Small Group: Naxos Village Life Tour with Tastings and Lunch at a Shepherd’s Hut

Agiassos Area

Duration: 5 hours

Price

€110.00 Per adult
€70.00 Per child (5-11 years old)

‍

The Experience

Join this small group tour and have an insider’s look to Naxos local life beyond tourism. Start your day as a Greek at a traditional “kafeneio” in an unspoiled village of 100 residents. Finish at a local “mitato” (shepherd’s hut), where you will meet the owner, learn about the rural daily life and enjoy a light lunch of fresh garden products.
You will start your day with a visit to a serene, unspoiled village and gather at the “kafeneio” (-traditional village cafe), exactly as the locals do. You will sit together with the owner as old friends, exchange life experiences and learn about the great significance of the “kafeneio” in the village’s life while enjoying a typical Greek morning treat of coffee and spoon-sweet.
Following the road towards the heart of the mainland, you will pass through Potamia valley and Tragea before you reach the tiny village of Damalas. Meet a third generation potter, who will talk to you about his work and make a short demonstration on his potter mill for you.
Finish your day at a traditional “mitato”-meaning a local shepherd’s hut. You will walk by its gardens, smell local herbs and learn about their benefits and of course interact with lovely farm animals. The day will end with everybody around the family table, enjoying a meal made of fresh farm products along with house wine and exchanging stories with your new friends.
A tour dedicated to introduce the “real” Naxos and show how life and tradition goes on besides tourism. Ideal for all ages!

Highlights:
Visit unspoiled, beautiful, off the beaten path villages
Meet locals and get acquainted to the world famous Greek hospitality
Live the “Village kafeneio” experience, relax and make new friends
Taste local goods like olive oil, cheese, fresh vegetables and wine
Savour an authentic Greek lunch at a shepherd hut and interact with farm animals

Private luxury Mercedes mini bus Rental with a Driver – 8 Hours

Air-conditioned Mercedes Mini Bus for 8 hours (anytime between 07.00-20.00)

‍

THE TOUR:

Make the most of your time in Naxos and rent a private air-conditioned mini bus with a professional English-speaking driver.
Experience the island according to your own interests and benefit from pick-up at the place of your choice.
Choose from multiple activities, such as taking in the views from lookout points, visit wineries and farms or relax in one of the amazing hidden beaches.
Take your time to explore the island’s nature and admire unique sights as Demeter’s Temple, Kouros and Kori statues, Venetian Towers and Byzantine chapels.
Visit places that you can only reach privately and taste delicious local dishes in small non-commercial taverns.
Benefit from insights and ideas about activities you can try on your own.

CONDITIONS:

If your pick up is Naxos Port, you need to provide your boat arrival details upon booking.
Refunds will not be issued if the tour is missed due to late or non-arrival of your boat
The driver will deny driving through dirt roads in bad condition and places that could be a risk to the passengers’ safety or cause damage to the vehicle.
Any extra time of holding the vehicle on disposal further to the initial booking, is charged with 50€ / hour and is paid directly to the driver in cash.

Damalas pottery in Naxos

Naxos Mainland Villages Bus Tour with a swimming stop at Pyrgaki Beach

Naxos Town (Port) – Melanes (Kouros Statue)- Kinidaros – Panagia Drossiani – Filoti – Damalas – Pyrgaki – Naxos Town (Port)

Departure: 09:30
Return: 17:30
Runs on: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Duration: 8 hours
Guided in English and Greek

Children up to 8 years old may join us for free.
From 8 up to 13 years old: 50% discount.

‍

THE TOUR:

Enjoy a relaxing tour through central Naxos, visit traditional villages, admire great monuments and finish your day at the unspoiled, exotic beach of Pyrgaki.

Departing from Naxos Town, first stop is Melanes. In Flerio you will meet the famous “Kouros”, one of the most striking examples of Naxian art.

Then follows the village of Kinidaros where you will make a short stop to photo-shoot the famous marble quarries of Naxos.

Continue your tour to one of the oldest monasteries of Byzantine Balkans, Panagia Drosiani. An exquisite sample of Byzantine architecture embroidered with unique frescoes that will amaze you.

