Looking for a cooking class in Naxos? I don’t think you can beat this farm-to-table experience.
I booked it for my final evening on the island, expecting a fun afternoon learning to cook some traditional Greek dishes. That would have been enough for me, but what I got was so much more than that! I explored a five-generation family farm, met the animals, learned about Naxian history, drank plenty of local wine, and sat down to an enormous farm-to-table feast.
In this review, I’ll share what the experience was like, how to get to the farm, what we cooked and ate, what I loved, and any downsides to consider before booking. Here’s everything you need to know!
My Itinerary on the Tour
Getting to the farm
The cooking class takes place on a family farm in the countryside. It’s quite remote, and you can’t get here via the local bus, so you’ll need to take a taxi from Naxos Town. Taxis in Naxos are limited, so I’d recommend asking your hotel to arrange one in advance.
The owner of my hotel organized a return taxi for me, which cost around €60 return. I left at around 3 pm to arrive comfortably for the 3:30 pm start. The roads become quite winding towards the farm, so I was glad I had a local to handle the driving!
Welcome to the farm
As soon as I arrived, I knew that I was in for a good time! The farm was so green and peaceful – it felt very different to other parts of Naxos that I had visited during my trip. We cooked in an open-air kitchen, surrounded by gardens where many of the ingredients are grown.
But before we got down to business, we were welcomed with traditional spoon sweets made from fruit grown on the farm, along with a shot of raki before heading off on a tour with our instructor, Jack.
Jack explained that the farm has been in his family for five generations, and we even met his young nephew, who will hopefully become the sixth generation one day!
Exploring the farm
Before we started cooking, Jack took us around the farm to show us where many of the ingredients come from. His French bulldog, Gracie, joined us on the tour and completely stole the show by constantly interrupting his explanations, snorting loudly, and demanding that guests throw sticks for her. She had everyone laughing!
We also met the farm donkey, Pandora, and saw where Jack and his family keep their bees. We also walked among 200-year-old olive trees and vines, and some members of the group helped to pick vegetables that we’d use later on to prepare our meal, so this was a true farm-to-table experience.
Cooking traditional Greek dishes
Back in the open-air kitchen, our group enjoyed a glass of wine together (from the farm, of course!) before we started to prepare our dinner. The cooking itself wasn’t difficult or intimidating, which meant everyone could relax, chat, and enjoy the experience while learning family recipes. We chopped fresh herbs, soaked rice, stuffed vegetables, and prepared various traditional dishes together.
The wine kept flowing throughout the afternoon, and whenever our jug was empty, another one quickly appeared! There was also homemade lemonade made on the farm, which was so refreshing.
A lesson in Naxian history
Once all the prep was done, Jack took us on another walk around the property. This time, the focus was on its history! The farm is home to an old Venetian tower, and Jack explained how Naxos spent centuries under Venetian rule, leaving a lasting mark on the island but also creating a complicated relationship between the Venetians and the local Greek population.
One story that really stuck with me was about the tower’s final Venetian owner. Jack told us that he was eventually killed by local Greeks as an act of revenge, bringing the Venetian chapter of the tower’s history to a pretty dramatic end!
Again, this is what I mean when I say this experience was about so much more than cooking. I definitely hadn’t expected a fascinating Naxian history lesson between preparing dinner and sitting down to eat!
A huge farm-to-table feast
Once everything was ready, we headed back to find the table beautifully set for dinner, with a huge amount of food waiting for us! There were even more dishes than the ones we’d actually prepared ourselves. My favorite was the banana peppers stuffed with feta, herbs and vegetables, which we did prepare, although the slow-cooked pork shoulder was a very close second.
We also tucked into homemade tzatziki made with yogurt from the farm’s own goats and sheep, spinach pie, Greek salad, omelet, and plenty of fresh bread. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, which isn’t surprising when so many of the ingredients had come straight from the farm around us.
By the end, I genuinely didn’t think I could eat another bite. Then Jack appeared with homemade loukoumades, drizzled with honey produced right there on the farm, so obviously, I found some room!
Greek dancing and plate smashing
Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, everyone headed outside to learn some traditional Greek dancing. Jack taught us the basic steps, and before long we were all moving around in circles, laughing whenever someone inevitably went the wrong way!
Afterward, we toasted the evening with another shot of warm raki before finishing with plate smashing. I had always wanted to experience plate smashing in Greece, so this felt like the perfect ending to my final night in Naxos! Between the dancing, the food, the wine, and the setting, it really felt more like being invited to a big Greek family celebration than attending a cooking class.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
What I Loved About This Tour
It felt like visiting someone’s family home
This tour never felt like a commercial cooking class. Jack welcomed everyone onto his family’s farm and shared stories about growing up there, which made the whole experience feel incredibly personal. We met his dad, sister, and nephew, as well as Gracie the dog, of course!
The setting was absolutely beautiful
This was the most scenic cooking class I’ve ever done! I loved cooking in an open-air kitchen, and the farm is home to countless lush gardens and terraces. It showed me a completely different side of Naxos to the bustling main town and beaches.
The food was incredible
This was probably the best meal out of my entire trip to Greece – and yes, that’s saying something! Everything tasted so incredibly fresh because almost all of the ingredients came directly from the farm. In fact, Jack said the only thing he had to buy in was mustard! So if you love Greek food, this experience really is a must.
It was much more than a cooking class
I loved the cooking element of this class, but I also got to learn about the farm, meet lots of animals, and discover local history. The Greek wine was absolutely fantastic, and ending the night with dancing and plate smashing was the cherry on top for me! This class packed so much into one afternoon and evening, and I left with a huge smile on my face.
Perfect for my final night in Naxos
I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish my time in Naxos with this cooking class. It was such an amazing and authentic celebration of Greek food and hospitality, and it’s one of my best travel experiences to date. I know I’ll remember it for years to come, and I will definitely do it again if and when I revisit Naxos!
