Excursions

Naxos Town (Port) – Temple of Demeter or Kouros Statue – Apeiranthos – Filoti – Chalki – Naxos Town (Port)

Departure: 10:00
Return: 16:30
Runs: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Duration: 6,5 hours
Guided in English and Greek

Children up to 4 years old may join us for free.
From 5 up to 12 years old: 50% discount.

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The Tour:

Experience the very best of Naxos on a journey through the island’s most iconic sights and villages. This carefully designed excursion combines a visit to the Temple of Demeter, one of Naxos’ most remarkable ancient monuments, with three of the island’s most popular and picturesque villages: Apiranthos, Filoti and Chalki.

Ideal for those who want to experience the authentic side of Naxos in just half a day, this journey takes you from ancient temples and marble-paved alleys to lively village squares, traditional tavernas and authentic local flavours. It offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the island’s rich heritage and timeless character beyond its famous beaches.

Temple of Demeter or Kouros Statue in Flerio – Must-See Ancient Monuments

Your journey begins at the Temple of Demeter, one of the most important archaeological sites on Naxos and a true highlight for anyone interested in the island’s ancient history.
Dating back to the 6th century BC, the temple was dedicated to Demeter, the ancient Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility. Surrounded by the peaceful landscape of the island’s fertile interior, the temple offers a fascinating glimpse into Naxos’ ancient past and provides a unique connection between the island’s natural environment, mythology and history.
Take your time to explore the archaeological site and admire the elegant marble remains before continuing towards the mountains of Naxos.
The Temple of Demeter is closed on Tuesdays and on May 1st. On these days, the itinerary includes a visit to the Kouros Statue in the Flerio area instead.

Apiranthos – The Marble Village of Naxos

Leaving the Temple of Demeter behind, you will travel through the mountainous interior of the island, passing Filoti and the imposing slopes of Mount Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades, before reaching Apiranthos.
Often regarded as the most beautiful mountain village in Naxos, Apiranthos is a place unlike anywhere else on the island. Built almost entirely from local marble, the village is renowned for its narrow stone-paved streets, traditional houses, Venetian architectural details and authentic mountain atmosphere.
Enjoy approximately one hour of free time to wander through its picturesque alleys, discover local shops and traditional products, or simply relax at one of its charming cafés while taking in the unique character of this beautiful village.

Filoti – Life in the Heart of the Mountains

Your journey continues to Filoti, the largest mountain village of the Cyclades, beautifully situated at the foot of Mount Zas.
Here, you will step into the heart of traditional village life as you explore the lively central square, shaded by centuries-old plane trees where locals still gather for coffee and conversation, just as they have done for generations.
During your guided walk, you will visit the village’s impressive church and continue through the charming Fasolas neighbourhood, once the commercial heart of Filoti during the early 20th century.
As you stroll past traditional stone houses, the Venetian Tower and old family-run workshops, you will discover traces of a bygone era while hearing stories that bring Filoti’s history, traditions and everyday life to life.
Following the guided walk, enjoy free time for lunch at your leisure in one of the village’s traditional tavernas. This is the perfect opportunity to taste authentic Naxian flavours and enjoy a relaxed meal in the heart of the mountains.

Chalki – A Taste of Elegant Naxian Tradition

Make a final stop in Chalki, one of the most charming and elegant villages of Naxos and a former commercial centre of the island.
With its neoclassical buildings, traditional shops, quiet streets and welcoming atmosphere, Chalki offers a wonderful contrast to the mountainous character of Apiranthos and Filoti.
Enjoy approximately one hour of free time to explore the village at your own pace. Browse the local shops for Naxian products and souvenirs, admire the beautiful architecture, or simply sit at one of the cafés and enjoy a traditional sweet or a coffee in the relaxed atmosphere of the village.
For those interested in discovering one of Naxos’ most characteristic local products, there is also the optional opportunity to visit a traditional citron distillery. The visit is available for an additional entrance fee of €3 per person, offering an insight into the production of Kitron, the distinctive citrus liqueur traditionally produced in Naxos.

A Scenic Return by the Sea

On your return journey, you’ll follow the scenic coastal road, passing by two of Naxos’ most famous beaches, Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios. If you’d like to extend your Naxian experience, you can choose to be dropped off at either beach instead of returning to your original drop-off point, allowing you to go straight from the tour to the crystal-clear waters and golden sands of Naxos for a relaxing swim.

