We decided to spend the day sightseeing on the island of Naxos by taking a bus tour. After waiting unsuccessfully for the bus to Naxos Town for 35 minutes, we decided to take a taxi to the starting point of the tour. A lady who was also waiting at the bus stop with us, asked if she could share the taxi with us, so off we sped and started the day with a wild and crazy ride to town (with 4 of us squished in the back seat of the taxi!)

We were very lucky as we got the last 4 seats on the bus tour! With a packed bus, we headed east out of Naxos Town towards Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades chain of islands. Zeus, the Greek god of sky and thunder, was believed to have been born in a cave on the north side of the mountain.

Our first stop on the tour was at the marble temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Demeter (the goddess of Agriculture and fertility of the land). (Photos 1 & 2). Our tour guide Irena, was very knowledgeable about the history of Naxos and happily shared her wisdom of Greek mythology throughout the day.

Our next stop was at a local pottery workshop where we watched the potter perform his magic on the pottery wheel. Even though he didn't speak any English, Irena translated his funny stories for us and we all enjoyed our stop at his workshop....a few souvenirs were purchased too! (Photo 3)

By this time, the bus had made its way high up into the mountains of Naxos. Our next stop was at the quaint town of Halki and the Kitron distillery (the "lemon pledge" factory!!) We were all surprised to taste the 3 different strengths of Kitron, and find out that we bought the strongest one! Kelley and I agreed, we would have actually drank the stuff if only we'd bought the weakest one!! haha

Our next stop was at the oldest monastery on Naxos, the Chapel of Drosiani Mary, built in 400 AD. The fresco's inside were beautiful and the history of the little cathedral was truly amazing! (Photo 4)

Next we visited a town basically made of marble, called Aperathou. (Naxos is famous for their beautiful white marble). Even the stairs in the town are made of marble! (Photo 5 and 6). We wished we had more time to spend in this little gem of a place!

Our tummies were grumbling, by the time we finally stopped for lunch at 2:00 pm, in the seaside village of Apollonas. (Photo 7 & 8). Not far from Apollonas was a marble statue, known as Kouras. (photo 9). Archaeologists believe that Kouras was never completed due to the cracks in the marble, so he never made it to its final destination. We learned that many of the statues on the island of Delos were made on Naxos and transported by sea between the islands.

Our last stop was at the Eggares Olive Mill to learn about the traditional process of making olive oil. We got to sample the different olives and oils, and see the old wheel used to press the olives. 8 hours later, we had seen the northern half of Naxos and learned so much about the history of this wonderful, traditional island. Tourism only began in the island in the 1980's, so we have really enjoyed our taste of the traditional Greek way of life here on Naxos!

After we got off the bus near the port of Naxos, we visited the unfinished Temple of Apollo that stands over the harbor. (Photo 10 & 11). Our last photo is one we thought you'd get a laugh at...Pete and Jim's friend, Mr. Donkey!! We hope you enjoy the highlights of our day as much as we enjoyed experiencing it!