Naxos is one of Greece’s most captivating islands, and the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour offers travelers a chance to discover its cultural treasures. From the ancient Temple of Demeter to the charming villages, this full-day experience showcases the island’s rich history and stunning landscapes. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and an optional visit to a local distillery, the tour promises an authentic Naxos adventure. But what makes this tour truly unique is the opportunity to explore the picturesque village of Apeiranthos at your own pace during the free time for lunch.
Key Points
- A full-day bus tour that covers the highlights of Naxos, including the Temple of Demeter, Halki, Apeiranthos, and Apollonas.
- Opportunity for free time and lunch in the picturesque marble village of Apeiranthos.
- Optional visit to a local kitron distillery available for an additional fee.
- Convenient pickup locations and transportation via comfortable air-conditioned bus.
- Tour led by experienced local English-speaking escorts, though some feedback suggests room for improvement in group size and customer service.
Tour Overview
The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors to some of the island’s top destinations.
The tour costs from $36.96 per person and has an excellent rating with 830 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate.
The tour starts at 9:00 AM and can accommodate up to 49 travelers.
Highlights include the Temple of Demeter, the old capital of Halki, the marble village of Apeiranthos, and the ancient kouros statue in Apollonas.
An optional visit to a local kitron distillery is also offered.
The tour provides free time for lunch in Apeiranthos.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Naxos
Itinerary and Highlights
The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour takes visitors to four top destinations on the island.
The first stop is the Temple of Demeter, an ancient Greek sanctuary closed on Tuesdays and May 1st.
Next, the tour heads to Halki, the former capital, and then to Apeiranthos, a picturesque marble village where guests enjoy free time for lunch.
The final stop is Apollonas, home to an ancient kouros statue.
There’s also an optional visit to the Kitron distillery in Chalki for an additional 3€ per person.
Transportation and Pickup
Guests can opt to be picked up from various locations across Naxos, including Plaka Beach, Maragkas Beach, Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Stelida, Naxos Town, and the Naxos Bus Transfer Office.
Passengers should arrive 5 minutes early at their chosen pickup point. Alternatively, guests may meet the tour directly at the Naxos Bus Transfer office.
- Pickup locations span key beaches and towns across the island.
- Option to meet at the centralized Naxos Bus Transfer office.
- Guests instructed to arrive 5 minutes prior to scheduled pickup.
- Multiple convenient starting points for tour participants.
Tour Experience
On the tour, experienced local English-speaking escorts guide guests through the day’s itinerary.
Travelers explore top destinations like the Temple of Demeter, Halki, Apeiranthos, and Apollonas aboard a comfortable air-conditioned bus.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers. The schedule may adjust due to weather, but the tour operates rain or shine.
Guests have free time for lunch in Apeiranthos, and can optionally visit a local distillery.
The tour experience offers scenic views and well-timed stops, though some feedback suggests room for improvement in group size and customer service.
Reviews and Feedback
Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and well-timed stops, though common suggestions for improvement include smaller group sizes, staggered arrival times at sites, and more time at certain locations.
Some concerns have been raised regarding safety and handling of incidents, indicating a need for improved customer service response.
The tour experience review summary includes:
- Knowledgeable local guides provide excellent commentary
- Stunning landscapes and cultural highlights impress travelers
- Well-paced itinerary allows for relaxed exploration
- Requests for smaller groups and more time at select sites
Additional Information
Entrance fees for the Temple of Demeter are 4€ per person, payable in cash only. Gratuities, personal expenses, meals, and drinks are not included in the tour price. To ensure a comfortable experience, the tour operator recommends that travelers bring the following items:
| Recommended Items | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Travel sickness pills | For winding roads |
| Good walking shoes | For exploring sites |
| Swimwear | For optional swimming stops |
The tour operates rain or shine, and the itinerary may adjust to accommodate weather conditions. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is suitable for most travelers.
Pricing and Booking
The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour is priced from $36.96 per person.
Bookings can be made through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their office.
This full-day tour includes:
- Round-trip transportation via air-conditioned bus
- An experienced, English-speaking local guide
- Visits to top destinations like the Temple of Demeter, Halki, Apeiranthos, and Apollonas
- Free time for lunch in the marble village of Apeiranthos
- Flexibility to join the tour at the Naxos Bus Transfer office or at designated pickup locations
Guests are advised to arrive 5 minutes early at their selected pickup point.
This tour operates rain or shine, with potential adjustments to the itinerary due to weather conditions.
Preparing for the Tour
When preparing for the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour, travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind.
First, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves exploring several historic sites on foot. Guests may also want to bring a swimsuit, as there may be opportunities for optional swimming stops during the day.
Plus, those prone to motion sickness should consider packing travel sickness medication, as the bus ride navigates winding roads.
Lastly, it’s recommended to arrive at pickup points a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the tour.
With these tips, travelers can look forward to a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Ask Away
Are Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
The tour likely includes stops at locations with restroom facilities. However, as the specific details are not provided, travelers should be prepared to use facilities during free time or plan ahead for their needs.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Beverages?
Travelers are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and beverages on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or recommendations regarding outside food and drinks.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There is no information provided about the option to extend the tour duration. The tour description indicates it is a full-day tour, but does not mention any flexibility to extend the preset schedule.
How Do We Communicate With the Guide During the Tour?
Guests can communicate with the guide during the tour by asking questions or providing feedback. The guide is an experienced local who speaks English and is available to address any concerns or provide additional information throughout the excursion.
Can We Request Stops at Additional Locations?
Guests can typically request additional stops, but the tour operator may not be able to accommodate all requests due to time constraints or logistics. It’s best to check with the operator in advance to see if customizations are possible.
Final Words
The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore the island’s cultural treasures. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and free time in the picturesque village of Apeiranthos, this tour provides an enriching and authentic Naxos experience. Whether you’re interested in ancient temples, charming villages, or local distilleries, this tour has a lot to offer to enjoy.
More Kayak & Canoe Tours in Naxos
More Tours in Naxos
More Tour Reviews in Naxos
Still browsing? Here are more Naxos experiences we've covered recently
- Naxos Villages Food Tour
- Rina Cave Sea Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Picnic
- Rent an Aurelia J21 e-bike. 48V/250W with 50+ kms of range
- Naxos Perivoli Farm Experience & Wood-fire Cooking Class
- Naxos: Highlights of Naxos Day Tour
- Walking Tour and Cooking Class on Naxos with Local Market Visit
- Koufonissia & Rina Cave with BBQ lunch
- Daily Cruise – Koufonissia & Rina Cave
- Private Bike and Hike Tour in Naxos
- All inclusive day sailing tour from Naxos to the small cyclades
- Citron Tasting and Distillery 1-Hour Guided Tour in Naxos
- Naxos: Rina Cave Sea Kayak Tour with Snorkeling and Picnic