The most recognizable point across Naxos is the famous Portara.

Portara is located on the tiny island «Palatia" at the entrance of the port of Naxos. Although it looks more like a peninsula, it is indeed an island and the path leading to it was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century. According to mythology, it is here that Theseus abandoned Ariadne, who was later found by god Dionysus.

Portara was the huge gate of a magnificent temple dedicated to the god Apollo and its construction started in the 6th century B.C. The temple was an ambitious project launched by the tyrant of the island, Lygdamis. It was designed to resemble the Heraion of Samos and the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. However, the overthrow of the tyrant and probably the outbreak of war have left the temple unfinished.

In the following years, the Christians, following their favorite tactics, built a church upon its ruins while during the Venetians many materials from the temple were used in the construction of the Castle of Naxos and other buildings.

Today, Portara stands to commemorate the history of the construction of the temple and is the symbol of the entire island. It is sure that during your holidays in Naxos, you will spend a lot of your time admiring the impressive and beautiful Portara.