Portara (Temple of Apollo)
Πορτάρα
A massive marble doorframe standing on the small island of Palatia, the surviving remnant of the unfinished 6th-century BCE Temple of Apollo and a symbol of Naxos.
The Portara stands on the islet of Palatia, linked by a causeway to the north of Chora's harbour. It is the only surviving element of the Temple of Apollo, begun around 530 BCE by the tyrant Lygdamis. Its doorframe, about 6 metres tall, is built from four marble blocks, each weighing around 20 tonnes. The temple was never completed because of wars, and the remaining stone was later carted off to build a castle. The doorframe faces the sea and is a classic spot for watching the sunset. Admission is free. It is about a 5-minute walk from the harbour, and evenings can be windy, so bring something warm.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Naxos Chora & Kastro
- Archaeological Museum of Naxos
- Agios Georgios Beach
- Sanctuary of Dionysus at Yria
- Agios Prokopios Beach
- Agia Anna Beach
- Plaka Beach
- Mikri Vigla