Naxos Half Day History and Culture Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Join this tour and get the opportunity to see many of the most emblematic sights of Naxos in only 4 hours! Learn about the island’s history, pose using its iconic monuments as your background and explore the villages of Chalki and Filoti!
Highlights:
Visit Demeter's Temple, a sanctuary dated back in the 6th Century BC.
Explore Chalki and Filoti, two of the most beautiful villages of Naxos
Photoshoot the impressive contemporary marble quarries
Walk in Flerio Valley and see the infamous Kouros Statue
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
On Tuesdays and on the 1st of May the Temple of Demeter is closed and instead you will visit a traditional pottery workshop at the village of Damalas.
The tour guide is not licensed and thus not allowed to guide you inside Demeter's Temple and Panagia Drosiani Church. You will get all the information about the monuments before you enter.
This tour will take place rain or shine
The tour begins and ends right outside Naxos Port. Luggage storage is provided for the participants free of charge.
Pickup service (only-not dropoff) is provided for the guests who book the morning departure of 08.30. This service is available only from specific pickup spots in the areas of Plaka, Ag.Anna, Ag.Prokopios, Stelida and Naxos Town. Upon booking, please provide your accommodation info and you will be notified about the closest pickup spot to you.
You will have to climb steps and walk uphill in order to visit the Temple of Demeter
The Demeter's Temple closes early (noon) in case of predicted heat wave. In that case, the tour that departs in the afternoon (13.00) visits Damalas pottery workshop instead of Demeter's Temple
It is customary upon the visit to a church to donate a small amount of 1€-5€. These money are used for the operational costs of the church and very often for donations on behalf of the church to people/ families of the community that are in need.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pickup (not dropoff) from preset pickup spots only for the 08.30 departure
Luggage storage during the tour.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel Pickup/ drop off service
Personal expenses
Gratuities and Church donations (customary – not obligatory)
Demeter’s Temple, to be paid in cash in spot
What To Expect
Temple of Demeter
Meet your guide at Naxos Bus Transfer Office, right outside Naxos Port and drive directly to your first stop, Demeter’s Temple. Admire the impressive restored sanctuary, take amazing pictures and visit the small on site museum. *On Tuesdays and on the 1st of May the Temple of Demeter is closed and instead you will visit the village of Filoti. Also, the Demeter's Temple closes early (noon) in case of predicted heat wave. In that case, the tour that departs in the afternoon (13.00) visits Filoti village instead of Demeter's Temple
Chalki
Next stop will be Chalki village, the old capital and commercial center of Naxos. Get free time (approx. 40’) to explore its colorful alleys, shop unique souvenirs, visit the distillery of “Vallindras” or just enjoy a coffee at one of its cozy cafes.
Options
Morning (pickup-not dropoff)
Pick up service included: Pick up (not drop-off) is included from central preset pickup spots in Plaka, Ag. Anna, Ag. Prokopios, Stelida and Naxos Town
Afternoon (without transfers)
Meeting place: All our guests meet us at Naxos Bus Transfer Office. Pick up/ drop-off service to/from the hotels is not provided.
Reviews
472 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So much fun exploring...
Kelli H,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00So much fun exploring these sites with our excellent guide and driver - we never would have experienced these places on our own.
Wonderful introduction to Naxos.
George M,
Oct 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience. Left on time. meet point was easy to find. Guide was personable, knowledgeable, and friendly. Thanos did a great job. Driver was amazing.
Great way to see the Island
Lisa G,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Beautiful countryside, cute little villages to experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained.
Fantastic 1/2 day tour that fits a lot in!
Dessa M,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a fantastic 1/2 day tour of the island. It fits a lot in and takes you to sites and villages that are historical, cultural and not crowded. There are a couple of towns that have boutiques with unique items and cafes to grab a snack/coffee. This tour was very unique and special and I highly recommend it! Our tour guide was terrific! A young man named Thanos who grew up on the island of Naxos and is currently getting his masters in tourism , culture and history. Thanos speaks English beautifully and had a good sense of humor as well. It was very unique to have a tour guide that grew up on the island and was able to explain what it was like. He was also able to explain the culture on Naxos, the history and the Greek Orthodox religion. We were able to see Naxos through his eyes. We even drove through the town he grew up in as he pointed out his church, etc. This tour was very informative, enjoyable and a great way to see a lot of the island in a short amount of time. The views from some of the sites we visited and from the bus are breathtakingly beautiful! You just wouldn’t be able to enjoy the views like this if you are trying to drive a car yourself. We arrived back at 12:30 pm just in time for lunch and not too tired to do more later. Kudos to the driver George who navigated the winding roads with the big bus. I’m very glad I didn’t rent a car and instead left the driving in the hands of someone who lives here and knows how to navigate the mountainous, narrow and steep roads. Take this tour! You will be very happy you did.
Wow!!
France D,
Sep 21, 2025
- Viator
5.00An activity not to be missed. If you come to Naxos you must definitely take this tour. Visit beautiful villages and sites of interest with lots of information from the guide. The road is beautiful along the way.
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Operated by Naxos Bus Transfer