Naxos Island: Greece's Hidden Gem? (You Won't Believe #3!)
Naxos: More Than Just a Pretty Picture (Greece's Hidden Gem… Seriously?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so "Hidden Gem"? Sounds a bit cliché, right? But trust me, after a trip to Naxos, you might just eat those words. This isn't your cookie-cutter Greek island experience; it's got layers, folks. And I'm here to peel them back, warts and all (because let's be honest, every perfect postcard has a little bit of sand in its… well, you get the idea).
Accessibility: The Good, the Needs Improvement, and the Glimmer of Hope…
First up, accessibility. This is something I always pay close attention to, and Naxos, well, it's a mixed bag. Getting there? Easy enough, though the airport is tiny. Think slightly larger walk-in closet. Airport transfer is a must. The taxi service is reliable, but make sure to pre-book for guaranteed availability, because waiting around in that aforementioned walk-in closet is… less than ideal.
Around the island, the main town (Naxos Town, or Chora) is relatively flat, so getting around in a wheelchair isn't a total nightmare. BUT, some of the smaller villages and beaches are a challenge. While there are some facilities for disabled guests, don't expect perfection. The elevator is a lifesaver in most hotels, but exploring independently requires planning. I'd love to see more investment in accessible infrastructure.
Rooms & Comfort: My Sanctuary (and a few minor grumbles…)
Let's talk rooms. This is where Naxos really shines. My room at the hotel was a dream! The Wi-Fi [free] was FAST (Internet access in general was excellent), a lifesaver for sharing my Instagram stories. I had Air conditioning, a Refrigerator to keep my mini-bar essentials chilled, and a super comfy Extra long bed, which is crucial for a tall person like me. Blackout curtains? Glorious. Seriously, best sleep I've had in ages.
The bathroom? Perfectly functional. A Shower, Toiletries, and Hair dryer that actually worked (thank you, hotel gods!). Complimentary tea was a nice touch, especially after a long day of exploring.
But… (there’s always a but, isn't there?). While the Daily housekeeping was amazing and the Room sanitization opt-out available put my mind at ease, my room did lack one tiny thing: a good view. My room faced an interior hallway and I would have like to have been in a Non-smoking room with a Window that opens. And the internet access – while fast – was Internet access – wireless, not Internet [LAN], which wasn't ideal when working from the room.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Breathing Easy (Mostly!)
Okay, this is a big one, especially in these times. I felt really safe on Naxos. Hotels were taking hygiene seriously. The Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in Hygiene certification were reassuring. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave me peace of mind. The Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms were there in the rooms. Even minor things like having Safe dining setup made me feel much better.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Eat (and Drink!) Well!
Food on Naxos? Chef's kiss. Seriously, I ate like royalty.
- Breakfast in Room: Loved the Breakfast takeaway service. Easy way to get me started.
- Restaurants: I was particularly blown away with the Asian cuisine in restaurant. The Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant were fantastic, also the A la carte in restaurant added some excitement to it.
- Poolside Bar: The Poolside bar was perfect for afternoon drinks. I had amazing views.
- Bar: the atmosphere was lively.
- Coffee Shop: The Coffee shop was incredible!
The Absolute Highlight: That Pool with a View (and My Moment of Bliss)
Okay, I need to gush about this. My hotel had a Swimming pool [outdoor], and not just any pool. It was a Pool with view, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Seriously, picture this: crystal-clear water, the sun setting over the horizon, a cocktail in hand… Pure. Bliss.
One afternoon, I spent literally hours just floating, staring at the sky. No phone, no emails, no to-do list. Just… me and the water. It was the one time I managed to completely switch off. The sheer Swimming pool was amazing, and the Spa/sauna was a great place to wind down after.
Things to Do (and How to Relax): More Than Just Sunbathing
Naxos isn't just about beaches (though the beaches are fantastic). There's history!
- Fitness center was well-equipped.
- Gym/fitness room was well maintained.
- Spa was amazing. The Sauna and Steamroom were very relaxing.
Services and Conveniences:
- Reception: the staff were incredible to me with the Concierge. I even needed Cash withdrawal once.
- Luggage storage was great too, and they provide Daily housekeeping.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service was available.
