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INTRODUCTION
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September 2001
This is our second trip to Greece this year. Eleven years ago (1991) we visited these islands during our first contact with Greece, but because of a lack of travel experience at that time we decided to explore them again sooner or later. When in Greece we usually rent a motorbike; this year for the first time we had an accident during one of our excursions because of oil on the road. As a result, which took place on the 6th day of our stay, we couldn’t visit as many places as we had planned to. |
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Naxos is full of natural beauty and is one of the greenest islands in the Cyclades. The interior is mountainous and has lovely valleys. Take your time to explore this island because it is really great. There are many isolated sandy beaches. Whether you want an active or quiet holiday, Naxos can offer both.
The Chora is one of the most beautiful villages on the island with a maze of narrow streets.
Naxos Beach I (Ag. Georgios Beach)
We stayed at the ‘Naxos Beach I hotel’ (http://www.naxosnet.com/hotels/naxosbeach1/) in the Agios Georgos area, within walking distance of Naxos town. Though everything was OK and the staff was very friendly, we wouldn’t choose this hotel again. It is entirely rented out to a German company, so the only language you hear is German. Even the practical information announced in the rooms was in German. The hotel consist of a complex of separate houses built (some still being developed) around a pool and garden. The large pool (with pool bar) was always carefully kept. Unfortunatly there was no Greek music at all ,the only music being pop & rock, sometimes very loud. The price/quality relation was correct. We paid 17500 GDR/night with a buffet breakfast (coffee, tea, milk, bread, marmelade, honey, yoghurt, cornflakes, fruit juice (of minor quality), boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, fresh fruit). Though the rooms were of a reasonable size, they lacked charm. The balcony was very small and therefore useless. You had to move the table before you could open the window.
There are many alternatives around; I would suggest you leave your luggage behind and explore the area yourselves; this way you will avoid unpleasent surprises.Akrogiali (Ag. Georgios Beach) This place is very good value and is located in the quieter part of Ag. Georgios Beach.
We paid 28 (beginning of June 2004) for a spacious room incl. tv, airco and fridge and a very large balcony with sea view. Breakfast can be ordered and is brought to your room.
Estiatorio Flamingo (Naxos town)
When choosing a restaurant we prefer those where Greek music is played (whether it is live or not) and those with nice views.
Along the promenade - appealed to us from the first evening because of the live music. We had a nice meal but the place was over-commercial, so we weren’t altogether happy. (FLAMINGO).Apolafsis (Naxos town) Estiatorio Apolafsis (in the middle of the promenade situated on the first floor with a balcony) announced live music during the weekend (remember: this event starts at 22.30 and is known to Greek locals; reservation could be necessary). During our first visit we choose small dishes, the done thing in ouzeria (mezedopoleio), which was just tasteful. We were luckier on our second and third visits. We tried several other plates and were very pleased. But most of all both evenings were a great success because of the very good musicians. The singer was of a very high level and had an enormous repertoire. They gave a concert which you would normally have to pay for. (APOLAFSIS) or (APOLAFSIS 2). Estiatorio El Greco (Naxos town) About the same situation as ‘Apolafsis’. We expected a lot of this Italian/Greek restaurant which had been recommended to us.
The only impression we were left with were the high prices and cool reception by the waiters. They were only interested in serving as many plates as possible , no matter whether you had a good appetite or not.Estiatorio Dichty (Moutsouna)
We visited this restaurant twice (in 2001 and 2004). It's a very good place to be; close to the sea and tasteful dishes of very good quality.
Estiatorio Delfinaki (Lionas) a family business. Everything we ordered was well prepared except for the loukaniko-pittes; the quality of this dish depends on whether they’re using self-prepared sausages (loukaniko choriatiko) or the tinned version. Estiatorio Benetiko (Apollonas)
one of the last ones - was advised by a local friend of us. They offered a good variety of well prepared dishes. All the restaurants along this promenade have their tables next to the water, which is very relaxing and enjoyable.
During a second visit in 2004 we were disappointed, one of the dishes not being fresh.Estiatorio I Mikri Vigla - Liofagos (in Mikri Vigla)
you have to ask because the name was not mentioned) also recommended by a friend, offered a very good choice of homemade dishes. Nissaki (Ag. Georgios Beach) A restaurant which belongs to the adjacent hotel. A very clean place with tables on the beach offering a wide variety of food. We were satisfied but not more than that. Kivotos (Chora)
We were introduced to one of the ouzeries on the quay. Everything was perfect. Very well prepared fresh fish at very moderate prices. Also the house wine is of high quality. A very good address!!!! Gorgona (Ag. Anna) The place has extended in a big way since 1991and the kitchen is focused on mass tourism.
Quality and service are poor!
Chora
coming!!!
Temple of Dimitras Melanes Faneromeni Mikri Vigla Chalki A picturesque village with a plesant square. The Vallindras distillery where the famous kitron liquor can be tasted is located at the centre of Chalki. Filoti Moni Drossianou Potamia Koronos Skado Apirathos Ag. Anna Pyrgaki Moutsounas The road from Apeiranthos towards Moutsounas has lovely mountain views. There is also a connection to the former emery mines - this road however is in a poor condition but provides nice landscape. Though the mines seem abandoned we were being told that there is still some activity by a couple of workers. Lionas Keramoti Apollonas Bazeos tower Iria The restoration work has been completed and the site is worth a visit. On the road past the airport towards Pyrgaki. Ag. Prokopios The tourist place - only a couple of kilometers from the port - has a long sandy beach with crystal water and is less populated than Ag. Georgios beach in Naxos town. A lot of restaurants and accommodation is available. Chimarrou tower This huge marble tower lies at the end of a scenic route (completely asphalted now). The adjacent excavations are certainly worth a visit. Abram A beautiful bay with a taverna on the way towards Apollonas along the northern part of the island. Ipsilotera Chrisostomos monastery closed to visitors! Apeiranthos an attractive village with a couple of museums and tavernas.
