The Temple of Dionysus is in Iria, south of the town of Naxos.
It was probably founded at the end of the Geometric period and was rebuilt three or four times over a period of about two centuries in the same spot, adapting to the needs of the people and the time. This temple was probably one of the most important sanctuaries for the inhabitants of Naxos and so it was very often reconstructed often.
The cult of Dionysus continued in the same place until the Roman era, while later, here too a church was built by the Christians. Today in the archaeological site you will see the foundations of the temple and parts of the columns.
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.
Agios Georgios beach is right next to the Chora of Naxos.
This is one of the most popular beaches of Naxos, being the perfect choice for those who want to swim without going far from Chora. It is covered with sand throughout and it has wonderful blue shallow waters, thus making it ideal for families with young children.
Agios Georgios beach is also organized with sun beds and umbrellas and has facilities for all water sports (canoe, pedalo, sup etc.). Don't be surprised if you stumble upon windsurfers; this place is considered ideal for the sport.
Here too, you will find restaurants and beach bars, as well as remarkable hotels and guest rooms.
Pirgaki beach is in the southwestern part of Naxos island.
This is a very long and beautiful sandy beach. In its crystal clear waters you will surely enjoy a peaceful swim, as not many people gather here, but even if they do, the beach is so big that isolation remains always an option.
Agios Prokopios beach is in the western part of the island.
Chances are that Agios Prokopios beach is by far the most famous beach of Naxos. It has won dozens of awards and for those who have been there, it is no surprise that all travel guides praise it.
The beach is vast in size and is paved with superb thick sand throughout--you will feel like walking on a carpet!
Agios Prokopios beach is mostly organized with sun beds and umbrellas, while it also has water sports facilities. Here you can windsurf, or do pedalo, canoe, sup, tubes, banana and anything else you wish.
Extra beauty is added to Agios Prokopios beach by the nearby salt marshes (known as red lakes), in which, depending on the season, migratory birds (herons etc.)occasionally stop.
Of course the area is very well developed and a plethora of restaurants and beach bars wait for you. Food, strong coffee, cool drinks, as well as remarkable hotels and guest rooms are literary within your hand's reach.
Plaka beach is in the western part of the island and it is one of the most famous beaches in Naxos.
Big and beautiful, covered with lovely soft sand, Plaka beach is an all-time favorite destination for both locals and visitors. Its natural beauty is intensified by the cedar trees that generously offer their shade and the dunes that in summer get filled with "sea lilies."
The beach is organized with sun beds and umbrellas, while in the area you can also find several taverns, cafes and beach bars that will meet all your needs for food, coffee or drinks.
