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Join us for your next adventure!

+30 6980 70 10 92
Naxos & Small Cyclades, Greece
info@seakayaknaxos.com

About Portara 

Naxos’ Temple of Apollo – Portara, a huge marble gate and the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC, is the island’s emblem and main landmark.

Standing on the islet of Palatia, at the entrance to Naxos harbor, it comprises four marble parts weighing about 20 tons each. Its construction was initiated by the tyrant Lygdamis in the 6th century BC, according to the specifications of the temples of Olympic Zeus in Athens and of the goddess Hera on Samos. It measured 59m in length and 28m in width, and its entrance was on the western side of Naxos –an unusual feature for an Ionian-style temple. The monumental gate seen today, which led from the vestibule to the main part of the temple, lies amidst traces of its foundations and those of a peripheral colonnade that was never completed.

An arched Christian church was built on the ruins in the 6th or 7th century. The islet of Palatia has been associated with the worship of Ariadne — a Cretan princess — and Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment. Because, according to mythology, Dionysus abducted the princess at the beachside of Palatia, the islet is considered the place where Dionysian festivities were first held. Naxos’ Temple of Apollo – Portara today is connected with the Naxos mainland via a paved footpath. The spot offers one of the most enchanting sunsets in Greece.

Overview of the trip

Spend an afternoon out on the water, and see an alternative view of Naxos once the sun starts to set, on a small-group sea kayaking trip. Meet your guide at Saint John’s beach near Chora. After getting acquainted with your kayaking equipment, you’ll set off and paddle around the peninsula. You’ll also have time to swim and have snack plus capture your adventures with an underwater camera provided by your guide.

Highlights 

Kayaking around Temple of Apollo – Portara

-One of the best spots to enjoy the sunset seen from an alternative perspective

DURATION: 2,5 hours

DISTANCE: 2,5 miles

LEVEL: Easy

Departure

Saint John Beach, Naxos Town

Meeting time

3 hours before the sunset

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable athletic clothing and hat.

Included

✔ Sea Kayaks (tandem or single with rudder)

✔ All kayak equipment (life jacket, paddle, spray-deck, dry bags, UV protection long sleeve, wide brim hat, neoprene shoes – upon request)

✔ Qualified sea kayak guide, certified by British Canoeing (BC)

✔ Sea kayak handling briefing

✔ Land and water-based Sea Kayaking paddling instructions

✔ Snorkeling equipment

✔ Snacks

✔ Water 0,5lt/person

✔ Dry bags

✔ Taxes

Not Included

Transportation The cost for the transfer is 10 euros/person from Naxos Town and 15 euros from Agios Prokopis, Agia Anna, Plaka and Kastraki for a round trip.

Essentials

✔ Any medication you follow

✔ Sunglasses

✔ Sun cream

✔ Towel

✔ Swimsuit

✔ Beach shoes or athletics that you don’t mind to get wet

✔ Spare dry clothes

Participants

Minimum: 2 participants

Useful

All tours are weather dependent so paddling locations and meeting points may vary. We reserve the right to cancel or modify all activities accordingly.

Feel free to bring any camera or other electronics if waterproof or covered with dry bags, dry case.

Private trips can be organised upon request.

 

  • Destination

  • Departure

    Saint John's Beach, Chora Naxos
  • Departure Time

    Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM.
  • Return Time

    Approximately 8:30 PM.
  • Dress Code

    Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket.