Mini Travel Guides

The Greek Island of Ikaria (Icaria) is the perfect destination for travelers who like the outdoor life: those who want to surf, and camp. Ikaria is named after Icarus, who purportedly fell from the sky and landed in the nearby sea. Ikaria is part of the Greece’s eastern Aegean island group and is located in the center of the Archipelago, with Samos to the east, Mykonos to the west, Patmos to the south and Chios to the north. It is just one of the many islands covered in Mattie’s Guide to Greece’s Most Overlooked Islands.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

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My October trip to Greece coincided perfectly with the Kalamata harvest season. Olive trees were ripe with fruit, and over several weeks, we observed great quantities of olives being handpicked and brought to the mill to produce some of the world’s best olive oil. This lovely time of year was ideal for a getaway focused on Greek culinary pleasures.

The first few days of my trip were filled with delightful tastes of wonderful morsels. There was roasted pork, ordered by the kilo from a roasted pork specialist with a stand set up at the side of the road somewhere between villages in Messinia. There were incredible restaurant meals, full of grilled vegetables, Greek cheeses, fresh salads, and countless traditional dishes.

Yet after sampling all of these finished, plated, and complete meals I was left with another craving:  to see just where the ingredients came from, and how they arrived into the hands of local chefs. The next morning I was off to the produce market in Kalamata to find out.

Browsing the Kalamata Market

Famous for olives and olive oil, Kalamata is a bustling little port city that is the 2^nd largest on the Peloponnese peninsula off mainland Greece. I arrived on a Monday morning, bright and early and ready to explore the market. Only upon arrival did I learn that a strike was scheduled for that Monday. But with a little luck, this misstep actually turned out in my favor.

What was usually a noisy, people-packed, friendly market with little room to move or to stop and inspect the produce was now a relatively empty place. There was, however, a fairly good number of stalls still open for business. The first thing I saw was a crate full of snails, wriggling around, just waiting for a buyer.

Fresh, fragrant produce came next. Perfect zucchini with flowers still attached were lovingly arranged on wooden tables. A bundle of wild greens, complete with squash blossoms and fresh dill, was tied and ready to be transformed into a traditional soup. And carrots, barely resembling what many Americans are accustomed to seeing in grocery stores, were still attached to the greens and were etched with irregular lines and full of lovely lumps.

Local Kalamata Specialties

During my trip to Greece, I sampled countless versions of the traditional dish spanakopita, or spinach pie. Only when I sampled spanakopita in someone’s home did I experience the delicious potential of the dish. In addition to fresh spinach, what really gives this dish such distinct flavor are the wild greens. Throughout the Kalamata market I saw these bunches of wild greens for sale. While some are grown in gardens, others are gathered in the mountain forests and brought to the market to sell.

Another local specialty is called mountain tea. Bundles of dried, fragrant, wild herbs, flowers, and leaves were piled up in boxes alongside several market stands. These herbs create the foundation of mountain tea, a traditional drink that is said to possess a wide range of health benefits.

From the teas-to the spices-to the buckets of produce, this market was full of fresh, seasonal, local ingredients that form the core of Greek cooking. While the seasonal and local cooking movement has taken over in the US, this way of cooking never went out of style in Greece. It continues to be central to everyday cooking traditions in Greece.

The Price is Right at the Kalamata Market

Beyond the bright colors and the sheer variety of produce, the other striking element of this market is the price. Cheap, and even cheaper if you’re willing and able to buy in bulk. From plump olives to bold pomegranates, everything in this market can be purchased for just a few euros.

Even more lovely to see than the cheap prices was the vibrant community that this market provides in Kalamata. Husbands and wives own stalls and work together throughout the day. Senior citizens gather and chat between crowds of customers. People read the newspaper. Others step outside to smoke a cigarette, and still others linger over a hot cup of coffee.

Leaving the market, I began to think that this atmosphere of community is just as responsible for the spread of the local and seasonal movement as the food itself. It seems that people who shop here experience nourishment beyond the fresh and flavorful produce they bring home.

Written by Jessica Colley for EuropeUpClose.com

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To enter the world of the Greek islands is to enter a time-tested sanctuary decorated with sharp cliffs, lazy seas, perfectly bronzed bodies, and warm smiles. People take their time. There is no where to be, because you are already there. The sun keeps you inside for a long lunch and siesta, and when the sun begins to relax, the beaches fill up and the parties begin. Hedonism is more than just a word here. Hedonism can be a way of life.

