The largest and loftiest (at 999m elevation) of the Cyclades archipelago, rugged NÁxos is one of the few Greek islands besides Crete that could feed itself – you see flocks of sheep, goats and cattle everywhere, along with all manner of market gardens. The local small potatoes are renowned, commanding a price premium, as do a range of island cheeses. All of this, of course, finds its way onto the menus of the better local restaurants.
This delightful view towards Naxos harbour is seen from the imposing “Portara” the portal of an unfinished temple probably dedicated to Apollo. The Portara stands on Palatia, which was once a hill but is now a separate little island connected to Naxos by a causeway. (The Mediterranean has risen significantly since ancient times.)
The Portara is the entrance to an unfinished temple that faces directly toward Delos, Apollo’s birthplace. For this reason most scholars believe it was dedicated to Apollo, but some think it was built in honor of Dionysus, who was worshiped on Naxos Island.
It’s delightful for a few days stay. We went there as part of a 3 Island visit – Santorini, Paros and Naxos. The Island of Delos, birthplace of Apollo, can conveniently be visited from Naxos. It is worth the, sometimes rough, trip to see what must have been the equivalent of the Las Vegas of its time in terms of its exotic extravagance.
I stayed once for a week on Naxos and the window of my room on the hill in the center of this picture had exactly the opposite view, this structure from a distance. I remember the guesthouse and the island fondly and could happily stay there for some time. An unpretentious and friendly place.
sounds like paradise, Mac….definitely one for the wish list