Naxos Potamia

General information

Potamia in Naxos is located 9 kilometers from Naxos Town and is perched on a hillside and surrounded by wonderful green nature.
With a population of around 350 inhabitants, the financial sources of the village today include agriculture and livestock farming. The settlement is well-known for its cheeses, wine, and fruit preserves.
Potamia, whose name means riverside, actually consists of three villages: Ano Potamia (Upper Riverside), Mesi Potamia (Middle Riverside), and Kato Potamia (Down Riverside). Its name derives from a lovely river that crosses the three villages.

In Medieval times, Potamia was very prosperous and comprised a favorite destination for Venetian aristocrats.

Hotels in Potamia

We have made a selection of the best hotels in Potamia.
Recommended by Greeka

Villa Matakia

 

Located in the calm, rural area of Ano Potamia, Villa Matakia is a renovated 19th century building with traditional decor and a lovely garden with plants and flowers. The villa is surrounded by greenery and will bring you closer to Naxian nature and the traditional way of living.

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Things to See & Do in Potamia

Check out the things to see & do in Potamia during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Top Activities & Tours in Potamia

Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments by participating in well-organized tours related to Potamia.
  • Half-Day Cooking Class

    Category: Gastronomy

    Join this interactive cooking class to learn about Naxian and Mediterranean cuisines, discover different production processes and spend a fun time in a welcoming, warm environment.

    4 hours Map
    from € 90.00
    Book now

Potamia Map

Explore our interactive map of Potamia.

More about Potamia

Eight towers were built in the area during the Venetian occupation, with the impressive three-story Tower of Kokkos still standing today.
The settlement is home to 14 old mills, from which one has been restored. It is called the Drillis Watermill and can be found between Mesi and Ano Potamia.
The awe-inspiring ruins of Epano Kastro (Upper Castle) lie atop a hill on the way to Drymalia area. It is a 13th-century Castle built by Marco Sanudo, the Duke of Naxos, in order to ward off pirates.
Potamia also boasts a total of 37 churches, with Agios Mamas being the most important. The Byzantine chapel dates back to the 10th century and is one of the oldest churches of Naxos.
Last but not least, one can encounter an incomplete archaic statue of a woman (Kori) on the way from Ano Potamia to Chalki.

Due to its idyllic verdant setting, the area is excellent for hiking. In fact, two walking trails pass through the area - the trail from Tragea to Ano Potamia and that from Melanes to Mitropoulou.

In Ano Potamia, next to a prehistoric water spring, lies the tavern Pigi, one of the best taverns on the island.

Reviews

5/5.0
1 Review
  • George 10 Jun 2022
    Amazing place
    An amazing place with a river and so many trees! This is exceptional in a Cycladic island and a contrast to the rest of the area. A very relaxing place that reminded me of Tuscani.

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