Discover how an island carved in marble became one of the most influential powers of Ancient Greece. On this free tour of Naxos, you'll dive into the heart of the Aegean to explore its ancient history, great myths, and surprising Venetian heritage. You'll be captivated!
Tour Details
We'll start our free tour next to the Sphinx of Naxos, in front of the Local Government building. Here, we'll discover the fundamental role the island played in Antiquity, thanks to its inexhaustible marble quarries and immense commercial power. We'll also discuss the Kouros and the importance of Naxos during the Archaic period.
From there, we'll stroll along the waterfront, tracing the local history from its epic clash with Athens to the establishment of the Venetian Duchy of Naxos. Did you know that the legacy of this duchy is still visible today in the city's architecture and fortifications?
Our free tour of Naxos continues in the historic center, where we'll wander through a labyrinth of churches, squares, and traditional alleyways. Here, we'll uncover the secrets of fascinating Cycladic Art, considered one of the most advanced artistic expressions of prehistoric Europe.
We'll then visit a marble gallery to see the island's immense sculptural legacy firsthand. As we walk, we'll also tell you about the delicious local cuisine, the charming mountain villages, and the island's most outstanding beaches.
The tour concludes 1.5 hours later in front of the sea, enjoying the majestic views of the Portara or the Gate of Apollo. In this magical setting, we'll discover the romantic and tragic legends of Ariadne and Dionysus, central figures in one of the Greek world's most significant myths.
Group Size
This free tour does not allow bookings for more than 6 people, even if they book separately.