Today is the first day we've had to set the alarm. The bus tour of the islands leaves at 9.30am. We walk down from the Kastro to the port and on the way we buy pastries from the bakery for breakfast.
Irene is our guide for the day and Yiannis is our driver. As I don't drive in Greece this is a great way to see some key highlights of the island that we wouldn't normally be able to see.
There is a small group of about 10 people on the tour of various nationalities and Irene speaks most of those languages. She tells us that she was in Coventry a few years earlier for her work. The bus leaves Naxos town and begins to steadily climb up towards the first of our stops - the small village of Damalas.
At Damalas we firstly visit the ancient Olive Press
And the pottery......
Then back on the coach to the pretty village of Halki with its Kitron distillery
And the stunning villas and enchanting streets
I was fascinated by this quaint local shop. Check out the egg box till!
Continuing beyond the valley of Tragaia we take in the amazing views
We reach the mountain village of Apeiranthos and the coach parks close to the Marble Church
At the entrance to the village we pass the 17th century Zevgoli Tower. Built on a rock, this Venetian structure was acquired by the present owners after the Greek revolution of 1821 but is also home to a little owl.
We begin to explore the interesting little streets
Came across this peculiar graffiti building!
We pop into the Archaeological Museum too!
We climbed the marble steps higher into the village.
We have lunch at Taverna Platanos which has spectacular views over the valley.
I love Greek sausage so choose this from the menu - Peter has pork. The local Apeiranthos wine is exceptionally nice - so much so that we buy a litre of it from their shop across the road.
We have another final stroll around the main street.
Back on the coach again. Before long we stop for a photo opportunity at Keramotis - a point on the road which has an spectacular views of the coastline on both sides of the island. We park next to the small church Ekklesia Stavros.
We head off again to Apollonia on the North coast of the island. The clouds begin to roll in across the mountain tops.
Before long we can see the coast
The North coast of Naxos is exposed to the elements but what a spectacular show we get from the waves crashing on the shore!
Pay marko - he was on the phone and says someone wants to speak to you. it was irene, says sorry she ca't be there to meet us and hoped we had a lovely time.
meal in sto ladoxarto overlooking the harbour. wedding taking place on the church on the little island - could here the car horns before from the room.
