Naxos

Naxos is a big island in the heart of the Aegean Sea and its sea routes, with imposing mountain massifs and fertile valleys.

With its long history, important monuments and intense tourist life, it occupies a distinct place among the Cycladic islands.

No matter how many days you stay on Naxos, there will always surely be more hidden niches to discover, beaches you haven’t seen, towers and forts you did not have time to visit, ancient temples whose secrets remain a mystery.

Naxos Town (Chora)

Deep in the mists of time, the beginnings of the history of Chora are intertwined with mythical beings, legends and heroes that are later succeeded by distinct eras: Mycenean, Roman, Byzantine and the periods of Venetian and Ottoman occupations.

Its many monuments speak about a splendid past - the most characteristic one being Portara, the imposing propylon, or monumental gateway of the 6th century temple of Apollo on Palatia, the islet out of the harbor.

One glimpse of Chora’s past is given by the archaeological site of the Mycenean city of Grotta - large parts of which are submerged in the sea but and below the built-up northern section of the town.

Equally rich is Chora’s medieval history, amply indicated by its monuments and neighborhoods from Kastro to Bourgos.

Apart from the pieces of the past, there is the modern side of the country, full of life all year round with dozens of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés, which in summer is filled by visitors.It has all the services needed by the visitor and its shops supply all the local products, items of folk art (fabrics, baskets, and ceramics) and jewelry, while its restaurants feature the broadly varied local cuisine.

For all these reasons the Chora is one of the favorite towns for visitors in the Cyclades.

Useful Phone Numbers

Health Center of Chora (Town): 22853 60500

Police Station of Chora (Town): 22850 22100, 22850 23280, 22850 23801

Police Station of Filoti: 22850 31224

Port Authority: 22850 22300

Fire Department: 22850 3219

Naxos Airport: 22850 23292

Bus (KTEL): 22850 22291

Post Office: 22850 61206

Taxi: 22850 22444