Halki Village Naxos

The Halki village also called Chalki, we find it about sixteen kilometers from the capital Chora right inland in the center of the beautiful  Naxos island in the Tragea valley.

To reach Halki, you go from the blue of the sea to the lush green of the ancient olive trees, oaks, plane trees, vineyards and orchards. You will have the impression at times of not being above an island but rather in mainland Greece. The Tragea valley is a very fertile area and it is here that the famous Kitron liqueur made from cedar leaves is born.

In the past it was the capital and administrative and commercial center of the island, and this is demonstrated by the fact that the characteristic village is full of neoclassical buildings where the wealthy once lived. Ancient residences, a remarkable number of picturesque churches and colorful calle await you in Halki catapulting you back in time and confirming how important this small village has been by now considerably reduced but always pleasant to visit. The name of the village derives from an ancient family of bronze blacksmiths (chalkos in Greek means bronze).

Called the "Mystery of the Aegean" for the strong similarity with the famous citadel of the medieval Byzantine era in the southern Peloponnese above Mount Taygetos, near ancient Sparta, Halki still preserves well-preserved houses, towers and places of worship with interior rare frescoes and important sculptures.

Unlike the other villages in the Cyclades Islands and on the Naxos island, Halki does not have square and white roofs but with red tiles, large balconies and paved paved courtyards that give a different touch to the landscape.

Many churches are present in the area and around Halki as Panagia Protothronos one of the oldest on the island. A three-nave basilica dating back to the early Christian period which in the 9th century was transformed with two other naves and a cruciform dome. Inside there are frescoes from the 9th, 10th and 11th centuries and in the niche of the altar a beautiful portrait of the Virgin Mary. Its name derives from the fact that it was the first to be built on the Naxos island. Another attraction of Chalki is the 17th century Barozzi Tower built by the family of the same name which is located right behind the Panagia Protothroni. A monument on three levels with strong walls, barred windows, very heavy wooden gates, a drawbridge and a hole to repel the attackers with boiling water, Around the tower many legends and popular tales of beautiful girls, impossible loves and chivalrous adventures.

Do not miss the Vallindra Kitron distillery right in the Chalki heart where you can see how Kitron is produced, which obviously must be tasted together with Ouzo also distilled in the old way of the island.

From Halki for trekking lovers, there are some paths that reach the villages of the valley passing through the still unspoiled nature. Just through one of them you can reach the characteristic Panagia Drosiani (Madonna del Ristoro) near the Moni village always inland, from the early Christian era considered one of the oldest churches in Europe with a beautiful history regarding its name. ; it is said that in times of danger, the church seems to cry in reality it is simply due to the condensation that is formed but we like to think more about the first version. Every year on Good Friday an ancient tradition is celebrated which consists in offering raki (very strong alcoholic drink), bread with raisins and walnuts to all guests.

The easiest way is to have your own vehicle which can be either a car or a motorbike, just follow the road signs, with a taxi cost around 15/20 €, with public transport from Chora during the high season. days, for timetables consult the table directly on site.

Here is a nice alternative to a day on the beach and to put on the list of things to see in Naxos to dive into history and enjoy a different point of view where the lush nature offers its fruits giving life to unique delicacies.