Paros & Naxos Islands, Greece
Late last night we arrived at the island of Paros, one of the most attractive of the Cyclades. This morning we woke up anchored at the nice sheltered bay of Naoussa. On one side of the bay there are some beautiful rock formations and inviting sandy beaches called “Kolymbithres” (baptismal fonts). After breakfast we took a hike to the lighthouse of the cape near which we were anchored. It was a beautiful hike, overlooking the water of the sea with many mid-summer wildflowers on the way. After that, a dip in the water was very refreshing and kayaking is always great fun.
After lunch we sailed, truly sailed, with all sails wide open, to the neighboring island of Naxos. As soon as we arrived, the young ones drove to the village of Damalas to be introduced to the art of pottery. They all experimented with the potter’s wheel, with the help of Manolis, the traditional potter of the island. We then visited an olive grove and an old olive press, to be introduced to the ancient cultivation and pre-industrial methods of production of an essential dietary product. While the kids were creating clay masterpieces, the adults were exploring the medieval town of Naxos with its special atmosphere, and later joined the young ones.
Our Greek dinner party was great fun, and an opportunity to try more traditional Greek recipes beautifully prepared by Alex and Makis, our chefs. Our fabulous day reached its height with the Naxian dancers who visited us onboard, to demonstrate the dances of their villages and have us participate in their dancing. The whole show was accompanied by live music. I’ll never forget their touching hospitality and the fragrant taste of the local “raki,” which they offered us. Another fabulous day in this part of the world came to an end.
