Cyclades Guide - Escale Yachting

A true metropolis
Chora is the capital and port of the island, built on the northwest
coasts, a town that combines a picturesque character with numerous
comforts and options for visitors. The numerous monuments in Chora
suggest its glorious past, the most characteristic being “Portara”, the
imposing propylaeum to the temple of Apollo (6th century BC) located
on the islet called “Palatia” (the spot offers an overwhelming view to
the sunset).
The archaeological site of the Mycaenaean city in Grota is of particular
interest. A large part of this city lies in the sea, but also beneath the
constructed northern part of the modern city. Part of the Grota
settlement is exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos.
On the hill that forms the natural citadel of Chora, Markos Sanoudos
built the castle in 1207. “Trani Porta” is the entrance to the sublime
medieval settlement of the castle, a residential, but also administrative
and religious centre of Venetian conquerors.
At the centre of the castle's settlement is the square and the Catholic
cathedral with the Byzantine icon of Virgin Mary, right next to the
Ursulines School, the Capella Casazza, and the Jesuits Trade School
which currently houses the Archaeological Museum with rich finds from
the Neolithic Period until the Old Christian Period.
The sights of Chora include the Orthodox cathedral, the old monastery
of Agia Kyriaki with the small chapel of the Assumption of Virgin Mary,
and Panagia Vlacherniotissa, one of the oldest churches of Greece,
featuring two icons of Angelos the Cretan. Outside Chora lies Aga's
Fountain, the only Turkish monument on the island.
In the marketplace of Chora one can find all local products, folk art
objects (knits, baskets, ceramics), jewels, and taste the delicacies of
the rich local cuisine at one of the dozens of restaurants and taverns.
Enjoy the sun and the sea at one of the famous beaches of the
southwest coast, covered by endless silvery beaches. When it comes
to nightlife, Chora has places for all ages and preferences.
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