Naxos

30 July 2011

We think we have really lucked out because we are free anchoring in the small harbour of Naxos Island enjoying a view up the hill to the chora and across to the Portara, the huge marble gate, a remnant of Apollo’s Temple which was never finished and which stands out on the islet of Palatia joined to Naxos by a causeway which forms one wall of the harbour. Where else in the world could we do this?





We have sailed most of the way from Paros and look forward to our next adventure, which does not necessarily include staying long on this island. First of all though, we must get fuel for the outboard. This requires us to walk around 2 miles inland to the first fuel station, but first we have to find it as we wander along a strange network of lanes with tall stone walls and even taller bamboo growing up behind the walls. Finally, sweating and gasping for our next drink, we locate the fuel station and fill up both the canisters, get them strapped on to the small trolleys we have brought with us and head back to the boat.

Mission accomplished and fresh bread located, we next set about exploring the interesting old town which is built up the side of the hill and appears to be Venetian in style. It certainly is. A maze of narrow twisting alleys keep opening out in front of us, lined with fascinating shops, restaurants and art galleries.



We soon come to the top where the Venetian Museum is located and they are advertising an August music festival with different concerts on each night. This is exciting because after the Agean Jazz concert on Paros, we are on a roll and suddenly feel we want to stay a little longer, to immerse ourselves in the culture of this island, to dig a little deeper than the surface which we see is very Italian due to its Venetian heritage.

We are very happy with this decision as the next few days roll by. On Monday 1 August we go to a piano recital by ValeryI Ismaghilov at the Venetian Museum. It is a lovely intimate affair with around 25 people attending. Samplings of local wine and liquers are available free of charge at interval. We sit looking out over the Mediterranean Sea through a red geranium plant and beyond a large black grand piano, listening to Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky (Russian Dance from Petrushka), and others. It is a truly lovely evening. We are enchanted.



The boat goes into the marina so that we can go further afield.

On Tuesday 2 August we hire a quad bike and go explore the interior, or what we can manage to cram into the day.

Ancient temples and monasteries are explored, then we find our way to the village of Halki and just love its ancient Venetian style. Its time for a gastronomic treat so we have cheese pies and creamy desserts then move on to the small distillery to sample the locally made liquers!








The "Fish and Olive" gallery in Halki has us drooling and wishing we could buy.







The final expedition for the day is to Plaka Beach to swim and cool off.

We truly love this island and give it a big thumbs up.

Top of the list is Nicholas who runs the marina. He is such a good man - so kind and accommodating. Thank you Nicholas. Naxos Marina is top of the list.