 

Pick up options:
09:15 from the main road in front of Plaza Beach Hotel
09:15 from the main road in front of Nikos & Maria Restaurant
09:15 from the main road in front of Three Brothers Restaurant
09:15 from the main road in front of Maragkas Super Market
09:15 from the main road in front of Paradiso Tavern in Agia Anna
09:15 from the bus stop at Agia Anna Port
09:20 from Margaritis Market at Agia Anna
09:20 from the bus stop in Agios Prokopios (in front of Nikos Restaurant)
09:25 from the main road in front of Lagos Mare Hotel (Ag. Prokopios)
09:30 from the main road in front of Naxos Palace Hotel (Stelida)
09:30 from the main road in front of Kavouras Village Hotel (Stelida)
09:30 from the main road in front of Naxos Golden Sun Hotel (Stelida)
09:35 from the main road in front of Naxos Camping (Laguna area)
09:35 from the main road in front of Princess of Naxos Hotel
09:40 in front of Koutelieris Supermarket – opposite Porto Naxos Hotel (St George area)
09:40 in front of the entrance of Naxos Hospital (Naxos Town)
09:45 on the main road in front of Naxos Green Village Hotel
09:45 Naxos Bus Transfer Office, right outside Naxos Port – final meeting place

Know before you go:
The Temple of Demeter is closed on Tuesdays and on May 1st. On these days, the itinerary includes a visit to the Kouros Statue in the Flerio area instead.
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
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 involves walking through villages and archaeological sites, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
If you’d like to make the most of your day in Naxos, don’t forget to bring your swimwear. At the end of the tour, you can choose to be dropped off at one of the island’s most famous beaches, Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna, and enjoy some time by the sea.
During the spring and autumn months, temperatures in the mountain villages can be 4–5°C lower than along the coast. We recommend bringing a light jacket to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the tour.

Naxos Town (Port) – Ancient Temple of Demeter- Kaloxylos – Apeiranthos – Chalki  – Naxos Town (Port)

Departure: 10:00
Runs: Monday, Thursday, Saturday
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Guided in English
Small group tour – up to 16 participants
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THE TOUR:

Explore Naxos on a small group tour. Visit the Temple of Demeter, explore charming villages and taste local products.

Meet your guide and head to the Temple of Demeter, the most significant sight in Naxos. Hear about the history of the monument and the myth regarding the goddess it is devoted to. Enjoy free time to visit the on-site museum and take pictures.

Continue to Kaloxylos, a serene village with 50 residents. Visit a historical building that houses the island’s first electric company and its first-ever olive press. Sample some extra virgin olive oil and explore the quaint alleys of the village..

Next, drive through the village of Filoti and past the legendary Mount Zas before reaching Apiranthos, also known as “the marble village.” Discover narrow, marble-paved streets with archways, magnificent Venetian towers, and two-story stone houses with unique architectural characteristics. Enjoy free time to have lunch here, and taste some of the local dishes, such as “rosto,” “kalogeros,” and the Naxian salad with fresh “xinomizithra” cheese.

Finally, head to Chalki, said to be one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. Stroll along cobbled pathways, admire colorful neoclassical buildings, and relax at taverns shaded by vine leaves and bougainvillea. Visit art galleries and charming gift shops, and taste the local liqueur “kitron” at the oldest distillery in Naxos.

 

Useful information:

You will have to climb steps and walk uphill in order to visit the Temple of Demeter
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 tour begins and ends right outside Naxos Port. You can book pickup/ drop-off transfer from your accommodation in Naxos Town, Stelida, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Maragkas, Plaka (furthest point Plaza Beach hotel) for an extra charge (10€/person)

Naxos Town (Port) – Ancient Temple of Demeter- Damalas – Chalki Village –  Panagia Drosiani – Kinidaros – Kouros (Melanes)  – Naxos Town (Port)

Departures: 08.30 and 13.15
Runs: Daily
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Guided in English and Greek

Children up to 4 years old may join us for free.
From 5 up to 12 years old: 50% discount.

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THE TOUR:

Go on a guided tour of the best sites in Naxos. Learn about the island’s history, visit iconic monuments, such as Demeter’s Temple and Panagia Drosiani and explore the villages of Damalas and Chalki.

Meet your guide at Naxos Bus Transfer Office, right outside Naxos Port and drive directly to your first stop, Demeter’s Temple. Admire the impressive restored sanctuary, take amazing pictures and visit the small on site museum.

Continue to the charming village of Damalas, a tiny community of about 100 residents nestled among the olive groves of Tragea. Here, local potter Manolis will welcome you into his workshop, demonstrate his traditional techniques on the wheel, and share the secrets of his craft.

Your next destination is Chalki, the island’s former capital and once its main commercial center. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to wander its colorful alleys, shop for unique handmade souvenirs, visit the historic Vallindras Kitron Distillery, or simply relax with a coffee in one of the village’s cozy cafés.

The tour continues through ancient olive groves toward Panagia Drosiani, a church of exceptional architectural significance dedicated to the Virgin Mary—considered one of the oldest in the Balkans. Make a brief stop for photos and, if the church is open, step inside to admire its remarkable frescoes.

Outside Kinidaros village you will make a short stop by the road to photoshoot the contemporary marble quarries before you reach Flerio valley. Walk through its lush gardens and meet the Kouros Statue, one of the most striking examples of Naxian marble art.

