Melanes Tour
Suggestions Based on Melanes Café
of Cycladic Tradition
…and our journey begins by meeting you wherever you wish after prior arrangement. With our free transfer, we will take you to our village, to our location, and we will also handle your return to wherever you prefer.
This village, with its stone-built silence and its sense of antiquity, is a place where the past and present merge naturally and untouched.
Our mission is to preserve this tradition.
At Melanes Café we want to share with you the experience of discovering the rich history of the village, offering suggestions, accompanying you, and guiding you as you explore our land.
This tour of Melanes village is a unique opportunity to experience the living tradition of Naxos, explore its historical monuments, see the fruits of our land, and immerse yourself in its fragrances.
We will strive to make you feel, even for a few but truly unforgettable moments, like a local of Naxos.
We want it to be a lasting memory, a gift for all of us.
Come and experience the authentic Naxos.
Our journey includes visit
to the Jesuit Monastery, in the Kalamitsia area.
A monastery with significant history and stunning views. Walking around the monastery offers a sense of tranquility, and its unique architecture is definitely worth seeing.
During our tour of the Jesuit Monastery in Kalamitsia, you will discover a remarkable religious and cultural site deeply connected to the local religious and cultural heritage. You will also learn about the presence of the Jesuits in the area.
Quarry
We will visit the quarry up close. The quarries of Naxos hold great historical significance, as they are the source of the famous local marble used in many ancient architectural works.
You will walk around the area to see the excavation sites and learn about their history. You will feel the energy transferred from the earth and the sun into the ancient statues.
We must also remember that workers from our villages supported their families by working in such a challenging and dangerous job.
Ancient Aqueduct
Discover the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and the unique water management technology of Naxos through a tour of the island’s Ancient Aqueduct. This impressive archaeological monument stretches approximately 11 kilometers and operated from the 6th century BC to the 8th century AD.
During the tour, we will visit one of Naxos’s most remarkable and significant archaeological sites, where you’ll learn about the engineering works the ancients used for water management. The aqueduct transported abundant waters from the springs of Flerio and Melanes to the city of Naxos.
Our next stop is…
Kouros of Flerio
Continuing with renewed energy and relaxation, we journey from the village of Melanes to the Kouros of Flerio. This path offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Kouros of Flerio is one of Naxos’s most impressive statues. This unfinished marble statue, approximately 5.5 meters long, dates back to the 6th century BC. It lies in a lush garden near the ancient quarry where it was carved. The statue was likely abandoned due to a breakage during its transport, as its right leg is fractured. Visiting this site, you’ll learn about its history and significance in ancient sculpture. The location offers tranquility amidst greenery, and following the natural watercourse in the area provides excellent photo opportunities.
Our next stop is…
Pittaras Dairy
In our blessed land, Pittaras Dairy was born and stands out.
Established in 1970, its remarkable journey has made it the largest livestock unit in the Aegean, with over 500 cattle.
Its products are exceptional and have received global recognition.
We have arranged an exclusive visit to the dairy’s facilities, available only for the guests of Melanes Café Tour!
Village Gardens
Continuing our journey, we will visit the village gardens, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe traditional agricultural life.
Naxian farmers skillfully create furrows and channels to direct water to their fields. Their irrigation methods are particularly efficient, as they have successfully combined traditional techniques with modern means, optimizing the use of limited water resources.
You’ll witness the watering of vegetables, and if the season permits, we’ll harvest fresh produce from Naxos’s fertile land. This enriching experience connects us with the island’s nature and agriculture.
Bouti (Veranda)
We continue with a peaceful walk through the narrow streets of Melanes, one of the most picturesque and historic villages on the island, where time seems to have stood still, and tradition lives on in every corner. Passing by whitewashed stone houses, we can feel the history and traditions of their inhabitants.
We will make a stop at one of these traditional houses to rest and enjoy a treat on the “Bouti” (veranda), as locals used to do in the past to welcome relatives, friends, and neighbors.
You will have the chance to see the inside of a house preserved exactly as the son left it untouched. This is the home where 10 children and their parents grew up, living with dignity and hard work, supported by the land we will walk through.
A quick stope here to enjoy the beauty and history of this house . We will taste Local cheeses (arseniko , graviera , ksinotiro ), cherry tomato,olives, olive oil accompanied by local dustillate raki and kitro.
Byzantine Church of Agios Georgios
Here, we will admire the unique architecture of the church, which stands as one of the most significant religious monuments in the area and highlights the rich Byzantine religious and social heritage of Naxos.
The church was built on the remains of Roman baths dating back to the 3rd or 4th century AD. Archaeologists have uncovered remarkable frescoes from the Byzantine period, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual traditions of that time.
Melanes Cafe
Ending the tour, we arrive at Melanes Cafe, where the ultimate journey of flavors begins!
The true magic of the land lies not only in its produce but also in its stories and tastes.
And then, the ultimate culinary experience unfolds!
Together, in the space we’ve created for you, we will savor both cold and warm dishes, authentic Naxian cheeses, and combine the fresh ingredients we’ve carefully selected for you with an abundance of local and Greek wines from small producers, as well as refreshing, ice-cold beer.
From the refreshing salad made with vegetables from the garden to warm pies and local delicacies, every dish will be a gastronomic experience. A dive into the local culture, an opportunity to connect with the land and its products, and to experience the joy of creation.
Come and be part of this authentic experience, where tradition and flavor come together in the most delightful way.
Menu
After our tour and the images we will have gathered , we will have prepared for you unforgettable flavors full oftradition and authenticity.
Menu with local flavours At Melanes cafe:
- We welcome you with roasted vegetables fresh from the garden served with flavours and aromas
- You will taste the Naxos potatoes in a rich salad version full of flavours and spices
- Saganaki with Naxos cheese and sausage
- Τraditional Kayana ( eggs with tomato sauce and feta cheese)
- Mediterranean dish with fresh fish in the clay pot.
- Naxian «kokoropita» pie with vegetables, herbs and cheese baked in the oven