Amazing reviews from fellow travelers
I’m not the only one who loved this experience! When I booked this tour, it already had well over 500 5-star reviews – which certainly speaks to its quality. Everyone in my group was raving about this experience when we wrapped up, so I’m sure you’ll feel the same way when you book it too!
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What I Didn’t Like About This Tour
Getting there takes a little planning
Probably the biggest downside of this cooking class is that it’s not the easiest to get to. It’s tucked away in the countryside so you’ll need to arrange a taxi in advance, as it’s not possible to get there on foot or with public transport. However, the fact that the class is so remote is what makes the setting so peaceful and authentic, so do think it was worth the extra effort!
You need to book in advance
This class is one of the most popular things to do in Naxos – and with good reason – so you’ll need to secure your spot in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Fortunately, I booked this class through Viator, which offers free cancellation, so I could lock in my spot early and change or cancel it later if I needed to, without losing money. You can also reserve now and pay later, which means you won’t be charged until 48 hours before you go!
Would I Recommend This Tour?
Yes, absolutely. This was one of my favorite experiences in Naxos, and it’s the best cooking class I’ve ever done anywhere in the world! Between the beautiful farm, incredible food, and unlimited wine, this was the perfect way to experience Naxian hospitality.
I also met so many wonderful people in this class, so I think it’s a great option for solo travelers! There were also families, honeymooners, and groups of friends in my class, and everyone was made to feel very welcome.
This is truly the kind of experience that I came to Greece for, and I absolutely cannot recommend it enough. There’s a reason it’s so popular!
Other Activities to do in Naxos
Besides your cooking class, there are some other great activities to do in Naxos. One of the (many!) things that I love about this island is how much variety it offers, from golden beaches to cute mountain villages and lots of amazing food. Below are some of the best things that I did on the island to help you make the most of your time here.
- Sail the Aegean on a catamaran – This full-day sailing tour was my FAVORITE thing that I did in Naxos! Honestly, the water I swam in was some of the clearest and prettiest water that I have ever seen, and there was also plenty of time to lounge on deck and make the most of the unlimited drinks. It was truly the perfect day!
- Discover Naxos on an island sightseeing tour –This island-wide tour makes it so easy to see Naxos’ most fascinating historical sites and traditional mountain villages in one day. It’s a really fun and well-rounded way to see how diverse the island is and learn more about its heritage and culture.
- Taste Naxos on an evening food walk – Naxos is known for its delicious food and huge portions, and this guided food tour is the perfect way to discover some of the best restaurants tucked away in Chora’s historic alleyways.
- Dive into the Aegean on a private scuba tour – Explore the Aegean beneath the surface with the guidance of a dedicated instructor in this beginner-friendly scuba class. Clear water, calm conditions, and abundant marine life make it an exciting introduction to diving—or a fun refresher for those with experience.
- Go sea kayaking – For a more adventurous way to experience the water, join this sea kayaking tour! You’ll get to explore Rina Cave, and also stop for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping – if you’re feeling brave!
Related Read: Want help putting it all together? Check out my 3-day Naxos itinerary for a day-by-day plan that mixes beaches, food, and sightseeing. And if you’re planning to visit more of Greece, check out my two-week Greece itinerary for the full route.
Where to Stay in Naxos
When planning a trip to Naxos, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference! Whether you want a luxury retreat, a mid-range stay near the action, or a budget-friendly spot by the beach, Naxos has fantastic options for every traveler.
To help you decide, I’ve rounded up my top hotel picks, all in great locations and perfect for exploring everything this beautiful island has to offer!
Luxury – $$$
Spiros Hotel is a chic hotel built in that classic Cycladic style, with bright white walls and lots of arches. It has a lovely outdoor pool and a gorgeous spa with a hot tub, sauna, and hammam for when you’re craving some rest and relaxation.Â
The location couldn’t be better, either! It’s just a minute’s walk from Agios Georgios beach and a 10-minute walk from the waterfront and the Old Market.
Rooms here start from around €300 per night. Check availability and book your stay here!Â
Mid-range – $$
Argo Boutique Hotel is a charming mid-range stay in Naxos Town, just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and historic sites. The stylish rooms and suites feature a blend of traditional and modern decor, with some offering private balconies, spa baths, and even hot tubs! Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the spa area, and have a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant to refuel after a day of exploring.
Prices usually start at around €200 per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Georgia Mare is where I stayed in Naxos, and I would definitely stay here again! It’s a fairly simple property, but it’s spotlessly clean and very well-maintained. It was honestly the owners who really made it special, though.
The hotel is run by Spiros and his daughter Georgia, and they’re incredibly kind and welcoming – they really showed me true Naxian hospitality. The hotel breakfast was also incredible, and I always wanted to eat more than I was physically able to!
Rooms at Georgia Mare start at around €120 per night, including breakfast. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay here!
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Naxos here!
Related Read: For even more great hotel options and a full breakdown of the best areas to stay in Naxos, check out my detailed Where to Stay guide!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!
One of my favorite things about Greece is the food, so taking a cooking class was a must-do on my itinerary! I was blown away by this farm-to-table class; it exceeded every one of my expectations. If you’re looking for a memorable, tasty, and culturally immersive experience in Naxos, don’t hesitate to book this one!
Before you go, check out the rest of our Greece blogs! We have plenty of resources to help you plan a great trip, from picking the best place to stay and organizing your itinerary to finding the best tours out there, like this one! Here are a few related blogs you might be interested in. Cheers!
My FAVORITE Naxos Tour – Honest Review!
14 BEST Things to do in Naxos, Greece
My Favorite Santorini Food Tour – Honest Review
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