Agia Thekla

Agia Thekla is a small historic church in the village of Damalas, in the central plains of Naxos roughly 7 kilometers southeast of Naxos Town. Dedicated to Saint Thekla, it sits among farmland and olive groves in one of the island's quieter agricultural pockets.

What to Expect

The chapel is a modest whitewashed structure typical of rural Naxian worship sites. Inside you'll find traditional icons and candle stands; the space is simple and unlocked during daylight in keeping with local custom. The setting is more about the walk through the village and surrounding countryside than architectural grandeur — this is a working agricultural area, not a tourist trail.

How to Get There

From Naxos Town, head southeast on the main road toward Chalki. After passing through Glinado, take the minor road branching east toward Damalas. The church is in the village center, accessible by car or on foot if you're exploring the area. There's informal roadside parking in the village.

Tips for Visiting

• Dress modestly if entering — shoulders and knees covered.
• Bring water; Damalas has limited services and no cafes on every corner.
• The church is typically unlocked during the day, but respect any posted hours or closures.
• Combine your visit with a loop through the central villages (Chalki, Moni, Kinidaros) for a fuller sense of inland Naxos.

What's Nearby

Damalas sits between the marble-quarrying villages to the north and the Tragea valley to the south. Chalki, with its neoclassical mansions and the Vallindras Kitron Distillery, is about 3 kilometers west. The Panagia Drosiani church near Moni — one of the oldest on the island with 7th-century frescoes — is roughly 5 kilometers south and worth the detour if you're interested in Byzantine heritage.