Naxos is the biggest and the greenest island in the Cyclades. It has high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional villages perched high on mountain tops, where the inhabitants still wear their traditional dress and live off the fruits of the land. Naxos is also home to beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with the Cycladic architecture
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Private Guide
- Travel Insurance
- Visit Cycladic architecture
- Naxos Island Tour
Day 1: ARRIVAL NAXOS (3km – 10min)
Arrive in Naxos Airport or Naxos Port where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this fascinating island. Stroll down the picturesque streets of the main town of Naxos is a wonderful mixture of Venetian and traditional Cycladic architecture; above the Cycladic whitewashed houses of Chora stands the imposing Venetian castle. Get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns (own expense). Overnight in Naxos.
Day 2: NAXOS
Wake up to a luscious breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your first full Greek day at leisure. Discover the unique sights and tastes of Naxos Island. You can either choose to lie down on Plaka Beach which is the longest sandy beach of Cyclades and relax by the sound of the Aegean Sea. Or participate in an optional Naxos island tour that combines the tour in the mainland with the beach (at additional cost): Naxos Island Tour (wit English guide):Galanado is the first village you will come across, outside of which rises the Bellonias tower. Our first stop will be at the small village of Damalas for the traditional pottery workshop. After getting initiated into the ancient craft of pottery, we move to the southwest side of the village, to learn about another practice tied to the Greek identity: the production of olive oil. Moving on we arrive at Halki, a village situated in a fertile plateau, adorned with beautiful neoclassical mansions and home to the distillery that first made the iconic liqueur “Kitron”, Vallindras Distillery. We get to know everything about the production and the consumption of one of the three PDO liqueurs in the country. Our next stop is in the paleochristian church of Panagia Drosiani. The next location we visit is the picturesque mountain village of Apiranthos. The marble-paved alleys, the majestic view, the distinct traditions and the rich culture are only a few of the charms that will make you fall in love with this jewel of a village. Crossing the mountains of the northeast we end up in Apollonas, the northernmost village of the island. Just a small fishing village today, Apollonas was one of the most important Naxian ports famed for local marble transportation. . Just a few minutes away, on a hill overlooking Apollonas, in an ancient marble quarry lies the unfinished statue of Kouros from 5th-4th century BC. Making our way back south our final stop for the day is in yet another part of the island blessed with fertile soil, Eggares. There, we visit the village’s traditional 19th century olive press and gain precious insight into practices and a way of life from the past. Does not include: Lunch and entrance fees. Overnight in Naxos.
Day 3: DEPARTURE NAXOS (3km – 10min)
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport of Naxos or port.
