Naxos Town or Chora is the capital and main port situated on the west coast of the island of Naxos. It is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades.

It is characterised by an impressive Venetian castle overlooking the town. Marco Sanudo conquered the Cyclades in 1207 and made of Naxos Town the capital of his duchy. He built the castle (Kastro) in order to protect the town and to house his residence, institutions and administrations.

The Kastro neighbourhood is the only place in the Cyclades Island which was designed by an engineer.

It is a charming area built according to the Venetian architecture with beautiful buildings in paved streets next to many monuments and churches.

In the north of the town, next to the actual port, a long causeway leads to the islet of Palatia where the unfinished Temple of Apollo and the famous Portara, the temple’s gate and Naxos’ trademark, are situated.




The waterfront of the town is lined with many restaurants, bars and cafés.
All the town activity is concentrated there.


Chora has an Archaeological Museum which is situated in the Kastro area, housed by an old Jesuit Commercial school.



The closest beach to Naxos Town is Agios Georgios. From the port it is a five minute walk to the beach.