Greece Travel Index Greek Islands Naxos Index
Naxos Town
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Naxos Town
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Above the whitewashed houses of the town is the Venetian Kastro that was built in 1207 and was the seat of power in the Cyclades for 300 years. Within the castles inner walls are a number of Venetian residences, a 13th Century Catholic Cathedral, and the French School where Nikos Kazantzakis, Greece's greatest modern writer who wrote among other things, Zorba the Greek and The Last Temptation of Christ , studied. The building is now the Archaeological Museum which contains some fine examples of white marble figurines and ceramics. The castle has been continually inhabited since it was built and during the summer hosts concerts and exhibitions which are advertised around the town by posters and brochures.
Naxos town is the kind of place that does not close down in the winter. It is a commercial center of an island that does not depend only on tourism. It has a year-round population of Greeks and foreigners. Naxos has a good bus system and taxis so if you enjoy nightlife, restaurants, cafes and shopping but like to spend your days on the beach staying here is an option. Naxos is one of the most enjoyable port towns in the Cyclades, in my opinion second only to Hermoupolis, Syros. See my Naxos Town photo album
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There
are not many islands where
their most famous
archaeological site is the
first thing you see when you
arrive by ferry. This is the
Portara, the doorway to the
ancient Temple to Apollo which
was built in 522 BC and never
finished, which sits on a
small island in the harbor and
is connected by a long
causeway. They say if you stand
in the doorway and make a wish you can feel the force as the energy of
Apollo begins working to make your wish come true. 
The
area called The Bourgos is
where the Greeks lived when
the Venetians controlled the
town and its winding streets
are full of restaurants and
shops. The northern part of
Naxos is called Grotta and has a
pebble beach which is not used much since the northern winds make
it pretty wild .There is an archaeological site here that is
open to the public. The southern part of Naxos town is Agios Georgios
beach which is very popular and has a number of hotels, cafes, restaurants
and bars. The
harbor itself is a lively area
of cafes, restaurants, travel
agencies and shops. There are
banks where you can change
travelers checks and when they
are closed the travel agencies
also have exchange
services. Generally
speaking the town is busy and
upon arriving may seem
confusing. But if you find
somewhere to sit, relax and
get your bearings, the chaos
within that seems to mirror
your surroundings will
dissipate and you can begin to
enjoy yourself.