Sightseeing
Sarakiniko
In the Northeast part of the island, you will find the most photographed Aegean landscape: Sarakiniko.
This moonscape is unique. The volcanic eroded Rocks penetrate into the emerald-colored sea creating small and big caves, whereas the lack of green (vegetation), in combination with the rocks’ white color and the intense reflection of the light create a landscape similar to the moon’s surface, thus making this experience unforgettable for all of its visitors.
Sarakiniko, named after the Saracen pirates overlooks Sifnos and Kimolos and it is recommended you visit it when the wind is not north.
It is worth noting that you should also visit Sarakinino at night, especially when the moon is full, as the snow-white rocks of soft material reflect the light even the moonlight vividly, thus, creating an unforgettable landscape.
Kleftiko
The complex of these volcanic original rocks is a magical landscape worthy of admiration, and also a part to enjoy the sensation of the transparent blue-green waters and the sun.
Kleftiko used to be an old hide-out for pirates from where the pirates’ ships used to pass and anchor so as to get protected in its small creeks and imposing rocks.
Today, these unique geologic formations created by the wind and the sea, are the perfect place for swimming and exploration. They are accessible only by sea and for this reason we suggest you go on a sea trip to this magic landscape.
Castle
The Castle was built in the 13th century on the hill of Prophitis Ilias, on the northwest edge of the island (today’s Plaka).
Nowadays it is not inhabited, but its visitors can admire a view of incomparable beauty of the entire island bay and of the magic sunset that is worth enjoying when you decide to climb all the way to the top. Also, ascending to the Castle, you will have the chance to see the church of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary or Panaghia Skiniotissa and the church of Panaghia Thalassitra.
This Venetian Castle was not surrounded by walls, as it was the case with most of the Cycladic castles, but it was protected by the houses. Practically, the castle was used to protect the local population against the attacks of pirates (a frequent phenomenon of the era), and also for the control of the ships’ movements in Adamantas bay. On its top, the “Mesa Kastro”, the Tower of the Governor was located, the so called Palace and around the tower there were a few houses. It was established by the first duke of Naxos, Marcus Sanoudos and in the Mesa Kastro there were mainly the residencies of the Duke’s manors and deputies, as well as of other relatives and Franks.
Ancient Roman Theatre
The ancient Roman Theatre was originally constructed by the inhabitants of the ancient city of Klima, possibly during the Hellenistic Age (3rd century BC).
However, after the destruction of the city by the Athenians in Roman times, above the preserved foundations of the classic theater, a bigger one was built made of snow-white Parian marble and remarkable bas-reliefs, which it is estimated that it had a seating capacity of 7000 spectators. This is also the shape of the theater you see nowadays.
From the theatre seven marble tiers, six rows of seats, the auditorium , the orchestra, the stage floor and a lot of architecturally elaborate parts are preserved. The excavations began in 1989, and the order for the theatre’s first cleaning was given by Ludwig II, Othon’s father, at L. Ross’s instigation, who along with Othon was the first one to visit the ancient theater in modern times.
Built on prominent spot, on the hillside, the theatre overlooks the port, the view from there is spectacular and its acoustics are very good. So, quite often theatrical performances and music happenings take place there, as in its present shape the theater has a seating capacity of 700 spectators.