There are over 6,000 islands and islets in the Aegean Sea. Most of the Greek islands can best be reached by ferry leaving from Pireaus. Pireaus can, in turn, be reached by taking the metro from Athens. Some islands require traveling overnight, while others can be reached within an hour. The timetables for ferries can change without notice, so call in advance to confirm departure times. Alternatively, you can simply show up and purchase tickets on location. The ferries leaving for the islands that are the furthest away, including Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini, usually leave in the evening and arrive in the morning.

Here’s an overview of some of the most popular Greek islands.

Santorini

This is a popular and commercially developed island that has it all: bedazzling sunsets, black sand beaches, hot springs, and wine tasting. Its white-washed villages sit atop cliffs as high as 900 feet overlooking the sea. Such dramatic beauty is fearsomely countered by the island’s volcano, which is thought to have destroyed the powerful Minoan civilization. It is dormant today. This island is a great option for travelers who will only get the chance to visit one island. And, don’t miss the fava bean dip or the wines made with the Arsytiko grape. Here’s an overview of Sensuous Santorini.

Mykonos

Another highly visited island, Mykonos was once a bohemian retreat. Now, the island is the number one location for anyone who likes to party until dawn. Internationally acclaimed DJs play all night … and all day. Mykonos Town – one of the most cosmopolitan cities in all of Greece – offers good shopping and restaurants, and, of course, the beaches and beach bars are world class. Check out the following article about what to see in Naxos and Mykonos.

Crete

One of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, Crete is the largest and most populated island in Greece. And, as a result, it is well-organized, with loads of hotel options, particularly the luxury resorts on Elounda Bay. There is also a wide selection of restaurants and bars, and tons of activities for visitors of all ages. Crete is one of the best islands on which to eat because it produces so much of its own fruit and vegetables. Don’t miss wine made with the native Dafní grape (especially those by Lyrarakis winery), the local olive oil, or the traditional cheeses. There are several large-scale ruins from the ancient Minoan civilization, Knosses being the most popular. Crete’s dramatic mountains make for awesome hiking and spectacular views.

Corfu

Not located in the Aegean Sea, as are most of Greece’s islands, but in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Albania, Corfu is an island that compares well to all other Greek islands. Once a part of the Venetian Empire, it still shows significant Italian influence. Thanks to its northern location, Corfu is one of the greenest of the Greek islands, and the Paleokastrica area is filled with coastal sea caves. Corfu’s beaches are as magnificent as any in Greece, with Glyfada being one of the best. The city of Corfu – an UNESCO World Heritage Site – commands attention, with three forts strategically built into the rock peaks that jut between residential areas. This is an ideal island for those traveling between Greece and the Balkans or Greece and Italy. Check out the following link: More on beautiful Corfu.

Rhodes

One of the islands nearest to Turkey, Rhodes has everything, from ruins and unique hikes to luxury hotels and top-tier restaurants. Rhodes once boasted the Colossus of Rhodes, but no trace of it remains. Today, travelers come for the reliably good weather and gravel beaches. Monte Hill is home to the Acropolis of Rhodes and its Temple of Athena and Zeus. The town of Lindos also features an acropolis, and is just as well known for its stunning coast, with coves and beaches, and traditional architecture. The cuisine of Rhodes is highly unique with strong Greek and Turkish influences.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

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The most popular Greek islands offer some of the wildest parties, best organized activities, and most luxurious resorts in the world. But sometimes you just want to relax. The best party can include as few as two people; the best activity can be spear fishing without another boat in sight; the most luxurious resort can be a stucco hut on an absolutely private beach. With over 6,000 islands and islets, Greece’s islands provide enough options to be almost paralyzing. This guide is designed to connect you with the best private Greek Islands. Each island has its own charms, and each is described by its primary attractions in order to connect you to the unique Greek island that suits you.

Karpathos

This island is for the traveler looking to step back in time. The island is nearly untouched by tourism, particularly the northern half, yet its pristine villages offer modern amenities. Stepping into the town of Olympos is to enter a unique world that has been preserved with devotion. The local women wear traditional attire and shrines are built right into the walls of most homes. Many beaches are completely without buildings of any kind. The island is located between Crete and Rhodes.