The Bottom Line: Go to Naxos. You Won't Regret It.
Naxos isn't perfect. It’s got its quirks, its minor imperfections (and sometimes, a slightly wonky Wi-Fi signal). But those imperfections are what make it real, what give it character. For me, it was a fantastic experience. The locals are friendly, the food is amazing, and the scenery is breathtaking.
If you're looking for a Greek island escape that's more than just the usual tourist traps, Naxos is calling your name. It's a place to relax, to explore, and to discover something truly special.
Book Now & Experience Your Own Naxos Bliss! (Special Offer!)
Tired of the same old vacations? Craving a getaway that's both relaxing and authentic? Then book your stay in Naxos today! We're offering a special package for our readers:
- Free Upgrade: Book a room and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a sea view (subject to availability!).
- Complimentary Welcome Drink: Start your Naxian adventure with a refreshing cocktail at our poolside bar.
- Discounted Spa Treatment: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment at a special, discounted rate.
- Contactless Check-in/out - this will help you get started, so you can unwind.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Don't wait! This offer is limited. Book your Naxos escape now and start dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, delicious food, and unforgettable memories.
Aurangabad Family Fun: The BEST Hotels for Your Dream Vacation!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, pre-packaged travel guide. This is the raw, unfiltered, potentially slightly disastrous (but hopefully amazing) chronicle of my trip to… well, Something Else Naxos, Greece. Let's just say it's the un-Naxos of Naxos. The hidden gem, the place where the ouzo flows like water, and the gyros are probably cooked by a grumpy but lovable grandpa.
Day 1: The Great Ferry Fiasco & the Search for the Elusive Beach
- Morning (ish): Ferry from… wherever I was before. Let's just say it involved a plane, a connection that was supposed to be seamless, and a near panic attack involving a rogue suitcase and a very stern-looking customs agent. Ferry itself? Beautiful. Ocean? Blue. My stomach? Not so much. Seasickness conquered, eventually. Thank God for those little Dramamine pills, otherwise, this trip would've ended before it even began.
- Arrival: We hit the port, finally! The sun is absolutely scorching. I am so, so happy. I’m immediately engulfed in a chaotic swirl of scooters, luggage, and shouted Greek. My rental car? Let's just say its charm is… well, it has four wheels. And sometimes it makes noises. The hotel? Found it! After a minor wrong turn that led me down a suspiciously narrow alley.
- Afternoon: The real mission: finding a beach. The guidebook promised idyllic coves. What I found? A LOT of wind. Like, "sailors-are-screaming-at-the-sea" kind of wind. I'm talking sand-blasted sunburn potential. So, I decide to embrace it, and try to find shelter.
- Beach Encounter: I find a semi-protected cove, finally! The wind still whips, but I get myself settled. This is amazing! The water is unbelievably clear! Actually… hang on. I notice a pair of Speedos… and the man wearing them… well, let's just say if the Greeks knew what speedos were they would've buried them with the amphora. But I'm determined to enjoy myself.
- Evening: Dinner. OHHHH, the dinner. We find a taverna tucked away, and I'm immediately smitten. The smell of grilled octopus? Heaven. The grumpy grandpa? The cook! The white wine? Chilled to perfection. He's grilling, I think, a LOT of octopus, with a serious intent. We order everything and devour our entire meal, every last bite. I'm pretty sure I just ate half an octopus, and I'm not even sorry. The night ends with laughter, the salty taste of the sea on my lips, and the realization that I'm utterly, hopelessly in love with this island.
Day 2: Double Down on the Beach (and Possibly Lose My Mind)
- Morning: Wake up! (After a wine-induced sleep). Head back to the beach. But this time, I'm prepared. Sunscreen? Check. Water bottle? Check. A slightly morbid fear of getting stranded on a deserted island? Double-check!
- Beach Day 2: Electric Boogaloo: Okay, SO. The wind is still a beast. The Speedo situation… well, it hasn't improved. BUT, I'm determined. I find a slightly less windy spot behind some rocks, and I settle in. The water is still ridiculously clear. I'm swimming, and splashing, and just generally basking.
