Naxos-Greece.NET Menu

Naxos has one of the most distinctive agricultural identities in the Cyclades — and unlike most Greek islands, much of what you eat on Naxos actually comes from Naxos. The potatoes are PDO, the Graviera cheese is PDO, and the citron liqueur Kitron is made almost nowhere else. This page is a tour of what the island produces and where it shows up on your plate.



Naxian Products at a Glance

The signature agricultural products of Naxos
Product Type Why it matters
PotatoesVegetablePDO status; prized for a savoury flavour that holds up when boiled
KitronLiqueurMade from citron leaves; three strengths; produced on Naxos almost exclusively
Graviera NaxouCheesePDO hard cheese; rich, nutty, often grilled or eaten alone
Olive oilOilExtra virgin, from centuries-old groves
HoneySweetenerThyme and wildflower varieties
WineDrinkFamily-run vineyards; linked to the Dionysus myth
MelachrinoSweetWalnut cake soaked in syrup with a hint of citron liqueur
Kaimaki ice creamSweetSheep’s-milk ice cream flavoured with mastic


Naxos Potatoes

Naxian potatoes are the island’s most widely exported product, and the one most Greeks will name unprompted. They thrive in the island’s nutrient-rich soil and are renowned for their exceptional taste and quality — a distinctly savoury flavour, and a texture that holds together when boiled rather than going to mush. They are a staple in local cuisine.

Video: Naxos potatoes. Watch on YouTube


Kitron (Citron Liqueur)

Kitron is a citron-leaf liqueur made almost exclusively on Naxos. It comes in three flavours and colours — typically white (dry), green (medium-sweet) and orange/gold (sweetest). It is made using the leaves of the citron tree, while jams are made using the fruit of the same tree.

Video: Kitron, Naxian citron liqueur. Watch on YouTube


Naxian Cheeses

Naxos produces a variety of traditional cheeses, several of which are PDO-certified. The most important are:

  • Graviera — hard cheese with a rich, nutty flavour, often eaten alone or grilled.
  • Arseniko — a stronger, aged version of graviera with a pungent taste.
  • Mizithra — ricotta-like soft cheese used in pasta and meat dishes.
  • Xinomyzithra — soft, slightly acidic cheese.

The island also produces Touloumotyri, Anthotyro, Afromyzithra, Thilykotyri, Kefalotyri, Kopanisti, Ladotyri and Manouri — various traditional cheeses with distinct flavours and textures.

Video: Naxian cheeses. Watch on YouTube


Other Local Products

Beyond the headline products, Naxos grows, produces and catches a wide variety of food and craft. Some of the more notable include:

Olive oil
High-quality extra virgin olive oil from centuries-old groves, fundamental to Naxian cooking.
Honey
Thyme honey and other floral varieties, prized for their aromatic and sweet qualities.
Wine
Naxos has fertile vineyards producing rich, fruity wines, linked to the myth of Dionysus, the god of wine.
Meat products
Traditional dishes include pork leg stuffed with garlic (rosto), braised rooster in wine, lemon-braised rabbit, goat dishes, and lamb stuffed with herbs (patoudo).
Seafood
Fresh local seafood such as marinated anchovies, grilled octopus, and ray salad (salachtouri) are common specialities.
Handcrafted textiles
Traditional weaving and textile crafts are also notable local products, reflecting the island’s cultural heritage.


Honey and Sweets

Naxian desserts tend to combine the island’s honey and dairy with its citron liqueur. Two of the most characteristic combinations are:

Melachrino
Walnut cake soaked in syrup with a hint of citron liqueur, often served with kaimaki ice cream made from sheep’s milk and mastic resin.
Kaimaki ice cream
Traditional ice cream flavoured with mastic and sheep’s milk.