Visit Naxos Sustainably: 5 Reasons Why Naxos Is Perfect for Sustainable Travel
As the largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos has become a favourite destination for those on an island-hopping trip to Greece. It’s no surprise, given the island’s rich heritage, stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. And if you plan to travel sustainably, Naxos will be a perfect choice. Here are some reasons why Naxos is the perfect choice for sustainable travel to Greece.
Activities if you Plan to Visit Naxos Sustainably
In Naxos, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities that will not cause harm to the environment. The island is famous for its scenic trails that take you to impressive landscapes, from high peaks to rocky hinterland and pristine sandy beaches. You will find hiking trails connecting you to places like Apiranthos, Melanes, Filoti, and many more, where you can admire local villages with traditional architecture and archaeological ruins.
Exploring underwater is another sustainable activity to try in Naxos. Some of the island’s most fascinating diving sites are the Graviera and Calypso Reefs. Both are near Naxos Town. The other famous diving sites are the remarkable reefs of Mikri Vigla Beach and the wreckage of a cargo ship at Agios Prokopios Beach. Aside from the rich flora and fauna adorning the island’s seabed, Naxos’ underwater features will present you with impressive rocky formations and caves.
Walking along Naxos Town and trying out traditional specialties from the local restaurants is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Naxos. From the main town, walk to the top of Hora to admire the island’s panoramic views. Look out for well-preserved ancient sites like the Aperathitissas Tower and the Della Rocca Barozzi Tower. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is also worth a stop.
Naxos Has Farm to Fork Cuisine
Aside from its beautiful beaches, traditional villages, numerous hiking paths, and archaeological sites, Naxos will delight you with its delicious local food made with ingredients derived from the island. Being a self-sufficient island, Naxos produces everything and even exports some of its produce to other Greek islands and nearby countries.
A sustainable way to discover the island’s local gastronomy is through “farm-to-fork” cuisines. You will find numerous restaurants and taverns all over Naxos to delight your taste buds with delicious food and drinks, leaving you fully satisfied. If you want to venture off the beaten track and discover the island through the eyes of a local, visit sustainable eateries in remote villages offering seasonal farm-to-fork food.
The Farm to Fork Strategy is a sustainable way of making food systems fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. It integrates food production, processing, distribution, and consumption to enhance the island’s environmental, economic, social, and nutritional health.
Eating locally is one of the many ways you can help improve your carbon footprint while travelling to Naxos since local foods don’t travel as far to reach the restaurant. When you patronise local eateries in Naxos, you are helping the environment by reducing food miles since the food spends less time in transit, resulting in less harmful greenhouse gas emissions and minimising air pollution.
There’s Plenty of Sustainable Places to Stay
Naxos has made remarkable advances in catering to environmentally concerned travellers in recent years, landing it on lists of recommended sites for sustainable travel experiences in 2023.
Visitors looking for an eco-friendly trip will find a variety of sustainable options on the island, from boutique hotels with solar-powered facilities to eco-villages steeped in nature. Furthermore, many of the luxury villas in Naxos combine grandeur with environmental awareness. These villas frequently include energy-saving practises, waste reduction, and a commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty.
The combination of luxury and environmental awareness is a hallmark of Naxos, with top-tier amenities and breathtaking views. Many of the island’s accommodations also provide convenient access to local experiences such as snorkelling, hiking trails, and traditional Greek festivities, ensuring that your stay is both comfortable and culturally engagin making it a trip to remember.
The Nature and Wilderness
One of the best ways to embrace sustainability on your holiday is to immerse yourself in nature. Nature-based activities fall under the umbrella of ecotourism, especially those that aim to protect the environment, wildlife, and local communities. Given its magnificent natural landscapes, Naxos offers the perfect setting for immersing in nature.
Naxos is famous for its beautiful scenery of majestic mountains, lush green valleys, gorgeous beaches, and traditional villages. From swimming in its crystal-clear waters to hiking its scenic trails, there are many ways to soak up Naxos’ natural charms.
Naxos boasts a network of hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails to explore. These trails will take you from one village to another, with some peppered with cultural and historical interests, such as ancient monuments and medieval towers. Hiking is the best way to experience the island’s gorgeous landscapes, stretching from the coast to the inland.
The Local Businesses
One of the most sustainable ways to travel is to support local businesses, and you’ll have many opportunities to do that in Naxos. The local business community in Naxos is thriving, thanks to the tourists who support them. So, if you are committed to sustainability, you should patronise these local businesses on your visit to Naxos.
Travel souvenirs will mean so much more if you purchase them directly from the local artisans who made them. Also, look for businesses that aim to support the environment and embrace eco-friendly approaches. Stick to products that are locally made and not made from endangered materials.
Look out for ethical product certifications when shopping. Always choose those made from locally sourced materials. Try to visit local markets to shop for local produce, such as fruits, wine, and cheeses. Buying from these markets also ensures your money will go to local farmers, which essentially helps boost the island’s economy.