Samothrace

This island is for the alternative-minded traveler who also loves hiking. The island is often described as having “amazing energy,” and this is greatly the result of a counter-cultural vibe cultivated by an alternative community. People are more than friendly here and happily welcome visitors to The annual Samothrace Dance Festival that takes place each August. One of the best hikes is up the mountain Fonia (which means murderer in Greek), and there’s a great little restaurant at the trailhead. Waterfalls and glistening, natural pools abound, and camping is very popular.

Amorgo

Part of the Cyclades, this island is ideal for travelers looking to find the most private beaches in the Greek islands. The Hozoviotissa monastery, which stands on a 900 foot precipice, is the island’s most important landmark. The Agia Anna pebble beach is a quiet beach just a 20-minute walk away the monastery. Most sunbathers bath nude here. If you’re into spear-gun fishing, it is a popular leisure activity among the locals, and small boats will take you to the nearby, often uninhabited islands. Don’t miss the Psimeno Raki drink. It is similar to basic raki (an aniseed liquor) only it is infused with honey and cinnamon.

Ikaria

This island is for travelers who want to surf, and especially for travelers who also like camping. Camping is particularly popular in the Halaris Canyon. A difficult hike takes you through the canyon, offering unparalleled views of the river that runs through it. The hike takes you along the river for some time, ultimately providing many rock points from which to view the rivers gentle, rock-bottomed pools. The hike ends at Nas beach. Here, there are big waves and great, challenging surfing. The island is famous for its slow service, so be prepared. However, stores stay open into the wee mornings, and the town of Rahes has a bustling nightlife. Ikaria was named after Icarus, who is said to have fallen to his death nearby.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

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The experience was one of the most disorienting I’ve ever had. The milk of the lion is also known as the ouzo effect – spontaneous emulsification if you want to get technical – and it’s caused by adding water to anise-infused alcohols, such as ouzo, raki, and absinth. Believe me, I’d never heard of it either before one hot May day in Athens.

At 10 a.m., the temperature was 110° F, but the outdoor cafes were bustling. I was walking down Agion Anargyron Street, which is lined with restaurants, with my Greek friend, Elizabeth, trying to find the best restaurant. It was so hot that I immediately regretted wearing a linen shirt; it was transparent with sweat. Every breath I took felt like breathing into an oven. It was one of those days when walking felt terrible and sitting felt worse.

It was still well before noon, but I guess that’s the right time to drink ouzo in Greece (a few days later, I would be served pink ouzo just as the sun was rising). Ouzo is the most popular alcohol in Greece. It has a high alcohol content and a smooth anise flavor. Think sambuca. It’s as important, if not more important, than water on Greece’s most famous party islands, such as Mykonos. Raki is a similar-tasting anise-seed infused spirit that can also be found in Greece, and it is the national drink of neighboring Turkey. But if you’re in Greece, drink ouzo.

The ouzo was served in a 250 ml bottle with three glasses, a small carafe of water, and a bowl of ice. Liz taught me how to drink ouzo. She explained that the ice was optional, but that in some way or another you needed to dilute the ouzo with water. I put a few cubes in my glass, then poured in a couple shots of ouzo. The alcohol was already beginning to grow cloudy white around the edges of the cubes. The trick was then to add water to suit your own tastes. I added about the same amount of water as I did ouzo, and the entire drink turned a milky-white. I think I may have been delirious with the heat, but it looked like magic.

We cheers-ed, ordered food, then sat around waiting for it. The heat was just getting worse when the ouzo took effect. The street, the Greek diners, the beads hanging in the doorway… everything became hyper-real. The heat trapped me in place, and the ouzo deranged me. Maybe I was having a panic attack? Whatever it was, the objects of the day swirled together. We ordered another bottle. Finally, night came and the day ended. But the ouzo didn’t. That night my friend took me to The Areopagus, aka Mars Hill: a super slippery marble outcropping that sits just below the Acropolis of Athens. The marble rock was the place of judgment during ancient times, and the tragic poet Aeschylus says that Orestes was judged there for killing his mother. And, the Apostle Paul was said to have delivered his most famous speech there.

Liz and I met some friends (some of whom were drinking ouzo and Coke, which I highly do not recommend). The view of Athens was incredible, but even more incredible was the artfully lit Acropolis towering just behind us.

