Geography

Naxos is located at the central Aegean and is an island of the Cyclades. It is the largest island of the group and is located about 100 miles from Athens. Its shape is oval, with a major axis of about 33 km and a minor axis of 25 km, occupies an area of 435 sq. km and its coastline has a length of 91 km. It is adjacent to the east and south to Donusa, Schinousa, Koufonisia and Iraklia and to the west to Paros.

Geomorphology

Naxos is a mountainous island, intersected from NNE to SSW by an elongated mountain range with its highest point 1001m (Zeus mountain peak). The NW to SE side of the island consists of mountains forming deep narrow and elongated valleys. In contrast, the western part of Naxos is characterized by a series of small coastal plains separated by low hills.

Geology

From a geological point of view, Naxos is located almost in the center of the Attic-Cycladic mass, containing mainly marble, schist and igneous rock. The rich deposits of marble and emery played an important role on the island through the centuries contributing to the economy and culture. Marble deposits still exist in villages like Apiranthos, Filoti, Kynidaros and Apollon (where quarries have been found).

Climate

The climate in Naxos is classified as "General Subtropical" or "Mediterranean", characterized by two seasons, with dry and hot summers and mild rainy winters. According to the DE MARTONNE climate subdivision Naxos belongs to the climate of Annual winds. The winds blowing in the warm season from May to October, mitigate the summer heat and keep temperatures lower than in other areas of the same latitude.