Agia Anastasia

Agia Anastasia is a small Orthodox chapel in the village of Drimalia, in the central-eastern interior of Naxos. Dedicated to Saint Anastasia the Pharmakolytria, it serves the local community and stands as one of the many modest whitewashed churches that dot the island's rural villages.

What to Expect

The chapel follows traditional Cycladic church architecture: whitewashed exterior, simple bell tower, and an intimate interior with icons and oil lamps. Like many village churches on Naxos, Agia Anastasia is usually unlocked during daylight hours, allowing visitors to step inside for a quiet moment. The iconostasis and frescoes reflect the local Orthodox tradition, though the chapel's modest size means the interior space is limited to a single nave.

How to Get There

Drimalia sits roughly 8 kilometers southeast of Naxos Town (Chora), inland from the coastal road that runs toward Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios. From Chora, take the road toward Galanado, then continue east following signs for Drimalia. The chapel is located within the village itself. Parking is informal along the narrow village streets—look for a spot near the plateia or along the road approaching the church.

Tips for Visiting

• Dress modestly if you plan to enter—shoulders and knees covered, as with any Orthodox church
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural light and cooler temperatures
• Check the church door—most village chapels are unlocked during the day, but if it's closed, respect the space
• Combine with Drimalia village—walk the surrounding streets to see traditional Naxian architecture and local life
• No facilities on-site—bring water, especially in summer

The Village Context

Drimalia is one of Naxos's quieter inland settlements, where agriculture and local trades still shape daily rhythms. The village has a handful of family-run tavernas and kafeneia, making it a good stop if you're exploring the island's interior by car or scooter. Agia Anastasia sits near the village center, close to other historic structures including older stone homes with the characteristic Naxian marble lintels. The surrounding landscape is agricultural—olive groves, vegetable plots, and low stone walls—giving the chapel a rural, unpretentious setting distinct from the coastal monastery complexes.