| |
its top, stands an impressive Venetian castle,
characteristic and trademark of
the island.
This marvellous construction has
been built following the orders
of Marco Sanudo who conquered the
Cyclades in 1207 and used Naxos
Island as the seat of the Duchy
of the Aegean which he created.
The castle (called Kastro in Greek)
was containing Sanudo’s residence
as well as the various institutions
and administrations of the duchy. It was designed by an engineer
and has a pentagonic shape, built
according to Venetian architecture
with beautiful buildings, mansions,
monuments and churches standing
on the paved narrow streets.
It is a beautiful and charming
place that has kept its medieval
atmosphere. In the castle’s
area is the Archaeological Museum
of Naxos, housed in an old Jesuit
Commercial school.
In the northern part of the capital
a long paved road leads to the islet
of Palatia (Palaces) were stand
the unfinished Temple of Apollo
and the trademark of the island,
the famous Portara (Big Door) which
is the gate of the temple.
Around the port area you will find most of the important features like banks, bus departures, luggage storage and car hire. The waterfront and marina slope all the way round to the headland, on the other side of which Agios Georgios Beach begins.
Various fish restaurants, taverns,
cafes and bars are lining on the
waterfront which is the island’s
centre of touristy activity.
The beach of Agios Georgios (Saint
George) is close to the capital
and is a long golden sandy beach
lined by many restaurants and cafes
and is a well-known spot for windsurfing.This beach is very busy and is the most northern of a long line of superb beaches on the west coast.
The Chora is the arrivals point for most visitors and is much geared up for this.
The Grotta area is to the north, it is worth making the short journey here and there are a couple of caves to look into. There is a small stony beach here but because of the wind is not recommended.  More about Naxos Town |
 |
Town Useful Links |
 Our
Impressions: |
Don’t expect a picturesque Cycladen town if you visit the hora. Yes, the old town is very beautiful and there are nice churches, not to mention the Palatia islet. The town's architecture is very interesting and you can see clearly the massive influence of the Venetians.
But other parts of the town, particularly towards the beach are a bit shabby and very tourist orientated. It is then very much a town of two halves. Stick to the waterfront for fast food shops, bars and beach goods but visit the old town for the history. If you are looking for the latter then the Kastro (see details below) is a must see with the archaeological museum well worth a visit. Walking up to the Kastro is an experience in itself as you wind up past some beautiful houses on paved streets. And don’t forget to look in at some of the churches around the town as well.
The nightlife is what one would expect of a big tourist resort. There are plenty of bars with music which can be followed on later by clubs. There are also some lovely restaurants, many situated near the Kastro in quiet alleys. Most have tables outside. |
| Useful Info : |
- Where to eat/drink: Many restaurants, cafes and bars are available mainly on the waterfront and some other in the back streets.
- Shops/Minimarket: Many
- Telephone: Many and at the Ote (Telephone center)
on the southern end of Protopapadaki.
- Transportation: The main bus station to all direction and beaches and the taxi station are located on the quay.
The condition of the roads worsens outside of the hora and is often very bad.
- Activities: All the activity of Naxos Town or Chora begins late in the afternoon when all the people come back from the beaches or simple come here for dinner. Everything starts we a walk on the waterfront and then in the restaurants. The village gets very crowded. Then the people go for a drink or for dancing. |
...........................................................................................................................................
|
|
|
|
|
|
Back:
More:
Related:
