Private Culture Walk with Food Tastings & Tavern Meal, Naxos

5.0 (1 review)

Get an authentic taste of local culture and Naxian gastronomy as you follow a local through the historic Old Town.

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Lisa C.

Sep 18, 2023
Had a wonderful time with our guide Evy touring the historic sights in Naxos. Enjoyed learning about the history of the temple of Apollo and the... Read more

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Overview

Bring your comfortable walking shoes (and your appetite) on this four-hour stroll around Naxos. Experience the city through the eyes of a local as you follow your private guide to the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and climb to the Venetian Castle. After admiring island artifacts at the Archaeology Museum, it's time to wander down through the quaint alleyways the Old Town as you stop to sample traditional delicacies and meet local vendors. Your adventure ends at a charming taverna, where you'll sit down to a meal of Naxian favorites accompanied by wine and liqueurs.

Highlights

Discover Naxos' most important and historical sites, like the Portara and the Venetian Castle
Walk with a local and get a deeper understanding of the daily life and culture of the island
See ancient Cycladic statues and Mycenaean pottery at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos
Stroll through the Old Town as you sample treats like Naxian cheese and wood-fired bread
Settle into a traditional taverna for a classic island meal accompanied by local wines

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Private

Food & Drink
Lunch Included. Multiple food tastings including local cheese, wine, and bread

What you'll do

Take a deep dive into Naxian culture and cuisine when you meet your private guide in front of Naxos Town Hall and set off on foot. Your first stop is at the island's awe-inspiring Portara, also known as the Temple of Apollo. This dramatic marble doorway overlooks the sea and is all that's left of an unfinished sixth-century BCE temple to the Greek sun god. Your guide will share engaging stories about the site and bring history to life as you learn about the island's first inhabitants and the mythology that shaped their lives.

Next, you'll climb to the hilltop Venetian Castle, home to the Archaeological Museum of Naxos. Step inside to admire an impressive collection of objects and artworks, learning about the Cycladic statues and Mycenaean pottery and marveling at Geometric-era jewelry and intricate Roman mosaics. Continue through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, passing bustling markets filled with colorful fruit stands and stalls with aromatic herbs and spices. Stop here to experience a taste of traditional delicacies like wood-fired bread, Naxian cheeses with a glass of wine, and fragrant orange cake from a local bakery.

End your walk at a traditional tavern, sitting down to a hearty meal that celebrates Naxian gastronomy. Enjoy meat or vegetarian main courses, classic roast potatoes, and a sweet dessert, all accompanied by local wines and a tasting of favorite liqueurs like raki and kitron. As you savor and sip, you can chat more about the fascinating culture and history of Naxos, and they'll share recommendations and tips for the rest of your trip before you say your goodbyes.

Read more about unique and interesting activities on Naxos and cultural experiences in Greece.

Start times

Monday
Tuesday

Not available
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

What's included

Expert local guide
Entry to historic sites and museum
Local food tastings including cheese, bread, wine, and cakes
Taverna lunch with wine

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Traveler reviews

Lisa C.

Carlsbad, CA | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

Had a wonderful time with our guide Evy touring the historic sights in Naxos. Enjoyed learning about the history of the temple of Apollo and the Venetian castle. We loved walking the labyrinth of streets and having samples of food and drink. We had a wonderful lunch at an authentic Greek tavern. The food reminded me of my grandmother’s. Amazing! Read more