When in Naxos, Greece make sure to visit the Kouros near the picturesque village of Melanes. During our September 2021 trip, after we explored Kalamitsia Monastery, we spent the rest of the morning walking the trails that lead to the Naxos Kouros at Melanes.
What are Kouros?
Kouros is the name given to Greek statues of a young male that represents youth. In Naxos, the Kouros are very large statues and are made of Naxian marble. There are three Kouros in Naxos, two near Melanes and one near Apollonas. They are all lying down, unfinished and abandoned. This blog page is about the two near Melanes. Built in the 6th century, one statue is near the village and called the Flerio Melanes Kouros. You will find the other Kouros a bit further in an ancient quarry referred to as the Faragi Kouros.
Location
The Kouros are located South East of the village of Melanes (A). To drive there though, head North first to the main road and then turn South East. There is a small parking area (B) where you can leave your car and easily follow the signs to the first and second Kouros.
Path to the First Kouros
You will find the path to the Flerio Kouros well marked and also easy to follow. Just a short distance from where you park. It was not at all crowded when we were here, just a few other people.
Flerio Kouros
The Flerio Kouros is 4.7 meters long and weighs about 5 tons. It is an unfinished statue as it lacks detail. He lies in a shady garden and has broken legs and no feet. Most likely why he was never finished.
Path to Second Kouros
The path to the Second Kouros is also well marked. You will reach a gate after a short walk. Go through the gate, closing it behind you and continue up the trail. It is a very lovely trail and also has some great views. You can also see a marble quarry in the distance. Marble is all over Naxos.
Faragi Kouros.
The Faragi Kouros is just up the hill from the gate. Not too far and also not very steep. This giant is 5 meters long and and he also weighs 7 tons. He too is unfinished and missing his feet, but his feet are located near him. He is laying up a hill, however, he looks like he had been dropped or he fell.
Where We Ate
After a busy morning we were hungry so we stopped in Melanes to eat lunch. We ate at Arolithos. It was a great choice as the food was fantastic and the view was especially awesome! We loved that instead of photos on the wall there were mirror! I enjoyed a baked eggplant dish. Steve had breaded fried cheese with a spicy sauce. We also had bread and dip and orange cake. We especially enjoyed the ambiance. As a matter of fact, this was one of our favorite places to eat.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Kouros of Melanes is a must do in Naxos. In fact, I would hightly recommend it. All in all it was a fun time.
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Follow these Links for more posts of my 2021 Greece Vacay:
The Portara of Naxos, Sept 2021
Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Revisited 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Links to our 2018 and also 2019 Trip can be found in this post:
10 Days in Greece Athens, Crete, Santorini 2019
8 Days in Greece, Athens, Milos, Santorini 2018
Diary of a Gen-X recommendations for hotels, restaurants, & tours are based on our own experiences. We do not receive compensation for recommending at any of these nor are we affiliates of any hotels, restaurants, or tours. The only hotels & restaurants we recommend are places we stay which are clean, comfortable, and provide exceptional hospitality.
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Looks like a great trail to explore Lori. And such history just laying about. Greek cuisine is hard to beat. Thanks for sharing. Allan
It was really just a nice area! Thanks for reading!
I’ve heard of the Kouros, as they’re considered rare and highly-coveted, especially for museums. Really cool that you got to see a few of them at their source! Bread fried cheese is the ultimate guilty pleasure (in the US, they’d be called mozzarella sticks, but Europe’s are on a whole different level), and I’m glad you had a wonderful time in Naxos!
I too felt it was very special seeing the Kouros at their source! Even though they are unfinished it was fun! Baked cheese is always amazing!!!
That’s a great and unique location in the isle of Naxos!
Actually, I have never been there and is very nice to read about it in your post and of course to see all the greek delicacies.
We enjoyed Naxos! Lots to explore and hike to!! I would go back if I ever get the chance. There is so much to explore in Greece and the food!!
What a wonderful post! You’ve taught me a new term and shared up close photos of where these two kouros are located. Thanks for this tour and for helping us all understand the customs of various people as we travel to know more.
I so agree that we travel to know more. I learn so much from the locals and incorporate a lot into my home life. For example the gentleman at the restaurant told me a couple of different cooking tricks they do and I follow that at home! He told me instead of cinnamon powder they use the whole stick and just let it simmer in the food which is amazing!
There’s always more to learn . . .
Yup…it looks like a great place to explore!! Nice captures!
Thank you!!
Pictures of Greece look lovely as I sit staring out at the snow-covered lawn on this 16-degree January day. *Sigh*
I so agree! We dug out of 8 inches of snow today and temps the same here! 😢
One of our favourite hikes was the Kouros one. Brings back memories!
It was really a nice hike!! Beautiful
Area!
It looked a bit surreal. But very nice article!
Thank you!
Now that would make me want to return to Greece. So much see. Great images and you enjoyed the delicious food..
There is always something to
See in Greece yet we also seem to
miss so much! Never enough time.,.. But we do always find time to eat a good meal!
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