Naxos

The Venetian-built Naxos Castle, or Kastro, stands as a sentinel over Chora, boasting a unique round design and four levels. Built with materials from the ruins of an ancient acropolis, the castle once served as both a fortress and a hub for education, politics, and religion. Today, visitors can ascend via an elevator to Avaton Cafe for sweeping views. The castle's historical charm is further enhanced by the surviving Glezos Tower, that houses the Byzantine Museum of Naxos. Explore shops, cafes, and historically significant buildings within its walls, and lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets.

Perhaps the most scenic spot on the island, the Portara (also known as the Temple of Apollo) is where locals and visitors flock at sundown to take in the splendid golden sunsets. Walk along a causeway and up towards the ancient gate-like structure perched atop the hill for some of the best views.

The Naxos Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of Cycladic art and sculpture, one that reportedly even rivals the compilation of artefacts in the Greek capital city of Athens.

The Olive Press Museum is a curious local attraction, where visitors are granted insight into the behind-the-scenes makings of olive oil and other olive-derived products. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to take part in a sampling of the high-quality items and foods on sale.

Climbing the Zas Mountain is best done in the early hours of the morning, when the sun is yet to release its burning midday rays. There are several departure points (starting from Filoti, for example) and route directions are displayed along the way. From the hilltop, stunning views over the valleys and sea below unfold.

The waters around Naxos hold a plethora of marine treasures: from the eerie remains of sunken ships to colourful fish and curious underwater creatures swimming an arm's length away. Several companies offer professional training courses and necessary guidance through local waters to experienced divers.

Naxos is a hikers' paradise — try the route leading towards the Tragea, an elevated land area in the heart of the island dominated by olive groves. Some of the best stops for a hiking itinerary are the scenic settlements of Halki with its attractive town square, Aperathou (a village overlooking the island's southeastern coast), and the mountainside village of Koronos.

The tiny distillery offers travellers to Naxos an opportunity to look behind the scenes of how the island's very own kind of liquor — "kitron" — is made. A tasting of citrus liquors is offered at the end of the tour, and visitors are welcome to purchase kitron-themed souvenirs at the adjacent shop.