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! 

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.