Naxos is the picturesque island of the Cyclades with its rich cultural heritage, dozens of archaeological monuments and a blessed history that is lost in the depths of centuries. In Naxos, you have the opportunity to combine carefree holidays and diving in its crystal blue waters while getting to know the history and monuments of unique cultural value.
PORTARA
The most well-known and most photographed sight of Naxos, the famous Portara, dominates imposingly just outside Chora. The monument dates back to around the 6th century BC and was built by order of the tyrant Legdamus, abandoned when the war between Naxos and Samos broke out, and later the Christians built a Christian church on top of the unfinished ancient temple.
THE TEMPLE OF THE GODDESS DIMITRA
The temple of the goddess Dimitra in Sangri is one of the most important monuments of the glorious civilization that developed on the island. Built before the Parthenon, of white marble, it is a precursor of Attic classical architecture and is preserved in excellent condition.
VENETIAN CASTLE
In the old town of Naxos Chora, just a few meters away from the bustling alleys full of tourists, is the Venetian Castle of Naxos, a remnant of the Venetian rule on the island. The castle was built from the marbles of the Temple of Apollo in the 13th century AD by the Venetian Marco Sanudo. The mansions of the old Venetian nobles, the De la Rocca Barozzi Tower, which operates as a Venetian Museum, and the cathedral and its architecture, will take you on a journey through time.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is housed in a 17th-century building, near the Venetian Castle. The exhibits it hosts from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods are works of art that “introduce” visitors to the grandeur of the civilization that developed on the island throughout the years.
ZA'S CAVE
If you love exploration and want to indulge in new adventures even during your holidays, the cave of Zas, in the village of Filoti in Naxos, is the ideal place for you. It is one of the most important monuments of the island, located at an altitude of 600 meters and is dedicated to Zeus. The interior decoration of the cave includes stalactites and stalagmites that create true works of art. To reach the Cave, you will follow the signs on the route that starts from the village.
APEIRANTHOS
The mountainous, stone-built village of Naxos, with its picturesque cobblestone streets, is a must-see. Home of Manolis Glezos, Apeiranthos and the aesthetics and architecture of its houses will amaze you. The village retains intact the characteristics of the Venetian influence. It is also called the marble village as many of its streets and buildings are made of marble. If you visit Apeiranthos, make a stop at its Folklore Museum, the Library and the Women's Weaving Cooperative.
KOURI
The half-finished statues, dating back to around the 7th century and a tourist attraction, are located in the villages of Apollonas, Melanes and Flerio. The impressive kouroi, several meters long, were never completed and remain exactly in the position in which they were first sculpted.
