Step into the heart of Naxian tradition and discover the island's olive oil heritage with a visit to the Engares Olive Press Museum. Located just 8 km from Naxos town (Chora), in the fertile village of Engares, this lovingly restored olive press dates back to 1884 and has been a family business for at least five generations.
This is more than a museum - it is a living testimony to the importance of olive oil in Greek life. The original stone-built press has been transformed into a contemporary Cycladic space that respects its roots. Your visit begins with a free guided tour of the exhibition area, where you will find original production tools and learn about the traditional methods used to extract olive oil in the past.
Following the tour, you will be welcomed into the tasting nook, where you can enjoy a delightful complimentary sampling of infused olive oils, fresh Greek olive varieties, seasonal jams, and traditional vegan sweets. Mama's famous olive bread, cookies and cakes made with olive oil are just a few of the highlights.
The on-site shop is perfect for those looking for authentic souvenirs, offering a variety of olive-based products including handmade soaps, natural cosmetics, and utensils carved from olive wood. Everything is locally produced and carefully selected for quality.
Outside, the shaded patio is an inviting place to relax. Sit down and enjoy local refreshments surrounded by Engares' lush landscape - one of the greenest and most serene parts of Naxos. Whether you are passionate about food, culture, or simply wish to enjoy the genuine hospitality of a Naxian village, this experience is a must during your time on the island.
Engares Olive Oil Museum
Engares, Naxos, Cyclades, 84300,
Greece
Free tour & tasting
View actual tools and equipment that were used in the space at that time. Visit and learn about the traditional methods of olive oil production from a brief presentation (free tour) provided by the Engares Olive Press team. After the free tour and short trip back to olive oil-production history, take the time to indulge in a free tasting of olive oil treats in the venue’s adjoining olive kitchen-shop nook. Taste a variety of olive oils. The homemade olive bread is delicious as are the olive cookies (vegan), “Best in the Universe” olive cake (also vegan), olive paste and specialty olive jam
Olive shop
Many of the goodies you sample from sweet and savory marmalades, to olive oil varieties are available for purchase to take home. Selected souvenirs are also available, such as t-shirts, olive wood kitchen utensils, bookmarks, and body and hair care products.
Olive press cafe
Have a bit of extra time exploring the picturesque villages and gorgeous beaches of Naxos? The Engares Olive Press café offers a lovely outdoor patio in which you can relax and enjoy an authentic and Naxos-inspired snack. Cool off with a beverage such as iced herbal tea, glass of local wine, or aperitif ouzo or the local citron (kitron) liqueur. Revive with a spoon sweet preserve made with Engares oranges or a serving of Naxos fava (split chick pea pureé) or hummus. Set in the scenic location of the Engares valley with olive groves, evergreen trees, wild shrubs and aromatic herbs
The hosts treated us like family and the renovated olive press is unique. The shop has lots of goodies to take back home for gifts