Naxos Old Town, Castle & Portara Sunset Walk, Naxos

5.0 (1 review)

Explore the history of Naxos and get acquainted with the island's orientation, and history.

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Elin T.

May 15, 2023
Loved this tour with Katia. Old town is quaint and beautiful but knowing the history made the experience so much more meaningful. Katia was great!

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Overview

Wander through Naxos Town and its medieval Venetian Castle with a lively guide who brings history to life with exciting stories and legends. Explore hidden corners, hear tales of gods and knights, and soak in the island’s charm. Wrap up the adventure at the iconic Portara, the remains of ancient god Apollo's temple, where the sky lights up in breathtaking sunset colors over the Aegean. A journey through time with a picture-perfect ending!

Highlights

View Naxos' most important and historical sites, like the Temple of Apollo and Venetian Castle
Walk with a local and get a deeper understanding of the daily life and culture of the island
Learn about the history of the island while strolling around its streets

Know before you go

Duration
2h

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Small group, 15 people or less

What you'll do

Experience Naxos like a local! Find your way to the meeting point and embark on an adventure with your licensed guide, exploring its narrow alleyways and taking in the iconic sites. Along the way, they'll share their local knowledge so you can get an authentic feel for this amazing island.

You won't want to miss the chance to see Portara, the Temple of Apollo! This ancient marble gate is the only remaining part of an unfinished temple that dates all the way back to 530 BCE. It's a symbol of Naxos Island and has been around for centuries. Your guide will go beyond the surface and help you uncover a deeper understanding of this landmark. Hear engaging stories about its history, including who first inhabited this island and how mythology influenced their life.

Explore the Venetian Castle area, where you can witness a stunning array of pre-historic Cycladic figurines — an unforgettable cultural experience. The castle is still home to descendants of noble medieval families. When you walk down the cobblestone streets of Naxos' Old Town with your guide, be prepared for an exciting atmosphere unlike any other. You won't believe how much every corner and coat of arms can tell about this place's history! Immerse yourself in its winding streets and let it transport you back in time. You'll be able to re-live the town's history and get immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Naxos.

Start times

Monday

6:00 pm
Tuesday

Not available
Wednesday

6:00 pm
Thursday

Not available
Friday

6:00 pm
Saturday

Not available
Sunday

Not available

What's included

Licensed guide

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See alternatives

Private Exploration of Naxos's Old Town and Castle

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Private · 3 hours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the past on a private tour! Experience a unique journey through the past on this private tour! Take in the beauty of Portara, explore the Catholic Metropolis, and wander around an inhabited Venetian Castle — with your expert guide, you'll have a truly authentic experience.

Self-Guided Naxos Town Discovery Walk

Self guided · 4 hours

With a free afternoon, discover the dusky beauty of Naxos Town on a self-guided walk. Start by wandering the narrow, winding streets, distinctive with their blue-accented white Cycladic buildings, as you make your way to the Venetian Castle. Here, you can enjoy exceptional views from the Avaton 1739 café and wine bar terrace before descending to the lively seafront promenade, the ideal time to stop to snack on local cheeses and sip green-colored kitron liqueur. Next, you'll stroll the causeway that connects the island with the neighboring Palatia islet to trek up to the iconic Portara in time to catch the sunset.

Private Mythology Experience

Private · 4h

Go on a unique journey through the ancient sites of Naxos island. Visit Melanes Kouros, a 19 feet (6m) Greek statue discovered by locals. Then visit the sanctuary of Dionysus, the patron god of Naxos, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and fig trees. Learn the myth of Persephone and Hades as you explore the Temple of Demeter. Finally, witness the majestic marble gate, Portara, the main highlight of Naxos. Throughout this tour, your knowledgeable guide will tell captivating stories of Greek mythology and help you uncover a deeper understanding of these landmarks.