And, when in Athens, if you drink the Lions Milk, remember it is very potent stuff!

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

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Many people visit Athens briefly on the way to a Greek island cruise, but the Greek capital itself has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained for much longer. Here are a few of the most popular things to do in Athens:

The Acropolis

Probably the most well-known sight of Athens, you really can’t leave without visiting the Acropolis and the other famous buildings it includes, such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena. Just a couple of years ago they opened the long-awaited Acropolis Museum nearby, in a modern but somehow suitable building, and combining the two gives you a better understanding of the importance of these ruins.

Parthenon at the Acropolis by Tilemahos Efthimidais

National Archaeological Museum

I’m pretty sure most people go to Athens expecting to see a few ancient things, so what better place to check out than the National Archaeological Museum? It’s a world-standard museum featuring Greek artifacts ranging from the prehistoric era through to late antiquity.

National Archaeological Museum exhibit by viguinda

The Ancient Agora

Yes, more very old stuff, the Ancient Agora is a collection of of ruins of buildings from ancient times and includes Temple of Hephaestus which they say is one of the best examples of an ancient Greek temple. The Agora was, long long ago, the heart of Athens and these days it’s a particularly pleasant outing because there’s plenty of greenery scattered throughout the ruins.

The Ancient Agora by scottpartee

Syntagma Square

Right in the middle of Athens, the Syntagma Square might already be quite familiar to you from the TV news when protests take place in Greece; it’s home to the Greek parliament house as well as the occasional protest, and you can watch a changing of the guard outside parliament every hour. One nice bonus at Syntagma Square is that there is high-speed free wireless internet access for everyone there!

Parliament building by wallyg

The Plaka

Speaking of squares, you can’t miss the Plaka either. Close to the Acropolis, the Plaka area is the historical part of Athens with narrow winding streets and plenty of old buildings, and heaps of atmosphere. This is a great place to go for a meal or a drink, especially at a typical Greek taverna.

Oldest bar in the Plaka by Rich Holeton

Lycabettus Hill

You can reach the top of Lycabettus Hill, the highest part of the city of Athens, either by funicular railway or taking an interesting, rambling walk. The views over Athens and to the Parthenon – complete with the sea in the background – are definitely photo-worthy.

View from Lycabettus Hill by tet_sy

Panathinaiko Stadium

Think of Athens and you can’t help but think of the Olympics, and Panathinaiko Stadium is a big part of where it all began. It’s built entirely of white marble and is really an impressive sight, and still gets used to day – but sometimes for events that the 1896 Olympians certainly wouldn’t have imagined like Metallica concerts!

Panathinaiko Stadium by nrares

Your Athens Tips

As always, we’re very keen to hear your recommendations on things to do in Athens – please leave us your recommendations in the comments.

If you’re planning a trip to Greek capital you can find the best deals at hotels in Athens on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Seven Things to do in Athens

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Vathi is the capital of the Greek island of Samos, just 1 ½ hour ferry ride from the Turkish coastal town of Kusadasi. Samos is one of my favorite Greek islands to be visited either as a day trip from Turkey or on its own.

If you wish to stay over night in order to explore more of the island’s many historical site like the Heraion, Pythagorion, the Ephalinos tunnel or the Potami waterfalls, a good choice is the – aptly named – Hotel Samos.

Ceramic pipes in the Ephalinos Tunnel

For one it’s easy to find and perfectly located just across the road from the ferry terminal. At Euros 50 per night for a single room including breakfast and free WiFi, it’s reasonably priced and offers great value for money. The rooms are spacious and the bathroom’s standard is close to 5 stars with goodie basket, (working) hairdryer and good water pressure. The hotel has a lovely roof top swimming pool and bar where you can have a variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices or any other drinks you fancy as well as snacks.

Hotel Samos in Vathi

There is a restaurant downstairs, indoors as well as on the terrace. The Greek salad is particularly appetizing and you can sit and watch the waterfront and the world go by. Everybody at reception is very friendly and helpful and will assist you with insider tips and excursions.

