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This holiday took a bit of arranging with flights, ferries and two hotels involved but this holiday was special and arranged for us by Sunvil.
At one point, having sorted our hotel in Naxos we needed the hotel in Mykonos to respond but there was a delay and we wondered if it would happen. We were advised by Sunvil to get the ferry back from Naxos a day early to avoid any problems with a ferry failing to get us back in time for the return flight.

The second hotel delay in responding would now cost us the loss of 7 days in a superior room in the Galaxy hotel that we wanted, as that had now been been booked to somebody else. Eventually we moved our dates forward to get 9 days in the superior room and 4 days in a standard room. The Hotel in Mykonos was then able to accommodate us.

Naxos only has an airport for small planes so ferries are mostly use.

Then a few days before the holiday Sunvil gave us a call to say the ferry to Naxos was not until 19:05pm (17:05 uk time) and 5 hours would be long time to wait in the Mykonos new port where our transfer takes us for the ferry. However, for a bit extra we could have the Sunvil agent to drop us off in the old harbour where all the town restaurants were located. He would then take our cases for safe keeping and return to pick us up in the Old Harbour at 6 pm and take us to the new harbour which is about 2 kms away

So all now set up to go this was our experience of the journey

We arrived at Gatwick Airport at 6am for our 8:05am Easyjet flight to Mykonos. Easyjet have machines to load the suitcases and two different people in our queue had overweight baggage and had to seek assistance. I was then surprisingly was successful with ours, as machines and I just don't get on but the cases went off and we had a docket from the machine as proof.

I thought I heard talk that the plane was overbooked and compensation was on offered for anybody prepared to accept a later plane.

Soon we were boarding and we took off about 15 minutes late.



The flight was 3 hours 40minutes



Just before 12 noon the plane was over Mykonos



and turning around over the sea to come in for landing



In the airport entrance our agent had a notice with our name on and we were welcomed to Mykonos.

The roads were quite busy but he said, they will get worse as the season goes on. We were dropped off at the Old Harbour and he would return with cases at the same point a 6 pm. We were now able to walk around the harbour town



the sea looked clear and blue





These were the first two restaurants we passed and their menus



I was looking at a Greek salad and a beer price but the further round the harbour the more expensive they seem to get. Nobody was offering a half litre of beer and 330 ml bottles were 5 euros each (which is equivalent of 7.50 euros a half litre )



The town had a very small beach



The area had a lot of small lane alleys







Through a gap I could see people scrapping fish and seagulls were taking a great interest lol





beyond was a white church prominent in the town





we then came out into a square and a restaurant had a board of prices displayed.

I thought a beer might be cheaper but it was not and Mrs Db pointed out just around the corner from where we we sitting they still had a sea view





but needs must



Mrs Db was not bothered about lunch as we had bought a meal deal in W H Smith's at Gatwick and we had eaten them about an hour ago on the plane. So we heading for the famous windmills



one was being rebuilt and another had scaffolding around it



but the truth is they have made a car park both sides of the windmills and it is difficult to get good photographs with cars in the way. What poor planning to have cars around a site of importance



below is what I am told is called Little Venice



but still photographing the windmills



and closer on Little Venice



four cruisers were outside the harbour and this was a monster size one



This is an area where there is a webcam and I knew before coming out that the windmills are not perfect to photograph at the moment



and the view you see from the webcam



so the rest of the afternoon was walking around





another cruiser in this picture



some private yachts



and a rest for us by the church



after a trip down to the quay to see the cruiser tender boats coming backwards and forwards







If you can understand them these are the prices by boat to Paradise beach



a couple of Geese which look to have a regular spot by the town beach



walking past the beach we came to a square where I could see another windmill above



and we then made our way to the spot for our arranged pickup



This fantastic yacht caught my attention and the name Queen Miri gave me thoughts of perhaps an Australian owner liking the the name of Queen Mary lol



Loud music was being played on top deck and a guy was sitting and about five ladies were dancing around. I thought this guy has made it as I don't think Mrs Db danced around me on the Airtour's SS Carnival on our one and only cruise. Out of interest, I looked the yacht cruiser up on the internet. The yacht has 18 luxury rooms and cost 1.8 million to hire per week. So for 18 Tupperware party couples it would only be £100,000 per week each



Anyway, our driver turned up with our cases and we were driven to the New port



I asked whether we would make it to Naxos for the sunset and the driver said yes, it is a fast boat and you will be there in 40 minutes.