- The Incident (aka, the Great Seagull Heist): I'm so content, I’m drifting in the water and get suddenly ambushed. A seagull, bold as brass, swoops down and snatches my cheese croissant! It was like something out of a cartoon. I scream. I flail. I get a mouthful of saltwater. The seagull, victorious, flies off, croissant crumbs raining down on my now-tattered dignity. I'm devastated.
- Afternoon: Okay, okay, deep breaths. I buy another croissant (this time, with a steely glint in my eye). I decide I'm going to be strategic. I observe the shoreline. I become one with the wind. I become a seagull whisperer. I watch my lunch, eating it slowly. It can be done.
- Evening: Back to the taverna! I order more grilled octopus, more white wine. I recount the seagull heist to Grumpy Grandpa (who, by the way, has a surprisingly warm laugh). He just shakes his head and clucks. More laughter, more stories. I am starting to feel like I am a local. I will never forget his kindness.
Day 3: Exploring the "Something Else" of Naxos & the Ouzo Odyssey
- Morning: The car! Does it still run? Yes! Great. I'm on a mission to explore. I drive (carefully!) through dusty roads, past olive groves, and tiny churches. It's gorgeous, and I feel a million miles away from everything.
- Village Life: I find a tiny village, a place I'm pretty sure hasn't seen a tourist in decades. The locals stare. I smile. They smile back. A little girl offers me a flower. This is what travel is all about, right?
- Afternoon: The Ouzo Odyssey begins. (Because, let's be honest, it was always going to happen, wasn't it?) I stop at a taverna, and the owner insists I try his homemade ouzo. One shot becomes two, then three… and then the world starts to shimmer.
- The Ruins (and the Rambling): I decide it's a brilliant idea to visit some ancient ruins. (Maybe I should have skipped a shot or two of the Ouzo). I walk aimlessly, trying to decipher the stones, the past, and all of it. I have no idea what I am seeing. But! I'm seeing it with great enthusiasm!
- Evening: The Ouzo continues. More tavernas. More laughter. More questionable dance moves. I finally stumble back to my hotel, tipsy and happy and slightly sunburnt. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Day 4: The "Real" Naxos? (And Goodbye, For Now)
- Morning: Recovering. The sun. The sea. The island. It's a siren song and I'm under its spell, its pull.
- Final Beach Walk: I walk the beach and watch the water. It's a bit cold, but I don't care. It ends, and I wonder what I did with my life.
- Goodbye: It might be the end. The time has come! Goodbye to the island. What a journey it has been. I will miss this. I'm already figuring out how to come back and what I will do differently.
- Departure: The ferry, again. This time, I focus on the horizon and the possibility of more beautiful adventures. Until next time, Naxos!
Postscript: This trip wasn't perfect. I lost a croissant to a seagull. I probably offended someone with my terrible Greek. I'm pretty sure I burned my nose. But it was real. It was messy. It was hilarious. And it was, undeniably, a beautiful disaster. And let's be honest, that's the best kind of travel, isn't it? Now, where's the ouzo?
Escape to Paradise: RL Resort & Leisure Park, Porac, Philippines Awaits!
Naxos Island: Greece's Hidden Gem? (You Won't Believe #3!) - My Unfiltered Take
Okay, is Naxos REALLY a "hidden gem"? I’ve seen the Instagram photos…
Ugh, the photos. The FILTERED, PERFECT photos. Look, "hidden" is relative, alright? Naxos is definitely not Mykonos. THANK GOD. But 'hidden' in the sense of, like, totally desolate and untouched? Nah. There are tourists, let's be real. And some of the beaches are… well, let's just say they're *popular*. But compared to the heaving masses over on Santorini? Absolutely. And that, my friends, makes it *feel* like a gem. I should clarify, my definition of "gem" might be a bit tarnished. I’m not looking for pristine perfection; I actively *enjoy* the imperfections, the slightly burnt coffee, the grumpy cats, the unexpected downpours. Those are the things that make a place real, you know?
What's the best time to visit Naxos? Avoid the crowds, obviously.
