It took me about three hours to get to Santorini from Naxos. I did not even notice how time flew by. Santorini’s sublime scenery impressed me from the very beginning.

Where to stay?

Hotel Narkissos at Kamari beach is the best place to stay, if you prefer to stay close to the beach and to take the bus to Fira or Oia. Kamari beach is famous for its crystal water and black volcanic sand. It has a long street (around 2 kilometers) of lovely seaside restaurants and small shops.

Kamari beach and the bus stop are only 4 minutes away from hotel Narkissos (by foot). The bus goes to Fira every 20 minutes all day long and costs 1,80€ for each way. A supermarket is also close by. The price/performance is excellent! The room has air-conditioning, free WIFI and a big fridge. Breakfasts costs only 4€, which includes Greek yoghurt, honey, fruits, cereals, bread, ham, cheese, boiled eggs, cake, juice and hot drinks. I enjoyed having a balcony.

What to do?

Santorini has several breath-taking views such as the steep cliffs, the luxurious hotels and its beautiful sunsets. Watching the sunset is a must!

The best way to see the whole island is the walking trail that connects Oia to Fira. It took me about 3 hours to reach Oia. Apart from the fascinating views of the sea, you should keep an eye on the nature, doors and buildings. It is important to wear good shoes for the long way.

 

Don’t miss!

Obelix is a great fast food restaurant in the heart of Fira. The Gyros are yummy and you are able to watch the world go by while eating your gyro and drinking a beer.

Volcano Blue has a special offer during lunch time, which is awesome! The restaurant is located in the middle of Fira. The service was outstanding and very sympathetic. I had a complimentary grappa after my meal. It is a great place to enjoy Fira’s stunning sunset. Definitely try the local white wine (5€) and the Greek seafood menu for two, which only costs 39€.

Creme de la Crepe has the best Nutella crepes in Santorini. Watching them being prepared is part of the experience. The owners are very nice and the menu has a wide variety to choose from. 

It took me about 45 minutes with the ferry to get from Naxos to Paros. I planned to stay at Paros for one day.

Where to stay?

Alexandra’s rooms are only 10 minutes away from the port by foot. The rooms are big, clean, comfortable and have a lovely bathroom. 

What to do?

Paros charming old town is certainly worth a visit! You will find loads of shops and restaurants. Try an ice or a waffle from VANILLA GELATERIA PAROS! So delicious!! Meltemi Café Paros makes the best crêpe on the island! It is also a great spot for sunset cocktails! 

Antiparos with its stunning beaches is only 30 minutes away from Paros by boat. The trip costs 5€ (one way) and starts at the port. It leaves about every hour.

If you like horse riding, think about a riding tour in the morning at the beach in Paros.

How I got here?

As you maybe have already read, my last trip was to Mykonos. The ferry from Mykonos to Naxos costs about 14€. It has a sun deck on board but you can also sit inside in comfy armchairs or you book a whole room for yourself. I felt like being on a cruise with all the possibilities on board.

Where to stay?

One day before I arrived in Naxos, I saw that I live around one hour away from Naxos center and I was not sure how to get there. Luckily, Stamatis told me all possibilities to get to Adonis Hotel in Apollon.

I had three possibilities:

1. To rent a car or scooter.
2. To take the bus, which departs every day at 9.30 am and at 1.30 pm from Naxos center. The ticket price is 6,60€ and the trip lasts about 2 hours.
3. To take a taxi, which costs about 50€.

I decided to rent a quad bike for 20€ per day (pic of quad). Nikoleta, who works for Motor Power Naxos, answered all my questions by email and when I arrived at the port, one of her colleagues was already there with my quad bike. The service was excellent!

I felt a bit insecure because it was my first ride on a quad bike but honestly, it was so much fun!

On my way to Adonis Hotel, I drove along the west coast road. It was such a fascinating drive! 

I was even more stunned when I arrived at Adonis Hotel in Apollon. Apollon is an admirable and calm village with a beautiful beach. It is the perfect place to relax and to enjoy the nature. Stamatis offers a delicious breakfast for 7€ and most of it is from his garden, which is next to his hotel. Have a look at it when you are there! I also had a Greek Salad, which was delightful as well as his strawberry liqueur.

Hint: The next ATM is about 20km away (Apeiranthos) and the next petrol station about 7km (Koronida). 

What to do?

Just drive around the island and enjoy the wonderful nature. Personally, I preferred the west coast and I just stayed at Naxos city center for about 10 minutes. Drive definitely to Apeiranthos, Koronida or to Koronos. If you decide to go back to city center, don’t miss Eggares Olive Press Museum on your way.

If you just want to relax, stay at the beach in Apollon or just stop at a bay.

Next stop – PAROS!

Where to stay?

Angelika Apartments and Studios are located really close to the city center. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to get there by foot. You can reach the old port in about 20 minutes. A mini market and a scooter & ATV rental is less than 5 minutes away from Angelika’s comfortable and enjoyable Apartments and Studios in Mykonos. I paid 50€ for a double room, which is quite cheap for Mykonos. The rooms are very clean, have a TV and free WIFI. The rate also includes a free pick up from the airport. Angelika is really nice and you feel very welcome at her apartments and studios.What to do?

You should definitely visit Mykonos city center. The shops open around 12pm and offer clothes, accessories, jewelry and leather goods. In the morning or during midday it is less crowded than in the evening. Don’t miss little Venice and the windmills, which are close to little Venice. Little Venice is especially beautiful in the evening with its small restaurants. If you go through Mykonos small shopping street, you will reach the old port, which is also fascinating. To get a good snapshot, walk upstairs after the old port.

Mykonos has several beaches, which you can all reach by bus. One bus station is right at the beginning of the city center and the other one is at the old port. Just check the timetable before you go to the bus station. I went to the peaceful Elia Beach. The bus ride takes about 25 minutes from the old port. At Elia Beach are loads of sun beds, which you have to pay for.

How to get there?

Ferries go between the Cyclade islands every day. Direct Ferries offers to compare ferry tickets and to book them online. Mykonos also has an airport.

Next stop Naxos. Stay tuned!