Naxos, Greece
After a late night (for some of us) at Mykonos, we had a relaxing morning onboard. The Captain put up the sails just after sunrise and we let the winds take us toward Naxos. In the late morning we docked in Naxos and went for an introductory walk with Sophia and Stella to see the old town area called Kastro (castle). The old town is built around an even older castle that was built in the 13th century. It has winding cobblestone streets, beautiful doorways and interesting photo opportunities at every turn.
In the afternoon we explored the interior of Naxos. From the port, one would never expect the rugged terrain, rocky outcroppings and small churches perched on some of the highest mountains. Nearly every hillside had been terraced for farming at some time in the past. One of the most impressive vistas was the marble quarry. The modern one looks like a giant temple.
We made several stops this afternoon too. First we visited a local potter to learn about some of the traditional pottery from Naxos. Next was another local product, this time taste testing of a citron liqueur from the distillery in the town of Halki. Citron is in the citrus family, and the leaves are used to produce this liqueur. A final treat was the chance to see a Kouros (giant statue) from the 6th century BC that is lying unfinished in the same place it has been for over 2000 years!
As the day winds down, we have a beautiful view of the sunset – some of us from the stern of Panorama and others from the Temple of Apollo just at the edge of town. After dinner we will go out to enjoy the Greek music and dance that is being presented as the final night of an international festival here in town.
After a late night (for some of us) at Mykonos, we had a relaxing morning onboard. The Captain put up the sails just after sunrise and we let the winds take us toward Naxos. In the late morning we docked in Naxos and went for an introductory walk with Sophia and Stella to see the old town area called Kastro (castle). The old town is built around an even older castle that was built in the 13th century. It has winding cobblestone streets, beautiful doorways and interesting photo opportunities at every turn.
In the afternoon we explored the interior of Naxos. From the port, one would never expect the rugged terrain, rocky outcroppings and small churches perched on some of the highest mountains. Nearly every hillside had been terraced for farming at some time in the past. One of the most impressive vistas was the marble quarry. The modern one looks like a giant temple.
We made several stops this afternoon too. First we visited a local potter to learn about some of the traditional pottery from Naxos. Next was another local product, this time taste testing of a citron liqueur from the distillery in the town of Halki. Citron is in the citrus family, and the leaves are used to produce this liqueur. A final treat was the chance to see a Kouros (giant statue) from the 6th century BC that is lying unfinished in the same place it has been for over 2000 years!
As the day winds down, we have a beautiful view of the sunset – some of us from the stern of Panorama and others from the Temple of Apollo just at the edge of town. After dinner we will go out to enjoy the Greek music and dance that is being presented as the final night of an international festival here in town.
