Set in the lush valley of Flerio, near the charming village of Melanes, this experience offers an immersive journey into the heart of Naxian culture and gastronomy. Surrounded by ancient springs and vibrant gardens and located just steps from the iconic Kouros statue, this experience blends natural beauty with deep-rooted culinary traditions. The setting itself creates a serene and authentic backdrop where history, nature and local flavors come together harmoniously.
The experience begins with a warm welcome featuring traditional drinks and handmade sweets, setting the tone for a day rich in hospitality and discovery. A guided walk through the scenic valley follows, where fresh fruits and vegetables are gathered directly from the land. Along the way, a visit to a historic olive press reveals age-old methods of olive oil production, offering insight into one of Greece's most treasured traditions.
At the heart of the experience lies a hands-on cooking session focused on authentic local recipes. Time-honored techniques are explored using a wood-fired oven and open flame, allowing each dish to be prepared in the same way it has been for generations. As the aromas of slow-cooked specialties fill the air, a guided visit to the nearby Kouros statue provides a cultural interlude, connecting the culinary journey with the island's ancient heritage.
The experience culminates in a leisurely lunch where the dishes prepared are enjoyed alongside local wine. The atmosphere is enhanced by live traditional music, with the distinctive sounds of violin and lute creating a vibrant yet intimate setting. To complete the cultural immersion, an introduction to traditional Naxian dances invites participation, offering a joyful expression of the island's spirit and traditions.
Flerio, Melanes, Cyclades, 84300,
Greece
First of all a warm welcome
Start your experience with local drinks and delicious homemade sweets
Then a valley and farm tour
Explore the historic valley and pick fruits and vegetables from the trees
Visit a historical olive press
In an old olive press you will learn the traditional methods of olive oil production
Hands-on traditional cooking
Learn traditional local recipes, cooking with an ancient wood oven and open fire
Kouros of Flerio statue visit
While your delicious food cooks, enjoy a guided tour to the ancient (6 c.) Kouros
Delicious traditional lunch
Enjoy your delicious creations with the tasty local house wine on the family table
Live traditional musicians
Following your lunch immerse yourself in the authentic sounds of Naxian culture
Traditional dance experience
Dance to the melodies of the violin and lute and learn the basic steps of dances
My recent four-hour cooking lesson in the lush valley of Flerio, hosted by the delightful Katerina, her husband, and her father, was an enchanting dive into Naxian culture. From the warm welcome drink and homemade sweets to the immersive farm tour where we picked fresh produce, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Learning to cook traditional Greek recipes using ancient wood ovens was a highlight, and the visit to the historic Kouros of Flerio statue added a fascinating historical dimension. The meal, enjoyed with local house wine, was complemented by live traditional music played by Katerina’s father on the violin, creating an authentic Naxian atmosphere. The experience concluded with joyous dancing, making it an all-encompassing cultural adventure. With seamless booking and optional transfers from Naxos town, this excursion offered exceptional value!
Highly recommended!
Our host Katerina welcomed us warmly and treated us like family. It was a great and fulfilling experience where except from cooking and eating the meal we prepared, we also enjoyed a short guided tour in the Kouros statue nearby, and traditional music from two sweet local artists.
