Paros & Naxos Islands
After visiting the spectacular volcanic island of Santorini, we sailed north in the late afternoon, to the island of Paros. We anchored at Naoussa Bay and spent the night there. During breakfast the next morning we could see the beautiful setting and the calm seas!
The sandy beach looked attractive in the small distance. Before we knew it, the kayaks were there waiting for those of us interested. A decent number of people got ready for the hike Sharon was ready to lead. The Zodiacs took us to the beach and there we went! Destination: a lighthouse of the 19th century. The trail we followed was an old path that people used before there were paved roads and cars. Most of these paths have been cleared recently, to give people the opportunity to rediscover the beauties of nature. Sharon stopped several times to show us wild herbs and flowers. All around us, rocks and more rocks! The contrast of the white lighthouse against the brown rocks and the blue sea was worth the sweating! After an hour long walk, everyone rested in the shade of the lighthouse, enjoying the great view of the ocean. To walk back took us less time, probably because the sandy beach was so attractive!
Almost everyone went swimming after the walk, and many others were there already enjoying the sun and the water! The sea was cool, not cold, and it was great! Very refreshing! Lunch after that seemed what everybody deserved! We sailed after our meal to Naxos, the neighboring island. As soon as we arrived, buses were waiting to take us on an excursion. We visited the small traditional village of Damalas, where we saw an old olive press and the ceramic workshop of Manolis. He showed us some of his works, including a demonstration on his potter’s wheel. He also showed us some of the more interesting traditional items. We especially loved his demonstration of a clay whistle and the “cup of justice”.
We returned to the main town of Naxos, where we started a walking tour to explore the Kastro, the old part of the town which was enclosed in a Venetian “castle”. There were narrow streets, many steps, coats of arms above the doors and the Catholic cathedral at the top. At the beginning of our walk, we had the chance to try a local special liqueur made from the citron fruit. At the end, we scattered to explore more of this beautiful town, with many of us taking pictures of the octopus hanging on a string outside the tavernas. Some of us had dinner ashore and tried the local specialties, while others walked to the 6th century BC door of an unfinished temple of Apollo!
A little bit of shopping, strolling around or tasting ice cream was the perfect ending to a rich beautiful day!
