Tour 4
Would you like to visit ancient Greek temples?
Would you like to visit attractions that reveal the past and characteristics of Naxos? This tour is perfect for you!
A 6-hour tour to experience 6 remarkable places.
First Stop
at the temple of Demeter, a monument made of white marble. It is estimated to have been made a century before the Parthenon, between 530-520 BC. It overlooks the mountain and the sea and was dedicated to Apollo, Demeter and her daughter Persephone. In 1949, some excavations were carried out in the area of the temple, and in the following years, architects from the Munich Polytechnic carried out studies to restore it. However, apart from the temple of Demeter, you will be lucky enough to visit the archaeological museum of Gyroula, which has been awarded for its architecture.
Next stop
at Bazeos Tower in Sagri which is one of the most prominent sights in Naxos. Dating back to the 17th century, the tower was built in this particular location to provide safety to its residents from frequent pirate attacks.
Next stop
at the Cycladic pottery workshop where you can closely watch the clay processing process from the beginning to the final phase. The creations of Manolis Lybertas, who is a fourth-generation potter, include the sfouni (the jug they would pour wine out of the big jar with), the tyromethira (holed jar for drying cheese) and many copies of museum exhibits.
We continue
our tour with the oldest Citron distillery of Naxos. There you can see the production areas with the still from 1862, hear how the distillation process is done, but above all, try citrus which in this particular area has an even more excellent aroma and taste.
Finally,
you will visit the village of Filoti. It is a traditional Cycladic village built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Zas. The small cobbled square named Gefyra is surrounded by quaint "cafes" that also serve ouzo and mezedas and a number of taverns and shops, all shaded by a huge, majestic plane tree that lets in a cool breeze. To the left of the square, the paved road that leads to the church of Panagia Filotitissa. Standing, a little further down the road, the Barozzi Tower which is an impressive remnant of the island's long period of Venetian rule. Other notable attractions of the village include the Museum of Greek Numismatic Collection, the old blacksmith shop, the old carpentry shop, the old tailor shop, barbershop, grocery store, as well as the fountain of Arion, on the slope of Mount Zas.
Not Included:
Entrance Fees to Demeter Temple are not included (entrance ticket 4 euros per person in cash only)
Entrance Fees to Bazeos tower are not included (entrance ticket 3 euros per person in cash only)
Please note:
The archaeological site of the Temple of Demeter is closed every Tuesday.
The Bazeos tower is closed every Monday.