Portara in Naxos Town

Portara, a magnificent remnant of the ancient Temple of Apollo and something of a trademark of Naxos, is the most visited and important attraction in Naxos Town. I don't think anyone leaves Naxos without visiting Portara. Incidentally, the island where the temple stands is called Palatia island.

Many believe that the temple was dedicated to Apollo, others consider that it was erected in honour of Dionysus. The temple was built around 500 BC and ambitions were high. It would be one of the largest temples of its time, 24 metres wide, 55 metres long and 13 metres height. But the temple was never completed. By the way, Portara means "the big door" in Greek.

Portara seen from a different angle. The island opposite is Paros.

There is only remains of the temple today: the Portara itself, a bunch of marble blocks and parts of columns. Crowds of tourists gather on the small island where the Portara stands every evening. A narrow causeway connects the island with the mainland. The sunset from here is one of the most beautiful you can imagine, many come early to get a good spot, some bring cheese, crackers and wine. You may not under any circumstances miss to see the sunset from here. It is just as spectacular as the sunset in Santorini.

Every night many gathered to watch the sunset from the small island.

Everyone is photographing the sunset and Portara...

...and the pictures become so beautiful.

It almost looks like in the movie "The Seventh Seal" by Ingemar Bergman.

Some who arrive a little too late for sunset.

The spectacular sunset at Portara.

In November, the sun sets behind Paros.

Portara on a rainy day in May.

Portara and Grotta beach on an insanely cold day in December.

The small island and the temple are illuminated in the evening.

It is excellent to swim from the stairs at the breakwater in Naxos town.

On the side of the breakwater, you can sit and philosophize or read books.

A good friend of mine owns Naxos Island Hotel in Agios Prokopios. The hotel has a roof terrace with swimming pool and restaurant. On the roof terrace there is a copy of the Portara. Not as large of course, but well worth seeing, especially in the evening when you can have a good dinner and watch the sun go down behind a small Portara.

Little Portara at Naxos Island Hotel in Agios Prokopios.

Naxos town seen from Portara in 1940.

READ MORE ABOUT NAXOS