Ah, the million-dollar question. I’m going to be brutally honest: Shoulder season. May/June or September/October. Think of it like this: you get glorious weather, *some* other humans milling around (you’re not completely alone!), and prices that aren’t designed to make you weep. I went in August once. ONCE. Never again. It was… a sweaty, packed, slightly stressful experience. Don't get me wrong, the sea was postcard-perfect. But so were the queues for the tavernas and the sheer battle to snag a sun lounger. Avoid August like the plague. Unless you *love* the plague, in which case, go for it! You masochist, you.
Beaches! Tell me about the beaches!
Beaches are Naxos's calling card, period. And they are seriously good. You've got the long, sandy stretches of Agios Prokopios and Plaka – perfect for families or anyone who loves a good beach day with all the amenities. (Pro tip: find a taverna on the beach and camp there for the day. Life goal, achieved.) But the real magic, for me, is off the beaten path. Think secluded coves, like the one near Mikri Vigla (kite surfing heaven, btw, even if I’m more of a "watch-from-a-safe-distance" type). My absolute favourite? Agios Sostis. It's not just the beautiful beach; it involves a long, winding drive that makes you *earn* the view. It's *that* feeling of arriving in paradise after the journey. The water is turquoise perfection, and the vibe is… relaxed. Think less "spring break" and more "sun-drenched bliss." I swear I almost cried when I first saw it. True story. Okay, maybe I did cry. A LITTLE. Don't judge!
What about the food? Greek food is my love language.
Oh. My. GOD. The food. Forget everything you think you know about Greek food. Seriously. Naxos takes it to another level. They grow *everything* there. The potatoes are legendary. The cheese (especially the graviera) is a religious experience. The tomatoes taste like actual sunshine. And the seafood? Fresh as it gets. I had grilled octopus at a taverna overlooking the harbour one night… and I *dream* about it. It was charred, and tender, and slightly smoky… I'm drooling just thinking about it. I also ate *way* too much. The local *kitron* liquor is dangerously addictive. My advice? Embrace it. Don’t look at the calories. Just… EAT. And drink. And be merry. You're in Greece, for crying out loud!
Is it easy to get around? Rent a car, or what?
Rent a car. Do it. Seriously. The buses are… well, they're fine. But Naxos is an island begging to be explored. You want to discover hidden coves? You need a car. You want to drive through the mountains and feel the wind in your hair and sing badly at the top of your lungs? You need a car. You will eventually get a bit lost, which is exactly what you *want* to happen. Just download Google Maps for offline use (trust me on this!) There are roads that look like they’re made of goat droppings, and at one point I went so wrong that I briefly considered swimming to… well, I didn't even know where I was going. But it was worth it! And it's relatively cheap. And the views are *unreal*. Just… be careful. And maybe get insurance.
What's a must-see in Naxos Town (Chora)?
The Portara! The giant marble gate. It's the most Instagrammed thing, so… do it. But go at sunset. The light is incredible, and the atmosphere is magical. Just be prepared to jostle with other tourists. Honestly, the best part for me isn't the gate *itself*, but the walk *around* it. Explore the narrow, winding streets of the old town. Get lost. Find a little taverna, order some *meze* and a glass of wine, and watch the world go by. That's the true Naxos experience. Also, the Venetian castle ruins. They are cool too, I guess. I'm terrible at history, or really any kind of fact recall. But they're atmospheric, and there are great views! Just don’t expect perfection. Expect to be slightly bewildered and wonderfully disoriented. That's part of the charm.
Anything I should skip?
Honestly? Not much. Maybe the soulless tourist traps selling cheap souvenirs. You know, the stuff that's mass-produced and probably made in China? Avoid that. Support the local businesses. Buy the hand-woven textiles. Eat the local cheese. Drink the local wine. Skip the fast food. Please! And as I mentioned before, skip August unless you have an incredibly high tolerance for crowds and heat. And overpriced mediocre food.
I'm a solo traveler. Is Naxos a good choice?
Absolutely! Naxos is a fantastic choice for solo travelers. It's safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. You can easily meet people at the beaches, tavernas, or while exploring the villages. Honestly, I prefer exploring a place solo some of the time. You set your own pace, you do what you want, and you don't have to compromise. I met a lovely old woman on the beach at Agios Prokopios, and she taught me how to play backgammonSearchotel
