Tour Overview
We provide you with an unforgettable private VIP tour of the island of Naxos, where you will explore the ancient Temple of Demeter and immerse yourself in the mythical tales of Greek gods. Get a hands-on experience at Manolis Lybertas’s Pottery Workshop in Damalas Village. Indulge your senses at the Citrus Distillery in Halki Village, savoring the aromatic flavors of locally grown fruits. Dive into Naxos’s vibrant folklore and history at the Folklore Museum in Kaloxylos Village before venturing into the beautiful Filoti Village with its nice square Gefyra and intriguing Panagia Filotitissa church. Conclude your adventure in the captivating Apeiranthos Village, where museums, stone-built towers, and narrow alleys reveal the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Temple of Demeter
The Temple of Demeter is a magnificent structure built with white marble. It was created around 530-520 BC, 100 years before the famous Parthenon. Positioned on a hill, the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and sea. It was constructed as a tribute to Apollo, Demeter, and Persephone. Besides the temple of Demeter, you’ll also have the incredible chance to visit the Gyroula Archaeological Museum. This museum has received recognition for its remarkable architecture and is filled with captivating exhibits that showcase our rich history and heritage.
Manolis Lybertas’s Pottery Workshop in Damalas Village
Our next destination is the Cycladic Pottery Workshop in Damalas Village, where you can have a close-up view of how clay is transformed into beautiful pottery. The workshop is run by Manolis Lybertas, a skilled potter who comes from a family with a long tradition of pottery-making spanning four generations. Manolis specializes in creating various pottery pieces, including the sfouni, which is a jug used for pouring wine from large jars, and the tyromethira, a jar with holes designed for drying cheese. Additionally, you’ll find many replicas of museum exhibits, showcasing the rich history of pottery. This experience will give you a firsthand glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of Cycladic pottery-making.
Citrus Distillery of Naxos in Halki Village
Next on our luxury tour, we visit the oldest Citrus Distillery in Halki Village. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the production areas and see the historical still, dating back to 1862. You’ll learn about the distillation process and how the fragrant citrus fruits are transformed into delightful beverages. Most importantly, you’ll have the chance to try citrus, known for its exceptional aroma and taste, which is particularly enhanced in this region.
Folklore Museum in Kaloxylos Village
Next, we will take you to the Folklore Museum in Kaloxylos Village. This is a special place where you can explore the history of the past and experience the nostalgia it brings. Inside the museum, you will find unique collections of farm tools, household items, stamps, coins, and school items. Moreover, you will discover the only remaining rope-making workshop in the Cyclades. It’s a chance to see the traditional craft of rope-making and learn about this ancient skill. Additionally, you can also visit the village grocery store, which has been around since 1935.
Filoti Village
In addition, we will take you to the village of Filoti. It’s a charming Cycladic village located on the slopes of Mount Zas. The village is built in a unique amphitheater style, creating a picturesque setting. As you explore, you’ll come across a small cobbled square called Gefyra. This delightful square is surrounded by cozy “cafes”, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks like ouzo and delicious mezedes. You’ll also find a variety of taverns and shops offering local goods. The square is shaded by a magnificent plane tree, providing a refreshing breeze on hot days. On the left side of the square, you’ll find a paved road that takes you to the stunning Panagia Filotitissa church.
Apeiranthos Village
In Apeiranthos village, you can explore various captivating museums, such as the Apeiranthos Archaeological Museum, Museum of Natural History, Geological Museum, Folklore Museum and Visual Arts Museum. As you enter the village, the outstanding Tower of Zevgolis will catch your eye, showcasing impressive architecture. Apeiranthos is also known for its charming stone-built towers, historic houses and churches, picturesque marble-paved alleys, and a variety of traditional shops offering local crafts and souvenirs.
Our Ancient Naxos Tour duration is 6 hours.
The entrance fees for the Temple of Demeter (4€ per person, cash only) and the Folklore Museum in Kaloxylos Village (5€ per person, cash only) are not included in this tour package.
The archaeological site of the Temple of Demeter is closed every Tuesday.
