Kouros statues are a type of ancient Greek sculpture representing the idealized form of a young male, symbolizing youth, strength, and beauty. In Naxos, the Kouros are especially notable for their size and the use of Naxian marble. There are three Kouros statues in Naxos, two located near Melanes village and one near Apollonas village. Interestingly, all three statues are lying down, unfinished, and abandoned. This blog post focuses on the two Kouros statues located near Melanes village. One of the statues, known as the Flerio Melanes Kouros, is situated near the village and was built during the 6th century BC. The other Kouros statue, referred to as the Faragi Kouros, is located further away in an ancient quarry. Both statues offer a unique glimpse into the ancient Greek culture and the art of sculpture-making.

Naxos is famous for its rich history of olive trees. The island is home to the oldest olive tree in the world, estimated to be 5000-6000 years old. This ancient tree serves as a testament to the island's longstanding tradition of olive tree cultivation, where each olive grove would have only one olive variety. As you explore the island, you'll notice the many traditional stone mills that have been used for centuries to process olives into olive oil. From ancient trees to traditional methods, Naxos offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

The Mycenaean tomb at Chosti is a rare and important monument in the Cyclades, being one of only three vaulted tombs discovered in the region. Located in a highland area, far from major settlements, the circular burial chamber is built with boulders in scaled horizontal layers that create a dome. Looting in the past has resulted in the loss of valuable items and information about its identity, but it is believed to have been built around 1300 BC as the tomb of a local ruler, whose name cannot be identified due to poor findings that remain.

Standing at an impressive height of 10.7 meters and weighing around 80 tonnes, the Kouros of Apollonas is a remarkable unfinished statue made of light grey Naxian marble. This kouros statue, also known as the Colossus of Dionysus, is located in an ancient quarry near the small town of Apollonas in the northern part of Naxos, one of the picturesque Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea. The statue dates back to the Archaic period of Ancient Greece, around the turn of the seventh and sixth centuries BC, and provides a fascinating insight into the ancient world's art and culture.

After visiting the Kouros statue, head down to Apollona Village by the sea to have lunch with a rock concert. This unique experience will offer live performances of traditional Greek music mixed with contemporary rock music, while you enjoy a delicious Greek meal. The lunch and concert will last for 90 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the food, music, and views.