Greek salad in the restaurant at the Hotel Samos

If you have only time to visit Vathi, walk along the waterfront towards Lion Square, passing b many, many cafes, restaurants and shops. These shops are mostly selling souvenirs and beach items, therefore, turn left on Lion Square, walk straight up, then turn right and you find a narrow street lined with some of the best boutiques I have ever seen, offering chic fashion at very low prices as well as really nice tiles, ceramic, paintings, sofa throws etc. In short, souvenirs of the better kind which also make nice gifts.

Vathi's waterfront at sunset

Follow the same road to the end, turn left and you come to the Archaeological Museum. It consists of two buildings opposite each other and you start on the left. This museum is an  ‘ohhhh’ experience and the treasures inside are quite unexpected. Enormous korus statues from the holy road of the Heraion loom in the semi darkness and never fail to impress by their sheer size and nearly immaculate state.

Statue on Vathi's archaeological museum

Cross over to the other building and enjoy more exhibits reflecting Samos’ long history.

Opposite is a great example of an orthodox church with icons outside and fabulous chandeliers inside. Samos is also famous for wine and you shouldn’t fail  to visit the wine museum although you may want to take a taxi  because it’s about 4 miles out of town.

A good, and much cheaper way, to get around the island is the use of local buses. Continue to walk straight along the waterfront and you will see a few white and green buses parked. That’s the central bus station. You buy your ticket in the café, sit down and have a drink and wait until the waiter tells you that your bus has arrived and leads to  it.  The buses take the ‘scenic route’ which means that you get an island tour for all of Euros 3 before reaching your destination. You need time because the schedules are  somewhat flexible but you also get to enjoy conversations with the locals. There are buses to all major towns of the island, but learn to read the names in Greek.

Where to stay and what to do in Vathi, Samos

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The Greek island of Mykonos is famous for two things: windmills and nightlife.

Mykonos old town

Whereas looking at the mills and strolling through the many winding alleys of Mykonos town, admiring the shops, boutiques and pretty are galleries is not too strenuous a task, unremitting partying can take its toll.

One of Mykonos' oldest windmills

There comes a  day when all you will want is to relax on a beach and recharge batteries. No better place to achieve this than Ai Yianni on the northern side of the island. You will find the ideal place to chill out in the restaurant and beach resort of the Hippie Fish.

Hippie Fish restaurant in Ai Yianni

Built directly on the beach the restaurant invites with outdoor tables and extremely comfortable white sofas, all shaded by a canopy of wine leaves. As the name indicates, the specialty is fresh fish and I enjoyed a filet of salmon in tarragon sauce with mushrooms and vegetables. Don’t be in a rush, every dish is freshly prepared which takes time but the result is well worth the wait.

Filet of salmon from the fersh fish menu

Sun beds under beach umbrellas will be put up for you by the stuff and you just go down a few steps and hit the beach. It’s not very wide but white and powdery and you can swim, sunbath or engage in conversation with the in- siders who know about this place. Many are regulars who come year after year.

The mystical island of Delos is visible just across the water and it’s a sight to behold to watch the sun set over the island in one of the incomparable silver sunsets.

Sunset over the island of Delos

The restaurant also has a good sized pool, showers and changing rooms and a lively disco. So, if after all that relaxation you fell like partying again, listen to the music and dance the night away, sampling a few of their famous cocktails.

DJ in the Hippie Fish's disco

Just make sure you have arranged transport back to your hotel well in advance because, unfortunately, taxis are a rarity on the island of Mykonos.

Relaxing in Ai Yianni in Mykonos, Greece

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Andrew Hunter of TripHunter gives us four European destination suggestions for chasing some warm sunshine in September and October.

“The days are getting shorter in the UK and as we reluctantly pack away the barbecue and mankini for another year, some of us gaze longingly at the “Summer 2011 Holiday Smackdown” brochure and ask ourselves “Do I really have to wait nearly a year before I get some sun?” No you don’t.  Here are my tips for Autumn sun in Europe.

Malta

Gozo, Malta

Malta is far enough south in the Mediterranean to enjoy prolonged summer warmth. In fact, it’s on approximately the same latitude as Tangiers and Tunis, and enjoys the same type of climate well into the Autumn months. Easily accessible from the UK, Malta is a surprisingly biodiverse island with sandy beaches and rolling green hills, punctuated with honey-coloured limestone buildings give Malta it’s unique profile. Only 2.5 hours away from the UK, Malta is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Autumn sun seekers.

