ISLAND HOPPING
ISLAND-HOPPING DAY TRIPS FROM NAXOS
The Cyclades archipelago is a relatively tight-knit chain of islands with a wonderful interconnecting network of ferries. Some are traditional and you can sit in the open air on deck whilst they chug along and, if you have no time constraints they’re quite cheap. You’ll also find ‘Seajets’, hydrofoils which, as the name implies, get you from island to island much more quickly if you’re happy to pay a premium.
With its central location Naxos is the perfect place to jump on a ferry and visit the following places for a day trip, with plenty of time to look around before you have to come back. Alternatively we can make arrangements for you to stay the night and have a sleep-over! Here are the five main places we would recommend you might add to your itinerary.
MYKONOS
Mykonos splits its vibe between old-fashioned Greece and modern party hedonism. In places it is extremely cosmopolitan and sophisticated – fabulous beaches, great restaurants and, if you’re planning to stay overnight, a fabulous club scene. You have to dig a bit deeper to find the more traditional side of Greece, but it’s well worth making the effort. We can show you everything from a jeep safari to a rustic cookery course. Depending on your choice of transport the journey time can be as little as an hour.
DELOS
The most important religious centre in classical times, the tiny island of Delos is now uninhabited apart from the wardens who look after the sacred sites. In summer ferries operate a direct service between Naxos and Delos – transit times vary but little more than 90 minutes. Make sure you book a visit with an authorised guide to make the most of the cultural experience. Delos is also very close to Mykonos although combining the two in one day from Naxos would be pushing it a bit.
SANTORINI
There’s a huge amount to see on Santorini so, if you’re only planning a day trip, our advice would be to plan to get the first ferry there and the last ferry back. You have plenty of great beaches on Naxos so even though the black volcanic sandy beaches here are famous, you’re better off devoting your time to the culture and general Santorini ‘vibe’. The ruins at Akrotiri (the ‘Greek Pompeii) are simply amazing. The main town of Fira, high on a cliff, has spectacular views and plenty of good places to eat and people-watch. The sunsets at Oia are world famous. The island has a totally justifiable reputation for being romantic. The quickest journey is about 75 minutes by jet ferry. Actually the best way to see Santorini is to ask us to book you on a day tour complete with guide and transport around the sights and sites.
PAROS
You can actually see Paros from Naxos – it’s less than 10kms away. The main ferry route though runs around the north tip of the island into Paros harbour and the fast jet takes about 30 minutes. The island has a rich cultural past and the island’s capital, Parikia, is a rather lovely jumble of whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and small lanes with charming boutiques. At one level it’s the sort of place you can just come for a bit of sightseeing and a spot of lunch – in particular Parian wine is highly regarded. If you want to dial it up a bit the walking is good here – try the old Byzantine road that rambles through olive groves and vineyards.
KOUFONISIA
And then there is Koufonisia – a small island less than 30 square kms in size, some 5 kms off the bottom of Naxos and a 30 minute boat trip from the main harbour. Essentially an island of fishermen, well off the beaten tourist track, it’s a place to come for a seafood lunch and a few glasses of wine on the waterfront or on one of the beaches. Whilst here look back through the mists of time and ponder the fact that Cycladic civilisation here dates back to pre-historic times. Interestingly Koufanisia shares something quite important with England – their patron Saint is St. George.
