Description of the attraction
The city of Naxos (also known as Chora) is located on the west coast of the island of the same name, which is the largest island in the Cyclades archipelago. The city is located on the slope of a green hill in the form of an amphitheater, descending to the sea. At its foot is the city port - the only major port on the island. The city is also a major commercial center of the Aegean Sea and traces its history back to ancient times.
A picturesque Mediterranean city with narrow medieval streets and old mansions, an abundance of attractions from different historical eras and beautiful sandy beaches annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
One of the most famous sights of the city is the marble arch of Portara (Portira), dating back to 522 BC. It is located on the small islet of Palatia, which is connected to the city's port by a dam. The arch was the gateway to the Temple of Apollo, which was never completed. At the top of the hill is the monumental Venetian fortress of Castro. It was built in the 13th century AD. Duke of Naxos of Venetian origin Marco Sanudo, and is very well preserved to this day.
You should definitely visit the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, which contains an excellent collection of ancient artifacts, and the Byzantine Museum, located in an old mansion. There are also many interesting churches from the Byzantine era in the city. The ruins of a Mycenaean city have been unearthed during archaeological excavations near the harbor of Naxos.
Naxos and its excellent tourist infrastructure is a real paradise for tourists. Local taverns and restaurants are renowned for their excellent traditional Greek cuisine, and for fans of a busy evening life there is an excellent selection of discos and nightclubs.
