Trail 3: Tragea Valley

The trail begins at the picturesque village of Danakos, nestled in a charming dell on the Naxos uplands, alongside a bountiful spring at the base of Mt. Zas.

Initially, the trail is adorned with beautiful stone paving and ascends gently, leading you through a serene forested area filled with majestic oak and maple trees.

Your first notable stop is at the fortified monastery of Christ Photodotis, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of eastern Naxos and the captivating coastline. Within the church of this meticulously restored monument, you will discover remnants of an early Christian place of worship, adorned with non-iconographic decor and remarkable 9th-century frescoes.

As you continue along the trail, you’ll find yourself immersed in a lush, verdant landscape, bathed in the cool shade provided by towering trees.

Upon reaching the Karkos position, the trail splits: a delightful detour leads you to Apiranthos via the scenic Pera Chorio area, while the main route guides you towards the refreshing ravine of Perachoritis, where modern water conservation dams capture your attention.

At the junction of the footpath and the provincial road stands a restored windmill, serving as a captivating landmark. Directly across from it stands the Church of Agios Ioannis, which hosts the grandest celebration and feast in the village of Apiranthos.

The trail meanders through the lush Finelia area, following a winding path downhill that eventually leads you to the Tragea plateau.

This particular route was once traversed by the pupils of Apiranthos on their way to school in Tragea, and now, thoughtfully signposted, it guides you alongside the ravine before transforming into a picturesque farm road.

Before you reach the village of Kerami, the trail passes by Agios Ioannis Prodromos, an elegant square-domed church adorned with immaculately preserved frescoes.

The magnificent Kalavros/Markopolitis tower house gracefully dominates the landscape of Kerami, leaving an indelible impression on your journey.

Now, you find yourself in the heart of the Tragea valley, surrounded by its enchanting beauty.

The trail persists, leading you to Metochi, where you will encounter the remnants of the eponymous tower, along with the cruciform domed Church of Agioi Apostoli. This extraordinary construction, showcasing a rare architectural style, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

Finally, the culmination of your walk and a cultural pinnacle awaits you at the Church of Panagia Protothronos in Chalki. This precious gem has graced Tragea’s Byzantine “park” for an astonishing 15 centuries, evoking a profound sense of awe and admiration.