Exploring Naxos Island

On our second day in Naxos, we rented a car so that we could explore the island. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and one of the most fertile. In mythology, Zeus is said to have spent his childhood here, which perhaps speaks to its reputation as family friendly! 

We didn't have any expectations for what the scenery of the island would be. My only ideas about Greece were from movies, which highlight the seaside, steep, whitewashed villages. So we were really impressed with everything we saw as we made our way around the island, up and over the hills and mountains. Jude's stomach was less impressed and the poor guy got sick twice. He told us that he was "just not used to driving through mountains." Spoken like a true Dutch boy! The second time was when we were minutes from home, having decided to go back to our local beach instead of checking out a famed one on the west coast. Good decision as we were out of clothes! Those incidents aside, it was a really spectacular day. See below:

Heading North from Naxos Town. 

Fertile landscape, which we did not see on Paros or Santorini.

Documenting, of course. 

The rental car map showed a church along the way, so we pulled in and had fun exploring the many levels. 

Reaching our first destination, Apollonas, a cute seaside town with a colorful promenade of eateries. The kids shared a slushi as a treat for Jude's first incident.

Poor guy

We could have had lunch in Apollonas, but had a lunch destination in mind, Matina and Stavros Tavern in the hill town of Koronos, 20 minutes away. Of course the kids passed out during that drive and we were left with the conundrum: let them sleep and just drive home, or stop for lunch and try to keep them asleep. We were hungry so stopping it was. We drove to the destination marked on Google Maps and Pete went out to figure out where the restaurant was. An old man informed him it was 136 steps down, carrying two sleeping children! They woke up on the way and shared the local cheese, lamb, rice and french fries. The restaurant was in such a stunning oasis! Well worth the trouble.

It is not time for sleeping!

Heading down to the restaurant

And back up at the end... 

Maeve did a lot of the climb on her own:

Until she got tired! 

We stopped outside of the Rotonda cafe to take in the windmill and views. 

Going back to our town was the right decision. We had time for some early evening beach time before dinner. Love that time when it's not too hot and your don't need sunscreen!