Portara

A beguiling landmark for the whole island, Portara is one of the first things you see as your ferry approaches the island.

This monumental marble frame measuring 6 metres by 3.5 is what’s left of a portal to an Ionic temple of Apollo, started in the 6th century BC but never finished.

It stands on the islet of Palatia, once a hill on the island’s northwest coast but now only joined to Naxos port by a causeway.

The remainder of the temple’s stone was recycled for the Kastro (Castle of Naxos), but this doorway proved too heavy to dismantle and relocate.

Call it touristy, but after dining at the harbour or the Old Town, you can join the throng of couples streaming to Palatia to watch the sun go down behind the Island of Paros.