The global pandemic of COVID-19 changed the world as we knew it, as well as the world of traveling we were familiar with. While a year ago I correctly predicted that traveling could become more difficult, the crises I’ve imagined producing this effect were connected to our poor politics towards nature protection and war conflicts. Only clairvoyants such as Nostradamus could have seen a tiny but mighty virus locking us in our houses, cities, and countries. The planet’s tourism came to a halt.

The 2020 impact on the world and its travel industry will be long-term. And like always, the fittest will survive

Economies that largely depended on income from tourists approached this unprecedented situation in radically different ways.

Locked-down Cambodia showed some awesome initiatives dealing with the effects of absent tourist dollars during the coronavirus spread, while accommodation providers used the standstill to plan the life of hotels after COVID.

On the other side, Croatia, encouraged by optimistic pre-summer epidemic numbers, generously opened its doors to the arrival of foreigners. I called this ignorant gambling with social distancing for the sake of generating income – the six feet under approach. Croatia did not use the summer to prepare for the autumn epidemic wave. The uncontrolled increase of infections positioned the country on unflattering negative European charts, and literally illustrated that boomerang is not just the shape of Croatia.

By the way, there were times when I was convinced that the world was shaped like Croatia! I revealed this in a featured interview for the break into travel writing website.

The 2020 impact on the world and its travel industry will be long-term. And like always, the fittest will survive.

Here’s Pipeaway’s review of the year 2020!

If you’re interested in previous year reports, you can find them right here:

2019 Year in Review: Does Exploring the World in Crisis Make Any Sense?

2018 Year in Review: Hiking Mountains, Volcanoes and Churches

2017 Year in Review: 3 Continents, 14 Countries and One Big Adventure

Highlights of Pipeaway’s 2020

The year of undertourism is not the best friend of travel blogs. For instance, Pipeaway lost 59 percent of its pre-pandemic traffic!

While I know some travel bloggers pulled their publishing brake in these uncertain times, this challenge could be approached as an opportunity. An opportunity for offering regeneration to the wandering spirits of the travelers of tomorrow.

Need inspiration? The Croatian wheelchair quadriplegic traveler Slaven Škrobot broke all stereotypes, conquering one milestone at a time. In an equally extraordinary story, the Canadian Bert terHart spent the majority of the pandemic alone on the boat, sailing around the world.

Wildlife encounters skipped his journey, which probably speaks a lot about that environmental crisis I mentioned earlier.

But there is good news for Canary Islands visitors; Tenerife is home to two dozen types of whales and dolphins! For those who prefer solid ground under their feet, the Botanical Garden in Puerto de la Cruz is highly recommendable.

Reconnecting with nature is a rewarding way of paying respect to life on this special planet. The hyena man of Harar introduced me to a very unique partnership of humans and Africa’s second-largest predator. While spotted hyenas serve as well-fed communicators with Harar saints, in Nara Deer Park, the Japanese feed the messenger of Shinto gods – the deer.

In 2020, I’ve written about quite unique places of worship. The Chicken Church of Indonesia has nothing to do with chicken, but it has everything to do with love. Lalibela churches in Ethiopia are carved in the mountain. This undeservedly less known world wonder is an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. The Vietnamese did not need to drill the mountains to build shrines; they just entered them. Am Phu Cave is one of these holy places, and vividly presents the afterlife in – Hell.

Favorite country – Greece

In 2020, the total number of countries I’ve visited didn’t change – it’s still 48. Besides a short summer trip to the coast of Croatia, I spent the majority of this lockdown year in my flat in Zagreb, with only (?) 83 days abroad.

Successfully navigating between changing COVID regulations, and with an intention to approach traveling only as a safe activity, I managed to visit Serbia, Greece, Hungary, Switzerland and Germany in those three months abroad.

Nearly two months of 2020 I’ve spent in my new favorite country – Greece.

In 2018, it was my first time there. I’ve been visiting Mount Athos, exploring the Delphi center of the world, enjoying Naoussa Paros and Cyclades Islands hotels.

There is a lot to fall in love with in Greece, and I fell head over heels for the Cycladic archipelago! The cheap flight ticket to Crete and convenient ferry connections enabled easy island hopping that in 2020 included Santorini, Kimolos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Amorgos, and Donousa.

