Naxos Cheese, Kitron & More – The 10 Best Local Products of the Island
Local products on Naxos are a discovery in themselves. The island is known as the green lung of the Cyclades and produces cheese, olive oil, wine, and the famous Kitron liqueur in outstanding quality. Here are 10 products you should try (and take home) – many available right at the source.
1. Graviera Naxou – The King of Cycladic Cheeses
Graviera is the most famous cheese from Naxos and has Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The hard cheese made from cow’s milk (with up to 20% goat or sheep milk) ages at least 5 months. Its flavor is nutty, slightly sweet, and intense.
Where to buy: Any supermarket, or directly in the mountain villages.
Price: approx. €12–16/kg
2. Kitron – The Unique Lemon Liqueur
Kitron exists only on Naxos – a liqueur made from the leaves of the citron tree. The Vallindras distillery in Chalki has been producing it since 1896. Three varieties: green (sweet, 30%), yellow (medium, 33%), and clear (dry, 36%).
Where to buy: Kitron Distillery Vallindras in Chalki (15 min from villa). Free tasting included.
Price: €8–15 per bottle
3. Naxos Olive Oil – Gold of the Cyclades
The olive oil from Naxos is exceptionally high quality – fruity, slightly peppery, and intense green. The Olive Oil Museum in Eggares shows traditional production and sells the best oil on the island.
Where to buy: Olive Oil Museum Eggares (15 min from villa).
Price: €10–18 per liter
4. Arseniko – Aged Goat Cheese
Arseniko (“masculine”) is a strong goat hard cheese aged up to 12 months. It’s spicy, salty, and crumbly – perfect on a Greek salad or with olive oil and bread.
5. Xerotyri – Spicy Hard Cheese
Xerotyri is a dry, spicy hard cheese made from goat or sheep milk. Traditionally grated over pasta or eaten in thin slices.
6. Naxos Potatoes – The Best in Greece
The volcanic soil and microclimate make Naxos potatoes exceptionally aromatic. Every taverna serves them as “Patates Tiganites” (fried potatoes) – definitely try them!
7. Thyme Honey – Thymari-Melisse
The thyme honey of Naxos is intensely aromatic, dark, and slightly spicy. Bees collect nectar from wild thyme growing on the island’s hills.
Price: approx. €8–12/500g
8. Naxos Wine – Revived Tradition
Wine production on Naxos dates back thousands of years. Particularly worth trying: white wine from the Potamisi grape and red from Mandilaria. The Temporal and Koutakis wineries offer tastings.
Price: €8–20 per bottle
9. Xerotigana – Traditional Pastry
Fried dough rolls filled with honey, nuts, and sesame – the traditional carnival pastry on Naxos.
10. Local Sausage from Apiranthos
In the mountain village of Apiranthos, traditional sausage-making is alive and well. Particularly the spicy “Loukaniko” – seasoned with orange peel and oregano.
Shopping Tour Summary
| Product | Best Place to Buy | From Villa | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graviera Cheese | Plaka Supermarket or Apiranthos | 7–30 min | €12–16/kg |
| Kitron Liqueur | Vallindras Distillery (Chalki) | 15 min | €8–15 |
| Olive Oil | Olive Oil Museum Eggares | 15 min | €10–18/L |
| Thyme Honey | Delicatessen shop Chora | 15 min | €8–12/500g |
| Wine | Temporal Winery | 18 min | €8–20/bottle |
| Land Sausage | Apiranthos (butcher) | 30 min | €10–15/kg |
Conclusion
Naxos is not only one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades – it’s also one of the most diverse culinarily. Graviera, Kitron, and Naxos olive oil are truly unique. Our tip: spend an afternoon in Chalki and Eggares – Kitron tasting at Vallindras, olive oil shopping at the museum, then back to Villa La Natura to try everything on the terrace with sea views.
