Temple of Apollo, Naxos Travel Guide

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Iconic marble gate of an unfinished temple, offering stunning sunset views and a glimpse into Naxos's ancient past.

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Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, also known as Portara, is an iconic landmark on the island of Naxos, Greece. This massive marble doorway is the only remaining part of an unfinished temple dating back to 530 BC. Situated on the islet of Palatia, near the Naxos harbor, it offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

A brief summary to Temple of Apollo

Naxos, 843 00, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Temple of Apollo.

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
Wear comfortable shoes as the path to the Portara involves a short walk and some steps.
Be cautious walking to the Portara at night, as the path may be dark and waves can splash onto the causeway.

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Explore Temple of Apollo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Temple of Apollo, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Temple of Apollo is easily accessible from Naxos Town (Chora). From the Naxos Town harbor, follow the main boardwalk along the port. The boardwalk narrows into a small causeway leading to the islet of Palatia, where the temple stands. The walk across the causeway takes about 5 minutes, followed by a short climb up the hill to reach the Portara. There are cafes and snack places near the causeway entrance. The walk is not difficult, but involves approximately 75 steps to reach the top. There is no entrance fee to visit the Temple of Apollo.
Public Transport

If arriving by ferry at Naxos port, the Temple of Apollo is a short walk from the port. Naxos's public bus station is located opposite the port. From the bus station, walk along the main boardwalk towards the causeway that leads to the Temple of Apollo. Bus tickets within Naxos Town typically cost around €2.00. Taxis are also available near the port, with a short trip to the Temple of Apollo costing approximately €15.
Driving

If driving to the Temple of Apollo, be aware that you cannot drive directly to the site. Parking is available in Naxos Town, with several free parking lots. The closest parking, the Municipality Parking Lot, is very small and often full. Naxos Municipality Parking, the largest lot in Naxos Town, offers a better chance of finding a spot. Naxos Center Parking is another option. All are free. From the parking areas, walk along the waterfront towards the causeway leading to the Temple of Apollo. Be aware that parking on main roads, especially near the port, is prohibited and subject to fines.

Discover more about Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo, or Portara, stands as a testament to Naxos's rich history and architectural ambitions. In the 6th century BC, the tyrant Lygdamis initiated the construction of a grand temple, envisioning it as the largest and most magnificent structure in Greece. However, the temple was never completed due to war and Lygdamis's overthrow.Today, only the monumental gate, the Portara, remains. This massive marble doorway, made of four blocks each weighing approximately 20 tons, has become the emblem of Naxos. The temple's architectural design, intended to follow the Ionic order, would have been 59 meters long and 28 meters wide. Some believe the temple was dedicated to Apollo, facing Delos, his birthplace, while others suggest it honored Dionysus, the god of wine.Over the centuries, the temple site saw various transformations. A Christian church was built on the ruins during the Middle Ages but was later dismantled under Venetian rule. The marble was used to construct the Kastro fortress and other buildings. The Portara, however, was too heavy to be moved, thus surviving as a striking reminder of the past.Connected to Naxos Town by a paved causeway, the Portara is easily accessible and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, Naxos Town, and the sunset. It's a popular spot for visitors to gather and admire the scenery. According to mythology, the islet of Palatia is where Theseus abandoned Ariadne after slaying the Minotaur, and Dionysus later abducted her.