Naxos is the biggest island of the Cyclades and lies on the eastern side of the group. It is 428 sq km in area, 103 nautical miles from Piraeus, and 87 from Rafina. It is a mountainous island, with mount Za as its highest peak (1,004 metres), but it also has very fertile plains. Its numerous underground streams supply the springs and the wells so water is abundant. This, together with the fertile soil, insures a considerable production of agricultural produce. The most important produce are potatoes, the well known Naxian apricots, vegetables, citrus fruit and oil and wine, which are said to have been blessed by Dionysus himself. Naxos is also famous for its excellent stock-breeding products. Its marble well-known since antiquity, competed with the Parian marble. The climate of Naxos is dry and very healthy, with mild winters and cool summers. The 15,000 inhabitants of Naxos are mainly farmers and stock-breeders, but they also live off fishing and tourism. Naxiots are open-hearted and warm people. They are gentle, hospitable and attentive. They love visitors and try to make their stay at Naxos as pleasant as possible.