Ferry arrived at Naxos and were picked up from the port. The pension we had organized at a discounted rate over the internet, sent us to it’s sister hotel which was a bit strange a
nd a bit disappointing when we realized it didn’t have breakfast. All was made better by the afternoon tea of olives, feta cheese and rose wine from a huge barrel. The room is very nice with a small balcony and kitchenette which is all we really need. We got talking to another Aussie, Anthony and decided after a quick, cool swim,to head down to the Temple of Apollo to watch sunset. The temple is on a small headland and has an impressive doorway which remains standing. After sunset we had a big Greek feed for dinner then headed home. 
We hired a car with Anthony the next morning to check out some of the small villages and archeological sites around the island. The first stop was to see a couple of Kouros. This should have been easy to find but we found very difficult thanks to the signage being rather confusing or nonexistent. After a few detours, short walks and river crossings we made it. The Kouros turned out to be very old giant marble statues of men. Next stop was the town of Halki which is famous for the production of a local spirit called Citron. The Vallindras Distillery still uses the equipment from 1896 to make the Citron so it is very interesting to see where it is produced. We tried the three different types of Citron as well as an Ozzo and Cherry wine they made. While we were in town we also visited the L’Olivier gallery which showed work by local artists. There was lots of beautiful pottery and jewellery as well as some amazing marble sculptures. By this stage we were getting pretty hungry so we into a very cool looking bar but all they could offer us was ham and cheese toasted sandwiches. The Baklava and coffee made up for the simple lunch. We then stopped off at one of Naxos’ many beaches Plaka. This was a beautiful stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear water, it was just a pity that it was a bit too late and chilly for a swim. It was then time to return the car and head back to the hotel for Yani’s, the owners, birthday party. 
We arrived back at the hotel and were told we were too late for all the food but would have to drink. This seems to be a favorite hobby of the island people we have met. It wasn’t long before we were both supplied plates full of greek salad and a few leftover meat skewers. The food, although cold was very good. We ate, drank and were merry for a while but jumped at the opportunity to go for a walk as we were slowly being smoked out by the locals. When we got back the party was still going, we think it had hit the 10 hour mark, and had a couple more drinks before everyone called it a night. 
The next morning Damien headed out for a quick swim as the hotel was only 20 meters from the beach. Much to our families delight the free Wifi at the hotel made it possible to have skype chats with everyone. It also meant it was a pretty slow start to the day but exactly what we needed. When we did finally get out of the hotel we headed up the hill to the old town. This was a maze of small, twisting alley ways, low archways and stairs leading to painted doors. It was fun to get lost then try to find our way out again. Apparently it was designed this way so that invading pirates would get confused and loose their way making them easier to defeat. It was then time to get organized, next lot of accommodation, food for breakfast and ferry tickets. Jobs completed it was then time to laze on the beach, not a bad day. 
Naxos is a popular island due to it beaches. Today’s task was to get on a public bus, find a beach and not move much for the rest of the day. We did exceedingly well at this task. We caught the bus to Agia Anna, found a nice spot, swam, read our books, reapplied sunscreen and that was about it. We hadn’t intended to do as much sightseeing as we have on the Greek Islands as we were hoping to actually have a relaxing time and this is the first time we have actually succeeded. We headed back to the hotel, had showers and prepared to head out for tea but were persuaded by Yani’s and his friends to stay, drink, eat and dance, Greek style. It was a very funny night but when a couple of German girls, Lisa and Melinda suggested we go for ice cream we couldn’t say no. It turns out the girls were supposed to be camping at one of the other beach areas tonight, but when they got there the place was empty. They then returned to the hotel to stay a couple of nights, but there were none available, meaning they will be sleeping on the rooftop balcony tonight. Hopefully it doesn’t rain. 
Ooops, shouldn’t have said that, sorry girls. It was windy and did rain a bit last night so our two German friends on the roof didn’t sleep so well!
nd a bit disappointing when we realized it didn’t have breakfast. All was made better by the afternoon tea of olives, feta cheese and rose wine from a huge barrel. The room is very nice with a small balcony and kitchenette which is all we really need. We got talking to another Aussie, Anthony and decided after a quick, cool swim,to head down to the Temple of Apollo to watch sunset. The temple is on a small headland and has an impressive doorway which remains standing. After sunset we had a big Greek feed for dinner then headed home. We hired a car with Anthony the next morning to check out some of the small villages and archeological sites around the island. The first stop was to see a couple of Kouros. This should have been easy to find but we found very difficult thanks to the signage being rather confusing or nonexistent. After a few detours, short walks and river crossings we made it. The Kouros turned out to be very old giant marble statues of men. Next stop was the town of Halki which is famous for the production of a local spirit called Citron. The Vallindras Distillery still uses the equipment from 1896 to make the Citron so it is very interesting to see where it is produced. We tried the three different types of Citron as well as an Ozzo and Cherry wine they made. While we were in town we also visited the L’Olivier gallery which showed work by local artists. There was lots of beautiful pottery and jewellery as well as some amazing marble sculptures. By this stage we were getting pretty hungry so we into a very cool looking bar but all they could offer us was ham and cheese toasted sandwiches. The Baklava and coffee made up for the simple lunch. We then stopped off at one of Naxos’ many beaches Plaka. This was a beautiful stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear water, it was just a pity that it was a bit too late and chilly for a swim. It was then time to return the car and head back to the hotel for Yani’s, the owners, birthday party. We arrived back at the hotel and were told we were too late for all the food but would have to drink. This seems to be a favorite hobby of the island people we have met. It wasn’t long before we were both supplied plates full of greek salad and a few leftover meat skewers. The food, although cold was very good. We ate, drank and were merry for a while but jumped at the opportunity to go for a walk as we were slowly being smoked out by the locals. When we got back the party was still going, we think it had hit the 10 hour mark, and had a couple more drinks before everyone called it a night. The next morning Damien headed out for a quick swim as the hotel was only 20 meters from the beach. Much to our families delight the free Wifi at the hotel made it possible to have skype chats with everyone. It also meant it was a pretty slow start to the day but exactly what we needed. When we did finally get out of the hotel we headed up the hill to the old town. This was a maze of small, twisting alley ways, low archways and stairs leading to painted doors. It was fun to get lost then try to find our way out again. Apparently it was designed this way so that invading pirates would get confused and loose their way making them easier to defeat. It was then time to get organized, next lot of accommodation, food for breakfast and ferry tickets. Jobs completed it was then time to laze on the beach, not a bad day. Naxos is a popular island due to it beaches. Today’s task was to get on a public bus, find a beach and not move much for the rest of the day. We did exceedingly well at this task. We caught the bus to Agia Anna, found a nice spot, swam, read our books, reapplied sunscreen and that was about it. We hadn’t intended to do as much sightseeing as we have on the Greek Islands as we were hoping to actually have a relaxing time and this is the first time we have actually succeeded. We headed back to the hotel, had showers and prepared to head out for tea but were persuaded by Yani’s and his friends to stay, drink, eat and dance, Greek style. It was a very funny night but when a couple of German girls, Lisa and Melinda suggested we go for ice cream we couldn’t say no. It turns out the girls were supposed to be camping at one of the other beach areas tonight, but when they got there the place was empty. They then returned to the hotel to stay a couple of nights, but there were none available, meaning they will be sleeping on the rooftop balcony tonight. Hopefully it doesn’t rain. Ooops, shouldn’t have said that, sorry girls. It was windy and did rain a bit last night so our two German friends on the roof didn’t sleep so well!
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