Stretching amphitheatrically on the slopes of two hills at the foot of Mount Zas, stands Filoti, the largest village of Naxos and Cyclades. Here you will visit its central church and learn the touching story of its construction. Then, have some free time to stroll among its neighborhoods and small shops of local products.

After departing from Filoti and going through the beautiful plain of Tragaia, you reach the small picturesque village of Damalas with the renovated traditional olive press and the pottery workshop.

Last stop will be Pyrgaki Beach. Drive through the famous cedar forest to end up at an exotic sandy beach on the southwest coast. Here you will have free time for swimming and lunch.

Naxos Off the Beaten Track Nature and Culture Tour

Sagri, Halki, Sifones, Moni, Agiassos areas

Duration: 5 hours

Price

From €65.00
Price varies depending on number of participants.
Click “Book Now” button to check the exact cost.
‍

The Experience

A unique, relaxed “walk and drive” tour, that avoids the crowds and focuses on nature, local life and tradition.

You will be picked up from your hotel and drive directly to the center of the island. Here, near the foot of Apalirou Castle, you will meet your guide and begin a short walk to a hidden ancient olive grove. Trees dated 5000 years old, a water spring, a tiny Byzantine Church and stories about the region, the Castle, and its role in the island’s history.

Drive to Halki, the old commercial center of the island and take a relaxed, circular walk around the village. Easy going on tracks through old olive and oak groves, with great views to the mountains. Visit half deserted villages and tiny churches- treasures of the island’s Byzantine heritage. Visit Vallindras Venetian mansion that houses the family’s “kitron” distillery and finish your walk at the village’s most traditional café, where you can have a coffee or refreshment and taste the best galaktoboureko on the island!

Driving up to the mountain of Fanari, you will reach Stavros Keramotis, an amazing spot for pictures that offers uninterrupted sea views to both sides of the island! On the way down, stop to explore the abandoned village of Sifones. Look into its spooky old houses and hear stories and legends about its mysterious history.

Your last stop will be Moni, an unspoiled mountain village where you can enjoy a traditional lunch at a small family taverna and a stroll around before heading back to Town.

Additional Information

This is a tour with easy walking parts.
Please wear weather appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.

Naxos Highlights Bus Tour with a swimming stop at Apollonas Village

Naxos Town (Port) – Ancient Temple of Dimitra – Halki – Apiranthos – Apollon – Naxos Town (Port)

Departure: 09:30
Return: 17:30
Runs: Daily
Duration: 8 hours
Guided in English and Greek

Children up to 8 years old may join us for free.
From 8 up to 13 years old: 50% discount.

‍

The Tour:

You will be picked up from a central location near your hotel and head directly to the green valley of Gyroula. There you will visit the marble Temple erected for the worship of Goddess Demeter, which is one of the most important ancient monuments on the island.
At the small village of Damalas, Manolis will warmheartedly welcome you to his traditional pottery workshop and reveal ancient secrets of his art. At the restored olive press museum, you will learn everything about the old procedure of olive oil production.
Driving further in the heart of the hinterland you will reach Halki. A place of great architecture with many remarkable sights, such as the Byzantine church of Panagia Protothroni and the Venetian mansion that houses the citron distillery of “Vallindras”.
At the foot of mountain Fanari, Apeiranthos is waiting for you to prove its reputation as the most ambient village on the island. An amazing scenery of Venetian Towers, marbled alleys, cozy tavernas, verandas with amazing mountain views and traditional tiny shops with local products. Here you will make a short stop to stroll in the village and hear about its history and traditions.
Leaving Apeiranthos behind and driving past Koronos village and the famous emery mines, you will reach Apollonas. Here you will have some free time at the picturesque fishing village to swim and enjoy a meal.
Afterwards, you will visit the ancient marble quarries where you can admire an unfinished marble Kouros Statue of 11 meters, liying in the same spot for more than 2500 years.
You will return to the same place where you were picked up driving along the west coast, one of the most beautiful routes on the island with amazing sea views.

