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Naxos is great!
We arrive on Naxos in the afternoon and easily find our transfer. He’s waiting with a sign with Tom’s name on it. FYI, neither Tom nor I had ever used transfer services, but I’m telling you we will always arrange transfers on any international trip in the future. It’s a challenge arriving some place new, strange and often language can misunderstood. It’s been worth it at every new spot so far. I highly encourage anyone to arrange a transfer when traveling internationally
Our driver loads our bags and whisks us away to our lodging, Elite Suites, a small “hotel”, essentially an AirBNB. The building has 3 apartments. We are on the top floor with a lovely view of the beach and a large balcony with a hot tub. Unfortunately the Wi-Fi Isn’t working and we tell our lovely host, Eirini, about it. She says someone will come fix it but until then, we can move to the 2nd floor apartment. We do and we’re immediately happy about it, since it’s WAY bigger. We don’t really miss the hot tub, since it wasn’t all that hot, and the view was okay, but we know we won’t be in the room much since we plan to be exploring. The Wi-Fi works and we are set. Bonus, the room is HALF the cost! So even when she gets the Wi-Fi repaired for our original room, we opt to stay in the new one. Note to travelers: don’t be shy about letting your host know about things in the room that aren’t up to par. It’s not complaining, it’s letting them know there is something they should repair. Also, it gives them a chance to make it better, like Eirini did, and everyone is happier! Of course I don’t mean you should complain about everything. If you’re traveling internationally, there will almost always be some surprise. It’s good to learn how to roll with it.
We wander the area near our lodging and find several restaurants and markets nearby. We choose Menu Me Nou (means: menu of the mind) to eat, which looks appealing as “farm to table” fare. It also just happens to be their last night open for the season. The food was amazing. Another note, the shoulder season is a great time to travel. The restaurant owners and hoteliers are not as busy and seem more willing to spend some time answering questions. So again, don’t be shy!
The next day we wander around the alleys and streets of Chora, the main harbor town. It’s lovely and feels like you’re in a maze until, suddenly, a small car appears on a too small road, so be alert! In true adventure style, we find ourselves at the top of the castle, where there is a lovely cafe. Of course we sit for a beverage. Have I mentioned the quality of the fresh juices available in Greece? They are superb. I don’t know why, but they seem even more fresh than freshly squeezed juices in the US. Anyway, we vow to return for a brunch later in the week.
Our next two dinners were at restaurants close to our lodging. Oasis and Meltemi were both quite delicious. Another note about restaurants in Greece: they often bring a dessert compliments of the house yet charge for a bottle of water. In neither case do they ask if you want it.
One day we braved another bus (we are not to be deterred after our Amorgos experience!) and traveled to one of the hill villages, Chalki. We found a lovely art gallery with several stunning pieces, run by a married couple of artists. He hand paints the fish designs on vases and other crockery and she forms the olive cluster in ceramics to adorn other crockery. It is appropriately named Fish and Olive. Sadly, we leave unable to purchase something that would likely break during the rest of our adventure.
Later in the week, we walk to Apollo’s temple and reward ourselves with brunch back at the castle cafe. Here we meet another couple from the US, specifically North Carolina. The lovely Christie complimented me on my outfit – which meant a lot since I was feeling quite bored with my clothes. They invite us to sit for a spell and we have a nice chat. Hopefully, these are more new friends.
Our last morning, we check out quickly and head to the harbor to await our last ferry, in Greece. It is peaceful in the early morning as the town gradually comes to life as we sit sipping coffee. It’s our first Blue Star ferry, which is much larger and slower than our previous ferries. We’re looking forward to a private cabin for this 6 hour ride into Athens. The cabin is great! We have two beds and our own private bathroom, complete with shower. I definitely recommend getting a cabin and enjoying slower ferries if you ever have the opportunity.
Next up, an incredible time in Athens!
Nice to catch up with where you’ve been –
looks/sounds fantastic!! Your descriptions and pictures bring me right along with you. And I could see the Facebook posts from your link.
Quite a nice ferry experience! I think you’ve already left Athens. At least I attributed his comments about the sustained ugliness to Athens! And I see you ‘ve connected with your friend in Nafpaktos. Enjoy the wonderful reunion💕
Yes, we are further along than Naxos. Or should I say I am behind in my BLOG posts?
I hope to catch up soon! Glad you’re enjoying our reports from abroad.❤️
Thank you for taking us along on your journey❤️
I read about Naxos out loud to John on our way to Portland hoping to encourage him to travel to Greece one day!
You would love it here, Julie. It is a wonderful country, rich in history and culture, and is full of the most generous, kind people. I would strongly recommend against a summer visit, however. It is too hot and swarming with tourists. Visit in the shoulder season for milder climate and less crowds🩷
Fun to read about the food. It sounds soo delicious, I am starting to dream of traditional Greek food. Is that what the restaurants were serving or a different culinary style??
Fun to read about the food. It sounds soo delicious, I am starting to dream of traditional Greek food. Is that what the restaurants were serving or a different culinary style??
Sorry for the tardy response, I got a bit behind in the blog due to technical difficulties. Mostly caught up now. Anyway, yes the food was mostly authentic Greek food. Sometimes they try Italian or American fare, but it’s always done with a Greek flare.
This is super fun! Your descriptions are entertaining and paint a beautiful picture of your experiences. I love the photos too! I’ll check FB out asap. Love y’all and miss you!