Naxos is an island with ancient history. The beginning of human activity on Naxos covered by the haze of mythology, but also found in the remains of the ancient culture. Traces of civilization have been found even from the Neolithic era and modern archaeological research in the area of ​​Stelida (opposite the town of Naxos) tend to shift the beginning of human presence on the island in the Neanderthal era. This opinion of course requires to be proved and the investigations are being continued.

The Cycladic figurines are astonishing examples of the first Greek and European culture. The existence of marble and skilled craftsmen contributed to the Naxos pioneer in subsequent seasons as the Archaic period onwards the statue of Nikandre (in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens), the kouros in the quarries of Flerio and also near the village called Apollonas on Naxos, the statues in the gallery of the lions on Delos, the sphinx of Naxos in the Delphi museum etc.

In church architecture he Naxians were precursors to technical marble that influenced the construction of the Athens Parthenon and other ancient temples.

Among the archaeological sites points out the temple of Apollo (Portara) up the hill near the harbor and the town of Naxos.

Other ancient temples with particular importance is the temple of Demeter at Sangri and the Temple of Dionysus in Iria Naxos (where religious worship is attested from ancient times until today). Also parts of the ancient aqueduct of Naxos in various areas of the island from the spring as far as to Hora. The ancient and modern monuments are scattered throughout the island. The ancient towers of Heimarros (at the area of Filoti) and Tripodes Plaka are important monuments, but also the medieval and newer towers are remarkable monuments. For towers we give special informtion at a special tribute.

 Another archaeological site there is in the square of Mitropolis of the Naxos Town area (near the sea area of ​​Grotta) that has now artificial roof (covered area) and called Epitopio Museum of Naxos. 

Yyou can visit the important Archaeological Museum of Naxos (at the city castle district) but for this and the other museums of the island there is special reference at the relevant page.

Archaeological sites (among the most important ones are the following:)

* Temple of Apollo ("Palatia" or "Portara", at Chora)

* Temple of Demeter at Sangri.  

* Temple of Dionysus at Iria Glinado.

* Kouros (and second kouros in the vicinity) at Flerio (rural 

* Kouros at Apollonas village.

area in the limits of the communities of Melanes and Potamia).

* Tower at Heimarros (Filoti area).

For Museums see the relevant section.