Naxos: Highlights Full-Day Tour by Bus
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Transport Access
History
Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, was the center of archaic culture in the 7th century BCE, birthplace of the iconic marble Kouroi statues. The Temple of Demeter, built in 530 BCE, honors the goddess of harvest using rare local marble and early Ionic architecture.
Venetian rule from 1207 left fortified towers and neoclassical mansions in villages like Chalkio. Apeiranthos, settled by Cretan refugees, preserves marble-paved alleys and a dialect laced with Byzantine roots. Ancient olive presses and pottery traditions still thrive in Damalas, connecting modern life to millennia-old crafts.
Highlights
- Explore the restored 530 BCE Temple of Demeter and on-site museum
- Watch live pottery and olive oil demonstrations in Damalas
- Wander neoclassical Chalkio with citron distillery visit
- Stroll marble streets of mountain village Apeiranthos
- Swim and relax in coastal Apollonas beside the giant Kouros statue
Full Description
Begin with convenient pickup and head inland to the fertile Tragea Valley. Visit the impeccably restored Temple of Demeter, a white marble jewel from 530 BCE, and its adjacent museum showcasing ancient agricultural tools.
Continue to tiny Damalas for an authentic pottery workshop demo—watch clay spun on a foot-powered wheel—followed by a tour of a restored 19th-century olive press. In elegant Chalkio, sip citron liqueur at the historic Vallindras Distillery and admire pastel mansions.
Ascend to Apeiranthos, the “marble village,” for 90 minutes of lunch and exploration among arched alleys and Venetian towers. Descend north to Apollonas for a 50-minute beach break beside the 10.5-meter unfinished Kouros statue. A final photo stop at the colossal figure completes your loop back to Chora.
Why Choose This Experience?
This immersive full-day journey reveals Naxos beyond the beaches, blending ancient temples, living crafts, and mountain villages in one efficient route. Bilingual guides breathe life into every stop, while air-conditioned buses navigate winding roads you’d never tackle alone.
From archaeological wonders to local flavors and seaside relaxation, it’s the ultimate introduction to authentic Cycladic culture—perfect for history buffs, photographers, and anyone craving the island’s rugged interior.
What’s Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned bus transportation
- Professional English & Greek-speaking guide
- 35-minute visit to Temple of Demeter site
- Pottery demonstration in Damalas
- Olive press tour with tasting
- Guided walk in Chalkio with citron distillery entry
- 90-minute lunch stop in Apeiranthos
- 50-minute beach break in Apollonas
- Photo stop at Apollonas Kouros statue
- All taxes and fuel surcharges
- Small group experience (max 20–25 passengers)
Itinerary
- Pickup from 26 locations across Naxos (morning)
- Drive to Tragea Valley (35 minutes)
- Temple of Demeter & museum (35 minutes, €5 entry)
- Damalas pottery + olive press demo (45 minutes)
- Chalkio village walk & distillery (40 minutes, €3 entry)
- Apeiranthos marble village + lunch (90 minutes)
- Apollonas beach relaxation (50 minutes)
- Kouros statue guided photo stop (15 minutes)
- Return to original pickup point (55 minutes)
Pricing
From $41 per person
Meeting Point
Pickup included from 26 locations: Naxos Palace Hotel, Naxos General Hospital, Lagos Mare Hotel, Plaka Beach, Alpha Bank, Hertz Rent a Car, Super Market Koutelieris (Agios Prokopios), and more. Wait at station 10 minutes early.
How to get there
- Complimentary pickup from 26 designated points island-wide
- Air-conditioned coach with professional driver
- Northern hotels (Apollonas area) may join en route
- Drop-off at same 26 locations
- No self-drive option—full guided transfer
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones & gravel)
- Sun hat & sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear & towel (Apollonas beach)
- Cash for entries (€5 Demeter + €3 distillery), lunch, souvenirs
- Light jacket (mountain breezes)
- Camera & charged phone
Know before you go
- €8 total entry fees not included (cash only)
- Tuesdays: Demeter closed—visit Belonia Tower & Panagia Drosiani instead
- No food/drinks allowed in vehicle
- Lunch in Apeiranthos (~€12–18); Saturday variation: 60 min Apeiranthos, 75 min Apollonas
- Moderate walking on uneven surfaces
- Assistance dogs only
Reviews
- Joseph was a brilliant guide—witty, passionate, and full of stories. The driver conquered impossible roads like a pro. A perfect deep dive into Naxos!