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian, Spain

A surfers and cyclists paradise with temperatures keeping their head above 20°C well into October. The people are friendly, the bars and restaurants still vibrant in the evenings and the ocean swell begins to kick up at this time of year making it even more appealing to surfers and boogie boarders. The 2nd week of September is a particularly good time of year to visit North West Spain, as it’s “Basque Week”. Expect cider guzzling, rowing competitions, traditional Basque poetry, dancing, stone tossing and much, much more.

Santorini, Greece

The Greek island of Santorini

Be sure to book your hotel in advance if you plan to visit this Greek island during September festivities Santorini, Greece.  Captain Nemo from “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” once called Santorini “the mysterious island” and this observation remains true even today. Truly spectacular volcanoes, beautiful beaches (check out Perissa, Vlihada and Red Beach) and outstanding, if not pricey, hotels. You can expect the weather in Santorini in October/November to be a dry 25°C+ with most evenings still warm enough to wear a t-shirt. I honestly can’t remember the last time I wore a t-shirt on an English October evening.

Tenerife

Lago Martiánez, en Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerifeby Robert

For predictable warmth, Tenerife is hard to beat. With only 6 degrees C difference between the average high and average low, you know you’re in for sunny days and balmy evenings. Only 3.5 hours flight away from the UK, Tenerife is accessible from almost every commercial airport in the UK and is serviced by a variety of different airlines and package holiday providers

So fear not, fellow Vitamin-D junkie, there’s sun to be found in Europe after Summer has deserted UK shores. You just have to know where to look!”

Guest Post: In search of Autumn sun in Europe

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

After my wonderful walk around Naxos town, I decided to explore the rest of the island with a guided Naxos tour. This Greek island really deserves more than a short stop over or a mere beach holiday, because apart from many historical sites, the variety of landscape, tiny villages glued to steep mountains and  terraced fields as opposed to the fertile planes of the coast is extremely interesting to see. The day long tour I took with one of several agencies which are to be found along the harbour in Naxos town is my day trip recommendation. The tour I took lasts about 8 hours, costs €25, leads right along the mountainous interior to another resort named Apollonas on the northern tip and back along the coast to Naxos town.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and although all these tours always include one or two stops at factories, workshops, craftshops etc. to entice the tourist to buy some local stuff, the two stops on this tour were quite enjoyable and interesting.

The first was at a small workshop were you could watch how the quite lovely Naxos ceramics were made.

Typical Naxos ceramic

The next was in the town of Halki in the island’s  interior  and introduced us to a really unique speciality of Naxos: the quite potent Kitron liquor which is distilled there. It comes in three colours, orange, light green and plain white depending on what’s added and is basically made from the fruit and leaves of the citron tree which is similar to the lemon tree but stronger in scent and flavour.

Different colors of Naxos Kitron

Looking at the old photographs which document the history of the distillery, not to mention a sip here and there to taste the product, makes that ‘commercial’ stop a delight.

Entrance to the destillery

It was also quite necessary to steady the nerves for the hair-raising road up and down and around never ending mountains, deep ravines with hardly visible bottoms, terraced but often abandoned fields and Naxos’ famous emery mines.

Apart from potatoes (exported all over Greece and further afield because of their outstanding quality) emery and some marble are Naxos’ most famous exports.

We came though the lovely town of Koronas where we witnessed, first hand, a traffic jam Naxos style and many winding streets with shops, boutiques and cafes inviting to a rest.

Traffic jam Naxos style

Then is was back to antiquity, the ‘broken’ kouros of Mesi awaited. It’s a striking example that not all the work of the talented stone masons of the 6th century BC were perfection, this massive, 17m long statue of the God Dionysus got somehow botched, it broke at the neck, was never completed and just left were it was lying at the site of the marble quarry it was hewn from.

The broekn statue of the God Dionysus

Then we reached the costal resort of Apollonas for lunch and, if desired, a swim at the beach. Although it appears that Apollonas was discovered as a holiday resort by Greeks from Athens who decided to build some summer houses there, I was a bit disappointed. The beach is narrow and didn’t even offer sun beds or umbrellas and there was nothing much else to do or see.

Apollonas

Back to Naxos town on a more sedate road leading through the fertile coastal regions I did have a great Naxos tour and discovered the other side of this lovely Greek island.

Exploring the interior of the Greek island of Naxos

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