We had an hour to kill but there was a cool shelter to stay in. I am a poor sailor and not sure how small this boat was going to be, so took a travel pill.



The boat came in 15 minutes late and was massive



the gang planks came down



and people appeared as if in a scene from 'close encounters' lol



we were then rushed aboard and the gang planks seem to be rising as we walked up them and Mrs Db was helped up by the crew with her case. All cases were put in racks on the ground floor and we were asked to go upstairs



There were so few of us we just sat anywhere







It did move a bit lol





as we were coming into port 50 minutes later the announcement was Paros and I had to ask if it was going to Naxos and told the next stop is Naxos



so I went down stairs to make sure our cases were not taken by mistake



Then about three cars came off



then we were off to Naxos





no chance of a sunset in Naxos lol



Arriving into Naxos in the dark was a little disappointing but the Sunvil agent was waiting to greet us with a taxi driver. The taxi journey to our hotel seemed a long way and I hoped we would be in walking distance of the harbour.



We quickly changed and asked reception for a near restaurant and the guy recommended two.

We picked the first which was called 'To Elliniko'

food and drink prices were good and house white was 4.50 per half litre



I went for the lamb chops





Mrs Db had the burgers stuffed with cheese



and a free fig and yogurt pudding each



and a nice atmosphere



and a coffee on the balcony to finish

End of Day One

Day Two

Down to breakfast

There was yogurt and fruit, cereals, coffee, tea, orange juice, bacon, eggs



toast, jam, honey, cakes and croissants



some would take breakfast down to the gazebo



the pool and bar




room



storage area and fridge



the place had quite a few things in the bathroom that it took us quite a while to realise how they worked lol but will explain all that later





The distance from the pool gate to the sea and St Georges beach





we were were going to relax on the beach after our travels and the previous long day



areas without beds



we sat in the first beds we came to and they wanted 10 euros a set



They and others had designer cafe's and prices to match and I can see prices in the style of Mykonos coming soon with 330ml sized beers



but don't worry this is not the norm as the holiday unfolds



a little way up the town end of St George's beach



sunbeds were 8 euros and had comfortable mattresses on them but drinks prices still high



further up, I looked at some more traditional taverna's and I noticed beers were 3.50 euros a half litre





so walking to the end of St George's beach another small bay





This yellow type of poppy was out which I had not seen before



I had a walk up to a derelict cafe on the peninsular for a view of everything



over the hill would be Ag Prokopios which I will investigate later in the holiday



and a glimpse of the Naxos town which not too far away



and the derelict cafe which could be refurbished and become a restaurant



another designer type restaurant menu



but we went to the more traditional ones for lunch with a Greek salad for 6 euros



with beer prices to my liking 3.50 euros for a full half litre







and some cheese and ham rolls to share



very pleasant



so after an afternoon on the beach it was back to our room for a cup of tea on the balcony



and a sunset coming






After getting ready for evening we decided to walk further up the road to perhaps the other taverna recommendation but did not really like the small menu so walked and came to Nikos which had chairs almost on the street lol



menu's house wine was 4.50 per half litre





I had the kebab in yogurt and it was lovely never had that before



Mrs Db had the Lamb Kleftiko



the atmosphere was good



and despite consuming our abnormal quantity of wine we were given yet another free small jug of it along with some water melon to finish



and it was then coffee on our balcony as we had a travel kettle

End of Day Two



Day Three

a sortie into town

After breakfast a walk around the hotel grounds







plenty of time to take pictures of flowers



and some of the pools side accommodation



now getting a little better at taking them



pool and view



Then down to the beach on the 8 euro sunbeds and comfy matresses ( this was only to last until the 18th when they went up to 10 euros)



the sea is not deep here



so I'm off to town as Mrs Db reads her Kindle

And the sunbed restaurant menu that the Mrs Db is sitting at





so a walk down the narrow streets to get to the coastal path without walking in the sand





As thinking of going into the town's port this evening for dinner



and the town



and the first sighting of the famous Apollo temple portal which sits on a peninsular out from the harbour



So entering the town which was about 10 / 12 minutes walk we see some designer boutique bars



and prices



Then the corner of the harbour where I recall a webcam being placed



which sits above here somewhere and has an Alpha bank next door



the port's promenade



taverna's



menu's and wine list






more taverna's





menu's for drinks





promenade



Happy hour for 12 hours here lol



menus







so worth checking the menu's as things do vary

The town's bus station



so onto the peninsular



to the side of the town there is a place called Grotto but will tell you about that later




so now the steps up to the Apollo temple portal

one small step for man lol



and a few more



The portal

It's made of Marble and the Ruler called Lygdamis around 600 bc wanted the biggest building in Greece to be created in Naxos thought to be in honour of the God Apollo. It never got completed due to wars with Samos and Lygdamis was over thrown. The temple was meant to be about 30 m high but this is what is left. It is an icon and many people go there to capture the sunset through the portal.

