Naxos

It is the biggest and the most fertile island of the Cyclades. The particular character of its landscape lies on the very high mountains (the Mount Zas, 1,004 m, is the highest of the Cyclades) and the uniquely special mountain villages. The island extends over a surface of 428 km2, its coastline is 148 km long and it has 18,000 inhabitants.
During the ancient years, Naxos was the island where Dionysus was worshipped. According to mythology, it was on this island that he met the Minoan Ariadni, who had been abandoned there by Theseus. From ancient times until today, the island has an exceptional production of citrus fruits, famous wine and tasteful cheese.
The first inhabitants of the island were the Karians, succeeded by the Cretans and the Ionians. Since the ancient times Naxos has been renowned for its wine and the worship of Dionysus. During the 6th century B.C. Naxos experienced trade, economic and cultural prosperity. It became member of the two Athenian Alliances. During the Venetian occupation, Vicente Markos Sanoudos founded the Duchy of Naxos (1207). The Venetians remained on the island until 1566. In 1579 it formed part of the Ottoman Empire and joined the Greek State in 1830.