees and majestic cypress trees, at a curve, Filoti appears in the distance. The view over the amphitheatrically built village and the Mount Zas is stunning, and a given photo object. Many hikers has Filoti as a base as several popular hikes start in the village.

Filoti is Naxos' second largest village after Naxos Town.

View of Filoti.

Filoti seen from above. On the right you can see some of the Naxos marble quarries.

Marble quarry near Filoti.

Filoti has almost 1,500 permanent inhabitants and that makes it the second largest village on Naxos, the largest village is Naxos Town (7,100 inhabitants). It is about 20 kilometres from Naxos Town to Filoti depending on which route you choose. The village's major gathering place is on the side of the road to Apiranthos, under a couple of plane trees are several tavernas and kafenións.

Filotis main square is under a pair of tall plane trees.

Here, in the shade of the plane trees, people like to sit for a long time and philosophize about life.

One of the smallest churches in the Cyclades can be found in Filoti.

It took me many years before I gave Filoti a chance, the road to Apiranthos (8 kilometres) cross straight through the village, many just drive past, just as I have always done. It's a bad choice, Filoti is a pleasant village and well worth a longer stop. In the narrow alleys that climbs up the mountain you are met by whitewashed houses, worn arches, worn steps, curious old women and some hungry cats.

If you have time, you can make a detour to Danakos which is one of the most genuine villages on Naxos, as well as to Chimarros Tower and Kalandos beach.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT FILOTI

Do not miss Vallindra Kitron in Chalki, which you can read about here »

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