I think Delboy may be paying a visit some time during the holiday lol





The sun is not really in the right direction for the photographs of the town in the mornings but don't worry I will be back.



a guy down below working on marble pieces of work



So going back to the St George's beach and Mrs Db and passing another happy hour place



Lunchtime and my beer lol



and we shared what we call a 'walnut salad'



and the cheese rolls



during the afternoon from the derelict cafe I could see windsurfers in the distance and there are surfing clubs at the far end of the bay. The airport is just beyond the white salt patch.



For dinner this evening we are trying the town port taverna's

We picked Zorbas



Mrs Db had moussaka



and I had chicken souvlaki





free cherries for afters



and an ouzo



and walking back along the coastal road we saw the town lit up



and back to the hotel for our coffee



End of Day Three


Day Four

Now our room has a power shower where water comes out in six different places and I think it was on day four we finally mastered the controls and were no longer being pinned against the wall lol



This wash basin unlike some other places we have stayed holds water



however, I did not understood why there is a phone in the toilet, except to ask Mrs Db to get me more toilet paper



Outside on the balcony Mrs Db spotted an alien but 'he's dead Jim but not as we know it'



I've now managed the yogurt and fruit



and Mrs Db has worked the magic on the toaster



today is cloudy, so both Mrs Db and I are heading to town



and we found the town square



and headed up this road to find the castle



I asked in a shop for directions and they said head down this road



but came across a nice looking restaurant







Then we ended up going around the lanes set out like a labyrinth









I found an old Croc shoe but it did not fit







then finding a shop selling models of Priests



and then other tavernas







but eventually came back out at the Port again

So the town in a different light today







so after we went back on the hunt for the castle again



finally finding the back of the castle



I asked in a doorway which looked as if it could be an entrance and there was a lift up for 50 cents

The lift took us up and above was a platform to see views of about three quarters of the surrounding area













the other side of town is a place called Grotto





The castle was a private school run for girls by the Ursuline Sister from 1739



few pieces remain as it was bombed in the second world war and all records were lost so not a big museum but worth it for the views.



coming out at the top we worked our way down



Lunch was at the Akti



beer was in those small bottles



I had a burger



Mrs Db had an omelette



then a cup of tea on the balcony



not much of a sunset this evening



This evening we are eating in the Oasis





the restaurant



I had the steak hawaii



Mrs Db had the chicken marcelo



and given a free drink of our choice banana liqueur



then coffee on our balcony

End of Day Four


Day 5

The Great White lol

Eating breakfast in the courtyard is really nice



and after the yogurt have now moved on to croissants



Mrs Db is going to spend the morning at the pool whilst I go shark hunting in Ag Anna



so along the beach



along the boards



a past the last of the sunbeds



but now I am coming off the beach to walk the road



The walk is about 7 km





Then past the end of the runway which has traffic lights to stop the traffic



The end of the runway



access to empty beaches here



Then I spotted a swallowtail butterfly





just could not get in at the right angle as each time it moved



the best i could get of it



Then I spotted a little egret





Naxos town in the distance



scenic here



a small peninsular island with a ruin on it



still 2.8 km to Ag Anna





Now turning left to go up the hill



and passing the Naxos Palace



a water park opposite



and dropping into Ag Prokopios



The sunbeds are 7 euros here



beach is ok here



end part of Prokopios



but looking back I have come in halfway into the resort so will need to comeback later in the holiday



now in Ag Anna



taverna



sunbeds free for customers






at this point I went around the road rather walk in front of the taverna's on the beach



to arrive at this nice bay



I need to get to those rocks in the distance







people sunbathing on the rocks and a sandy beach inside of the rocks



and the shark picture I was after





beyond is another beach which seem to be a nudist one





walking back via the sand in front of taverna's





returning to Mrs Db back at the hotel I had a burger



after an afternoon at the pool not much of a sunset



Tonight we are eating in Meltemi's









The surroundings



I had fillet steak with gorgonzola



Mrs Db had pork fillet al a creme



plus free melon



and ouzo



and coffee back on our balcony

End of Day five

click on link for days 6 to 11

http://holidayreviews.info/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=98