A couple years ago we went galavanting around the Greek Islands. We took a small plane from Athens to Santorini then moved on by jumping on a high speed ferry to the small less popular island of Naxos. I always learn something new about myself while traveling and this trip was no exception. Santorini is a beautiful place but I was disappointed with the sophisticated commercialization. I prefer the native scenery and taking scenic drives to “no where”. Naxos really fulfilled this for me. It was not a busy place and the main attraction was the endless miles of beach. The restaurants along the water were family owned with no fuss. We rented a four wheeler and drove aimlessly and even found a few dark corners for some old high school fooling around - if you know what I mean ;)
Naxos
This island made one of my early blog posts Our Beach Picks. Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and has the longest coast line. It ranks as one of the most favorite places we have been and Rick Steves ranked it #1 for the best beach in Greece. The water and the sand are so perfect and pristine. It’s one of the few places I’ve been that you wouldn’t know people have ever stepped foot on the beach.
I have also gone on about the food in Greece in previous posts but Naxos is extra special to us tree huggers as it is a self sufficient island. Not only fruits and veggies but cattle and sheep are raised on the island. The locals run the restaurants right along the sea. I swear you can taste this production free, homemade goodness in every bite. Eating it on the beach also made it a heavenly experience.
The architecture in the city of Naxos made for a perfect adventure. The city is built on the side of cliff where there are narrow passages and lots of stairs. You turn a corner and there is the sea peeking through the pathways. Little shops and quaint restaurants are found inside the twisty turny pathways. It’s a very cool place.
Santorini
I would never discourage anyone from visiting Santorini but it is not some place we want to return. The island is pretty much the ruins of a volcanic explosion.
We rented a Suzuki Sidekick (lol) and went exploring away from the hotel and all the shopping and found some gems. We went to one end of the island called Oia, known for its beautiful sunsets, and had one of most memorable dinners at the 1800 Restaurant. The food was amazing but the view was out of this world.
There are a couple beaches on the island and they have “volcano” written all over them. Perissa beach has black pebble like sand which got very hot on the feet! When you enter the crystal clear water you are standing on volcanic rock - something I hadn’t experienced before. The Red beach was surrounded by red volcanic rock which required a hike to the water. The sand was also pebble based which made the water so clear.
There were mules everywhere on the island. We saw them driving around and near our hotel they offered rides up the cliffs. I enjoyed the ride up on the stubborn creatures but Jersey - not so much.
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The music this week is all over the map - as I prefer to be. Happy Friday!
Rita Ora - Shine Ya Light
Laura Marling - Master Hunter
TNGHT - Acrylics (DANCE!!!)
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TOPS!
I’m still reminiscing about the time spent with my parents. A highlight was when my gave me one of my grandmother’s rings. My grandmother was a classy lady with lots of pretty jewelry. I’m honored that my mother gifted it to me.
RUBBISH!
Syriah, chemical weapons and war. Not another one please.
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Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. - Gandhi
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