Naxos: Halvdags madlavning på Basiliko Farm

We had a lovely afternoon, exploring the gardens and making a traditional meal.

Loads of fun collecting, cooking, eating, dancing and smashing plates (Greek style).

This class is held at Basiliko farm in the mountains. We did not rent a car so Basiliko arranged a driver for us - 100 euros roundtrip, it’s about 25 minutes each way from Agia Ana. Honestly we’re not super adventurous drivers and so the steep downhills, acute 135 degree turns on a road that is 1.5 cars wide but supposed to be 2 ways - I think we felt good about us not getting ourselves there :) The cooking experience is great. First you get a tour of the farms and they teach you about the different veggies and fruits they grow, harvesting timelines. They teach you about olive harvesting, trees and olive oil. You get to learn about the livestock they keep and the grapes and wine making process. We had Jason who was a 5th generation of the family doing our class. We then come back and he lets us know what we will be cooking (pork shoulder with herbs, lots of olive oil, and lemons), and two vegeterian dishes- veggies stuffed with rice, herbs and veggies and peppers stuffed with veggies and feta. We also learned to make fresh Tzatziki! We then do a small hike out to the Kossos tower, and learn about the Venetian towers and some Greek history. We then came back and our food was ready to enjoy! We drank and ate what we made along with grilled zucchini, dolmades, and a few extra dishes his mom had made. He answered questions we had about their life on Naxos and at the end we got to learn a few Greek dances! It was a great time and my boys, who enjoy cooking (when it’s not me telling them what to do!) had a great time. They also have a small shop where they sell their wine, Raki, olive oil, small gifts and other food stuffs. We were decently active in between cooking, I recommend sneakers, hat and sunglasses especially in the summer!

It was educational and fun!! Learned about Greek food, farming on Naxos and history of Naxos. Got to dance and break plates.

We had such an incredible afternoon at the farm. It was a great experience, loved the hands on cooking, learning more about the history of Naxos and being able to experience the greek culture. The Basiliko family are exceptional, they created a very welcoming and memorable experience. Thank you so much!

We booked this based on recommendations we read on online groups. The tour included learning about the farm, chopping vegetables, eating our meal, and doing some Greek traditional activities afterwards. Getting there wasn't too challenging, although I had read that it was really challenging. Food was good. I didn't give it 5 stars because it was really good, just not great.

It was great! Walked to the farm and we carried a basket of squash, onions, and parsley. We chopped the veggies up and he mixed it up. Went in the oven while we did a walk into a small castle from the 1200’s - a dungeon and 2 floors for the rulers. Came back and enjoyed lunch. Then danced - smashed plates. Met some cool people. The brother and sister run the form and the event - delightful people!

Great hospitality from our hosts, very knowledgable of the area and the island. The food and the experience of everything was fantastic, highly recommended if you visit Naxos.

Amazing time at their beautiful farm & family tavern! Anna was lovely & we learned so much about the animals and different fruits & vegetables they grow on their farm. So cool to pick our own grape leaves & then get to cook with them! We danced at the end and got to break a plate! This is a must do experience for food lovers! 🥰.

We could not have enjoyed our experience more. The farm has been owned for five generations spanning over two centuries. The cooking experience is lead by either Jacob or his sister. The whole family is involved in hosting visitors to their farm cooking experience. Jacob lead our group of 17 people. We went on a beautiful walk through the farm collecting vegetables and herbs to make a hearty lunch. He also took us on a walk through the stable areas teaching us about how they raised pigs, goats, donkeys... Jacob taught us about what they grew on the farm and how they used it. He told us about the history of the farm as we walked the 100 acres his family owns. We then sat at a long wooden dinner table wearing aprons with us each having knives and a cutting board. We cut up all the vegetables and minced the seasoning as he taught us how to cook: *Stuffed vegetables with either rice or feta cheese *Stuffed peppers *Chicken with potatoes, tomatoes, seasonings ... *Taziti We had fresh lemonade or red or white white made on their farm. We went on another beautiful walk along the river to a castle as Jacob taught us the history of Greece. When the meal was served many other Greek Traditional dishes and bread was added. To say the least we were stuffed after eating. But not to worry, we then learned how to Greek Dance and smashed plates. We had so much fun as we met new friends from all over the world! For those of you wondering whether you should do a Mama Mia experience or this farm cooking experience - no worries! We ended dancing to Mama Mia! Choose this fabulous cooking farm experience to see real life in Greece!