Day 2 – Tuesday, 14 July
We got up early in the morning and right after breakfast a taxi drove us to Rafina port where we caught the catamaran to Naxos at 7:30 am. However much I fear flying, I truly enjoy travelling by sea. We had a very pleasant trip to Naxos, which lasted about four hours. When we got off "Blue Star" at Naxos port, a taxi driver was waiting for us to take us to the hotel. Glaros Boutique Hotel was even lovelier than on their website. The hotel consists of 13 rooms overlooking Saint George Beach, which is only a few steps away. Alexis at the reception gave us a warm welcome, offered us cold orange juice and explained how to get around in Naxos.
Then we were shown to our room which was small but functional and very nicely decorated. After having unpacked, we realised that we were starving. We had our first lunch in Naxos at a small restaurant opposite the hotel right on the beach. The food was delicious! We enjoyed a rocket salad with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese for starters, grilled pork fillet for me and ravioli for Alkis. After a short siesta, we spent the rest of the day on the beach. In the evening, we set off on foot to explore the town of Naxos, also called "Chora".
While strolling about the narrow streets of the old town, we were only aware of the presence of the sea. Cul-de-sac often roofed over, and tiny balconies block the view of the sea. Its presence is roused by the salty tang and the brilliant light that is unique in the Cyclades.
Day 3 – Wednesday, 15 July
Lying virtually in the centre of the Cyclades, very close to Mykonos, Naxos is the largest island in the group, with a coastline of 148 km and a population of over 14,000 inhabitants. According to tradition, the island was named after Naxos, the leader of settlers from Caria in Asia Minor. Legend has it that the island was the home of Dionysos and Ariadne. Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, helped Theseus, son of Aegeus, to kill the Minotaur.
After a very good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast on the veranda overlooking the sea, we spent the whole day on the beach. The waves rolled in long and white fringed. The beach was such a shallow incline that even a child could wade out 300 hundred metres or more and still the water would be below their knees. Saint George Beach is very much like our own Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca. Walking along that beautiful sandy beach for over an hour, swimming in crystal-clear waters, reading, sunbathing or chatting away the hours were some of our favourite occupations.
No wonder we got up an appetite. We had lunch at Kavouri Restaurant where we tasted the traditional cheese of Naxos called "Arseniko" and their salad called "Naxiotiki". It consists of tomatoes, cucumber, green peppers, olives, capers, onions and "xinomyzithra" – a local white cheese. The salad was followed by fresh fried calamari and burgers both served with crispy French fries.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed our aperitif at Bossa Café while contemplating a breathtaking sunset. Peace and contentment. The sun like a fiery orb looked like it was receding into the waters below. After dinner, we went for a long night walk along Saint George Beach and had a last drink at Vammos Bar while listening to murmuring waves.
Day 4 – Thursday, 16 July
When I travel, I love learning about the culture and history of the places I visit. So, just after swimming, I leisurely lay in the sun, took my iPad and read about the history of Naxos. In the evening, we walked to Chora and bought some souvenirs to bring back home. While having dinner at a one of the many local tavernas by the seaside, we realised that time flew by so fast and we only had three days left on the alluring island of Naxos.
To be continued
Perfection :-))))
Posted by: Agnes | July 26, 2015 at 04:58 AM