CC BY-SA 4.0, Jean Housen, Wikimedia CommonsLandmark· Naxos· Greece — Cyclades
Portara Temple of Apollo (Naxos)
37° 6.6′ N · 25° 22.3′ E
A colossal marble doorway, about 6 m high and 3.5 m wide, standing alone on the islet of Palatia at the mouth of the harbour. It is the only part still standing of a temple to Apollo that the tyrant Lygdamis began around 530 BC and never finished. Legend says Theseus abandoned Ariadne on this islet.
Practical
Free, open site reached on foot along the causeway from the ferry quay, about 5 minutes from the marina. Sunset is the classic time, and it is crowded. Greeka notes a cafe below it and a sheltered swimming spot that locals call 'Portara Beach', protected from the north winds. The planned temple was about 59 m by 28 m (Greeka). From seaward the doorway is the landmark you steer for when approaching the harbour. The lit castle also helps on a night approach (sailingissues).
Best for
Sunset walk and the iconic Naxos photo
Nearby
- Naxos Town Anchorage (ante-port / Grotta)0.1 NM away
- Doukato Restaurant (Naxos Town)0.2 NM away
- Irini's Taverna (Naxos Town waterfront)0.2 NM away
- Lucullus Taverna (Naxos Town)0.2 NM away
- Metaxi Mas Tavern (Naxos Town)0.2 NM away
- Naxos Ferry Terminal & KTEL Bus Station0.2 NM away
- Naxos Fuel0.2 NM away
- Naxos Port Police0.2 NM away