Naxos Full Day Private Tour

Naxos Full Day Private Tour

• Temple of Dimitra
• Damalas Village- Manolis Limpertas Pottery
• Chalki Village
• Filoti Village
• Apeiranthos
• Kouros of Apollonas (Colossus of Dionysus)
• Eggares Olive Oil Museum

Your journey begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel, villa, or the port of Naxos. Leaving the island’s capital behind, you will drive into the fertile countryside that has shaped Naxos’ agricultural traditions for centuries.

The first stop is the Temple of Demeter, one of the island’s most important archaeological monuments. Built around 530 BC entirely from Naxian marble, the temple was dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Located in a peaceful valley near Sangri village, the elegant structure predates the Parthenon and offers a fascinating insight into early Greek temple architecture and the agricultural importance of Naxos in antiquity.

Continuing through the island’s green interior, you will arrive at Damalas Village, a small traditional settlement known for its long pottery tradition. Here you will visit the workshop of Manolis Limpertas Pottery, where local artisans demonstrate traditional ceramic techniques passed down through generations. This stop offers a unique opportunity to see authentic craftsmanship and learn about the island’s artistic heritage.

The tour continues to Chalki Village, once the administrative and commercial center of Naxos. Surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees, Chalki charms visitors with its neoclassical mansions, narrow alleys, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy some time to stroll through the picturesque streets, browse local shops, and experience the authentic character of inland Naxos.

Next, you will reach Filoti, the largest village on the island, beautifully located at the foot of Mount Zas, the highest mountain in the Cyclades and, according to mythology, the place where Zeus was raised. Wander through the lively central square shaded by ancient plane trees, explore traditional stone houses, and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere.

The journey then continues to the mountain village of Apeiranthos, often called the “marble village.” Built almost entirely from local marble, Apeiranthos features elegant archways, narrow cobbled alleys, and traditional Cycladic architecture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. From its elevated position, the village offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From here, the route takes you north across dramatic landscapes toward Apollonas, a charming fishing village on the island’s northern coast. Just outside the village lies the impressive Kouros of Apollonas, also known as the Colossus of Dionysus. This unfinished 10-meter marble statue dates back to the 6th century BC and remains lying in the ancient quarry where it was originally carved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the sculptural techniques of ancient Greece.

On the return journey toward Naxos Town, the tour includes a visit to the Eggares Olive Oil Museum, located in one of the island’s oldest olive presses. Here you will discover the long tradition of olive oil production in Naxos, see traditional pressing equipment, and learn about the importance of olive cultivation in Greek culture. Visitors often have the opportunity to taste local olive oil and related products.

After a full day exploring Naxos’ history, villages, landscapes, and local traditions, the tour concludes with a relaxing drive back to your hotel, villa, or the port.

This experience offers a comprehensive introduction to the island, combining ancient monuments, authentic mountain villages, traditional crafts, and the natural beauty that makes Naxos one of the most fascinating islands in the Cyclades.

Private Tours are personal and flexible just for you and your party.

Inclusions:

Naxos Island

Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades, known for combining dramatic mountain landscapes, long sandy beaches and rich ancient heritage. Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Naxos offers a more authentic and agricultural character, with traditional villages, local livestock farming and strong food culture. It was a powerful center in antiquity, famous for its marble, which was exported across the ancient world. The island’s highest peak, Mount Zas, is the tallest mountain in the Cyclades and adds to its impressive inland scenery.

Temple of Dimitra (Demeter)

The Temple of Demeter, located near Sangri, was built around 530–520 BC and is one of the earliest examples of Ionic architecture in Greece — predating the Parthenon by nearly a century. Dedicated to Demeter, goddess of agriculture and fertility, the temple stands in a fertile valley that reflects the island’s long agricultural tradition. Built entirely of local Naxian marble, it highlights the island’s importance in ancient Greek art and architecture.

Damalas Village – Manolis Limpertas Pottery

Damalas is a small rural village where traditional pottery techniques have been preserved for generations. At the workshop of Manolis Limpertas, visitors can observe the craftsmanship passed down since the late 19th century. The handmade ceramics include functional kitchenware and decorative items, maintaining the island’s artisanal heritage and connection to clay and earth.

Chalki Village (Halki)

Chalki was once the administrative and commercial center of Naxos. Situated on the Tragea plateau at around 270 meters above sea level, it stands out for its elegant neoclassical mansions and Venetian architectural influence. The village is also home to the historic Vallindras distillery, where “Kitron,” the island’s traditional citrus liqueur, has been produced for over a century. Its marble alleys, art galleries and boutique shops give it a refined yet authentic atmosphere.

Filoti Village

Filoti is the largest mountain village on Naxos, built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mount Zas at approximately 400 meters altitude. It is a lively village known for livestock production, traditional tavernas and pastoral lifestyle. The Church of Panagia Filotitissa, built in 1718 over an older Byzantine structure, dominates the village square. Filoti serves as a gateway to Mount Zas hiking routes and represents traditional Cycladic mountain life.

Apeiranthos

Apeiranthos, often called the “marble village,” sits at 570–640 meters altitude on the slopes of Mount Fanari. Recognized as a protected traditional settlement since 1978, it is distinguished by stone-paved alleys, marble houses and medieval towers dating to the Venetian era. The village has a unique dialect influenced by Cretan settlers and hosts several museums, including an Archaeological Museum featuring Cycladic-era finds from the 3rd millennium BC.

Kouros of Apollonas (Colossus of Dionysus)

Located near the fishing village of Apollonas on the north coast, this monumental unfinished marble statue dates to the 6th century BC. Measuring over 10 meters in length, the Kouros lies in its original quarry, where it was abandoned during ancient times. It is believed to represent either Dionysus or Apollo. The statue demonstrates the advanced marble craftsmanship of Naxian sculptors and the island’s historical importance as a marble quarrying center.

Eggares Olive Oil Museum

Set in the traditional village of Eggares near Naxos Town, this restored 19th-century olive press operates as a cultural museum. It displays traditional millstones, wooden presses and storage vessels used in olive oil production. The museum explains the process from harvest to extraction and offers insight into the significance of olive oil in Mediterranean culture and daily life on the island.

All cancellations must be confirmed by Olive Sea Travel.

Regarding the Day Tours:

Cancellations up to 15 days before your service date are 100% refundable.

Cancellation Policy:

• Licensed Tour Guides and Hotels are external co-operators & they have their own cancellation policy.
• Apart from the above cancellation limits, NO refunds will be made. If though, you fail to make your appointment for reasons that are out of your hands, that would be, in connection with the operation of your airline or cruise ship or strikes, extreme weather conditions or mechanical failure, you will be refunded 100% of the paid amount.
• If your cancellation date is over TWO (2) months away from your reservation date, It has been known for third-party providers such as credit card companies, PayPal, etc. to charge a levy fee usually somewhere between 2-4%.
• Olive Sea Travel reserves the right to cancel your booking at any time, when reasons beyond our control arise, such as strikes, prevailing weather conditions, mechanical failures, etc. occur. In this unfortunate case, you shall be immediately notified via the email address you used when making your reservation and your payment WILL be refunded 100%.