What is Naxos for us?

Monday, July 11, 2022 was moving day for the Anseth Family.  We are moving on from Athens and on to Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands.  I didn’t do a lot of research on this distinction.  I will either be pleasantly surprised or incredibly irritated over the next few days.

Morning came early for Team Anseth with a 7 AM shuttle to the airport.  We navigated the airport and made it through security without incident.  No scissors (Grace) or huge bags of goldfish (Katie).  Everyone who wanted one had their fancy morning coffee.

Shuttle to the airport 

Flying over Naxos

Naxos and the Mediterranean.  Ohhhh that blue.  

Naxos International Airport 

Our bird dropping us off.

Baggage Claim in Naxos.  You might get your bags, you might not.  You might lose a finger or a toe, you might not.  Life is about choices 

A short shuttle ride and we arrived at Naxos Utopia.  We have a nice little Villa with a view of the Mediterranean.  Classic white marble and a 10 min walk to the beach.

The sky is a different blue in the Mediterranean.

Looking out over Naxos

We walked to the beach and went up and down the coast.  I was alternatively mesmerized by the blues of the Mediterranean and the sky or by the numerous Greek restaurants promising fresh fish and grilled octopus 🐙.   After exploring the beach we return to the hotel for a little relaxation before dinner.

For dinner we decided to journey into the port city of Naxos.  Our plans were to have dinner at  Apostolis in Naxos.  

We arrived a little early so we had time for a little adventure.  Once we arrive in Naxos, I realized how close we were to the Temple of Apollo and off I went.  Grace and Katie came along for the ride to see what all the excitement was about, while Kari and Ashley decided to scan a few local shops.

On the way to the Temple of Apollo

Looking back at Naxos from the Temple of Apollo.

Grace and Katie in front of Naxos

Grace and Katie with the Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo

This huge marble gate was created in 530 BC by the ruler Lygdamis.  Most think it was built to honor Apollo as it faces east toward Delos, which is believed to be the birthplace of Apollo.  Others, have suggested it was built to honor Dionysus, the god of wine, and one of the most important deities to locals.

Temple of Apollo and the Mediterranean 

The sun setting through the Temple of Apollo Gateway 

One more for good measure.

Our dinner at Apostolis was everything you want in. Greek dinner.  Great food, quaint location, local cats, music and beer 🍺.

Everyone looks happy, how surprised am I?

Fresh grilled fish and orzo.

Local beer

Live music 

This place, Apostolis, ♥️ ♥️♥️

Above the service station and kitchen

After dinner some looked for dessert, I returned to the Temple of Apollo for a few pictures 

Ashley and the Temple of Apollo. Does the sun rise or set around one or both.  At this stage I cannot tell.

The Temple of Apollo at night

Apollo at night one more time

Naxos at night 

On the walk back to Naxos I stopped to check on a possible adventure for tomorrow.

Turns out the Anseth are not allowed to sea kayak.  An  International memo was sent to all sea kayak shops after October 2015. Wow !!!!

After all of this it was a cab ride home and then bed.  Tomorrow should be a low key day enjoying the purifying waters of the Mediterranean.