How about that rental car - not a very manly selection, I must admit, but perfect for the narrow roads of Naxos. I thought we owned the smallest Hyundai until we crammed ourselves into this little sardine can. Sky is very blue.
We've never seen so many churches - they're everywhere. And some are tiny structures that look like they could fit only 2 or 3 people in them. Must be where they pray for an economic bailout.
Kudos to anyone who can make Sunday services up there!
Our most ambitious excursion of the week was climbing Mt. Zas (Zeus), the highest mountain on Naxos, and the highest in all of the Cyclades islands. Locals once believed young Zeus was raised in a cave on this mountain, hence the name.
It can't be possible - a photo of a Greek Island without one spot of blue!!
The round trip hike lasted about 3 hours and we were treated to some amazing (blue) panoramas of the surrounding islands.
It was a tough slog in some spots, but as usual the kids soldiered on. They're becoming pretty decent hikers.
Owen needed to answer the call of nature (in a big way!). I'm not sure how Zeus will respond to this 'offering'. Leaving a turd on the King of the God's mountain is probably not good form. Hopefully we're not struck down with angry lightening bolts.
Safely to the top. Note the ultra blue sky.
One of the best parts of this hike was listening to the distant ringing of bells from the chimes around the necks of goats and sheep which were lazily grazing on the slopes of Mt. Zas. The icing on the cake would be to round a corner and see a shepherd and his dog.
Ask and ye shall receive. Note the blue sweater and blue cap.
Hiking Mt. Zas and escaping the wrath of the Zeus sure builds up an appetite. Time to dive into a plate of the finest lamb chops on the island.
For four of our six nights on Naxos, we have eaten here. Can't beat the food, and the people treat us like family.
Lamb in tomato sauce
Greek meatballs and potatoes. Notice the obvious lack of green vegetables.
It's people like Sylvia who make us want to come back here over and over. Super generous hostess We would always find 'extra' items, usually drinks or desserts, showing up on our table (but never showing up on the bill).
Can't hike every day. We have basically alternated beach with hikes and road trips. Seems to have worked out well with the kids. On these days we get to enjoy the blue water and blue sky.
Hey Owen - I guess Zeus called his bro' Poseidon about that whole 'crap on the mountain' thing and it's time to the pay the piper.
It's only Shirley and I who seem to be affected by the consumption of large amounts of fine Greek cuisine - Annie is still a bean pole. Ah, to be young again!
I'm ashamed to even be seen in this thing.
Shot of the day - driving home from the coast.
Time for one little hike to a temple?
Sure, daddy, how long will it take?
Oh, about 10 minutes.
Good, because we're only wearing flip flops.
40 minutes later. That's not a real smile. Some serious ice cream would be needed to make up for this one.
But how can they be angry when they get to walk through these fields?
The next day we did a coastal drive along a very winding, but breathtakingly scenic, cliff side road. If you have ever driven the Road to Hana on Maui, it would give you an idea of what this was like.
Goats on the Roof !! (Vancouver Island reference).
Our prize when we reached the end of the road was the small fishing village of Apollonas almost all to ourselves...
....and a light Greek lunch of small fish, greek salad, and souvlaki.
The only (shocking!) church in Apollonas. But what they may not have in quantity, they certainly make up for in quality.
Where's Waldo?
Here's Owen at the site of a Kouros (a statue) which did not quite make the grade - as a result of poor quality marble or some sculpting mistake. We learned that statues were first carved at the point of origin of the stone/marble, and then moved upon completion. When they screwed up, they just left them at the work site.
No need to buy postcards.
old vs. new
Not easy to capture the scope in this photo, but this is a marble quarry (like the whole mountain). Some of the best marble in Greece (and I guess, the world) can be found on Naxos. Wonder if I can order some when we do our kitchen reno. That would be a nice souvenir.
Having returned our rental car (scooter with 4 wheels), we will have one more day on the beach tomorrow before heading over to Santorini on the ferry on Tuesday. Most people probably have never heard of Naxos (neither had I before I started to research this trip), but it is a wonderful all-around island on which to spend time with your family. It's not just a bunch of pretty beaches (but they do have a lot!). There are so many great hikes, scenic drives, and ancient sites to explore, as well.
Always think of the greek islands as very busy and touristy......you nailed it ....Naxos looks beautiful!
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