Naxos Highlights Bus Tour with Free Time for Lunch at Apeiranthos
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Relax in an air-conditioned bus on this guided tour of Naxos Island. Discover charming villages, see impressive monuments, and learn more about local culture with several stops throughout the day.
Highlights of our tour:
- Admire Demeter's Temple, a sanctuary dated back in the 6th Century BC.
- Explore the marble paved neighborhoods of Apiranthos
- Photoshoot the gigantic statue of Kouros at the ancient marble quarries
- Visit The picturesque fishing village of Apollonas
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We pick up our guests from central places in Naxos Town, Stelida, Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios and Plaka Beach. In other case our guests can meet us directly at our starting point.
On Tuesdays the Demeter's Temple is closed. Instead we will spend more time in our other stops
This tour will take place rain or shine. Small changes may apply to the itinerary in case of rough weather
A big part of the trip is through winding, mountainous roads. Please carry travel sickness pills in case you feel uneasy
The tour guide is not licensed and thus not allowed to guide you inside Demeter's Temple. You will get all the information about the monument before you enter the gate.
On the 1st of May the Demeter's Temple will be closed.
What To Expect
Temple of Demeter
After paying for your admission ticket at the gate, you will walk uphill through a beautiful garden and reach Demeter's Temple, one of the most significant ancient monuments of Naxos. You will learn about the history of the sanctuary and also have some free time to visit the on spot museum. The Temple of Demeter is closed on Tuesdays and on the 1st of May and instead more free time is provided in Chalki and Apiranthos villages.
At the small village of Damalas, Manolis will warmheartedly welcome you to his traditional pottery workshop and reveal ancient secrets of his art. Afterwards you will visit the restored olive press museum and learn everything about the old procedure of olive oil production.
Options
Naxos Highlights Bus Tour
Pickup included
Without stop at Demeter Temple
Longer stop at Apollonas: On Tuesdays and on the 1st of May the Temple of Demeter is closed. Instead, you will make a longer stop at Apollonas Pickup included
Naxos Highlights- Private Tour
Private: If you prefer to share your experience only with your own group, friends or family, you can book our private tour. Create your own itinerary: You can follow our recommended itinerary as per our description or create your own according to your own preferences. Pick up options: Pickup/ drop-off is included from the areas of: Naxos Town, Stelida, Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Maragkas, Plaka Beach Pickup included
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Experienced and knowledgeable local English speaking escort
Gratuities
Personal expenses, Meals and Drinks
kitron distillery in Chalki - optional visit
Demeter's Temple to be paid in cash in spot
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,275 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A different way to experience the island
Emily D,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved our time doing the bus tour around Naxos. It gave us an opportunity to see parts of the island we likely wouldn’t have before and have us a deeper appreciation for Naxos culture and history. Neither of us can remember our guides name, but she was lovely and had so many facts to share with us about Naxos.
Journey of discovery
DavidWooding,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic way to see the highlights of Naxos in a day without having to find them yourself. We were picked up at 09:00 for the eight-hour excursion which took us to the Temple of Demeter and museum, and the colossal statue at Kournos. We also visited two pretty mountain villages (great for pictures), stopping at one for lunch and we had time to enjoy a drink after exploring the other. The trip also included a visit to a pottery workshop and a small olive pressing business, which were not too exciting if you had seen things like this before, but there was an opportunity here to buy some souvenirs. We ended up at the Sandy Apollonas beach, where we had an hour to swim, sunbathe or enjoy a drink in one of the many beach bars. Our guide was terrific and told us lots about the history and what to look out for on the journey. Well worth doing if you’re in Naxos for a few days.
A great tour
430elainet,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a great introduction to Naxos! Very efficiently done ( from local pickup to good timings on stops), comfortable coach with skilful driver (Vassilis), and a personable, knowledgeable and entertaining guide (Thanos?) whose English was excellent and who shared history, mythology, geography and general island information throughout the day. The key village stops at Chalki, Apiranthos and Apollonas gave time for drinks and some exploration ( plus a swim at the latter) in three very different settlements, which we really enjoyed. My only negative comment would be that the time spent at Demeter’s temple was only enough for a quick look at the temple and the museum, and the fact that you were doing that alongside two other tour bus groups made it a crowded ‘trek’. Likewise the Damalas stop to see the olive press and visit the pottery was interesting but unpleasantly busy - such a tiny settlement shouldn’t have to cope with three bus-loads at once. If the tour operators could plan together to avoid these bottlenecks, the tours would be even more perfect! We used the tour as an introduction to the island and a way to help us decide where we might want to explore further, and we will certainly be returning to two of the villages by bus to spend more time! Many thanks to all concerned for a great day, and we highly recommend.
Informative and easy way to see the island
J6686IDsarahl,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was an interesting tour. Sunday was very informative, and Sperros drove as a pro through really tight passages. There is a stop, during which you can swim, towards the end of the tour, so you may want to bring a suit.
Highlight of our stay in Naxos!
R9939CNandreap,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took an 8-hour bus tour around Naxos and its beautiful villages. At first, I thought 8 hours might be too long, but the tour was so well organized and enjoyable that the time flew by. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. We traveled high into the mountains, reaching over 1,000 meters above sea level, and enjoyed incredible views of the island throughout the day. Our guide, Thanos, did an excellent job. He explained everything in an interesting and engaging way and was always happy to answer questions. A special thank you also goes to our driver, Vasilis. The mountain roads are not the easiest to drive on, but we felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire journey. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. The tour was worth every cent and was definitely one of the highlights of our stay in Naxos!
4 hour trip around the island Naxos
David E,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide was first class, well informed! Bus driver was very safe
Thus trip is worth your time
Randip S,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip was well organized. Its a deep dive into the fascinating naxos culture and history. Panos was the tour guide and he did an excellent job, was very responsive in a timely manner to any question.
Excellent Tour and a Wonderful Introduction to Naxos
493dijanap,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an amazing day on this Naxos tour and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. The tour guide was fantastic – funny, engaging, and an excellent storyteller. He shared fascinating stories about the history, culture, and traditions of Naxos and made every stop interesting and memorable. We visited several beautiful villages, each with its own unique character, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch in a charming local setting. The scenery throughout the day was stunning. A special mention also goes to the driver. The mountain roads can be narrow and winding, but he drove with great skill and professionalism. I felt completely safe and comfortable throughout the tour, which allowed me to relax and enjoy the spectacular views. The tour was very well organized and offered a perfect mix of culture, history, local food, and beautiful landscapes. One of the highlights of my trip to Naxos!
Great way to see island!
Carey M,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way to see the island. Our guide (Friday, June 5th) was very knowledgable and enthusiastic. Stayed good amount of time at each location.
Great - motion sickness possible/ ac iffy
Maggie D,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The experience was amazing ! Our driver and guide were awesome! If you get motion sickness definitely take dramamine as the road is quite windy and difficult to navigate in a big bus . Also the bus was not well air conditioned so maybe bring a fan. Some if the stops seemed to just be for people to buy things at shops and weren’t necessary to the tour but i did buy some things lol.
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