Some places are better than others at fulfilling the powerful human desire to live well. The Greek island of Naxos delivers. CNN makes a tribute to Naxos in all its aspects from its beaches to the local cuisine and the several experiences it can offer.

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The largest and lushest of the otherwise rocky Cyclades, Naxos is sometimes referred to as the “green leaf” of the Aegean Sea. Its diverse natural setting satisfies the active traveler’s appetite for outdoor adventure, and the fertile land feeds those who seek homegrown culinary experiences. There’s rich mythology and medieval architecture. From land to sea, the island is long on allure.

Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades region, rises in the core of the island with an elevation of 1,003 meters.
According to Greek mythology, the king of the Greek gods, Zeus, was raised in a cave on Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades. It’s also the background for some of the most scenic bike routes in the Cyclades.

While blessed with mountains, valleys and lagoons, the beach is never far off on Naxos. With its impressive stretch of white sand beach, Agios Prokopis is a favorite, a Blue Flag-accredited stunner with spectacular waters. There’s also great swimming at nearby islands of the small Cyclades like Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa.

The Cyclades are known for their summer winds called meltemi, guaranteeing ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Kitesurfers head to Mikri Vigla beach, an expansive stretch of sand where kites are launched with ease.

Laguna beach is off-limits to kitesurfers due to its proximity to the airport, but it offers great conditions for windsurfers.
Protected by a reef, the calm water is ideal for beginners who don’t want to venture too far away from the coast. More advanced riders can head farther out to sea.

Sailing around Naxos incorporates the island’s ancient sites and mysterious sea caves.

Bird watchers understand just how diverse the Naxian landscape is. Naxos’ wetlands belong to the list of the 380 protected biotopes of the Natura 2000 network. Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata) and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) live on the island year round, according to Ioannis Gavalas, a local bird watcher and author of “Flying Over the Aegean.”

At the tip of Naxos’ harbor on the Palatia islet, a massive and majestic marble doorframe called the Portara has stood since 530 B.C., the 80-ton entrance to an unfinished temple of Apollo. According to Greek mythology, Dionysus, the god of wine, found his future wife, the Cretan princess Ariadne, on the islet. She had been deserted by Theseus, the king of Athens. The islet hosted the first ancient Dionysian festivities. The Portara is an arresting sight, especially at sunset and easily accessible via a stone promenade.

Further in Naxos Town, also known as Chora, the Venetians left their architectural influence when they established Naxos as the Duchy of the Aegean, the headquarters for a long line of dukes following Marco Sanudo’s rule of the region in 1207. Today, Naxos’ well-maintained medieval castle, which once protected Naxians from pirate invasions, stands in the historic Kastro (castle) district.

According to Greek mythology, god of wine Dionysus found his wife Ariadne on Naxos. He loved the island so much, he gave it the gift of fertility. Today, Naxos is a lush and bountiful exception in the typically rocky and barren Cycladic islands. Farm-to-table tours prove Naxos is an island that can feed itself. Island specialties such as a delicious chard savory pie made from wild greens, herbs and rice called sefoukloti make the most of local ingredients. Another popular dish is kokoras me makaronia, a baked rooster dish with pasta and a rich tomato sauce.