What to Do on Rainy Days on Naxos – 10 Alternatives for Bad Weather
Rainy days on Naxos are rare – but they do happen, especially in spring and autumn. No reason to be sad: the island has plenty to offer even in the rain. From olive oil tastings to cave hikes – here are 10 alternatives for bad weather on Naxos.
1. Kitron Distillery Vallindras in Chalki
The traditional Kitron distillery Vallindras in Chalki (15 minutes from the villa) is worth visiting in any weather. Learn all about the production of Naxos’s famous liqueur. The tasting is free – and Kitron warms you up on rainy days.
2. Archaeological Museum in Chora
The Archaeological Museum of Naxos in Chora’s old town houses an impressive collection of Cycladic culture finds (3000–2000 BC). Famous Cycladic figurines, ancient pottery, and jewelry.
Hours: Daily except Mon 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
Entry: approx. €6
3. Olive Oil Museum in Eggares
Housed in an original 18th-century olive mill, you can see how olive oil was once pressed. Naturally, there’s also a tasting.
Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM
Entry: Free (tasting included)
4. Venetian Museum (Della Rocca-Barozzi)
In a restored Venetian mansion in Chora’s old town. Shows the life of nobility on Naxos during the Venetian era (1207–1566). The building itself is an architectural gem.
5. Wine Tasting at Temporal Winery
Near Chalki (18 minutes from the villa), Temporal Winery produces wines from local grape varieties. Tasting includes 4–6 wines with local cheese specialties. Book in advance!
6. Mountain Villages in the Rain
The mountain villages have a special atmosphere in the rain – fog between the marble houses of Apiranthos (30 min) or rain on the rooftops of Koronos. Traditional cafés and tavernas await in both villages.
7. Wellness Day at Villa La Natura
A rainy day is the perfect excuse for a wellness day at Villa La Natura. With 120 m² of space, there’s more than enough room to get cozy. The fireplace (spring/autumn), a good book, and the view of the rain-veiled sea have their own charm.
8. Cooking Class with Locals
In and around Chora, some locals offer cooking classes where you learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes – moussaka, tzatziki, Greek salad, and baklava.
Price: approx. €50–70 per person including ingredients and meal
9. Churches and Monasteries on Naxos
Naxos has over 200 churches and several monasteries. Particularly worth visiting: the Byzantine Panagia Drossiani (near Moni, 25 min from the villa) and the Christos Angelos Monastery in Koronos.
10. Shopping in Chora
Chora’s old town offers numerous shops with local products, handicrafts, and jewelry. Particularly recommended: delicatessen shops with Graviera cheese, olive oil, and thyme honey.
Rainy Day Activities Overview
| Activity | Location | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitron Tasting | Chalki | 1–2 h | Free |
| Archaeological Museum | Chora | 1.5–2 h | €6 |
| Olive Oil Museum | Eggares | 1–1.5 h | Free |
| Venetian Museum | Chora | 1 h | €5 |
| Wine Tasting | Temporal Winery | 2 h | €25 |
| Mountain Villages | Apiranthos | Half day | Free |
| Cooking Class | Chora | 3–4 h | €50–70 |
| Church/Monastery | Panagia Drossiani | 1 h | Free |
| Wellness | Villa La Natura | All day | Included |
| Shopping | Chora | 2–3 h | As budget allows |
Conclusion
Rainy days on Naxos are rare – and when they come, they usually only last a few hours. Use the time for culture, culinary delights, or a relaxing day at Villa La Natura. Usually the sun is shining again by afternoon – and Plaka Beach is waiting.