When we searched for our ticketed seats, we realised each were on opposites of the central facilities, so we just chose one side and sat. Of course people came up who were supposed to be in one of our seats, but they just found somewhere else to sit.
It was a smooth crossing, except for the last section when we were approaching Naxos port, it got a bit rock and rolly, but not too bad. When we got off, it was blowing a pretty strong wind and we were getting wet from the waves hitting the side of the pier. Our hotel was within a 10-12 minute walk from the port and we found it easy enough. Dropped our bags and set out to explore. A lot of the shops and restaurants here close from 14:00 to 18:00, obviously like the idea of an afternoon siesta !
We explored none the less and immediately both agreed that Naxos had a really comfortable feel to it. We found a harbour side restaurant for calamari and zucchini balls for dinner and home for a quiet night's rest.
While wandering around yesterday we saw a board advertising a day tour of Naxos island, so we booked on to it. It was an easy 9:00 meeting at the bus office after porridge breakfast in our room.
It was a great tour discovering some of the history of Naxos and exploring some of the inland villages. We saw an old olive press, pottery making demonstration, and very interesting villages. Our favorite place was Appllonas, a seaside fishing village with a lovely bay and a nice little beach where the water was clear as. The home made baklava and orange cake seated seaside topped off our visit.
Graeme has discovered a new God to worship - Dionysus! We visited a site where an unfinished marble statue of Dionysus had been started, but abandoned before it was finished. Dionysus was the God of wine, pleasure and happiness - how can you resist ?
So far - we both agree Naxos is our favourite Greek island so far !
Route of bus trip
Some facts we have ascertained about Greece :
Late morning start after a phone call from our granddaughter. Today was a casual exploration of Chora, the area we are staying in, which also includes the Old Town. Starting with a great coffee find, we then walked up to the castle (Venetian Castle at the top of the Old Town), visited a couple of churches, and couldn't find anywhere to see a view from there.
As we descended, we happened upon some neothelic ruins under a church showing evidence of settlement in Naxos back to 1400 BC.
From here a walk to the Temple of Apollo; - Portara located on an island which was once connected by a land bridge, but now by a causeway. This portara, or doorway was the single remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo of 530 BC. It comprises four marble parts each weighing 20 tons.
Pizza and tirimasu for lunch then a walk to the beach, Agios Georgios, the other side of Chora. What lovely weather to stroll around, 29 degrees and a nice breeze blowing to keep you cool. Some time was spent on the roof top terrace of our hotel which had nice views. Great relaxing day.
Ground covered by walking in Chora, Naxos
think Eagle on the Hill hair pin corners on steroids – wowsers Batman.
The siesta tradition is a good one – especially in places where it is stinking hot during the middle of the day. What we found disconcerting is then eating late into the evening.
Euro 2.29 is AU $3.80 per litre. I complain at AU $1.85, which is currently the bottom of the cycle.
The place has gone to pot after you left.
Good of you to call in on us Rotate The Ringers on Tuesday last.
I’ve emailed the report for your reading pleasure.
Got the report, good to see I got a mention !
Yasso!
Glad you’re having a great time! Watch those Greek desserts!
On to the mainland soon?
Safe travels!
Mykinos for 2 days, then we go to mainland, landing in Rafina, grabbing a car and driving toward the Peloponese !
Nice! Have you been to Athens before? Although a big city with hustle and bustle, I preferred it over Rome because the Greeks seem much more laid back than the Italians!
The Med around Greece and the islands can be quite stunning.
Patti and I have just one week until our long haul back to Australia. I guess you’ve got at least a month more to go?
Hi Phill – no never been to Athens, and yesterday we drove straight past it ! – on our way to the Penopolnese ! We get back to Athens on 23rd and spend 5 nights there. Yes still over a month to go .. due back in Adelaide on Noc 6th ! Have a safe journey back to OZ.
Hi T and G -We have been a bit slow -getting onto your great blog . I am resting and not doing much as I have a virus -so finally caught up with it all . What a lot of work -where do you get the energy ? To do this -after such busy days . Can’t believe what you have seen so far -memories came flooding back with some of your travels – Kane and family head to Italy for two weeks ( in a week) then Paris for a week -then LA (America) not sure when you go to Italy -sometimes when away -you never know who you will see ! 🤣 safe travels ❤️ love us xxx
Thanks for your message Ros, wearrive in Italy on 29th September.
You get to Italy on our 50th Wedding Anniversary 💛 if your going to Athens -we got a taxi ( found a couple to go halves ) to Acropolis-we got there first thing before the gates opened -before the buses and it got too hot -didn’t do a tour -did our own thing -then walked down from there and caught the hop on hop
Off bus around Athens -worked out well for us .
Im loving vicariously enjoying all your exploits. Thanks so much for sharing
Amongst all my friends Ive travelled the world!
Hope you gave that donkey a carrot?
Tania – I expect some Baklava when your back.
The unfinished marble statue of Dionysus If we all know the Greeks…..
The answer is 4!
There is no known reason why the statue was left, but some of the theories are :
1. Too heavy to move
2. Late in production it had several cracks
3. Maybe it wasn’t paid for
4. Or local opinion, being the god of Wine and pleasure, there might have been a cup in the hand, it had too much to drink and fell over.