Naxos Town and Surrounds
Greece • June 18, 2026 • Day 8 of 16
Today we started in Naxos town by taking a walk out to the Temple of Apollo. The views were absolutely spectacular, and afterwards, we walked through the town, stopping at the very top of the historic Kastro (Castle) district in Naxos.
We visited the Ursuline School and Monastery. Founded in the 17th century with the help of French Jesuits, it was a convent and school run by the Ursuline nuns. It was highly prestigious and became famous as the first formal school for young girls and women in Greece, educating the daughters of the island’s Venetian Catholic aristocracy
We enjoyed Greek coffee & then visited a very small Archaeological Museum.
The museum is housed in a prominent 17th-century Venetian mansion that formerly served as a School of Commerce—the same school attended by the renowned author Nikos Kazantzakis. His most famous novel, Zorba the Greek, was based on a real person he knew named George Zorbas.
🇬🇷 Fun Fact: One of the book's most famous lines is when Zorba describes life—marriage, children, house, etc.—as "the full catastrophe." This phrase has since entered common parlance to describe the complex, chaotic, but beautiful nature of a full human life.
Platia Galini Naxos
The afternoon included a really special treat. Since the winds were incredibly strong (sailing was canceled), the tour company was able to make a 3-hour reservation with a family owned farm and restaurant. When we arrived, we enjoyed appetizers, including homemade jams, cheeses, and a citron based liquor. Then, we went into the kitchen and learned how to make stuffed tomatoes/peppers, meatballs, zucchini balls, and tzatziki. Nikos (the owner's son) took us out to his farm and showed us his citrus, olive groves, pomegranates, bee hives, and fresh produce of all types. The farm is completely organic. They also raise chickens, goats, sheep & ducks. There was music playing for the chickens, which was said to increase the egg production (what do you think?). We also learned that in order to bring electricity to Naxos, they needed to drag lines across the sea from Athens to the island in the early 60s.
Afternoon Free Time
After enjoying a delicious lunch, and purchasing some of the farm's products, we made our way back to our hotel. We spent a little time at the pool and dipped our feet into the sea.
520 Rooftop Terrace
We had appetizers for dinner at 520 Cocktail Bar and Restaurant, walking to town from our hotel. The restaurant had some amazing panoramic views of the port and the Venetian castle.
What's Next
Tomorrow we are scheduled to visit the beautiful villages of Halki and Apiranthuos.
— David