Naxos Town, also called Chora is a beautiful town located on the west coast of the island, built in the Cycladic style. It is also the main port of Naxos and contains a thousand-year history, combined with an enchanting panorama. Here is in fact the monument symbol of Naxos, the Portara. You have certainly seen it in some catalogs: it is an imposing white marble door, located on a former small island facing the harbor.
The narrow white and silent streets of Naxos lead to tiny squares, small stairways and picturesque views, which will leave you entranced.
History and myth
According to mythology Ariadne, who had helped Theseus to get out of the labyrinth of the Minotaur, was abandoned in Naxos. But then the god Dionysus arrived on the island in a golden chariot pulled by six panthers and fell in love with her, married her. There is also talk of Naxos about Zeus, the father of the gods: a legend tells that Zeus was brought to Naxos by an eagle who raised him in the cave on Mount Zas. The cave is still called Grotta di Zeus.
Mythological tales always have their charm, but let's move on to history. The first inhabitants of Naxos were the Thracians who ruled the island for about two hundred years. Their successors were the Cari, commanded by Nasso, who gave his name to the island. The first important period for the development of the ancient city of Naxos was the Cycladic period, in the third millennium BC.
Around 700 BC thanks to its naval power, the city of Naxos founded the colony of Naxos in Sicily, imposing its supremacy also on the other Cycladic islands. From 400 BC to 1100 AD various dominations followed one another: the Athenian, Macedonian, Ptolean, Roman and Byzantine dominations. In the Byzantine age Naxos took part in the Crusades and in 1207, during the Fourth Crusade, the Venetian duke Marco Sanudo took possession of Naxos and made it a powerful duchy. During the Venetian occupation, imposing castles and numerous palaces were built, some of which are still beautifully preserved today.
Venetian domination lasted until 1566, when Naxos was conquered by the Turkish pirate Barbarossa. After the revolution of 1821, the inhabitants of the island, initially opposed, gained independence from the Ottomans. In 1941 the island of Naxos was occupied by the Italians and freed in 1944.
What to do and what to see
Naxos is a truly picturesque city and can be easily walked around. Its characteristic historic center bears witness to the splendor of the Venetian domain and looks like a tangle of narrow streets where we advise you to get lost to breathe and relive the atmosphere of an ancient past. You can admire the splendid Venetian castle, built in the 12th century by Marco Sanudos overlooking the harbor and strolling along the promenade you will see the small boats and the characteristic white houses with blue windows and doors, typical of the Cyclades.
Turning your gaze towards the sea you will certainly notice Portara: the large marble door that stands out on the Palatia peninsula, located opposite the port of Naxos. This is the entrance to the temple of Apollo, built by the tyrant of Naxos, Ligdamide, in the fifth century BC, but never finished. The Portara is made up of four marble blocks, each of which measures 6 meters in length and weighs 20 tons.
The small peninsula of Palatia is connected to the city of Naxos by a paved pier and can be reached with a pleasant walk. Once you arrive, in addition to the ancient building you can also admire the fabulous panoramic view of the city of Naxos.
On the opposite side from the Portara you will see a sphinx overlooking the sea: it is the copy of the sphinx which was donated by the Nassi (the ancient inhabitants of Naxos) to the oracle of Delphi. According to legend, the sphinx, with the winged lioness's body and the face of a woman, proposed to everyone a riddle and killed anyone who did not answer correctly.
Continue through the streets of the Ancient Market and reach the Kastro, the oldest and most fascinating district of the city of Naxos, perched on a hill close to the seafront and surrounded by ancient medieval walls. It was built in 1207 by the will of the Venetian Duke Marco Sanudo and is a scenographic labyrinth of narrow streets, with picturesque views and splendid Venetian villas .. truly unmissable!
Within the walls of the castle you can visit the interesting Venetian Museum, which displays clothes and furniture belonging to the Italian noble families, the Byzantine Museum, the Catholic church and attend concerts of local music.
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos is housed in a Venetian building built in the seventeenth century to house the Jesuit School and recently declared a national monument. The ancient building, which occupies two of the towers of the castle, became the seat of the Naxos commercial school in the late 19th century and the site of the Archaeological Museum in 1972.
Inside the Archaeological Museum you will find finds from almost all the archaeological sites of the island of Naxos: from the Cave of Zeus, to Yria, Tsikalario, Panormos and others. The finds cover a period of more than 6000 years, from Neolithic until the early Christian era. Among the most valuable pieces you can admire the marble statues dating back to the early Cycladic period (3200-2300 BC). In addition to ceramic vases and sculptures from the Archaic period and an important collection of glass vases dating back to the Roman period.
The city of Naxos is full of museums: we recommend the small Mitropolis Museum, where you can admire the remains of an ancient Mycenaean city and the Folklore Museum Collection, to learn more about the history and traditions of this extraordinary island.
If museums prefer shopping on the seafront and on the Kastro of Naxos, there is no shortage of typical shops, characteristic markets, to buy some souvenirs and bars with outdoor tables. The whole is always harmonious and picturesque, as in compliance with local regulations in Naxos there are no buildings higher than three floors.
The beach of the city of Naxos
In the town of Naxos there is also the beautiful beach of Agios Georgios, one of the most popular and popular on the island. It is a wide expanse of soft sand, with an always clear sea.
The beach of Agios Georgios is well organized with umbrellas and sunbeds for 6 euros per day. It also has showers, services and a sports center for the rental of various equipment for the various water sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, etc. Behind the coast you will find bars, taverns and restaurants for all tastes.
The nightlife of the city of Naxos
For a perfect evening in the picturesque town of Naxos we recommend you choose one of the restaurants by the sea and admire the sunset through Portara. After sunset, you can sip a cocktail in a peaceful setting, or let loose in the busiest bars and clubs of the old town.
The city of Naxos is to be discovered, precious and at the same time lively and lively, but never too chaotic .. it is really perfect for everyone!