Paros and Naxos Islands
It was very calm in Naoussa Bay when we awoke this morning. Naoussa is situated at the northeast edge of Paros Island and its shoreline gives good protection to the vessels anchored in the bay. The sandy beach that we had picked for the morning’s activities was deserted, so shortly after breakfast we headed for the shore. Michelle led a group of hikers along the trails to a lighthouse perched at the northernmost point of Paros Island. It affords a great view of the northern Aegean and the surrounding shoreline of the island. A good group of the younger guests made it to the beach early as well. Swimming, snorkeling and kayaking was on their minds.
Later in the morning everyone reconvened at the landing for some “Panoramic” or Olympic-type events. The Spartans and the Athenians competed for points in the long jump, javelin, discus toss, kayak relay and a swim race. Points were accumulated; victors young and small were named while participants and the fans enjoyed the activities. Most everyone was slow to abandon the beach and make their way back to the ship for lunch. It was a fun and exciting way to spend the morning.
On our way from the anchorage at Paros Island to Naxos harbor we had a fair wind so the sails were up as we crossed the channel. The captain timed our arrival to approach the pier just after a local ferry was departing. We were alongside and ready for our afternoon’s excursion in good time. The younger guests were the first to depart the ship for a journey inland on a local coach. Their destination was a local potter’s shop in the small village of Damalas. Manolis was the local artisan who hosted us and all the kids had a chance to “throw” a pot, with Manolis’ assistance, of course. There was also some time to view the community olive press and Eleni, our Greek guide, explained the process of how the olive oil was extracted.
The adults departed the ship not long after our coach rolled off the pier to join Sophia, our other Greek guide, for a tour of Naxos town and most specifically the “Kastro.” Naxos was a significant port and town for the Venetian period in the Cycladic islands and the Kastro served as both a castle and medieval “old town.” There were numerous alleys and small passes to explore; it occupies the highest point in the vicinity of the port which gives a good view of the harbor. There was also time to visit a shop that offered us a taste of the local liqueur and to visit a few stores that sold the local “Naxian” cheeses and Greek spices.
All of the guests returned to the ship in time to start our Greek party in the lounge. Grilled octopus was available as well as a taste of ouzo (for the older guests) before our Greek buffet was served. After dinner we gathered back in the lounge to watch a local dance troupe perform. Before the performance was done the dancers had guests of all ages up with them “stepping” to some local music provided by a lute and fiddle player. We regretfully bid farewell to the dancers and musicians as the Panorama “slipped her lines” and got underway for Cape Sounion. The winds and seas were predicted to rise early in the morning but we enjoyed a starry night as we made our way to the north towards more protected waters.
