Discover the authentic heart of Naxos on a full-day journey through its charming villages, ancient landmarks and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
After pickup from a central location near your hotel, travel into the island's fertile countryside to visit the Temple of Demeter in Gyroula. Built entirely of Naxian marble, this remarkable sanctuary is one of the island's most important ancient monuments and offers a fascinating insight into the worship of the goddess Demeter.
Continue to the traditional village of Damalas, where you will explore a restored olive press museum and learn about the island's historic olive oil production. You will also visit the workshop of a fourth-generation potter, who will introduce you to a craft whose roots stretch back to ancient Greece.
Your next stop is the picturesque village of Chalkio, once the commercial center of Naxos. Stroll through its elegant Venetian architecture, browse local boutiques and artisan galleries or visit the renowned Vallindras Distillery, home of the island's famous citron liqueur. Enjoy approximately 50 minutes of free time to explore at your own pace.
The journey then continues to Apiranthos, one of the most beautiful mountain villages of Naxos. Known for its marble-paved alleys, Venetian towers, traditional houses and stunning mountain views, the village offers a truly authentic island atmosphere. Enjoy approximately 90 minutes of free time to wander through the village and savor lunch at a local taverna, where you can sample traditional Naxian specialties.
Passing through the mountain village of Koronos and the historic emery mining region, you will arrive at the seaside village of Apollonas. Here, you will have free time to relax by the waterfront, enjoy a coffee or dessert or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Before leaving Apollonas, visit the impressive Kouros of Apollonas, a monumental unfinished marble statue measuring over 10 meters in length. Resting on the mountainside for more than 2,500 years, it remains one of the island's most intriguing archaeological landmarks.
On the return journey, travel along Naxos' spectacular western coastline, taking in panoramic sea views before arriving back at your pickup point.
Please note that the Temple of Demeter is closed on Tuesdays. On these dates, the visit to the temple will be replaced with additional free time in Apeiranthos Village.
Naxos Bus Transfer Office
Naxos, Naxos Town, Cyclades, 84300,
Greece
Pick up from a central location or near your hotel
Gyroulas village
Visit the marble Temple dedicated to Goddess Demeter, an important ancient monument on the island
Damalas village
Explore the restored olive press museum and learn about the old procedures of olive oil production
Chalkio village
Known for its beautiful Venetian architecture and the Distillery of Kitron
Apiranthos village
Admire the stunning views, Venetian Towers, marbled alleys, tavernas, verandas and traditional shops
Drive past Koronos
With the famous emery mines
Apollonas village
End the tour with a visit to the famous Kouros
Return to the pickup point, concluding the tour
not bad but ngl I didn’t expect to be on the bus so much. Villages were cool but felt rushed, like 25min and go again. Apollonas swim was really nice tho. water crazy clear. just wish we had more time in one place instead of jumping around. also bring water – I didn’t and regret that.
Naxos is huge and can be quite difficult to get around (especially if you don't have a car, and even if you do driving can be stressful given the insane bends in very narrow roads), hence this tour was perfect because you get to see so much of the island, and you visit a great variety of places from ancient temples to colourful pottery workshops to gorgeous quaint mountain villages and beaches. Our tour guide Alex was AMAZING - she had such a good sense of humour and was so funny while keeping us very well engaged throughout the tour. She was so informative and really brought the sights to life with her excellent explanations of ancient Greek mythology, the stories behind the sites we visited and so many fun little facts as we went on about the day.
The roads in Naxos are absolutely insane, especially as you head towards the mountain villages (countless tight narrow bends and turns), and our driver Spyros was absolutely incredible and maneuvered the roads so safely and we felt absolutely no discomfort while going around the many bends. He was an absolute pro and so kind and friendly too. The bus was also new and very comfortable. The views of the sea from the ride back down the mountain as you head back to Chora were absolutely incredible! (hint: sit on the right hand side of the bus for the best view)
This tour is an absolute must do if you're in Naxos, and it's such a well-spent day cos you truly see so much without feeling tired or overwhelmed. And the fact that it costs just €30, the value for money you get here is above and beyond! I absolutely 100% recommend this tour to anyone cos it was so fun and educative (especially if you get Alex as your tour guide).
The tour was well organized as far as time was concerned. Got to see many places of the inner island which are diificult to reach if you don't have your own vehicle. The guide Thanos and our driver Spyros were amazing. Thanos was very proffesional, friendly, eager to help and funny as well. He made our visit an unforgettable experience. Would definitely recommend.
Having book only a small amount of time on the island we didn't realize quite how big it is! This was a great way to explore most of the island. The bus was very comfortable and the guide extremely informative and friendly. You can't beat the value for money for this tour if you're tight on time!!
