History of Naxos
Naxos is the largest, the most fertile and one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades. 
The island represents considerable archaeological, geographical and tourist interest. Traces of Ancient Byzantine Venetian history abound throughout the island and its capital town, Naxos. The capital town has fine examples of both Cycladic and Venetian architecture.
For years, Naxos was popular among writers and artists. The poet Lord Byron visited the island during his youth.
It was a place he never forgot -- he often described Naxos as the "dream island" and often expressed the hope that he would return.
The fruits, olive oil and wines of Naxos remain famous. Archilochus of Paros even went as far as to compare Naxiot wine to the nectar drunk by the gods on Olympus. It was Dionysus, the god of wine, who embodied all the bucolic charms and advantages of Naxos. According to local myth, it was here that Dionysus was born and brought up. All the myths agree that it was in Naxos that he met and married Ariadne after Theseus abandoned her.
The very early stages of human habitation on Naxos are lost in the mists of myth. Naxos features prominently in Greek mythology. In this island Zeus, Apollo, Demeter and Artemis were worshiped above all. In mythology Naxos was linked with the wedding of Dionysus and Ariadne, a union that blessed the island with its fertility and its distinctive wine, which was highly prized in the ancient world. Zeus, father of all gods, was born in Crete but was brought up in Naxos; in his honor the inhabitants named the island’s tallest mountain after him (Zeus or Zas) which is 1004 meters and it is the highest of Cyclades. On the peak of Mt Zas an eagle gave Zeus the thunder, through the power of which he became the ruler of Olympus, home of the gods. Zeus fell in love with Semele, daughter of the king of Thebes. The jealous goddess Hera beguiled the young Semele into asking Zeus to appear in front of her in all his divine splendor. Zeus granted her wish, but the mortal woman could not bear the awesome sight. She perished, but Zeus saved their unborn child. He stitched the embryo into his thigh, whence Dionysus was born, in Naxos. The people of Naxos worshipped Dionysus who in turn blessed their island with rich vineyards.
Unlike the other islands of the Cyclades, Naxos has been blessed with an abundant flow of natural spring water: this combined with the fertile soil ensures a rich production of agricultural goods and a flourishing business in animal husbandry. The famous for their taste potatoes of Naxos are grown in Livadi area and they are incomparable.
There is also an important weaving industry in Naxos: up until recently, nearly all the households in the highlands were equipped with a loom, called "krevataria" or "argalios" in the local dialect. Locally made textiles can be bought in the shops of Hora and in the villages of Moni, Halki, Komiaki and Apiranthos. They are traditional hand-woven works of art that are truly unique. These textiles are made with a certain kind of weaving with pedal-operated looms made of wood; the cloths produced with this kind of looms are called "ifada" ("woven textiles") and they have a tradition spanning hundreds of years. They are produced exclusively by women, who play a fundamental role in cultural reproduction now days. The process of making these embroideries is time consuming as well as it requires particular skills in the art motifs during the weaving process in order to achieve the ultimate in aesthetic beauty. And they are really prized for their stunning beauty and essential Greek cultural function. You can decorate your home with these lovely items or give them as a gift that will be treasured for years.
Also many skilled artists and artisants live in Naxos (potters, wood carvers, sculptors and jewelry makers) whose wonderful handmade goods are on sale in the local markets, all made from the island’s materials.
Naxos is known for beautiful beaches, great seafood, its Cycladic architecture, and because of the fact that it combines the experiences of both the sea side and the mountain. Naxos has a wide choice of beaches, from those which are only sandy to those which have pebbles mixed in with the sand. Any visitor who wants really to get to know Naxos will have to be prepared to move around exploring the island.
Naxos was inhabited before the last years of the proto cycladic period (2000 B.C.), and played a significant role in the development of Cycladic civilization. The golden age of the island included the 7th and 8th centuries B.C, when Naxos was dominant in the Cyclades and developed its own trade. Sculpture was particularly prominent. Specimens of the local sculpture can be found in locations all over Greece, such as Delphi, where the marble Sphinx of the Naxians is, the Lions of Delos, Oikos and the Arcade of the Naxians.
Resources were found at http://www.naxosisland.eu/about_naxos/about_naxos.html
Nikos Kazantzakis in the "Report to Greco" said: "...this island possessed great sweetness and tranquillity. Everywhere huge piles of melons, peaches, and figs, surrounded by a calm sea."
Economically, Naxos is the most important of the Cyclades islands. A great deal of farming takes place in its rich valleys, and cultivation of lemon trees is important.
Naxos is known for producing cherries, fresh fruit preserves, cheese, olives, grapes, various types of nuts, potatoes, pomegranates, wine, kitron (a special liquor made from lemon tree leaves), corn oil, figs, lemons, oranges and vegetables. The island's potatoes have been called "the best in Europe" and its wine is superior in quality.
The first thing one will see when entering the port of Naxos is the lonely lintel from the Temple of Apollo. It was begun in 522 BC but it was never finished. The temple is the town's most symbolic landmark.