Kouros Apollonas
A colossal, unfinished marble statue from the 6th century BC, lying in its ancient quarry on Naxos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Kouros Apollonas
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, unfinished marble statue from the 6th century BC, lying in its ancient quarry on Naxos.
"A quick, free, and interesting stop with fantastic views and energy, worth the scenic drive."
🚗 Easy Access, No Tickets
No tickets needed! Park at the roadside pull-off and follow a short path. It's a quick, free, and interesting stop.
📸 Morning Light is Key
Visit in the morning for the best lighting on the statue. Afternoon can cast shadows, impacting photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Unfinished Giant
Apollonas Village
Marvel at this colossal, unfinished marble statue, a testament to ancient craftsmanship lying where it was carved.
Scenic Drive to Apollonas
Road to Apollonas Village
Enjoy breathtaking coastal vistas and winding mountain roads on your journey to this remote archaeological site.
Ancient Quarry Site
Adjacent to the Kouros
Explore the very spot where ancient sculptors sourced marble, feeling the energy of this historic quarry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Journey is Part of the Experience
Timing for the Best Light
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access, No Tickets
No tickets needed! Park at the roadside pull-off and follow a short path. It's a quick, free, and interesting stop.
📸 Morning Light is Key
Visit in the morning for the best lighting on the statue. Afternoon can cast shadows, impacting photos.
⛰️ Embrace the Scenic Drive
The drive to Apollonas is as stunning as the statue itself, with coastal and mountain views.
🚶♀️ Short Walk to the Giant
A brief 1-minute walk up some stairs leads you directly to the impressive Kouros statue.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access, No Tickets
No tickets needed! Park at the roadside pull-off and follow a short path. It's a quick, free, and interesting stop.
📸 Morning Light is Key
Visit in the morning for the best lighting on the statue. Afternoon can cast shadows, impacting photos.
⛰️ Embrace the Scenic Drive
The drive to Apollonas is as stunning as the statue itself, with coastal and mountain views.
🚶♀️ Short Walk to the Giant
A brief 1-minute walk up some stairs leads you directly to the impressive Kouros statue.
✨ Feel the Ancient Energy
Many visitors report a unique and powerful energy at the site, a combination of dramatic landscape and history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kouros of Apollonas to be an impressive and worthwhile stop, particularly for its unique historical significance and the stunning scenic drive to reach it. While the site itself is a quick visit, the journey and the powerful atmosphere of the ancient quarry make it a memorable experience for many.
"Quite the drive up from Naxos town (about an hour one way) to see this cool abandoned statue. Amazing scenic drive along the sea side and fun windy roads going up and down hill.
Short 1 minute walk up some stairs to see the statue with a great view of the coastal village as well."
j lai
"10 minutes. Interesting posted information. Best time for pictures, of the statue, is in the morning. In the shadows in the pm. Surrounding area is breathtaking so it's worth the drive"
simoninpalma
"Fantastic views and energy, both the very site where the ancients sourced marble to create sculpture, and the seaside. Dramatic yet appeasing, a unique combination."
Theleia Philia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kouros of Apollonas is located in the village of Apollonas on the northern tip of Naxos. The drive from Naxos Town takes approximately one hour and is quite scenic, featuring coastal roads and winding mountain paths. Renting a car or scooter is the most convenient way to reach it.
The drive involves winding roads, especially as you ascend into the hills. While generally manageable, it requires careful driving. The scenic beauty along the way is a significant part of the experience.
Public bus services on Naxos can be infrequent, especially to more remote villages like Apollonas. It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules, but renting a vehicle offers much more flexibility for reaching the Kouros.
Most visitors opt for a rental car or scooter for the journey to Apollonas. This allows for stops at viewpoints and flexibility in your schedule.
The drive from Naxos Town to Kouros Apollonas typically takes about an hour, depending on traffic and your driving speed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit the Kouros of Apollonas. It is an open-air archaeological site accessible to everyone.
The Kouros of Apollonas is an outdoor site and is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
The Kouros statue is freely accessible, and there is no admission fee. It's a wonderful example of a historical site that can be enjoyed without cost.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning, shortly after sunrise, or later in the afternoon before sunset. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Yes, there is a small pull-off area by the roadside where visitors can park their vehicles before walking up to the statue.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is in the morning when the sunlight illuminates the statue beautifully. In the afternoon, shadows can make photography more challenging.
The main viewing area offers excellent perspectives. You can also capture the statue with the surrounding landscape and the village in the background.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's always best to check local rules before flying. However, many visitors capture stunning aerial shots of the statue and its surroundings.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full scale of the statue and its environment. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or for capturing panoramic shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be respectful of the site and other visitors.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes at the Kouros site itself, as it's a quick stop. However, factor in the one-hour drive each way from Naxos Town.
The Kouros of Apollonas is a colossal, unfinished marble statue dating back to the 6th century BC. It's believed to be either a depiction of Apollo or Dionysus and was abandoned due to a crack during its creation. 
It's a remarkable example of ancient Greek sculpture, showcasing the scale and ambition of artists from that era. Its unfinished state offers a unique glimpse into the carving process.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or shops directly at the Kouros site. You'll find these amenities in Apollonas village or back in Naxos Town.
Many visitors describe a powerful and unique energy at the site, attributing it to the combination of the ancient sculpture, the quarry, and the dramatic landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific child-focused amenities, the open space around the statue allows for exploration. The scenic drive to Apollonas can also be an enjoyable part of the trip, with opportunities to point out interesting sights along the way. Pack snacks and water, as facilities are limited at the site itself.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Rent a car or scooter and dedicate a good portion of your day to this excursion. The drive itself is a significant part of the attraction, offering numerous photo opportunities and a true sense of island exploration. Combine it with a visit to Apollonas village for a complete northern Naxos experience.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles to highlight its colossal size against the backdrop of the Naxian landscape. The surrounding quarry also offers interesting textures and perspectives. Remember to check local drone regulations if you plan to capture aerial footage for truly breathtaking shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colossal Kouros: A Glimpse into Ancient Craftsmanship
+2Visitors often remark on the sheer scale of the statue and the surreal experience of seeing it in its original quarry setting. The raw marble and the visible tool marks tell a story of an interrupted masterpiece. The energy of the place is frequently mentioned, with many feeling a profound connection to the past.
While often referred to as a 'Kouros' (a statue of a young male), some evidence suggests it might not strictly fit the typical Kouros form, which usually has arms attached to the torso and one leg forward. Regardless of precise classification, its impact as a colossal ancient artwork remains undeniable.
The Journey: Scenic Drives and Coastal Views
Be prepared for winding roads, which add to the adventure but require attentive driving. The journey takes approximately one hour, allowing ample time to soak in the views and appreciate the island's natural charm. Many travelers find the drive to be a welcome contrast to the more tourist-heavy areas, offering a sense of discovery and tranquility.
Upon arrival in Apollonas village, the statue is easily accessible via a short walk from a roadside parking area. The combination of the impressive ancient sculpture and the breathtaking natural surroundings makes the entire excursion highly rewarding.
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