Portara of Naxos

Portara of Naxos

As your ferry approaches the harbor, there is one iconic sight that steals the breath of every traveler: a majestic marble gateway standing proud on a rocky islet, gazing out into the endless blue. Portara Naxos, the giant gate of the unfinished Temple of Apollo, is the ultimate landmark of the island. If you are planning your accommodation in Naxos at Dedalos Studios, visiting this sacred site—especially as the sun sinks into the Aegean Sea—is an experience that will remain forever etched in your memory.

The History: The Vision of a Tyrant

The history of Portara begins in the 6th century BC, a time when Naxos was at the absolute peak of its power and glory. The island’s tyrant at the time, Lygdamis, aspired to build a temple so grand and imposing that nothing like it would exist anywhere else in Greece.
Construction began on “Palatia” islet, but the ambitious plan was never completed. The works stopped abruptly due to the overthrow of Lygdamis, who was financing the project, as well as the war that broke out between Naxos and Samos for dominance over the Aegean. Out of the massive temple originally designed, only the foundations and its giant gateway survived. The gate consists of four massive pieces of local Naxian marble, weighing approximately 20 tons each.

The Myth of Ariadne and Dionysus

Beyond its historical significance, Palatia islet carries a rich mythological and folklore tradition. According to Greek mythology, this was the exact spot where Theseus abandoned Ariadne after fleeing Crete with her.
As Ariadne wept inconsolably on the shore, Dionysus—the patron god of Naxos—saw her, fell deeply in love, and made her his wife. For this reason, many scholars believe that the ancient temple was not actually meant for Apollo, but was being built in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and joy.

The Most Captivating Sunset in the Cyclades

Today, Portara is connected to Naxos Chora via a narrow, man-made stone causeway, making it incredibly easy to reach on foot. It is by far the most popular among all attractions in Naxos, and the reason is simple: the sunset in Naxos from this vantage point offers a spectacle of rare, natural beauty.
As late afternoon gives way to evening, hundreds of visitors walk up the hill. The vibrant colors of the sky—ranging from deep orange to crimson—wrap around the ancient marble, creating the perfect frame for your holiday photographs. Once the sun disappears, the lights of Chora and the Venetian Castle  slowly turn on, offering a magical, romantic view back toward the illuminated town.
Stand beneath the imposing gateway, feel the cool Aegean breeze, and let the ancient energy of this sacred place sweep you away on a journey through time.
Photo credit: Olaf Tausch
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