The largest island of the Cyclades, if you visit it the beautiful images and memories will accompany you for a lifetime. Thanks to its size, Naxos can harmoniously combine many different characters, satisfying all the requirements and tastes of travelers.
NAXOS
BEACHES
Naxos is characterized by endless, blue and enchanting beaches with emerald waters that give the visitor the feeling of rejuvenation and freedom. Agios Prokopios – Agia Anna – Plaka – Mikri Vigla compose a sea mosaic full of blue-green waters, endless golden sandy beaches lined with cedars that provide shade to visitors. The beach of Mikri Vigla is considered one of the most popular destinations in the Cyclades for kite-surfing and wind-surfing, since the natural bay of the area combined with the convenient wind lead water sports lovers to unique experiences. In any case, whether you choose to enjoy your swimming in crowded cosmopolitan resorts or in unknown – secret, unspoiled destinations with incredible natural beauty, it is certain that the beaches of Naxos will enchant you. Come and indulge yourself in the wonderful colors of the sky and the sea, come and discover them!
Timeless Landmarks
PORTARA & ANCIENT MONUMENTS
Portara – The Temple of Apollo
The undisputed landmark of Naxos and one of its most photographed sights, Portara is the monumental marble gate that welcomes visitors as they enter the island’s port. Rising proudly on the islet of Palatia and connected to Chora by a narrow causeway, Portara is all that remains of the ancient Temple of Apollo, whose construction began in the 6th–7th century BC but was never completed.
Dating back to the era of the tyrant Lygdamis, this imposing structure is composed of four massive blocks of local marble, each weighing approximately 20 tons and standing six meters high. Visiting Portara at sunset is an unforgettable experience, as the warm hues of the sky blend harmoniously with the ancient monument, creating a truly breathtaking scene.
The Giant Kouros of Apollonas
In the ancient marble quarry near the seaside village of Apollonas lies one of Naxos’ most intriguing archaeological treasures: an unfinished colossal kouros dating to the 6th century BC. Measuring an impressive 11 meters in length, this oversized statue is a striking example of the marble sculpture art that flourished in antiquity on the island.
Abandoned on a hillside just above the northern beach of Apollonas, the kouros is easily accessible, requiring only a short walk uphill from the main road. From this vantage point, visitors are also rewarded with panoramic views of the village below and the endless blue of the Aegean Sea.
THE TEMPLE OF DEMETER & SACRED LANDSCAPES
The Temple of the Goddess Demeter – Gyroula (Sagri)
Easily accessible by car, the Temple of the Goddess Demeter in the area of Gyroula, just outside the village of Sagri, is one of the island’s most captivating historical sites. Located approximately 7 km from the suites of Elaeolithos, the temple stands on a gentle hill overlooking a fertile valley, where history and nature merge in perfect harmony.
Built around 350 BC in classical architectural style, the temple was dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of fertility and the earth. Archaeological findings confirm that the area had been used for religious purposes since the Mycenaean and archaic periods, with worship often taking place outdoors. The monument’s balance, simplicity, and integration with the landscape are so remarkable that it is believed to have influenced the architectural design of the Parthenon.
Beneath the sanctuary operates a thoughtfully designed museum, where visitors can admire original architectural elements, including parts of the pediment and roof, interior columns, statues of korai, and inscriptions dedicated to the gods. The outdoor archaeological site is always accessible, while the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
