PORTARA: The Portara stands on Palatia, which was once a hill but is now a separate little island connected to Naxos by a causeway. (The Mediterranean has risen significantly since ancient times). The Portara is the entrance to an unfinished temple that faces directly toward Delos, Apollo's birthplace. For this reason most scholars believe it was dedicated to Apollo, but some think it was built in honour of Dionysus, who was worshipped on Naxos Island. BOURGOS: The area called The Bourgos is where the Greeks lived when the Venetians controlled the town and its winding streets are full of restaurants and shops. ZEUS CAVE: The Cave of Zeus is a large and dark cave is of great historical significance, being said to have been the actual birthplace of Zeus, the Greek king of the gods. KOUROS STATUE: These remarkable statues can be seen at Melanes and Apollonas. APIRANTHOS: This charming mountain village is situated precariously on a hilltop with a beautiful name meaning “plenty of flowers”. The houses are built in Venetian architecture made with fine marble. Sights are the Venetian Tower and the church of Panagia Aperathissa, which is one of the oldest of the island.
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