From a Venetian castle that’s still full of life to enjoying a sneaky swim at the beach, exploring Naxos’ main town is the ideal way to understand an island that has it all.
It simply wouldn’t be possible for the biggest town of the biggest island in the Cyclades not to offer a complete walking tour experience. And Naxos’ Hora doesn’t disappoint.
From the famous Portara (the gateway that looks like the National Geographic logo) that greets you if you arrive by boat, to the Venetian Castle at the top of the hill on which Hora is located, you’ll enjoy discovering a town believed to have been built on the island’s original ancient city.
But what you won’t have guessed by simply looking up at the castle is that, within its walls, there’s a medieval settlement that’s still very much alive. You’ll particularly enjoy how Venetian and Catholic elements merge into classic Cycladic architecture and colours as the neighbourhood expands beyond the castle.
You could spend hours just walking the streets of Hora, building up an appetite as you go. Thankfully, Naxos’ legendary food is fully represented in Hora’s tavernas and shops with local products. And to top it all, how about a quick swim on a beach right by town? What more could you want?