Naxos Cultural Experience and Village Visit, Naxos

This activity takes you on a journey to explore Naxos with a guide for an unforgettable experience. You'll discover hidden gems of the island that you won't find in guidebooks from the comfort of your air-conditioned van. With a professional guide leading the way, you'll visit monumental sites like the Kouros Statue and the Temple of Demeter and explore Apeiranthos, the marble village. Enjoy learning about the local heritage from your knowledgeable guide and sample the delicious kitron liquor at Chalki village. You'll get a unique insight into Naxos and see it like never before — through the eyes of a local!

Viewing the sites and monuments of Naxos through a local's eyes is an excellent way to have a unique and authentic experience in the city center. With the flexibility to customize your experience, there's no specific route to follow. Your guide will take you on a journey of discovery through the city. You'll find yourself winding up at some of the city's major hubs and exploring the nearby areas.

Naxos is home to an array of must-sees, including the Melanes Kouros site — where you can see an ancient Greek statue of a young man that locals discovered. It dates back to 570 BCE, and its height reaches almost 19 feet (6m), making it an interesting sight to witness. 

You'll explore the medieval alleyways of the beautiful village of Apeiranthos, considered the crown jewel of Naxos. This village is truly something to behold, with its stone-built towers, old houses and churches, marble-paved alleys, traditional small souvenir, and local craftsmanship shops — its architecture is the most impressive feature! While you stroll around the streets enjoying the untouched architectural design of the houses, your guide will share insights and exciting stories about the place and take you to the must-see areas.

Six miles (10km) from Naxos lies your next stop, the sacred Temple of Demeter, dedicated to the Olympian goddess of harvest and fertility. On your ride, you will most likely come across a flock of sheep and farms since this is a fertile, lush valley. Upon your arrival, you'll enter the site with your expert. In its current form, the temple was built around 530-520 BCE in the Doric architectural style that later influenced even the Parthenon of Athens. Your guide will unravel the temple's rich history while you behold its fantastic view. 

Your next stop is Chalki village, the former capital of the island. Its lovely old mansions, picturesque churches, and colorful alleys create an atmosphere that travels you back in time. Stop by the Early Christian Church Panagia Drosiani, one of the oldest monasteries in the Balkan region. The awe-inspiring dome of this church features an impressive mural of Jesus Christ. On the right side of the altar, you may find Saint George mounted on a horse, with a small child carrying a jug of water behind him. To cap off your day, you'll visit a 100-year-old distillery and taste the Naxos' famous citron liquor served with local delicacies.