Day trip

Naxos Island: Highlight Bus Tour with Swim Stop at Apollonas

Activity provider:Naxos Bus Transfer
Day trip

Naxos Island: Highlight Bus Tour with Swim Stop at Apollonas

Activity provider:Naxos Bus Transfer

From US$ 32.20 per person

Certified

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.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Greek, English
Pickup included
Please wait at the pickup location 10 minutes before the pickup time. Approximate pickup times: 8:35 AM from Plaka Beach 8:40 AM from Maragkas and Agia Anna Beach 8:45 AM from Ag. Prokopios Beach 8:50 AM from Stelida 8:55 AM main road in front of Princess of Naxos Hotel 8:55 AM from Koutelieris Supermarket (St George area, opposite Porto Naxos Hotel) 9:00 AM from Naxos Hospital 9:10 AM from outside Naxos Port, Naxos bus transfer office

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover some of the highlights of Naxos Island
  • Visit Demeter's Temple, a sanctuary dated to the 6th Century BC
  • Explore the marble-paved neighborhoods of Apiranthos
  • See the gigantic statue of Kouros at the ancient marble quarries
  • Enjoy a refreshing swimming stop at the picturesque Apollonas Bay
Full description

Explore the wonders of Naxos island on this guided bus. Visit the valley of Gyroula and the marble quarries of Apollonas. Stop at the villages of Chalki, Apiranthos, and Damalas along the way.

Start with a pickup from a variety of locations on Naxos and first travel to the green valley of Gyrula. You will visit the marble temple of the Goddess Demeter, one of the most important ancient monuments on the island.

The next stop will be the tiny village of Damalas. Learn everything about the old procedures of olive oil production at a restored olive press museum. Afterward, visit a traditional workshop of a third-generation potter and know the secrets of his art dating back to ancient Greece.

Continue to Chalki village, an ancient commercial center and a place of beautiful Venetian architecture. You can also take an optional visit to a local "kitron" distillery and learn about liquor production along with tastings.

Next, explore the village of Apiranthos located at the foot of Fanari mountain. Admire the beautiful views of Venetian Towers, marbled alleys, cozy tavernas, verandas, and traditional tiny shops with local products.

Take a short stroll through the village and hear about its history and traditions. Leaving Apiranthos behind, drive past Koronos village and the famous emery mines, before arriving at Apollonas.

See ancient marble quarries where you can admire an unfinished marble Kouros Statue that is 11 meters tall and that is 2500-years-old. Have free time in a picturesque fishing village where you can go for a dip or purchase lunch.

Drive along the west coast, one of the most beautiful routes on the island with an amazing view of the ocean, and be returned to your pickup point.

Includes
  • Pickup and drop-off from a central location near your hotel
  • Greek/English-speaking experienced local tour guide
  • Greek/English-speaking professional driver
  • Luxury air-conditioned bus transportation
  • All taxes
  • Entrance fee for Demeter's Temple (€4 per person to be paid in cash)
  • Entrance fee for Kitron distillery (€3 per person to be paid in cash, optional visit)
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch
  • Tips and church donations (customary, not obligatory)
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with motion sickness

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

What to bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

  • On Tuesdays, the Temple of Demeter remains closed. Instead, the tour makes a longer stop at Apiranthos village
  • You will have to climb steps and walk uphills in order to visit the Temple of Demeter and the Kouros Statue
  • This tour will take place rain or shine
  • Small changes to the itinerary may apply 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
  • Changing booths and shower facilities are available at Apollonas beach
  • 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
  • You will arrive at Apollonas, where you will have free time for lunch, at approximately 2:00 PM. Make sure to eat breakfast before you start the activity
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 213 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.3/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

Great views, diverse landscapes, storytelling and information. Very accurate and honest description! In the end we got more than expected from this tour! We loved the welcome treat of local cheese and raki in Apirathos and higly appreciated the travel sickness advice upon booking. Overall, an inexpensive tour very well planned!

May 17, 2023

We saw five different villages and learned a lot about Naxos history and culture. Our guide was very passionate and engaging. We definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to see a bit more of the island. Great value for money and very efficient communication with the tour operator.

May 16, 2023

We had a great time! Naxos is beautiful and extremely diverse. We visited small villages and met lovely people. Keep in mind you will need some cash if you want to buy souvenirs from the pottery workshop. We liked very much the welcome raki and cheese at Apirathos and this feeling of "old Greece" in Apollonas. Overall a unique experience highly recommended!

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May 9, 2023

Product ID: 399152