After already a couple of days on Naxos last year, two of which I was rather indisposed due to a cold I had brought with me, I was in the mood to give Naxos another go. This time around, I went in September to prolong summer for a while longer. At least, that was the plan.
lining up to get on the ferry to Naxos @Piraeus
Right away, the weather gods had something else in mind, as the week turned out to be rather windy and included a day of rain. Not exactly the best conditions for another week of summer.
Glyfada Beach @Naxos
The other thing is that Naxos is not really famous for its sights. I mean, there is the Portara in Naxos Town, a sight you cannot escape even if you want to, but there is not much else.
Portara @Naxos
So what to do when the weather doesn’t really work in your favor? I am not really sure, but I got sick again and wasted two days.
The other days, we spent on the beach, almost exclusively at Agios Prokopios, as we stayed in the area.
rain or shine my view on the sea @Agios Prokopios
We had booked rooms at Welcome Naxos Apartments, and the beach was within sight from my balcony. Although the Welcome Naxos website doesn’t work, I called and booked directly. It turned out to be an excellent location for our trip.
Welcome Naxos apartments @Naxos
September is usually an amazing time to visit the Cyclades, as I have noticed before on Paros and Ios. This time, though, it was different. No matter, though, I spent most of my time on the beach. Sometimes even covered with a thin beach towel, but I was not in the mood to let a little bit of wind ruin my vacation.
no clouds, but more wind early evening @Agios Prokopios
We decided to rent a car for one day and drove to Naxos Town for the others to get a closer look at the Portara. We then decided to visit the Kouros of Flerio and the Kouros of Farangi. The largest one, measuring almost ten meters, is in Apollonas, but we were not in the mood to drive that far north. Especially since the other two were much closer and good enough to count as sightseeing.
Kouros of Flerio @Naxos
close up of the half finished Kouros @Naxos
I liked the Kouros of Farangi better, although it was quite a walk to get there. The guidebook made it sound as if it was right around the corner, but it was actually a fifteen-minute walk, rewarded with an amazing view.
mountain view @Naxos
The second Kouros was also better illuminated due to the lack of trees.
Kouros of Farangi @Naxos
faceless Kouros of Farangi @Naxos
The best part, though, was a short stop in Koronida, the highest village on Naxos, where we saw exactly nothing, followed by the drive back with a longer stop in Koronos for a late lunch.
view on the way to the highest village Koronida @Naxos
Martina & Stavros Tavern was the culinary highlight of our trip. Definitely the best food I have had on Naxos during both my visits. Parking is not great, as the village is built into the mountain and parking is only available along the main road. From there, you walk through the typical labyrinth of an old Greek village to find the tavern.
finally arrived at Martina & Stavros tavern @Naxos
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands, but does have the least to explore. It does have sandy beaches in abundance, though, so if you are looking for a beach vacation, this is your place. Just check the weather beforehand or stick to ouzo if all else fails. Yours, Pollybert
Ouzo always helps @Naxos
