Naxos Sunset City Walk: Venetian Castle to Portara

Medieval streets, a Mycenean museum, Citron liquor, and sunset at Portara

A 90-minute guided walk through Naxos town that moves from the Venetian Castle through the old market and Orthodox Cathedral to Portara, with explanations of medieval monuments and a tasting of the local Citron liquor. The guide shows you the Ursuline Nun school terrace, the Catholic cathedral, the Barozzi tower, and the castle gates before ending at the ancient monument at sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Naxos Venetian Castle and Sunset

• Walk through Venetian Castle
• Visit Ursuline Nun school terrace
• See Catholic cathedral and Barozzi tower
• Pass South, East, and North Gates
• Walk in old market place
• Visit Orthodox Cathedral and museum
• See ruins from Mycenean era
• Stop for Citron Liquor sip
• Enjoy sunset at Portara

The experience

Ninety minutes is enough to walk the layers of Naxos town if someone who knows them is leading. The route starts in the Venetian Castle, where the guide points out the Ursuline Nun school terrace (the spot where the view of Naxos town spreads below you), then moves through the castle's highlights: the Catholic cathedral, the Barozzi tower, and the South, East and North gates. Walking on your own, these are just old buildings. With context, they become the medieval atmosphere that shaped the island.

After the castle, the walk drops into the old market place and reaches the Orthodox Cathedral and its museum, where you'll see ruins from the Mycenean era: pottery and fragments that predate the medieval layer entirely. Before reaching Portara, there's a stop for a sip of Citron Liquor, a PDO product made only in Naxos, which tastes of the island's specific terroir. The final stop is Portara itself, the ancient marble gate that stands at the water's edge. After the guide explains what it is and why it matters, you watch the sunset from there.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Greek.
• a tasting of Citron Liquor, a protected Naxos product.

Options for this experience

3 options

Sunset City WalkGuide in English or Greek · Available from 12 May 2027Lasts 2 hours

City Walk at Sunset with a TastingGuide in English or Greek · Available from 7 Jun 2027Lasts 3 hours. Wine, citron and cheese tasting: a delicious experience with wine, cheese, local recipes and citron liquor. Venetian Castle and Apollo Temple: walk through the South Gate into the Venetian Castle to feel the atmosphere of medieval times. The final stop is sunset at the Portara!

Sunset City Walk, PrivateGuide in English or Greek · Available from 15 Jun 2027Food tasting: citron, wine and cheese tasting along with other delicacies. Lasts 3 hours. Naxian flavours: a mouthwatering experience tasting wine and cheese. A walk through time: we will walk together into the Venetian Castle and Portara.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 12 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Naxos Island Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the private option if you want the guide's full attention and the flexibility to linger at any stop. The shared walk keeps the group small and works well if you're traveling alone or want to meet other visitors. Either way, the 90-minute timing fits between lunch and dinner, and the sunset ending means you finish with light still in the sky.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Portara and why does the walk end there?

Portara is an ancient marble gate on the waterfront of Naxos town, a monument from classical antiquity. The guide explains its history and significance, and the timing of the walk means you arrive as the sun sets, so the monument and the light become the final moment of the day.

Does the walk go inside the Venetian Castle or just around it?

The walk moves through the castle, showing you the interior highlights including the Ursuline Nun school terrace, the Catholic cathedral, the Barozzi tower, and the castle gates. You're inside the medieval structure, not viewing it from outside.

What will I see in the Orthodox Cathedral museum?

The museum holds ruins from the Mycenean era and earlier periods: pottery and artifacts that show the layers of settlement on Naxos before the medieval period. The guide walks you through what these objects are and what they tell about the island's past.

Is Citron Liquor something I have to buy, or is it included in the walk?

A sip of Citron Liquor is included in the walk. It's a PDO product made only in Naxos, and the stop lets you taste it as part of the route through town.