Naxos Town (or Hora) is the capital and main port of Naxos Island. It is a lively town with 8,000 inhabitants. It has tiny roads, alleys, archways and old houses, in and around the old Venetian Castle. North of the port, a pathway stretches out to the islet of Palatia and the unfinished Temple of Apollo (6th century BC). Portara, is the huge entrance (6 metres height, 3.5 metres width) to the temple that Naxos tyrant Lygdamis began building on Palatia Islet. Further north of Palatia (in Grotta) are remains from the Mycenaean period.
Naxos Old Town is divided into two neighbourhoods. Brougos, where the Greeks lived and the fortified Venetian Castle (or Kastro in Greek) was built under the rule of Marco Sanoudo on the top of a natural hill where the Acropolis of ancient era was. Only two of the seven original seven towers (those of Sanoudo and Glezos families) remain, although the North Gate survives and it is an excellent example of medieval fort entrance. The Venetian Catholic descendants still live in the old mansions which encircle the site. On a square is the Catholic Cathedral (13th century) dedicated to the Virgin.
Grotta area is located at the North of the town and offers beautiful view to the sea, Portara, the sunset and easy access to the Old Town.
Saint George is located at the south part of the town and offers a magnificent long sandy beach beach. Both Saint George Beach and Naxos Town make an excellent resort.