Citron Tasting and Distillery 1-Hour Guided Tour in Naxos

Experience a Unique Citrus Tasting at Promponas Distillery in Naxos

The Citron Tasting and Distillery Guided Tour in Naxos offers a chance to explore a family-owned, fourth-generation distillery for $69.14 per person, lasting about one hour. Located in Promponas Distillery, this tour is highly rated with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 67 reviews and is recommended by 100% of participants. It’s a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the hosts.

This tour stands out for its focus on Kitron, a citron liqueur made exclusively on Naxos. You’ll learn about the distillation process, taste several citron-based drinks along with other Greek spirits, and enjoy local snacks. The experience suits those interested in authentic Greek beverages, family-run businesses, and cultural insights into Naxos’s citrus heritage.

While the tour lasts only 60 minutes, it delivers a rich, engaging experience that combines education, tasting, and the warm hospitality typical of a family-operated distillery. Given the high praise and enthusiastic reviews, this activity is a strong choice for visitors looking to sample local flavors and learn about traditional distillation in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Authentic family-run distillery with a history dating back to 1915
• One-hour guided tour including tastings of Kitron and other citrus spirits
• Tastings paired with Greek appetizers, candies, and local snacks
• Small group size (up to six people) for more personal interaction
• Beautiful outdoor patio and orchard visit, including the opportunity to see citron trees
• Tour price of $69.14 per person, with flexible scheduling available

The Location and Family Heritage of Promponas Distillery

The Promponas Distillery is situated in Naxos, Greece, and is renowned as a family business that has been producing artisan spirits since 1915. The tour begins outdoors in the charming courtyard, next to a garden filled with citron trees, giving visitors a chance to experience the farm-to-bottle journey firsthand.

Catalina, who leads the tour, shares stories about her family history and highlights the tradition and craftsmanship behind each bottle. The picturesque setting includes photographs of her grandfather and a small gift shop selling their local spirits and related products.

The family’s warm hospitality and the artisanal approach to production make this experience more than just a tasting—it’s an intimate look into Naxos’s citrus farming and distillation traditions. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the local culture and the family legacy they contribute to.

Exploring the Citron Orchards and Distillery Process

The tour starts in the orchard, where Catalina explains how they care for the citron trees. This step emphasizes the local cultivation practices and the quality of the citrus fruits used in their spirits. Visitors get to see the trees up close and understand the importance of fresh citrus in crafting authentic Naxian spirits.

Inside the distillery, the process of distilling citron is demonstrated, revealing the traditional methods used in this family business. The explanation includes how citron is transformed into raki, ouzo, and Kitron, highlighting local flavors unique to Naxos. Photos and memorabilia adorn the walls, showcasing a century-old family business.

This part of the tour is an educational experience that emphasizes quality ingredients and handcrafted techniques. The small group size allows for detailed questions and personal interaction, making complex processes clear and engaging.

Tasting the Local Spirits and Pairings

The highlight of the tour is the sampling session on the outdoor patio. You’ll taste three different kinds of citron, varying in color and sweetness, alongside Naxian ouzo and raki. These spirits are served with local accompaniments such as olives, breadsticks, figs, and nuts.

Along With citron spirits, the tasting includes Rakomelo and citron-flavored raki, offering a variety of flavors that showcase the diversity of Naxian alcohol. Complementing the spirits are candied citron, dark chocolate, and dried citrus fruit, all of which enhance the tasting experience.

Reviews repeatedly praise the pairings and quality of snacks, noting that the alcohol flows freely and the servings are generous. This tour provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying Greek drinks and local bites amid beautiful surroundings.

The Personal Touch of the Guide, Sofia

Throughout the tour, Sofia (Catalina’s daughter) is praised for her warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable approach. She shares family stories, explains distillation secrets, and offers personalized attention that makes guests feel at home.

Many reviews mention how Sofia’s passion for her family’s legacy shines through, making the tour more engaging and informative. She is also attentive to children and babies, even giving the infant candied citron leaves to suck on, which adds a personal, caring touch to the experience.

This friendly, interactive style contributes greatly to the positive atmosphere and results in rave reviews from visitors who feel like they’re visiting family rather than just attending a commercial tour.

The Option to Bottle Your Own Kitron

A special highlight of this tour is the opportunity for guests to see the distillery’s bottling process and even bottle their own Kitron. This hands-on activity offers a memorable keepsake and adds a personal dimension to the experience.

While the main tour lasts 60 minutes, many guests spend additional time sampling, chatting, and enjoying the outdoor setting. The photo opportunities, family memorabilia, and gift shop make it a well-rounded visit.

Note that the tour is designed to be fun and boozy, so expect ample servings that can get quite lively—a big plus for those seeking a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Booking

The meeting point for the tour is at Promponas Distillery in Naxos, Greece. The tour begins and ends at this location, with flexible time slots available to fit different schedules. Bookings are typically made about 37 days in advance and are confirmed instantly upon reservation.

The tour includes a mobile ticket, making it easy to participate without printed documents. The activity is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and group sizes limited to six for a more intimate experience.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility if plans change. The cost of $69.14 per person reflects the quality of the experience, the personalized service, and the local, handcrafted spirits tasted.

Why This Tour Outshines Others in Naxos

What sets this citron distillery tour apart is its family heritage, personalized approach, and deep focus on traditional Naxian spirits. Guests consistently praise the host’s friendliness, the quality of snacks, and the authenticity of the experience.

The small group size ensures everyone receives individual attention, and Sofia’s storytelling makes the history and process accessible and engaging. The beautiful outdoor setting with citron trees and a garden adds to the charm.

The generous tastings and the chance to bottle your own spirit make this tour both educational and fun, particularly for those interested in Greek spirits or family-run businesses. Overall, it offers a rich, personalized experience that many visitors rate as one of the best activities in Naxos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Citron Tasting Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes, including tastings, sightseeing, and family stories.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy several tastings of citron spirits, Greek appetizers, candies, and local snacks. There is also an opportunity to bottle your own Kitron.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the guide is attentive to children and babies, even providing candied citron leaves for the baby to suck on.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and finishes at Promponas Distillery in Naxos, Greece.

Can I cancel the tour if needed?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended, especially for the orchard visit. The tour includes sampling drinks and snacks, so come hungry and ready to enjoy.

How is the distillery heritage presented?
The tour features photos of the founder, memorabilia, and stories about the family’s 100-plus-year history in spirits production.

Is there a gift shop?
Yes, a small shop offers local spirits and souvenirs to take home.

Is the experience worth the price?
Absolutely—visitors consistently call it one of the best experiences in Naxos, highlighting the warm hospitality, delicious drinks, and educational value.

This tour offers a rich glimpse into Naxos’s citrus traditions, wrapped in a friendly, engaging atmosphere that makes it a must-do activity on the island.