Naxos Island Getaway in Naxos Island

Unparalleled

Adrienne (Broad Run VA USA)
Review submitted: June 3, 2011   Date of arrival: May 24, 2011

If you are looking for the authentic experience of living on a Greek island you cannot do better than this. Located in the heart of the ancient part of Naxos town, also called Chora or Hora, this beautiful little house is on one of the highest points of the village, right up against the Venetian castle, also called Kastro, which was built in the 1200's. Thus the views are amazing, a sweeping view of the harbor and the mountains beyond, as well the Portal of Apollo on a small hill that juts out of the water on the north side of town. To get to the house, you walk through alleys and narrow streets that only allow foot passage, and up many steps (someone in the guest book said there were 48). It is like living in the distant past. The people of Naxos are amazing, so welcoming and generous. There is a beach in the town called St. George, but more famous beaches are outside the town, a bus ride away or you can rent a car. You will hear that Agia Anna and Prokopis are the best-known. Our favorite was further south at Mikri Vigla, where there are no umbrellas for rent and no houses or commercial development on the beach so it is very natural and secluded and the sand and water are absolutely amazing. There is only one taverna on the beach, called Mikri Vigla Taverna, and they have excellent food. We cooked most of our meals at the house because it is very well equipped. You can buy fish off the boats in the harbor -- they usually come in before 9 in the morning. When we were there in May there were no farmer's markets but the small local groceries, many of which are called "supermarkets," though they bare no resemblance to the supermarkets in the U.S., have local produce, the quality of which varies from place to place, so it's worth shopping around. The whole town is accessible on foot, including the outskirts -- nothing is more than two miles away. There is a laundromat down on the harbor behind the Town Hall where they do a great job on your laundry for 10 Euro. The cafe Lotto on the waterfront has wifi and an excellent Greek breakfast. If you have a car, it's worth taking a trip inland to one of the many sights on the island, but frankly we found it most relaxing to just shop, sleep in the afternoon and lie on the beaches. Behind the house on the parapet of the castle, they have concerts every night. These are great fun and you cannot hear them from the house even though they are so close. Enjoy!!

Recommended for: adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sight seeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway

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