- Stunning scenery far from the coast. Vicky’s enthusiasm was infectious, and lunch overlooking the valley was magical. Stefan earned every star on those bends!
- Jacob made history come alive—from ancient temples to wild herbs. Covered so much ground comfortably. A must for anyone visiting Naxos.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No—the €5 cash fee for the Temple of Demeter (which includes full access to the archaeological site and on-site museum with artifacts like ancient farming tools) and €3 cash for the Vallindras Citron Distillery in Chalkio (featuring a guided tasting of three liqueurs and a walk through the historic production area) are paid directly on arrival. These fees directly fund site maintenance and family-run businesses. The pottery workshop and olive press demonstrations in Damalas are completely free and include hands-on interaction with the artisans. Lunch in Apeiranthos typically costs €12–18 per person for authentic dishes like roasted goat, Naxian cheese platters, or stuffed zucchini flowers. Bring at least €30–40 in small euro notes and coins, as ATMs are only available in Chora before departure and none of the rural sites accept cards.
What happens on Tuesdays when Demeter Temple is closed?
On Tuesdays, the itinerary adapts seamlessly to two equally captivating alternatives within the same Tragea Valley timeframe. First, you’ll visit the 16th-century Belonia Tower, a rare Venetian fortified mansion with intact stone arches, panoramic valley views, and exhibits on medieval island defense—no entry fee. Then, just 5 minutes away, explore Panagia Drosiani, one of the Balkans’ oldest Byzantine churches (4th–6th century AD), featuring rare early Christian frescoes of saints and geometric patterns visible under natural light. Both sites are exclusive to this substitution and often praised by repeat visitors for their serene atmosphere. The rest of the day—Damalas, Chalkio, Apeiranthos, and Apollonas—proceeds exactly as scheduled with no reduction in quality or duration.
Is lunch provided or should I bring food?
Lunch is not included but scheduled for a generous 90 minutes in the heart of Apeiranthos, where five family-run tavernas offer shaded tables with mountain or valley views. Popular choices include Taverna Lefteris (roast lamb with lemon potatoes, €14) or To Steki (vegetarian gemista—stuffed tomatoes, €10). On Saturdays only, the lunch stop shifts to Apollonas for 75 minutes of seaside dining—try grilled octopus at Kavouri Restaurant (€16) with your feet in the sand. Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets are easily accommodated with advance notice to the guide. You may bring sealed snacks for the bus (eaten discreetly outside), but no food or drinks are permitted inside the vehicle per hygiene rules. Complimentary bottled water is provided at each major stop.
How strenuous is the walking involved?
The tour involves light to moderate walking totaling under 3 km across the day, broken into short, manageable segments with frequent shaded rest stops. In Chalkio and Apeiranthos, you’ll navigate smooth marble cobblestones and gentle inclines—similar to European old towns. The Temple of Demeter has a 200-meter gravel path with a slight uphill gradient; benches are available. Apollonas beach features fine pebbles with gradual water entry—water shoes are ideal. Wear closed-toe athletic or sturdy walking shoes; flip-flops are unsafe and prohibited at archaeological zones. The guide adjusts pacing for all fitness levels and offers alternatives (e.g., café seating) for anyone needing breaks. Not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or severe mobility impairments due to steps, uneven surfaces, and lack of ramps.
Can children join and are there discounts?
Children of all ages are welcome when accompanied by an adult, making this a popular family choice. Infants (0–3 years) travel free on a parent’s lap with no seat reservation required. Children aged 4–11 receive no official discount but often enjoy reduced museum entries (€2.50 at Demeter). The content is engaging for kids: they love spinning clay at the pottery demo, tasting sweet citron syrup, and climbing around the giant Kouros statue like a playground. Swimming at Apollonas is shallow and calm. No car seats are provided—bring your own if needed. Unaccompanied minors are strictly not allowed for safety. The bus has seatbelts throughout; motion sickness is rare on inland routes but tablets are advised for sensitive travelers.