Private Culture Walk with Food Tastings & Tavern Meal

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Private · 4 hours

Bring your comfortable walking shoes (and your appetite) on this four-hour stroll around Naxos. Experience the city through the eyes of a local as you follow your private guide to the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and climb to the Venetian Castle. After admiring island artifacts at the Archaeology Museum, it's time to wander down through the quaint alleyways the Old Town as you stop to sample traditional delicacies and meet local vendors. Your adventure ends at a charming taverna, where you'll sit down to a meal of Naxian favorites accompanied by wine and liqueurs.

Traditional Cooking Experience at Village Farm

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Private · 4 hours

Experience traditional Naxian hospitality with this four-hour, hands-on experience in an ancestral island village. You'll be welcomed into a family home for a day of cooking and conversation, gathering fresh, organic ingredients as you learn how to make regional dishes and master culinary techniques that have been passed down through generations. Hear fascinating stories about the village and its residents, and meet some of the other locals as you take a stroll around the picturesque streets. End the day by sitting down to a relaxed lunch with your hosts, accompanied by Naxian wine.

Private Greek Cooking Class

Private · 5 hours

Enjoy a private Greek cooking class with local farmers on the island of Naxos, home to the Greek god of wine and dining, Dionysus. You'll visit a hilltop farm with sea views where the owners produce dairy products and grow all their own vegetables. Learn about the cheesemaking process, from milking the goats to straining the mixture in specially designed baskets—you could even lend a hand if you like. Finally, you'll learn to make typical Greek dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven and feast on your creations before returning to Naxos town.

Delos & Mykonos Day Trip by Cruise

Small group · 10h

Dive into ancient Greek history and culture with a day trip to the nearby islands of Delos and Mykonos. From Naxos, you'll cruise north to Delos to explore its UNESCO World Heritage site alongside your guide, where you'll see the marble lion statues, ancient mansions with stunningly intricate mosaics, and a very old hillside theater. Next, you'll sail to Mykonos for a guided walk through its charming alleyways, learning all there is to know about its Cycladic architecture and iconic windmills. Perfect for history buffs and cultural explorers, this excursion immerses you in the rich myths and vibrant life of Greece.

E-Bike Experience with Olive Mill & Farm Visit with Lunch

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Small group · 4h 30m

See a more authentic side of Naxos with this e-bike adventure through its rural inland countryside. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you'll set off to discover the island's archaeological treasures and agricultural traditions, covering 15-18 miles with ease on a comfortable e-bike. Stop by a historic mill to taste fresh-pressed olive oil, and spend some time at a local farm to meet the animals and help out with cheesemaking or raki distillation. After a light lunch of farm-to-table cheeses, produce, and wine, you'll follow the northern coast back to Naxos Town, stopping for a swim at a hidden beach en route.

Private Villages & Countryside Foodie Day Trip with Lunch

Private · 5 hours

Get off the beaten path and experience a taste of authentic Naxian rural life with this privately guided excursion that's perfect for foodies and curious travelers. Begin with a drive through ancient olive groves to reach a tiny traditional village, where you'll stop by a century-old olive press for a tasting and take a break for some farm-to-table appetizers accompanied by local wine. Then it's time for a nature walk through olive groves to reach the historic village of Chalki, where a memorable family-style lunch awaits. End with a visit to a 120-year-old liquor distillery to sip the island's favorite citrus spirit.

Old Town Food Walk

(2)

Small group · 3 hours

Experience Naxian hospitality and gastronomy on this small-group walk through the historic Old Town. Bring your appetite as you meet your expert local guide and set off on an uphill climb to the 13th-century Venetian Castle. Continue your stroll through narrow alleyways and shaded squares, and stop to sample local delicacies at artisan shops and open-air markets. Nibble on Naxian cheese with a glass of wine, indulge in sweet phyllo pastries, and savor fresh-baked bread with island olive oil. Your evening winds down in a traditional taverna, where you'll enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by wine and liqueurs.

Traveler photos

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Traveler reviews

Elin T.

Willow Grove, PA | Reviewed on May 15, 2023

Loved this tour with Katia. Old town is quaint and beautiful but knowing the history made the experience so much more meaningful. Katia was great! Read more