Watchtowers in Naxos

There are many old watchtowers on Naxos, some of the most interesting are in Chalki, and between Abram and Apollonas. The most famous tower is Chimarros Tower on the south-eastern side of the island. (The tower has been restored since I was here, the picture is from before the restoration.) The tower is cylindrical, unlike other watchtowers on Naxos. It is built of marble blocks that are between 30 and 50 centimetres thick.

The height is about 14 metres and the walls are up to 1 metre thick. The tower has had a great symbolic meaning for the locals and occurs in many old songs. I have seen similar towers on a few other islands: Drakano Tower in Ikaria, Agia Marina Tower in Kea and Agios Petros Tower in Andros.

Road sign in Filoti pointing towards Chimarros Tower and Kalandos beach.

The road leading to Chimarros Tower starts in Filoti. The distance is quite dramatic, the road winds between the valleys and the view is sometimes beautiful. Along the way you pass several small chapels whose worn appearance indicates a respectable age. If you continue the road after the tower, you will eventually arrive to a long - and often completely deserted - sandy beach called Kalandos.

One of the main attractions in the village of Chalki is the Gratsia Tower located along the road leading to Filoti. Gratsia is one of several Venetian castles on Naxos. Gratsia is really impressive and you get an idea of its heyday when you see the coats of arms on the building.

Eight kilometres from Abram beach lies the remarkable medieval Agia Tower. The tower is strategically located and was previously used as watch and defence tower. Today the tower is far from its former glory. It stands a little bit spooky on the cliff edge and you barely dare to enter. But the view overlooking the sea is anything but spooky, it's just fantastic.

Agia Tower located along the road to Apollonas.

Other interesting watchtowers towers are Fragopoulos Tower in Kourounochori village, Tower of Zevgolis in Apiranthos village, Bazeos Tower in Sangri village, Kastro Tower in Naxos town, Fotodotis Tower above Danakos village, and the Agios Ioannis Chryssostomos Monastery above Naxos town.

Tower of Zevgolis in Apiranthos.

Bazeos Tower in Sangri.

Fragopoulos Tower i Kourounochori.

Kastro Tower in Naxos town by day.

Kastro Tower in Naxos town in the evening.

Agios Ioannis Chryssostomos Monastery above Naxos town.

Fotodotis Monastery above the village of Danakos is the oldest monastery on Naxos. Fotodotis has also been used as a defence tower. It is believed that the monastery's origins date back to the 12th century. The view of the sea and the island of Donoussa is formidably beautiful. The easiest way to get here is via a hike from Danakos.

Fotodotis Tower above Danakos.

Entrance and exit to Fotodotis Tower/Monastery.

It is believed that Fotodotis originates from the 12th century.

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