Calki on Naxos

Cosy Chalki (or Halki), once the capital of Naxos, is located almost in the centre of the island about 15 kilometres east of Naxos Town. The road to Chalki twists through the beautiful valley of Tragea where it is said to grow more than 40,000 olive trees. Along the way you will pass three small villages, beautifully set in the verdant valley that in the spring is glittering of broom. The villages are in due order: Kato (lower) Potami, Mesa (middle) Potami and Pano (upper) Potami. The area is really beautiful with all old knotty olive trees. The landscape is perfect for short hikes. Close to Chalki is the two lovely villages of Filoti and Apiranthos.

Taverna in Chalki.

Just at the beginning of Halki is a three-way intersection where you can park, from there you walk via a narrow alley into the village. An inviting taverna is the first thing you see, to the right of the taverna lies a few shops, including an "olive-focused" shop where you can buy most of what has to do with olives: oil, soaps, books etc. The many shabby Neoclassical houses testify about Halki's glory days, just as the village's main attraction, Gratsia Tower, does.

Gratsia Tower in Chalki is one of many fine defensive towers on Naxos.

Chalki's main attraction is Vallindras Kitron Distillery. A visit to the shop and distillery are a must when you are on Naxos. Vallindras Kitron Distillery is one of Naxos' main attractions if you ask me. The distillery has officially existed since 1896, but production began secretly back in 1862 owning to tax reasons.

Kitron liqueur from Vallindras Kitron distillery. The liqueur is produced only in Naxos.

The entrance to Vallindras Kitrondestilleri on the right.

Read about Vallindras Kitron distillery in Chalki here »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA

Do not miss the village of Filoti, which you can read about here »

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