Eggares is a small village on the island of Naxos that offers some of the most authentic and engaging tours in the Cyclades. Its charming olive press museum and local craftsmanship workshops provide visitors with a genuine taste of Greek traditions. Among the highlights are the Naxos: Olive Oil Tasting & Baking at Eggares Olive Press, which combines hands-on baking and tasting, and the Marble Carving or Mosaic Basic Techniques, giving you a chance to create your own artwork. For those interested in culinary culture, the Olive Oil Tasting with Traditional Naxian Dishes offers insights into local flavors paired with delicious vegetarian dishes. Each experience showcases the craftsmanship and flavors that make Naxos special.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes each tour unique, helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule best—whether you’re into food, art, or cultural learning.
1. Naxos: Olive Oil Tasting & Baking at Eggares Olive Press
At number one, this hands-on experience immerses you in Naxos’ rich olive oil heritage. The tour starts at the Eggares Olive Oil Museum, a well-preserved site where you learn how olive oil was traditionally produced. The guided tour takes about 20 minutes, giving you a clear understanding of the process from fruit to bottle. Then, the fun begins with a cooking class where you bake olive bread using local recipes, learning the difference between extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and regular oils. This part is especially engaging because you get to take home your own baked bread—perfect for sharing or savoring later.
The experience is designed for all ages; families, couples, and solo travelers will find it equally rewarding. The highlight for many is tasting a variety of premium olive oils and enjoying a light meal of fresh salads, pies, and local sweets. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and reviews praise the host Katerina’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge. She brings a contagious passion for Naxos and its olive oil tradition.
Bottom line: This tour offers a great mix of education, hands-on activity, and delicious local flavors—perfect for those curious about Greek culinary traditions or looking for an interactive experience.
2. Marble Carving or Mosaic Basic Techniques – 3 hour lesson
For those interested in art and craftsmanship, the 3-hour marble and mosaic workshop is a standout. Set in an open-air studio, the class is perfect for beginners eager to try their hand at carving or creating mosaics. Your instructor, Christos, is an experienced artist who shares his passion and expertise, making this a memorable hands-on session.
The workshop includes choosing your own stones or mini marble sculpture, then working with simple tools to craft your piece. You’ll learn the basic techniques of carving marble or assembling mosaics, and you get to take your artwork home as a keepsake. The setting—surrounded by lush greenery and bamboo—adds to the creative atmosphere. Reviewers mention Christos’s encouraging teaching style and the farm visits that add authenticity.
This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy DIY projects and want a personal souvenir made by their own hands. The small group size fosters good interaction, and many comment that they gained a new appreciation for Greek artisans.
Bottom line: If you’re keen to make your own piece of Greek art and enjoy learning from an accomplished craftsman, this workshop is a perfect choice.
3. Eggares: Olive Oil Tasting with Traditional Naxian Dishes
This 2-hour tour combines olive oil tasting with a selection of traditional Naxian vegetarian dishes. It begins with a guided tasting session at the historic Eggares Olive Press, where an expert explains the nuances of different extra virgin olive oils. You’ll learn how to recognize quality and appreciate the subtleties that distinguish good EVOO from ordinary oil.
The tasting is paired with local wine and a variety of meat-free Naxian dishes, made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to relax and ask questions about Greek culinary customs. The small-group setting ensures a personal experience, and reviews highlight the hosts’ friendliness and the delicious food.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local ingredients and authentic flavors, providing insight into the island’s food culture. It’s suitable for food lovers who want to deepen their understanding of Greek cuisine without the heavy emphasis on meat.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who appreciate culinary storytelling combined with tasting, and eager to learn how olive oil enhances Greek dishes.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Eggares
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interest in culinary arts, art and craft, or food tasting. If you want an engaging and educational activity that involves baking and tasting, go for the Olive Oil Tasting & Baking. For a hands-on art activity, the Marble Carving or Mosaic Workshop offers a creative outlet. If your focus is on local cuisine and wine, the Olive Oil Tasting with Traditional Dishes provides a flavorful culture.
Think about your schedule and whether you prefer a shorter, food-focused experience or a longer, craft-based session. Budget-wise, these tours are all quite reasonable given their depth and small-group format—booking early is recommended, especially in high season.
Final Thoughts
Eggares offers a diverse selection of tours that highlight authentic Naxian culture—from olive oil and bread to marble art. For the casual traveler, the olive oil tasting and baking experience provides a delightful introduction to local flavors. Art enthusiasts will love trying their hand at marble carving or mosaics, creating a personal souvenir. And for those interested in Greek gastronomy, the combination of olive oil tasting with traditional dishes offers a delicious, educational experience.
No matter which tour suits your interests, each one promises a chance to connect with Naxos’s timeless traditions. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking in advance, especially during the busy summer months. These experiences aren’t just activities—they’re memorable stories you’ll tell long after your trip ends.