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Naxos Town

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City
—°10
Naxos Town (Greece)
ℹ️

Practical info — Naxos Town

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Portara at sunset to get the best light for your photos.
  • Park in the free municipal lots in the north or south of town, as the center is pedestrian-only.
  • Keep in mind the siesta between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM when many boutique shops close.
  • Explore the Kastro alleys during the afternoon siesta (2 PM, 5 PM) to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the residential lanes.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kitron liqueur

Taste this local citrus spirit at traditional distilleries like Vallindras along the harbor promenade.

🍽
Graviera Naxou

An award-winning hard cheese best purchased from the specialized cheese shops on Papavasiliou Street.

🍽
Naxian potato dishes

Look for dishes featuring the famous locally grown potatoes in the Old Town tavernas.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Papavasiliou Street

The main street for local food products like cheese, honey, herbs, and olive items.

🛍
Old Market (Palia Agora)

A labyrinth of small shops featuring handmade ceramics, jewelry, and Greek leather sandals.

🧘
Metropolis Cathedral Square

A peaceful, whitewashed square behind the harbor, often overlooked by the tourist crowds.

🧘
Grotta Area

The area north of the harbor gives wild cliffs and a rougher, quiet atmosphere away from the promenade.

Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is the economic and cultural center of the largest Cycladic island. The town's most distinctive landmark is the Portara, the monumental marble gateway of the unfinished Temple of Apollo from the 6th century BC, standing on Palatia peninsula. The old town is divided into two sections: the Venetian Kastro at the summit and Bourgos below, where the Greek residents lived. The Kastro was built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo and still houses the Catholic Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum, which exhibits world-famous Cycladic idols. The architecture displays a fascinating mix of Cycladic white and Venetian defensive towers with coat-of-arms stones. Along the lively harbor promenade, tavernas and cafes offer local cheeses and liqueurs such as Kitron. Naxos Town combines ancient history, medieval heritage, and modern Greek lifestyle in a way that makes it one of the most significant towns in the Aegean.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131314161923252524211714
Rain mm968245261952217436385

Live webcam – Naxos Town

See what it looks like near Naxos Town right now.

Orkos › North-west: Μαρίνα Νάξου · 0.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
7,070
Coordinates
37.10000, 25.38330

Facts

  • The Portara dates back to 530 BC.
  • The Venetian Kastro was founded in 1207.
  • Home to the most important Archaeological Museum in the Cyclades.
  • The Catholic Cathedral possesses Byzantine icons.
  • Naxos was the seat of the Duchy of the Archipelago.
  • Famous for the production of Kitron liqueur.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Naxos Town (10)

Archaeological Museum of Naxos🏛 museum

The museum presents a collection of Cycladic art and archaeological finds from Naxos.

🕒 Mo,We-Su 09:00-14:00; Tu off🆓

Archaiologiki Syllogi Yrion🏛 museum

A collection of archaeological finds from the ancient site of Yria on Naxos.

🕒 Mo, We-Su 08:30-15:30💶

Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum🏛 museum

A museum housed in a Venetian mansion, documenting the life of the local nobility.

Basilica of St. Stefanos, Ancient Aqueduct🏺 historical

An archaeological site featuring the remains of a basilica and an ancient aqueduct.

Iakovos Kampanelis🎭 culture

A modern theatre in Naxos town, named after the famous Greek playwright.

Vintsi🎡 recreation

Vintsi is a quiet pebble beach near Naxos Town, backed by olive groves.

Laguna Beach Park📍 landmark

In lively Naxos Town, Laguna Beach Park combines beachside fun with a sporty atmosphere. Watersports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy, while spectators can watch the colorful action from the shore. The spot is excellent for active vacationers looking to fully embrace the aquatic environment.

Portara📍 landmark

The monumental marble gate of an unfinished temple of Apollo and landmark of Naxos.

🕒 24/7

Limnodexameni Eggaron🌿 nature

Λιμνοδεξαμενή Εγγαρών is a reservoir lake in Naxos Town, offering visitors a peaceful spot to admire the surrounding landscape.

Aqua fun👨‍👩‍👧 family

A water park in Naxos Town featuring slides and water attractions for all ages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Portara in Naxos Town?
The massive marble gate of an unfinished Apollo temple on the Palatia peninsula.
Where is the old town?
The Kastro district is located on top of the hill and is a Venetian fortified town.
Which beach is closest?
Agios Georgios is the city beach, shallow and good for families.
What can you visit in Kastro?
The Archaeological Museum, the Catholic Cathedral, and old Venetian mansions.
Is Naxos Town expensive?
It has a good mix; it is generally cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini.
Naxos Town: where is it located?
Naxos Town is located in Greece.
Naxos Town: what is there to see?
Highlights include Archaeological Museum of Naxos, Archaiologiki Syllogi Yrion, Della Rocca-Barozzi Venetian Museum.
Naxos Town: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Naxos Town: why is it worth visiting?
Naxos Town, also known as Chora, is the economic and cultural center of the largest Cycladic island.
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