Melanes and Kourounochori in Naxos

About 8 kilometres east of Naxos Town lies the villages of Melanes and Kourounochori. I think that both villages are worth visiting. Not least because the villages are so genuine and the feeling that time has stopped is so noticeable.

The beautiful valley between the villages of Melanes and Kourounochori.

Melanes is a very pleasant village where the residents mainly work on the land. All sorts of crops grows in the lush valley between Kournochori and Melanes. In the completely car-free village one can be rejoiced by ancient houses and narrow worn alleys. In the village there are several taverns whose speciality is serving rooster in all forms.

View of Melanes.

Tavernas in Melanes serving rooster.

In Melanes lies Taverna Giorgis, one of Naxos' best tavernas. Make yourself the trouble to go there one evening, it's absolutely worth it. The raw ingredients come from their own farm, the wine from their own grapes and the bread is homemade.

Taverna Giorgis in Melanes is one of Naxos best restaurants.

Taverna Giorgis is a traditional Greek taverna: a large room with fluorescent lights in the ceiling where good Greek music flows from the speakers. You sit indoors, but the windows are large and is possible to open, the view overlooking the lush valley is magnificent. There are also some tables outside as well. We have eaten here many times and each time has been a culinary experience.

Melanes seen from Kourounochori.

Kourounochori lies about a kilometre from Melanes. It really tempts to take a short hike among the plantations in the attractive and green valley that separates the villages. In the village there is a small taverna that offers quiet lunches and beautiful views. Here is also one of Naxos' many watch towers. The road continues from Kourounochori to one of Naxos' main attractions: Kouros of Melanes. Do not miss! If you like hiking, there is a nice hiking trail between Kourounochori and Melanes.

Kourounochori seen from Melanes.

View of Kourounochori.

Fragopoulos Tower of Della Rocca in Kourounochori.

On a hike between Kourounochori and Melanes.

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