Standing offshore from the island of Naxos in the Cycladic archipelago, the Temple of Apollo or Portara is an unfinished temple facing Delos, the birthplace of the Ancient Grecian god Apollo. In ancient times, the site was connected to the larger island of Naxos but is now a small islet known as Palatia. Conceived by the tyrant Lygdamis, the temple was intended to be the largest and most glorious building in all of Greece. However, Lygdamis was overthrown before the temple could be completed in 506 BCE, resulting in the abandonment of the site. The temple was later converted into a church in the 5th and 6th centuries, but by the time the island of Naxos came under Venetian and Ottoman rule, the church was dismantled. The only part of the structure that remains today are parts of the foundation and the large monumental doorway, an important window connected to Greek mythology.
Rotonda restaurant atop the Naxian mountains with the best view of the Greek Islands, perhaps better than Santorini. It is magnificent and the sunset incredibly special. The eye is lost in the blue of the Aegean Sea, while the sun touches the water and creates incredibly dreamy colors. A must-see for epic photoshoots at sunset.
Famous for its award winning beaches, they are a holiday lover's delight! Naxos' beautiful coastline and magnificent beaches will live up to your expectatons. Enjoy the crystal clear blue waters and the long sandy beaches but…. keep in mind that the water is crisp and cool. The beaches on Naxos vary and differ according to location and landscape. Take a swim at one of the popular beaches or be more adventurous and discover a private beach of your own along the south eastern coast! Hot Spots - Beach Bars Full Amenities - Agios Prokopios, Blue Flag Beach, Deep Waters but absolutely breathtaking - Agia Anna, Blue Flag Beach, Child Friendly - St. George, Shallow Waters, voted one of the top ten beaches for children. - Plaka Beach
Naxos is very well known for its heritage and vibrant culture. Discover the island's authenticity and colorful landscape by visiting our must see villages Chalki and Apeiranthos. In Chalki make sure to visit Fish & Olive Art Gallery and have delicious homemade sweets at Christina's café. Don't forget to drop by Vallindras Kitron Distillery where you can taste the local Naxion Kitron Liqueur! Make a pit stop at the pottery workshop in Damalas! On your way to Apeiranthos you can stop in Filoti for refreshments under the Platanos Tree. Visit the Museums in Apeiranthos and the Local Women's Association for hand woven fabrics & textiles.
There are two reasons to hike Mount Zas…to stand on the highest point in the Cyclades and to summit the mountain where Zeus was born and raised. According to Greek mythology, Mount Zas, also called Mount Zeus, is the place where Zeus spent his childhood. Tucked away on the slopes of the mountain is a small cave where Zeus was born. You can visit this cave as you hike to the summit.
Naxos Castle (Kastro) is the old Venetian Town of Naxos. It served as a protective shield to the impregnable fortress of Sanudo in Chora. It was built under the supervision of Marco Sanudo (the Venetian conqueror after whom it was named), who came along with the establishment of Venetian sovereignty over the Aegean Sea in 1207.
In the heart of Halki village, the old capital of Naxos, lies a small distillery called the Vallindras Distillery. It mainly functions as a museum with kitron products available for purchase.
Location: Sangri Bazeos Tower in Sangri is one of the most prominent sights in Naxos, located on the main road that connects the Chora with the mountainous villages of Halki and Filoti. Dating back to the 17th century, the tower was built in this particular location to provide safety to its residents from frequent pirate attacks.
The cult of Dionysus was rife in ancient times in Naxos. Dionysus was generally much loved by the ancient Greeks as he was the god of wine, celebration, and fun. It was believed that he lived in dense forests and was always wine drunk. According to mythology, when Theseus abandoned Ariadne on Naxos, Dionysus saw her and fell in love with the young, beautiful lady. At first, Ariadne didn't like the god and tried to hide in the intense greenery of the island, but Dionysus found her, they got married, and Ariadne became a goddess. To honor their god, the residents of Naxos built the Temple of Dionysus that partly survives today in the position of Iria, close to Glinado village and about 5 km from Chora.
North of Danakos village is a short track road of one kilometer that leads to the Monastery of Fotodotis Christ. Its name means Christ who gives the light. The building lies at an altitude of 500m, on top of a hill. Its location allows charming views of the neighboring Donoussa island and the cerulean Aegean waters.
Flisvos Sportclub is a Windsurfing, Wing-Foiling and bike center with years of experience on the sports.
qua Fun Water Park is located in the beautiful Stelida of Naxos, in the Cyclades and is the ideal place for endless moments of fun and entertainment in the water and under the warm Mediterranean sun. The impressive aqua world of Naxos Aqua Fun has 3 water slides for the grown-ups and one for our little friends. Pool with crystal clear waters, deck chairs, umbrellas and a children’s pool. There is also a bar offering refreshments, drinks and light snacks. The impressive feature of Aqua Fun is the fun and excitement it offers to both children and adults!
Ride through the 'jungle roads' onto the beach. Most tours ride through the sea to a small island. We stop on the way back at a beach cafe to buy a drink and enjoy the view across to Paros or in the evening watch the sunset. All abilities are catered for from beginners to advanced riders.