Beach Day in Naxos, Greece!

The Greek Islands had long been on our bucket list and while it was a trip we envisioned taking without kids, we didn't want to delay any longer and just went for it! I spent some time researching child friendly islands and landed on Naxos and Paros from recommendations. And we felt that we had to see Santorini so we combined the three islands into a 10 day trip. Flying (in theory!) to Naxos via Athens, ferry to Paros, ferry to Santorini, direct flight home from Santorini. 

On Naxos, we stayed in Naxos town in an AirBnB to have the convenience of being able to walk to the beach, Aghios Georgios (St. George) reported by the Guardian to be the most child friendly in all of Europe. Well we needed to find out for ourselves and made it our day 1 goal to spend all day relaxing at the beach to make up for the journey we had getting there the day before! 

Although we didn't have one of our suitcases, I have learned from the past and packed our swim gear and a change of clothes/PJs in our carry on tote so we were good to go! 

5 minute walk and we were there!

This will do

I'd read that the beach clubs further from town had more spread out sun beds and less seaweed so we headed to Trata and happily paid 10 euros for 2 sun beds and an umbrella for the day (the cheapest of the trip). 

The water was very shallow, which is one of the reasons why it is kid friendly. The famed Meltemi summer winds were in effect that first day, so the small waves made the water rather choppy. Maeve wasn't having it. 

First days lunch: baked spicy feta, Greek fries and grilled cheese for the kids (easing into the cuisine).

Our goal for nap time at the beach was a success and we had some nice quiet time while the cuties slept.

Happy kids after their rest and happy parents after their Greek beer and wine.

Greek Island hair, don't care!

We stayed out of the main touristy Naxos town and it was very quiet.

Added AirBnB bonus: next door to To Eliniko restaurant with a beautiful courtyard setting and yummy food, including the free chocolate cake given to the "neighbors." I was really impressed this trip with the ambience at restaurants. 

Grilled shrimp and goat stew

The kids had their first real room sharing experience this trip and it went so much better than I expected. That first, late night we could hear Jude lamenting to Maeve, "Maeve, I am so angry at the adults. I am not even tired!" followed by complete silence from him (he passed out immediately) and Maeve saying over and over "guh guh, guh guh, guh guh!" (her name for him) until she fell asleep.