AVATON 1739 - Coffee & Wine Roof

Avaton 1739 occupies the rooftop of the Old Monastery of Ursulines inside the Venetian Castle (Kastro) in Naxos Town. The building dates to the 13th century, when Marco Sanudo built the fortress walls, and now serves as an all-day café and wine bar with panoramic views over the town and Aegean Sea.

What to Expect

The space blends stone monastery architecture with modern café service. You'll find breakfast tables, a wine selection emphasizing Naxos and Cycladic labels, and a cocktail menu. The kitchen uses ingredients from small-scale Naxos producers, and the menu runs from morning coffee through evening wine service. The rooftop terrace is the main draw—tables sit within the old monastery walls, overlooking the white houses of Naxos Town and the harbor below. The site also includes a small museum area related to the Ursulines school that operated here.

How to Get There

Walk uphill from Naxos Town port into the Kastro district. The entrance is within the castle walls, near the top of the old town's pedestrian lanes. From the main square (Plateia Evripeou), head east and follow signs for Kastro. The climb takes 8–10 minutes on foot. No vehicle access—streets inside the castle are stone footpaths.

Tips for Visiting

• Come for sunset if you're drinking wine—the west-facing terrace catches the last light over the town
• Wear comfortable shoes—the walk up through Kastro involves uneven stone steps
• Breakfast starts early but opening hours vary by season; call ahead if visiting outside summer months
• Reserve ahead in July and August—the rooftop fills quickly on summer evenings
• Explore the Kastro after your visit—the Venetian quarter has several galleries, workshops, and historic chapels worth 30 minutes

The Menu

Breakfast features Mediterranean staples: Greek yogurt, local honey, eggs, pastries, and coffee. Later in the day, the focus shifts to wine (bottles and by-the-glass pours from Naxos vineyards and other Greek regions) and a short cocktail list. Light plates and small bites accompany drinks. The kitchen highlights Naxian cheeses, olives, and produce sourced from island farmers. The wine bar concept means you can order a single glass or work through a flight—staff provide tasting notes for local labels.

The History

The building sits on the site where the Ursuline nuns established a monastery and girls' school after settling in Naxos during Venetian rule. The school operated for centuries, educating local and aristocratic daughters. When you visit, you're standing inside walls that Marco Sanudo erected in 1207 when he claimed Naxos and founded the Duchy of the Aegean. The monastery closed in the 20th century, and the space was restored as a café and cultural venue. Some original architectural elements remain visible in the interior and courtyard.