Active Pursuits

Beaches -- Naxos has the longest and some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, although you wouldn't know it from crowded Ayios Yeoryios beach just south of Hora. Windsurfing equipment and lessons are available at Ayios Yeoryios from Naxos Surf Club (tel. 22850/29-170). Ayios Prokopios, just beyond Ayios Yeorgios, is another sand beach, some of which is now dominated by the new Lagos Mare Hotel. Kastraki Beach is 7km (4 1/2 miles) long and has won awards for its clean waters.

Walking Tours -- If you're going to spend some time on the island, we recommend buying a copy of Christian Ucke's excellent guide, Walking Tours on Naxos. You can take an island bus to reach most of the start and finish points for the walks. It's available for 15€ at Naxos Tourist Information Center on the paralia. As with all off-the-beaten-track walks, be equipped with water, a hat, good shoes, sunblock, a map, a compass -- and a good sense of direction.