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Overview
This popular Aegean island is the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades group and the most interesting from a birding point of view.
Raptors are a speciality of Naxos and a range of other species can be found especially during passage periods. Mt Diaz (also known as Zeus or Zas) at about 1,000m, is the highest mountain on the island and covered with phrygana scrub with small patches of coniferous and broadleaf evergreen woodland.
There are large areas of cultivated land and olive groves, small reservoirs in the north of the island, and some scenically very beautiful small beaches, mainly in the south
Birds
Notable Species
Griffon Vulture survives on Naxos as well as small numbers of Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli's Eagle and Peregrine Falcon, mainly in the interior and Eleonora's Falcon breeds on coastal cliffs.
East Mediterranean specialities breeding on Naxos include Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Ruppell's Warbler and Cretzschmar's Bunting, the latter is common on Mt Diaz where Rock Bunting and Cirl Bunting can also be seen. Cory's Shearwater and Yelkouan Shearwater may breed but in any case can regularly be seen from the inter-island ferries and Mediterranean Shag breeds on the cliffs.
On passage, Red-footed Falcon occurs in good numbers, particularly in spring, as well as Collared Flycatcher and Red-throated Pipit. Isabelline Wheatear occurs in both spring and in autumn when there are also shrikes including Lesser Grey Shrike.
Little Egret and occasional grebes on passage can be seen around Naxos Harbour.
Yellow-legged Gull is common on the reservoirs and in the harbour and Audouin's Gull is a scarce visitor.
Marbled Duck has been recorded on Naxos.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Woodchat Shrike, Hooded Crow, Northern Raven, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Great Crested Grebe, Cory's Shearwater, Yelkouan Shearwater, Mediterranean Shag, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Griffon Vulture, Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Bonelli's Eagle, Red-footed Falcon, Common Kestrel, Eleonora's Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Chukar Partridge, Black-winged Stilt, Little Ringed Plover, (PM), Little Stint, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Audouin's Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, European Turtle Dove, Eurasian Scops Owl, Little Owl, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, Alpine Swift, Common Kingfisher, Crested Lark, Wood Lark, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Western House Martin, Red-throated Pipit, Black-headed Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, European Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Cetti's Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Ruppell's Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Linnet, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting
Other Wildlife
The Starred Agama Agama stellio, a large spiny lizard, is common on Naxos and there are several smaller species present.
Mammals are very few but Beech Marten can sometimes be seen.
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
Mt Diaz can be reached by driving through Filoti until the signposted turn-off about 1km futher on. Park at the end of this track and walk the waymarked path and the peak is a 1-2 hour walk. It is best to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.
Access and Facilities
Naxos can be easily reached by air or ferry from Athens and Naxos Town has plenty of accommodation, mainly of the self-catering variety.
Inland, many of the villages have rooms for rent but Filoti makes the best base for the centre of the island. Cars, mopeds or cycles can be hired in Naxos Town and the island has a fairly good bus service with frequent buses from the town to the centre of the island.
Contact Details
To do
External Links
Practical Tourist Guide to Naxos
Content and images originally posted by Steve
