Naxos Old Town Food Tour: Cheese, Mezedes & Wine Walk

Summary

Cheese tastings, winding alleys, taverna mezedes and old castle tales in Naxos

You’ll taste your way through Naxos Old Town with local cheeses and wine, wander hidden alleys past markets and castles, snack on Greek “superfoods,” then share mezedes and those famous potatoes at a cozy taverna. Expect laughter with your guide, new flavors you’ll crave again later, and views that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try this one — it’s the xinotyro,” our guide Maria grinned, holding out a crumbly wedge that smelled like sun-warmed hay and salt. I was still chewing the last bite of graviera when she poured us a little glass of white wine (local, obviously), right there by a stall stacked with oranges and wild herbs. The air in Naxos Town is always moving — sea breeze carrying oregano and something sweet from the bakery behind us. I didn’t expect to laugh so much just standing around cheese.

The walk through the Venetian backstreets felt like drifting through someone’s memory — uneven stones underfoot, shutters painted blue or sometimes just left bare wood. Maria paused every few corners to point out something odd: a faded sign in Greek script, or an old man selling potatoes who winked at us as we passed (his hands were stained ochre from peeling). We ducked into a food shop for these “superfood” bites — honestly, I can’t remember half the names but they tasted earthy and sharp. My friend tried to say thank you in Greek; the shopkeeper’s smile was pure patience.

We climbed up near the castle for a palate cleanser shot (kitron? It burned in a good way) and took photos where the whole port glowed gold. Dinner was family-style at a tucked-away taverna: plates of mezedes sliding across the table, those famous Naxian potatoes (I get why everyone talks about them now), more wine. Someone started telling stories about the Ursulines school — I only caught bits between bites but it felt like being let in on secrets. The day trip food tour in Naxos ended with sticky fingers and that citron liquor lingering on my tongue. I still think about that last view over town when I’m hungry late at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Naxos Old Town and local foods

• Walk through Old Town back streets
• Taste Naxian cheeses with wine
• Stop at local food store for snacks
• Walk Venetian Castle backstreets
• Visit former Ursulines school viewpoint
• Share mezedes and wine at taverna
• Taste local citron liquor

Top questions

How long does the Naxos Town food tour last?

The tour typically lasts several hours as you walk through Old Town with stops for tastings and dinner.

Is pickup included for this day trip food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

What foods are included on the Naxos Old Town food tour?

You’ll try several Naxian cheeses, Greek superfood snacks, local specialties like potatoes and sweets, plus family-style mezedes with wine.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes—your experience includes both white and red wine, raki, and a kitron liquor tasting.

Is this food tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—the walking route is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Please inform ahead of time about any food allergies or dietary needs so adjustments can be made.

Does the tour visit any historic sites?

Yes—you’ll explore Venetian Castle backstreets and stop at the former Ursulines school for views over Naxos Town.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through Naxos Old Town’s Venetian alleyways, tastings of graviera, arseniko, xinotyro and mizithra cheeses paired with local wines, Greek superfood snacks from traditional shops, family-style dinner with mezedes (including those famous potatoes), sweets to finish off your meal, commentary from an expert guide on island history and cuisine—and samplings of raki plus kitron liqueur before you wind down your stroll.