best things to do in paros greece travel blog

Located in Naxos Town (Kastro), the museum is housed in an old Venetian building, and has some excellent displays featuring the Cycladic figurines. Since Naxos is known for its history and prominent role in the ancient Cycladic culture, you should consider visiting the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. We were kindly shown around the Venetian part of the town by Antonis, an expert guide more well known for his tours of Delos and Mykonos.Īs a proud local though, he took us around the old part of Chora during his own vacation, something we really appreciated! You can contact him here – Antonis Delos and Mykonos guide. As you walk along, you may see parts of ancient temples embedded in building walls, Catholic and Orthodox churches, and the remains of a tower at the top where the Kastro commander Marco Sanudo may have lived. The Venetian castle is laid out over 3 distinct levels, and oozes with history. There's even a measuring gauge on the side of one of them, where merchants would have to make sure they sold fabric in the correct lengths before they were allowed to enter the castle! In places, the castle walls still survive, as do two remaining gates of this medieval citadel. The Kastro, or castle area has Venetian influence and is going to tick your ‘quaint' box as you stroll through its narrow alleyways and maze-like streets. Walking in the KastroĪlthough this could be described as being a part of Chora, it's worth listing it separately. We had an excellent meal at Το κάτι Άλλο taverna – the giant beans are a must-try! 3. There's plenty to see and do in Naxos Chora, including many restaurants so you'll have your pick of which taverna to eat at. Historic neighbourhoods, narrow alleyways, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and boutique shops are all waiting to be discovered. It is your typical, beautiful Cycladic old town.

The chora divided into 3 rough areas, which could be described as the waterfront where you will find yachts moored, the Venetian fortress area, and the area outside the old castle walls. Sometimes referred to as Naxos City, this is the main settlement, and everybody passes through here at one point or another even if they decide to stay elsewhere on the island. (In Greek Mythology, Ariadne was abandoned by Theseus on Naxos after the adventure of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth). One additional note: People with keen eyes may spot a small, natural pool on the right hand side when walking up to the doorway. There is currently no entrance fee to walk around the Portara, and in addition to the doorway itself, you get some amazing views back out over the Chora. If you are looking for Instagramable places on Naxos, the Portara is perfect! The doorway stands on a small islet called Palatia close to Naxos Port, and is a great sunset spot.

Each piece is said to weigh nearly 20 tonnes! Much of the temple dedicated to the God Apollo was looted over the centuries, but the marble pieces of the Portara of Naxos were so heavy they were never taken. This frame marble door is part of the unfinished Temple of Apollo which was commissioned by Lygdamis, a 6th century BC tyrant. The Portara is the most recognisable landmark of Naxos, and you'll probably see it straight away if you arrive at the ferry port. Let's start off with a few things you should see when in Naxos. It was a highlight of the visit to that island and worth a mention on your blog.Īs such, I've listed the main things to do in Naxos at the top, and then gone into more detail about the beaches in Naxos at the end. She introduced us to her incredibly friendly family… brother, father, mother, grandmother. The fourth-generation daughter, Sophia, gave us the tour. We had an amazing private tour of the Pamplonas Distillery where they make Kitro on Naxos.

Best things to do in paros greece travel blog