Portara

What makes it special

The Portara is the emblem of Naxos. It stands on Palatia at the entrance to the harbour: one doorway, the gate that led from the temple's vestibule into its main hall.

The gate is built from four marble blocks, each weighing about 20 tonnes. Traces of the foundations survive around it, and the plan they belong to measured 59 m long and 28 m wide.

Note which way the gate faces. The temple's entrance was on the western side of the building, unusual for a temple in the Ionian style.

Work began in the sixth century BC under Lygdamis, who then ruled the island. He was overthrown and the temple was left unfinished.

Visiting

The harbour front of Chora (Naxos Town) is where the walk begins, a few steps from where the ferries dock.

From the port, follow the causeway out to Palatia, about five minutes' walk on the paved path.

Once across, walk round the gate and the traces of the temple around it before you head back to the town.

Travel guides note there is no dedicated parking at the Portara. If you come by car, leave it in Chora, a short walk away, and cross on the path.

Tips

Summer evenings around sundown are the busiest time on the islet. For more room around the gate, come in the shoulder season, and from November to March there are fewer crowds again.

If you are staying elsewhere on the island, the KTEL bus station sits at the port, with buses between Chora and most areas, so a sunset visit works from any base.