Naxos- Tour to Drossiani, Apeirathos, Halki

Visit the Virgin Mary (Panagia) Drossiani. A rare Byzantine Church with beautiful fresh wall paintings most likely built in the 4^th -6^th century AD. The name of the church was given when in a period of great aridity the people of the island, had a litany with the icon of Panagia of the specific church and in continuance it started to rain. Therefore it was considered that Panagia made her miracle and cooled Naxos with the rain she sent down.

The wall paintings that are different from the others and stand out are those of Panagia, Christ and the 12 Apostles. Especially the double wall painting of Christ that is in two different ages. It symbolizes the holy and human nature of Christ.

Apeiranthos is a well known village and mostly known as the village of marble, due to the slating which you could walk when you cross over. (Distance 27 km from Chora and height 650 m). Here the visitor has the chance to visit the unique Panhellenic Geological Museum with the fossils and the samples of marble and myrrh. The Archeological Museum with the rare stone paintings and findings of the Cycladic Civilization and region. As well you can see the Folkloric Museum where you will meet the tradition and ways of the land. A discussion with the citizens will often remind you of the Cretan dialect.

Halki is a geographic center of the island and old trade capital with neoclassical houses and two Venetian towers. There is also a Byzantine Church of the 9^th century AD with Hagiographies from the 9^th -17^th century AD.

You will then return to the ship after this excursion