Naxos

After we visited Mykonos 11 times and we didn’t know the other Cyclades islands, except Santorini, we decided this time to visit Naxos, the biggest and greenest island in the Cyclades.

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With the High speed Vodafone Ferry we departed from the Port of Rafina and reached Naxos Town after 4 hours, in the late evening by very beautiful sunset glow. We liked it all immediately!

Naxos has only a small national airport, so the most visitors come by boat and see at first the imposing landmark of Naxos, the Portara. It is a mighty temple door on a small rocky island and a great place to take some spectacular photos at any time of the day.

Like always, we stayed near the centre of the town, and so we could reach all very comfortable by foot. Naxos Town, with its fort, the typical small streets, taverns, shops and especially the port with many sailing boats, was so beautiful and we liked it very well.  It was much different to Mykonos, not so busy, more original live, not too much tourists.
 

Of course we went by scooter, too round the island and now we know why Naxos Island is called the green Island. At first we drove north and came through lush green and fruitful valleys, a great opportunity to the rocky landscape. The villages stick as bird´s nests on the steep slopes and it looks very picturesque. It was also very nice to see the yellow broom on the rocky slopes.

It was a big scenic adventure, the roads are steep and winding, but the view down to the bays and small fishing villages was more than great. Culture of course was a must, too. On the way we visited a typical old watchtower, called Pyrgos Agia and the Kouros of Apollonas, an unfinished monumental statue from pre-Christian time.
 

But Naxos has also great beaches and bays with magnificent crystal clear water and above all, everyone can find a place for beeing alone.
We preferred the less frequented beaches in the southwest of the island with its dunes. Here you can be mostly alone. Due to the strong Meltemi wind in the summer months, Naxos beaches are also a paradise for wind- and kite-surfers.
 

All in all, Naxos is a wonderful Island and we liked it very very much. After our first visit 2008, we came again 2010, 2011 and again 2012. It is a good alternative to the hip and trendy Mykonos and for the next few years we can imagine, that we will change between this two islands or may be any other Cyclades island.