June 28 - Naxos Island - Beach & Relaxation

We started out today by taking a taxi down to the Plaka beach area about 15 minutes south of Naxos town. We had a nice relaxing day enjoying the swim and the beach umbrella's. We braved the bus back to Naxos town and it wasn't as bad as the Aegina bus.

After a rest at our hotel in the afternoon, Matt and I set out to take some sunset shots at the Temple of Apollo near the port. We weren't the only ones with that idea as it became rather busy around sunset and we struggled to get photos without other people in them. Needless to say, it was quite beautiful and easy to see why it was so popular.


We did manage to get some good photos of the marvelous orange sunset. The door to the temple provided a perfect frame for the sunset.

And finally caught up - June 27 - Naxos Island

We set out in the morning to explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo or the Portara (meaning huge door) as it is called here. The door is all that remains of the Temple of Apollo that was built around the 6th century BC. We are planning to head over there tonight for some sunset shots. Here Kim and I relax on a small bench on the walk over to the island.


Next, Matt and I went for a walk around the castle district of Hora. We climbed narrow little walkways that were actually roads in the time it was built. Armed with cameras we set off to capture the magic of this little town.

We toured a venetian mansion that had been inhabited by the original family up until 5 years ago. It contained some great examples of furnishing but perhaps the most interesting was the catapult balls that were used in ancient times. Naxos is famous for its marble and the balls were round chunks of white marble. It is so common here that many sidewalks and even the floors of our hotel room are paved with smooth, cool white marble.

The Trani Gate leading into the castle area. The wooden door still protecting the entrance is over 600 years old (not pictured here but would be in the passageway on the left).

Sample of the architecture in the castle area.

After exploring during the heat of the day, we set off for Agios Georgias beach for some swimming and relaxing.

June 26 - Hora, Naxos Island

We are now in Naxos island in the capital Hora (or Chora if you wish to spell it that way). It is a very charming town linked to mainland Greece and the other islands by Ferry and an airport.

We arrived via this ferry late on Tuesday night.

We watched a wonderful sunset from the boat out over the flat ocean. No there are no waves whatsoever out there. Great for Angela though!!

We were met by George, the owner of our hotel at the port and he drove us the short distance to our hotel. It is a very cute little hotel in typical whitewashed Greek style. The showers are also typical european style in that you can't stand in the little corner shower without the faucets in your back and the shower curtain wrapped all around you as you struggle with the hand held nozzel not to flood the bathroom. All in all, a great hotel and fantastic location.

Matt and I ventured out to take photos of the city at night. Notice the old city walls at the top of the photo.