*On Tuesdays Demeter’s Temple is closed and instead you will have more free time in Apeiranthos Village

Pick up options:
08:45 from the main road in front of Plaza Beach Hotel
08:45 from the main road in front of Three Brothers Restaurant
08:45 from the main road in front of Aegean Land Hotel
08:45 from the main road in front of Yazoo Summer Bliss
08:50 from the main road in front of Maragkas Super Market
08:50 from the main road in front of Paradiso Tavern in Agia Anna
08:55 from the bus stop at Agia Anna Port
08:55 from Margariti’s Market at Agia Anna
08:55 from the bus stop in Agios Prokopios (in front of Nikos Bikes)
09:00 from the main road in front of Lagos Mare Hotel (Ag. Prokopios)
09:00 from the main road in front of Naxos Palace Hotel (Stelida)
09:00 from the main road in front of Kavouras Village Hotel (Stelida)
09:00 from the main road in front of Naxos Golden Sun Hotel (Stelida)
09:05 from the main road in front of Princess of Naxos Hotel
09:10 in front of SPAR-Koutelieris Supermarket (St George area)
09:10 in front of the entrance of Naxos Hospital (Naxos Town)
09:20 Naxos Bus Transfer Office, right outside Naxos Port – final meeting place

Know before you go:
This tour is not appropriate for people with mobility impairments.
The tour will take place rain or shine – small changes to the itinerary may apply in case of rough weather.
A big part of the trip is through winding, mountainous roads. Please carry travel sickness pills in case you feel uneasy.
The tour guide is not licensed and thus not allowed to guide you inside Demeter’s Temple. You will get all the information about the monument before you enter the gate.
You will arrive at Apollonas, where you will have free time for lunch, at approximately 2:00 PM. Make sure to eat breakfast before you start the activity.

Naxian Farm Experience with cooking class

Agiassos Area

Duration: 4 hours

Price

€400.00 Per guest (1 guest)
€250.00 Per guest (2 guests)
€210.00 Per guest (3 guests)
€180.00 Per guest (4 – 6 guests)
€150.00 Per guest (7+ guests)
‍

The Experience

Be farmers and shepherds for one day and experience the daily routine at a local “mitato” (Naxian farm). Be part of the family, help with the “chores”, cook and enjoy a great meal.
You will be picked up from your hotel and drive towards the center of the island. Giannis and Katerina will warmly welcome you to their farm, a land of 500 acres where their animals live happily and free.

You will be guided in the farm and introduced to typical daily routines of a farmer’s life. Your day will begin in Katerina’s kitchen. She will show you all her equipment and make you feel like home. Be her “sous-chef’ and learn her secrets for the ideal seasoning and baking in the traditional wood oven.

While waiting for your meal to be baked, you will help Giannis at his farm.

You will have the opportunity to interact with lovely animals like baby goats and lambs, chicken and of course the farm’s dog.

You will gather fruits and vegetables in season, collect eggs directly from the hen house and help Katerina to prepare a quick delicious brunch.

Work is not over before you make the cheese. Participate in the cheese making procedure and learn the secrets of the traditional recipes for the famous Naxian cheeses – kefalotyri and xinotyro.

Everything is done and in place, and it’s time for the family to gather around the table and enjoy the fruits of the day. An authentic Greek lunch is waiting for you to enjoy along with your new friends.

Private luxury Mercedes mini bus Rental with a Driver – 4 Hours

Air-conditioned Mercedes Mini Bus for 4 hours (anytime between 07.00-20.00)

‍

THE TOUR:

Make the most of your time in Naxos and rent a private air-conditioned mini bus with a professional English-speaking driver.
Experience the island according to your own interests and benefit from pick-up at the place of your choice.
Choose from multiple activities, such as taking in the views from lookout points, visit wineries and farms or relax in one of the amazing hidden beaches.
Take your time to explore the island’s nature and admire unique sights as Demeter’s Temple, Kouros and Kori statues, Venetian Towers and Byzantine chapels.
Visit places that you can only reach privately and taste delicious local dishes in small non-commercial taverns.
Benefit from insights and ideas about activities you can try on your own.

CONDITIONS:

If your pick up is Naxos Port, you need to provide your boat arrival details upon booking.
Refunds will not be issued if the tour is missed due to late or non-arrival of your boat
The driver will deny driving through dirt roads in bad condition and places that could be a risk to the passengers’ safety or cause damage to the vehicle.
Any extra time of holding the vehicle on disposal further to the initial booking, is charged with 50€ / hour and is paid directly to the driver in cash.