Step into a world where taste intertwines with history and the mystique of wine unfolds before your eyes. Avaton 1739 isn’t just an all day café & wine bar, it’s a journey through time, set in one of the most remarkable locations in Naxos Town: Here, refined flavors and thoughtful aesthetics leave a lasting impression, offering an immersive experience steeped in heritage and beauty.
Perched atop the roof of the former Ursuline Monastery and School, Avaton 1739 occupies a privileged position at the very heart of the Venetian Castle. Surrounded by the old stone walls of the monastery, this historic site also houses several museums, including the Ursuline kitchen and the Archaeological Museum of Naxos with its rich collection of Cycladic artifacts. Just next door stands the former Jesuit Monastery, later transformed into the Commercial School where Nikos Kazantzakis once studied. The Ursuline School provided education and carried out philanthropic work for young women in a time when only women were allowed within its walled grounds, an enclosed abbey, the very meaning of the word “Avaton”.
Your walk through this remarkable space, filled with decorative relics from the monastery’s legacy, leads you to one of the most stunning panoramic views on the island. From here, gaze out over the island’s villages, the bustling port, and the majestic Mount Zas. With this scene before you, enjoy breakfast, brunch, or tapas paired with fine wines or coffee, crafted with finesse and a commitment to the highest quality.
At Naxos’ highest vantage point, coffee becomes a ritual. Especially when it’s Specialty Grade from Area 51, a sensory journey shaped by expert baristas into classics or trend-forward brews like cold brew or flat white. Served in custom, handmade ceramic cups, each sip tells a quiet tale of tradition and detail. Breakfast here is a small, joyful ceremony, complemented by Naxian herbal tea, refreshing homemade lemonade, and energizing fresh juices, perfect companions before exploring the Venetian Castle.
Throughout the day, Avaton offers a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. The curated menu honors freshness and authenticity, showcasing ingredients sourced from small-scale producers and local organic farms. The chefs craft dishes rooted in Naxian tradition, served in rustic ceramic ware that reflects culinary heritage. Warm, freshly baked bread, a rich array of local cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce compose a flavorful journey across the island’s gastronomy.
Naxos, said to be the place where Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry, was raised, is the perfect backdrop for discovering the secrets of wine. Avaton invites you to explore a thoughtfully curated wine list, featuring rare Greek labels and select international vineyards. These wines are stored in the 800-year-old cellar of the Venetian Castle, waiting for you to find your favorite and pair it with your meal.
In this extraordinary setting, you can also join wine or cocktail tasting evenings, often accompanied by the island’s famous cheeses and charcuterie. You can even host your own special event here, wrapped in the timeless elegance and rich history of the space, an experience your guests will never forget.
A visit to Avaton 1739 is a multi-sensory experience that blends flavor, romance, and history. It’s where fine taste, storytelling, and elegance come together inside the walls of a centuries-old castle, leaving a mark not just on your palate, but on your memories. A true must for all the senses.
Avaton 1739
Κastro, Νaxos, tel. +302285023160
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