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The Vallonean oaks at Karkos near Apiranthos

A very beautiful hiking trail leads from Apíranthos via the fortified monastery of Fotodótis to Danakós. The path leads past a picturesque plateau called Karkós, where some magnificent old oak trees grow. Several old stone houses bear witness to the former use of this area. Today, the former vineyards are grazed by sheep. Right next to the grove on the slope of Mount Korakiá lies the small church Panagía Chrysopigí, which was originally a Mycenaean tomb.

valley of Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
looking over the valley of Karkós towards Apíranthos

monastery Fotodotis Danakos Naxos
Toward the south lies Danakós; here the view of the fortified monastery Fotodótis.

Vallonean oak grove at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
On the northern slope of the valley of Karkós stand magnificent Vallonean oaks.

stone houses at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
In these beautiful old stone houses lived the farmers when they had work in the vineyards.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
In the grove grow the largest oak trees I have ever seen.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
Here in spring. The diameter of the crown from branch tip to branch tip is an incredible 30 metres.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
Standing under this tree, it is easy to understand that oaks were once considered sacred trees!

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
The gigantic branches bend down like a giant umbrella.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
This grove consists of Vallonean oaks (Quercus macrolepis), a species that is widespread in south-east Europe and was probably introduced to Naxos. It can easily be recognised by its very large, spiny fruit cups. Like the bark of the tree, these fruit cups were once used for tanning.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
The leaves are sharply toothed.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
The branches are overgrown with lichens.

Vallonean oak at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
Here an oak in the upper part of the grove.

pits at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
Strange pits have been carved into a large slate block under this oak tree.

pits at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos

pits at Karkos Apiranthos Naxos
What might they have been used for in the past?

Panagia Chrysopigi Karkos Airanthos Naxos
Just above this spot lies the tiny church of Panagía Chrysopigí, originally a Mycenaean tomb.

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