Naxos: Highlights Bus Tour with Free Time for Lunch and Swim
Hightlight
-
English-Speaking
-
Group-Friendly
-
Reservations
-
Transport Access
History
Naxos, the green heart of the Cyclades, was a major marble exporter in antiquity, supplying statues and temples across Greece. The unfinished 11-meter Kouros of Apollonas, abandoned around 600 BCE due to a flaw, testifies to the island’s quarrying prowess. The 6th-century BCE Temple of Demeter in Gyroula valley is a rare intact Ionic structure, rebuilt in the 1990s using original marble.
From 1207, Venetian rule under Marco Sanudo left fortified towers and neoclassical mansions in mountain villages like Chalki and Apeiranthos. These highland settlements preserved Byzantine churches, Ottoman influences, and a dialect closer to Cretan than mainland Greek, creating a cultural mosaic unique in the Cyclades.
Highlights
- Explore the restored 6th-century BCE marble Temple of Demeter
- Watch olive oil pressing and pottery shaping in Damalas workshops
- Stroll Chalki’s Venetian lanes and historic Vallindras citron distillery
- Savor mountain cuisine in marble-paved Apeiranthos with 90 minutes free
- Swim in turquoise Apollonas Bay with changing facilities
- Photograph the colossal unfinished Kouros statue in ancient quarries
Full Description
Begin with convenient pickup and wind through olive groves to Gyroula valley. At the Temple of Demeter, your guide delivers historical context before you enter the serene marble sanctuary—its columns gleaming against green fields.
In tiny Damalas, step inside a restored 19th-century olive press where wooden beams still crush olives, then watch a third-generation potter spin clay on a foot-powered wheel. In Chalki, wander past pastel mansions and the 1896 Vallindras distillery (citron liqueur optional).
Apeiranthos offers 90 minutes to climb marbled alleys, photograph two-story houses with wooden balconies, and dine on local “rosto” pork or “kalogiros” lamb. Drive past emery mines to coastal Apollonas for a 45-minute beach dip, then visit the giant reclining Kouros under olive trees. The return route hugs the west coast with sweeping sea vistas.
Why Choose This Experience?
This curated loop reveals Naxos’ archaeological, artisanal, and village essence without self-navigating treacherous mountain roads. Guided insights at key sites blend with generous free time for authentic meals, swims, and shopping.
Ideal for first-time visitors, families, or anyone seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed island overview—balancing ancient wonders, local crafts, and Cycladic seaside charm in one seamless day.
What’s Included
- Round-trip luxury air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi and USB ports
- Pickup/drop-off from 18 designated Naxos locations
- Greek/English-speaking experienced local guide
- Professional driver skilled in mountain routes
- Guided context at Temple of Demeter, olive mill, pottery workshop
- Free time in Chalki (45 min), Apeiranthos (1.5 hours), Apollonas (45 min)
- Beach access with changing booths and showers
- Digital village maps and dining recommendations
- Bottled water, cold towels (summer), motion sickness bags
- All taxes, fuel, and road tolls
Itinerary
- Pickup from your area (8:35–9:10 AM)
- Drive to Gyroula valley (30 min)
- Temple of Demeter: Pre-tour briefing + self-guided visit (40 min)
- Transfer to Damalas (15 min)
- Olive mill demonstration (15 min)
- Pottery workshop visit (15 min)
- Drive to Chalki (10 min)
- Chalki: Independent exploration (45 min)
- Transfer to Apeiranthos (25 min)
- Apeiranthos: Lunch, shopping, photos (1.5 hours)
- Scenic drive via Koronos mines to Apollonas (75 min)
- Apollonas: Beach swim & relax (45 min)
- Apollonas Kouros: Guided photo stop (15 min)
- Coastal return to drop-off points (60 min)
Pricing
From $35 per person
Meeting Point
Direct pickup from your accommodation area:
- Plaka Beach bus stop: 8:35 AM
- Maragkas/Agia Anna: 8:40 AM
- Ag. Prokopios Beach: 8:45 AM
- Stelida main road: 8:50 AM
- St. George (Koutelieris Supermarket): 8:55 AM
- Naxos Port (Bus Transfer Office): 9:10 AM Full schedule confirmed 24h prior.
How to get there
- Included area pickup (wait 10 min early)
- Taxi to nearest stop if outside zone (~€10–15)
- Walk from Ag. Prokopios/St. George hotels (2–5 min)
- Public bus to Naxos Port then join at 9:10 AM
Good to Know
What to bring
- Swimwear, quick-dry towel, flip-flops
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes (temple steps, quarry path)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Camera or waterproof phone case
- Light jacket or scarf (mountain wind)
- €30–40 cash (lunch, distillery, entry)
- Reusable water bottle (refill stations)
- Motion sickness medication (winding roads)
Know before you go
- Temple of Demeter closed Tuesdays – extra time in Chalki/Apeiranthos
- Demeter entry: €4 cash (guide briefs outside)
- Lunch self-paid (~€12–18) – reserve via guide if needed
- Apollonas beach: sunbeds €8, showers free
- Kouros: 5-min uphill gravel walk
- Toilets at Chalki, Apeiranthos, Apollonas
- Tour operates rain or shine – ponchos provided if needed
Reviews
- Covered the whole island! Guide’s stories were engaging, pottery demo fascinating, swim perfect. Loved it!
- Fantastic day—driver mastered the curves, guide’s knowledge spot-on. Authentic villages, stunning Kouros.
- Excellent tour! Quaint, real Greek culture. Best excursion in 6 weeks across Europe.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What happens if the Temple of Demeter is closed on Tuesday?
When the Temple of Demeter is closed (every Tuesday), the tour seamlessly extends free time in the nearby villages of Chalki and Apeiranthos to maintain the full 8-hour experience. You’ll gain an additional 20 minutes in Chalki—perfect for visiting the Vallindras distillery (1896), tasting citron liqueur (€2–3), exploring ceramic galleries, or relaxing in the shaded square with a Greek coffee. In Apeiranthos, the extra 20 minutes allows deeper exploration of the marbled alleys, a visit to the small archaeological museum (€3), or more time photographing the Venetian towers and traditional houses with wooden balconies. The guide adjusts the schedule on the bus, ensuring no rush and full value. The temple’s exterior and surrounding valley remain photogenic even when gates are locked.
How much free time do I really have for lunch in Apeiranthos?
You’ll enjoy a generous 1.5 hours of independent time in Apeiranthos—more than enough for a leisurely taverna lunch, dessert, and village exploration. Arriving around 11:30 AM, you can secure a table at a family-run spot like “To Steki tou Gounari” or “Lefteris” and savor local specialties: “rosto” (slow-cooked pork in tomato sauce), “kalogiros” (lamb with eggplant and cheese), or vegetarian “gemista” (stuffed tomatoes). Meals average €12–15 with wine. After eating, stroll the marble-paved alleys, photograph the 14th-century Apano Kastro tower, browse handmade textiles and mountain honey shops, or climb to the small folklore museum. The guide provides a map, recommends tavernas, and can reserve tables. Re-group at the bus by 1:00 PM—plenty of buffer to avoid stress.
Is the swimming stop at Apollonas suitable for non-swimmers or children?
Absolutely—Apollonas Bay features a gentle sandy/pebbly beach with shallow, crystal-clear water that gradually deepens, making it ideal for children and non-swimmers. The 45-minute stop (arriving ~2:30 PM) allows a safe paddle, sandcastle building, or simply relaxing on sunbeds (€8 with umbrella). Public changing booths, outdoor showers, and restrooms are steps from the waterfront. Cafés line the promenade for ice cream or freddo cappuccino. The guide watches bags and assists families. Life jackets can be rented locally. For stronger swimmers, the water is calm with small fish visible near rocks. The beach is rarely crowded, offering a peaceful Cycladic vibe. Non-swimmers can enjoy the seaside atmosphere without entering the water.
Are the mountain roads safe, and what about motion sickness?
The mountain roads are narrow and winding but well-paved and regularly maintained. Your professional driver has years of experience navigating Naxos’ interior routes, driving at a controlled speed with frequent straight sections for relief. The luxury bus is equipped with air-conditioning, large windows, and reclining seats. Total winding time is approximately 2.5 hours spread across the day. Motion sickness bags and bottled water are provided. Sensitive passengers should take over-the-counter tablets (available at Naxos pharmacies) 30 minutes before pickup. The guide pauses for fresh air if needed. Coastal return is smooth. Families with young children report no issues.
Can I buy local products like citron liqueur or pottery during the tour?
Yes—multiple stops are designed for authentic shopping. In Chalki (45 min), the Vallindras distillery offers citron liqueur bottles (€10–15) and free tastings. Nearby ceramic galleries sell hand-painted plates and vases. In Damalas, the pottery workshop allows purchases of unique clay pieces directly from the artisan (€15–50). Apeiranthos (1.5 hours) has textile shops with handwoven rugs, mountain honey, and herbal teas. Prices are fair—bargaining is not customary. The guide highlights best shops and can translate. Most accept cards; bring €30–50 cash for smaller vendors. Items are carefully packed for the bus ride home.
