Since Naxos has a rich history extending all the way back to Paleolithic era, it can be daunting to take everything in at once. This tour is designed to shed some light to the medieval history of Naxos with a walking tour of its historic Old Town. Alongside your escort, you will walk through iconic sites like the Capuchin Monastery, Church of St. Anthony of Padua and of course the Old Market a place full of quaint shops, galleries and workshops. All the while the imposing look of Kastro, the medieval castle of the island will follow you everywhere you go and cast an enchanting spell on you. We will learn about the Ottoman and Venetian influences that shaped the Old Town of Naxos during the centuries and end our walk near the iconic Portara gate, arguably the most recognizable site on the entire island!
After our walk, we will visit a distillery on the edge of Chora, to tour the grounds and taste Kitron, a citrus-flavored liqueur that is made exclusively on the island. This summer give your vacation a distinct flavor and experience a different side of Naxos!
Daily upon request
| Group Size | Price per person |
| 2-4 persons | 235 € |
| 5-8 persons | 195 € |
After we pick you up from your hotel we will be dropped off at the entrance of the Old Town of Naxos to commence our walking tour. Ever since the early 13th century when Venetians ruled the Aegean, Naxos held a very prominent status in the region, being the center of the Ducky of the Archipelago. In the subsequent centuries, the Venetians left an indelible mark on the island, with the largest remnant of their once dominant position undoubtedly being the impregnable fortress of Sanudo, which the locals have simplified as Kastro, the Greek name for 'castle'. The fortification system around Kastro has three gates, the largest one being Trani Porta with the Naxians again opting for straightforwardness as the name literally means 'Great Gate'. Marble lintels and coats of arms decorate the area and serve as a constant reminder of the chunk of Naxian history that is distinctly Venetian.
As we walk around the old town we will come across various important sites as the Archaeological Museum and the School of Ursulines. The latter begun operations in 1628 by Jesuit Monks who inhibited the island and was used to educate Catholic students until 1970 when it was eventually shut down. The nuns of the School established the first school for girls in Greece, enabling women to access higher education for the first time. Nowadays it is preserved by the State as a cultural monument. It's worth noting that the same building once housed the Merchant Academy, which was once a prominent institution throughout Greece, counting the celebrated author Nikos Kazantzakis among its alumni.
As we continue our walk through narrow, picturesque alleys, we will enter the Old Market, a charming maze of little stores, workshops and galleries. The market is not only a testament to the artistic side of Naxos, but also a window into its traditions. Hand-crafted goods can be found in every quaint corner and picturesque cul-de-sac, while each tiny square offers the opportunity for stunning pictures. We'll follow the salty smell of the sea and exit the market, reaching the iconic Portara gate, on the nearby islet of Palatia.
Time to add a different flavor to our day, with a tasting that we guarantee you've never had before! We'll hop on our transport and drive to the edge of Chora, to reach the Promponas Distillery. The distillery is family-owned and has been in constant operation for more than a century. Although it produces a few different liqueurs, the most famous one is by far Kitro, a citrus-flavored drink that can only be found on Naxos! We will tour the grounds, starting from the citrus garden and continuing to the distillation area, learning about all the stages of production, from the selection of the fruit to the final bottled product. The sight of the distillation machines surrounded by artefacts connected to the company and dating back to the beginning of its operation we'll evoke a feeling of warmth and pride for one's work. The tour will culminate with a gastronomic tasting of products that include not just the citrus liqueur but also ouzo, citrus-flavored raki, rakomelo and wine, always accompanied by sweet and savory tastes!
Not Included:
