As soon as we approached Sifnos, I remembered how much I loved it when we were last there. Much smaller than it’s neighbour, Serifos, with clear turquoise waters and a charming waterfront with just a handful of restaurants.

We headed straight for the smaller family run taverna, where seven years after first requesting Gemista (stuffed peppers and tomatoes) to be told they only had one portion left and that had been earmarked by the vegetarian in our group, Jacques at last got his longed for dish!

Mine was a Greek Salad but instead of feta it was accompanied by the local soft cheese, Mizithra. Everything was very yummy!

One of the finds of this trip has been the rosé wine which has been very good, pale and dry – ALMOST like a Provence!

The stay in Sifnos was brief, more high winds were coming so we needed to be in a safe harbour not just at anchor. We headed to Paros and had what was definitely the best sail of the trip so far, 13 to 17 knots of wind and for a change not straight on the nose! We only had one night there and from the limited experience I was not particularly impressive compared to the other special places we had been to. The approach though to the marina on the North West coast was splendidly rugged!

Early next morning we set off for Naxos and a much coveted space in the marina. We had been asked to arrive early to secure a spot but due to work commitments we couldn’t set off until midday so it was mid afternoon when we arrived.

To help us on our travels, there are a number of very useful apps that we have for weather, routes and marinas/harbours. The app that gives guidance on places to stay over is called
Navily https://www.navily.com/ It’s a bit like Booking.com for boats!

All of the comments about Naxos Marina were very positive, especially about the harbour master Gregoris and his team and how helpful they were. Little did we know how much help we would be needing from him! The first instance was coming in to the Marina where we had to go alongside in quite a strong side wind, boats moored all around us and the constant wash from the enormous ferries that seemed to arrive and depart every five minutes!

I am really enchanted with Naxos. Yes, it is touristy but it’s more a family
than stag night vibe.

Naxos has a fascinating history, the largest island in the Cyclades and having been the cultural centre of classical Greece with Byzantium, Venetian and Frankish influences. The medieval Venetian mansions and the hilltop 13th century castle are all visible from the harbour and on closer inspection, create a superb opportunity to get lost in the winding, steep and cobbled back alleys.

I do have much more to say about Naxos and one particular incident which is the reason we are still here, five days on! On reflection, this deserves a post all of its own so I’ll leave you with this and more soon!!!

And I Love Naxos!

Bye for now

Tracey xx