 

Useful information:

On Tuesdays and on May 1st, the Temple of Demeter is closed. On these days, the visit will be replaced with a stop at Filoti Village.
You will have to climb steps and walk uphill in order to visit the Temple of Demeter
The Demeter’s Temple closes early (noon) in case of predicted heat wave. In that case, the tour that departs in the afternoon (13.00) visits Filoti village instead of Demeter’s Temple.
The tour guide is not licensed and thus not allowed to guide you inside Demeter’s Temple and Panagia Drosiani Church. You will get all the information about the monuments before you enter.
This tour will take place rain or shine
The tour begins and ends right outside Naxos Port. Luggage storage is provided for the participants free of charge.
Pick up service is included only for the morning departure of 08.30. Drop-off is not included.

It is customary upon the visit to a church to donate a small amount of 1€-5€. These money are used for the operational costs of the church and many times for donations on behalf of the church to people/ families of the community that are in need.

This is a fast-paced sightseeing tour designed to maximize the number of places you can visit in a limited timeframe. As a result, there is no scheduled lunch break, and there will not be enough time for a full meal during the tour. We recommend having a hearty breakfast beforehand and bringing snacks if needed.

Pick up spots and times for the morning departure of 08.30

PLAKA BEACH

Plaza Beach Hotel – Main Road: 07.50
Plaka Camping: 07.50
3 Brothers Restaurant: 07.50
Yazoo Summer Bliss: 07.50

MARAGKAS

Maragkas Super Market: 07.50
Paradiso Tavern: 07.50

AGIA ANNA

Agia Anna Port: 07.55
Margaritis Market: 07.55

AG. PROKOPIOS

Nikos Restaurant: 07.55
Birikos Hotel: 07.55
Lagos Mare Hotel: 08.00

STELIDA

Naxian Emerald Hotel: 08.00
Lianos Village: 08.00
Naxos Palace Hotel: 08.00
Golden Sun Hotel: 08.00

NAXOS TOWN

Naxos Camping: 08.05
Princess of Naxos Hotel: 08.05
Koutelieris Supermarket (Porto Naxos Hotel): 08.10
Naxos Bus Transfer Office: 08.15

Naxos Town (Port) – Ancient Temple of Demeter- Damalas – Halki – Apiranthos – Apollon – Naxos Town (Port)

Departure: 09:15
Return: 17:15
Runs: Daily
Duration: 8 hours
Guided in English and Greek

Children up to 4 years old may join us for free.
From 5 up to 12 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.Continue to Chalki, an ancient commercial center and a place of beautiful Venetian architecture. You will have approximately 50’ free time to explore by yourselves. Don’t miss the oldest distillery of the island – Vallindras distillery – located right in the middle of the village, the sophisticated ceramic art galleries and the cozy shops with souvenirs and local products.

Next, make a long stop (approx. 90’) at the famous village of Apiranthos located at the foot of Fanari mountain. Admire the beautiful views of Venetian Towers, marbled alleys, cozy tavernas, verandas, and traditional shops. Here, you will have free time for lunch – great opportunity to taste the local recipes of “rosto” and “kalogiros”.

Driving past Koronos village and the famous emery mines, you will reach Apollonas. Get free time at the picturesque fishing village to go for a quick dip and enjoy a coffee or desert by the seaside. End your tour with a visit to the infamous “Kouros”, an unfinished marble Statue of 11 meters, lying in the same spot for more than 2500 years!

Drive along the west coast, one of the most beautiful routes on the island with an amazing view of the ocean, and be returned to your pickup point.

*On Tuesdays and on the 1st of May Demeter’s Temple is closed and instead you will have more free time in Apeiranthos Village

Pick up options:
08:35 from the main road in front of Plaza Beach Hotel
08:35 from the main road in front of Three Brothers Restaurant
08:35 from the main road in front of Aegean Land Hotel
08:35 from the main road in front of Yazoo Summer Bliss
08:40 from the main road in front of Maragkas Super Market
08:40 from the main road in front of Paradiso Tavern in Agia Anna
08:45 from the bus stop at Agia Anna Port
08:45 from Margariti’s Market at Agia Anna
08:45 from the bus stop in Agios Prokopios (in front of Nikos Restaurant)
08:50 from the main road in front of Lagos Mare Hotel (Ag. Prokopios)
08:50 from the main road in front of Naxos Palace Hotel (Stelida)
08:50 from the main road in front of Kavouras Village Hotel (Stelida)
08:50 from the main road in front of Naxos Golden Sun Hotel (Stelida)
08:55 from the main road in front of Princess of Naxos Hotel
09:00 in front of Koutelieris Supermarket – opposite Porto Naxos Hotel (St George area)
09:00 in front of the entrance of Naxos Hospital (Naxos Town)
09:10 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.
Changing booths and shower facilities are available at Apollonas beach