Paros & Naxos Islands
We awoke this morning anchored in an amazing cove at the northwest end of Naoussa Bay. It was a nice calm morning, and some people took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in a bit before taking the Zodiacs over to the beach. Here some guests took a nice hike to an active lighthouse, while others enjoyed kayaking and swimming. After we all had plenty of sun and surf, it was time to head back to the ship for lunch and enjoy the great fortune of getting just enough wind to open the sails and coast into the port of Naxos.
While in Naxos the kids and grown-ups were able to diverge and enjoy two separate excursions. The grown-ups peacefully departed to meet a local potter still practicing many of the traditional designs, Manolis, where they were able to watch a demonstration on the wheel and then venture on to see an olive press. Some of the more adventurous adults even wandered through the olive groves. After the parents departed, the kids set out on foot to hike to the giant marble “portara,” or Apollo’s Gate, where our guide Stella told stories about remains of the great temple and why it never came to completion. We hiked back down to meet the bus that would take us for a more hands-on exploration of Manolis’ studio. Each of the children was able to get a quick lesson on the wheel and leave with their very own, self-thrown piece of pottery.
We returned to the ship for a night of incredible Greek food, spirits and dancing. After enjoying an amazing traditional Greek menu, we worked our way to the Lounge where a local dance troupe performed for us. Many took advantage of getting lost in the music of Greece and joined them in dancing. The evening ended with many families disembarking and wandering into the town of Naxos to enjoy the cool weather and local festivities.
