Naxos Highlights Half Day Private Tour

Naxos Full Day Private Tour

• Naxos Chora
• Temple of Iria
• Temple of Dimitra
• Filoti Cultural Art Museum
• Ancient Museum of Apiranthos
• Apollonas Kouros

Step into the rich heritage of Naxos on this captivating 5-hour monuments tour, designed to showcase the island’s most important archaeological sites, traditional villages, and cultural treasures.

Your journey begins in Naxos Chora, the picturesque capital and main port of the island. Overlooking the harbor stands the iconic Portara, the impressive marble gateway of the ancient Temple of Apollo and the most recognizable landmark of Naxos. As you stroll through the charming streets of the old town, admire the whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and beautiful views of the Aegean Sea while discovering the island’s fascinating past.

Leaving the town behind, the tour continues inland to the Temple of Iria, an important archaeological sanctuary dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration. Dating to the 6th century BC, the site represents an early example of monumental Greek temple architecture and played a significant role in the religious life of ancient Naxos.

Next, you will visit the elegant Temple of Demeter, located in the fertile countryside near the village of Sangri. Built around 530 BC and beautifully restored, this remarkable marble temple was dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, and stands as one of the finest ancient monuments on the island.

Your journey then leads to the traditional mountain village of Filoti, where you will explore the Filoti Cultural Art Museum. Here, visitors can discover traditional artifacts, local crafts, and cultural exhibits that offer insight into the daily life and artistic traditions of the island’s communities.

Continuing through the island’s mountainous landscape, you will reach the historic village of Apeiranthos, known for its unique marble architecture and strong cultural identity. At the Archaeological Museum of Apeiranthos, you will encounter an intriguing collection of ancient artifacts uncovered across Naxos, shedding light on the island’s prehistoric and classical periods.

The final stop brings you to one of the island’s most impressive ancient sculptures, the Kouros of Flerio. This enormous unfinished marble statue, dating back to the 6th century BC, lies in the ancient quarry where it was originally carved. The monumental figure offers a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistic ambition of early Greek sculptors.

This thoughtfully designed experience blends archaeology, culture, and authentic island life, offering travelers a memorable introduction to the timeless monuments and traditions of Naxos in just a few hours.

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.

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.

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%.