The capital and harbour of the island is Naxos, or Chora. To the right and left of the harbour are two small islands, Myrtidiotissa, on which is the church of the Panagia Myrtidiotissa, and Palatia, which is connected with Chora. On the island of Palatia rises an imposing gate, called Portara by the locals, which is all that remains of the Archaic, marble temple of Apollo. Near the town is the beach of Agios Georgios, followed by Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, and the village of Agios Arsenios or Agersiani. Beyond them are the beaches of Kastraki, Alyko, Pyrgaki and, further to the south Agiasos. The plain of Tragaia has been dubbed a “little Mystras” on account of its notable Byzantine monuments. Outside the village of Tripodes or Vivlos are the characteristic Cycladic windmills. Further south is Sangri, which has a superb view, and beyond it the dominating castle of Tapalyrou and the remains of the temple of Demeter (ancient Greek Goddess). The villages of Damarionas, Chalki, and Filoti are almost in the middle of the island, with the beautiful settlement of Apeiranthos or Apeirathos, which has a small archaeological collection and many museums. Kinidaros,a village with abundant water, famous for its lively festivals and celebrations. Northern is Koronos and Komiaki or Koronida, the highest village on the island. At Apollona, a short distance from which is an ancient marble quarry. A “Kouros”, 10 metres long, has been lying for centuries at the entrance to the quarry. Exceptional are: the bay of Agia Anna with its fine beach and limpid water and Agios Prokopios with excellent sand and emerald-green sea.
