Summer in Greece is always special and it is never too early to start planning your next vacation. Last summer I managed to visit Naxos and Koufonisia for a couple of days, two wonderful Cycladic islands. Personally I find the shoulder season more appealing as the islands are mostly still without droves of tourists. But no matter what month you choose, you will like it.
Despite Naxos having an airport, at the time of my visit there was no direct flight from Vienna. So I took the ferry from Piraeus, something I have done for the last couple of years. I have learned to really enjoy arriving by ferry, which was fortunate because I was taking it twice more on this trip. The ferry slows everything down and brings me directly into vacation mood.
Naxos and Koufonisia @Greece
Both islands belong to the Cyclades, which are most famous for Mykonos and Santorini, but there are many other islands as well. Koufonisia is a teeny tiny island to the south of Naxos. The plan was to spend a couple of days in Naxos city, explore the beaches on the western coast and then move on to Koufonisia, which can be explored only on foot or by boat. Usually I just get a week in Greece and spend it with friends, but this year they deserted me. So I booked ten days and decided to make the most of it with two islands in one trip.
Naxos is a large and popular island. Most beaches have loungers and umbrella sets available for rent. They are sandy and stretch on forever, it seems as if there is just one beach after the other. Best of all though is Naxos city, which offers a mix of shopping, culinary experiences and sightseeing opportunities. Although it was already quite late when I arrived there was still a hum going through the city and lots of people outside.
arrival on Naxos @Greece
I did little else besides spending each day on a different beach, but I made it once to the Temple of Apollo. This sounds grander than it is although it is remarkable. In the sixth century BC a temple for Apollo was started but never finished due to a change in power, not on divine level but simply the removal of a tyrant. What is left is a humongous portal, nowadays the landmark of the island. The best time to visit in my opinion is at the end of the day. Against the backdrop of the sunset it just looks better.
Temple of Apollo @Naxos
The structure is located directly next to the port and connected to Naxos city via a causeway. When the waves get bigger in the evening it is fun to avoid getting sprayed.
Temple of Apollo @Naxos
Naxos city @Naxos
Once I stood right in front of it, or as close as I was allowed, the sheer size of the portal dwarfed us humans. But that was probably the point of it.
the portal of the Temple of Apollo @Naxos
It is no wonder the temple was planned to stand on this small hill. The view from up here is unmatched. Nowadays your gaze falls onto the city and its considerable size.
Naxos city from up the hill @Naxos
Most mornings I strolled lazily around the city enjoying the pedestrian areas by myself. The typical white houses of the Cyclades, empty restaurants, and colorful flowers made for a thoroughly pleasant surrounding.
morning stroll through the town @Naxos
Come evening most restaurants around the port would be full and I would head up the hill to get to my room after the beach. The streets around Hotel Anixis would be deserted, too high up for most tourists to venture there in the evening, if you wanted to keep your regular dinner hours.
around the corner from Hotel Anixis @Naxos
I left Naxos after five days completely relaxed and with a slight tan. One last look at the Temple of Apollo and then I was off to Koufonisia for the next round of my holidays. Yours, Pollybert
bye bye @Naxos
