Naxos Perivoli cooking lessons class and farm experience

Welcome to Perivoli Naxian Farm Experience & cooking class

I am Nikos Anevlavis, born and raised on the captivating island of Naxos. In pursuit of a career, I briefly left the island after studying software engineering in Patras. However, the bustling life of Athens couldn't replace the tranquility of my island upbringing. I returned to Naxos, where I spent 15 fulfilling years in the tourism sector.

My journey in tourism provided insights into what people cherish most - authentic experiences, a connection with nature, and a taste of genuine island life. Inspired by these revelations, I decided to share the unique story of my family's farm.

Our story begins with my great-grandfather, who first inhabited these lands, raising animals in a simpler time. The transformation accelerated with my grandfather, also named Nikos. He sculpted the mountainside into the farm you see today, constructing terraces and a water well next to the river. This well, a testament to his hard work, sustains the vibrant life of our olive trees, fruit orchards, vineyards, and the renowned Naxian potato and vegetable plots.

Despite the challenges, my grandfather's dedication and love for the land ensured the farm's prosperity. A large family of nine, with only two sons, my father Gabriel and my uncle Manolis, remained on the island, united in preserving the farm's legacy.

My personal passion for agriculture and nature, coupled with the realization that Naxos is more than just pristine beaches, led to the creation of Perivoli Naxian Farm Experience. We invite you to delve into the history, agriculture, and gastronomy of Naxos. At our farm, you won't just visit; you'll become part of our story, part of our family.

Meet my father, Gabriel, a maestro in wood-fired cooking, inherited from a mother who mastered the art. With our wood oven, we'll introduce you to the traditional methods passed down through generations. Our family extends beyond, with three kids who bring joy, laughter, and curiosity to our farm.

Come and immerse yourself in an experience that goes beyond the beaches, discovering the rich tapestry of Naxos - its history, agriculture, gastronomy, and the warm embrace of a family passionate about sharing their heritage.

We extend a heartfelt invitation to join us on Perivoli Naxian Farm. Your visit is not just a journey; it's a celebration of tradition, connection, and the timeless spirit of Naxos. We look forward to welcoming you to our home, where every guest becomes a cherished part of our story.

Discover the charms of rural island living with a wood cooking class experience on Perivoli, a Naxian farm

The tour commences at a family-owned farm located near the village of Melanes.

To begin with, guests will have the opportunity to meet a diverse range of farm animals, including chickens, rabbits, pigs, peacocks, and more. You will also have the opportunity to engage in collecting the day's freshly laid eggs.

Following that, a visit to the olive groves will allow you to learn about the methods employed to cultivate healthy trees and produce top-quality olive oil.

Subsequently, we will guide you through the potato fields, introducing you to the renowned Naxian potato.

You will then have the chance to explore various fruit trees, sampling the delicious seasonal fruits they yield.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the vineyard and vegetable garden, where you can gather the finest seasonal produce.

Finally, you will collaborate in cooking traditional Naxian recipes over a wood fire. This culinary adventure will include preparing a Naxian omelet and an appetizer such as zucchini balls, a fried naxian yraviera cheese wrapped with pastry filo honey and sesame seeds, a tzatziki as a dip sauce, savoring Naxian potatoes, sampling a variety of Naxos cheeses, preparing a main dish such as "briam" or "gemista" and enjoying locally produced house wine. To top it off, you will have the opportunity to taste a spoonful of our homemade fruit preserves.

To conclude, If you're in the mood for some fun, you can even partake in lively traditional Naxian dances together!