While it’s hard to pick one favorite, and I definitely have many, I will mention the one that positively surprised me the most, and made me pick the best things to do in Naxos. While all mentioned islands deserve a visit, Naxos blends quite an intriguing mixture of nature, culture, gastronomy, history, mythology, and archeology.

Favorite city – Basel, Switzerland

In my reduced yearly travels, I did manage to pick a favorite new city! Basel is located just on the border of the three countries (Switzerland, France and Germany).

It is considered the Swiss cultural capital, and the museums in Basel are especially worth visiting. I explored them for four weeks, and couldn’t get enough!

The city is also home to Basel Zoo, the most visited paid attraction in entire Switzerland! Zolli is praised for its successful breeding program for endangered species. In the end, your enjoyment will depend on your stand towards the whole idea of animals in captivity, which I thoroughly discussed in my review.

Favorite hotel stay – The Menjangan Resort, Bali, Indonesia

While hotels worked very little in 2020, I still picked a favorite from those I wrote about. This year’s winner of my humble attention is The Menjangan, a resort located in the West Bali National Park, Indonesia.

I already wrote about this beachfront accommodation in 2017, recommending it as one of the Bali top resorts. But two years later, I decided to pay it another visit, for a dedicated review.

The Menjangan did not leave space for disappointment again. At the meeting point of the jungle and the sea, this hotel is a wonderful and wonder-full destination for everyone interested in nature and wildlife.

The Menjangan is a member of the Lifestyle Retreats, together with boutique hotels such as The Santai or The Bale Bali. If you are traveling to the island of gods, you could also check these luxury escapes in Bali!

For the best prices, book your stay at The Menjangan here!

Favorite food experience – Room delivery

Whether you spent 2020 in your house or even found a moment to check-in at some hotel, there is one food experience that dominated the gastronomy business in the time of COVID-19 restrictions – delivery of food to your door. Spending time in restaurants with a group of strangers suddenly became a hazard.

From the room delivery experiences Pipeaway wrote about in 2020, I’d like to highlight the one at The Santai Bali. While this small resort has its in-house restaurant, eating in the privacy of one’s spacious villa is a valuable alternative. Japanese bento breakfast, mie goreng, or any-style eggs go well together with delicious morning boosters. There is a solid vegetarian menu too. Plus, you get a jar of cookies!

At Aria Villas Ubud, they were bringing surprises all day long! Floating breakfast in the morning (if you want to try eating in your villa’s plunge pool), refreshing ice-cold popsicles in the afternoon, and Balinese pancakes as a midnight snack will make you wanna keep your villa doors always open! Aria Villas is also a clear winner of the most liked images on our Instagram account (four out of the top 9 were taken exactly there!).

Hotel Tugu Lombok is the third name I’d like to mention here. While your food can actually be delivered anywhere on its vast territory, I was especially thankful for the room service of traditional healing tea when I checked in with food poisoning I got at some restaurant in Bali.

Pipeaway’s top articles of 2020

Here’s the top list of Pipeaway’s articles published in 2020! They have attracted the most attention in the last year! Check if you’ve missed them!

1. Jeju Island Attractions: Visit the Korean Island of Love and Lava!

The southernmost part of South Korea is often called Korean Hawaii. Jeju Island has a fantastic landscape sculpted by volcanic activity, providing hiking opportunities, cultural and entertainment parks, and fertile ground for tasty tangerines you cannot find anywhere else!

2. Lalibela Church Guide: Rock-hewn Churches of the Ethiopian Jerusalem

A strong bastion of Orthodox Christianity, Ethiopia has a number of churches you will find where you least expect it – in the mountains! One of the larger complexes of such rock-hewn churches is located in Lalibela, a town in northern Ethiopia and the famous pilgrimage site.

3. 14 Best Things to Do in Malta Before It Sinks

The sinking island of Malta is an example of how climate change affects our planet. With its megalithic temples, Roman catacombs, medieval forts, defensive walls and spectacular coastline, Malta offers a lot of content worth preserving.

Oldies, but goldies

Articles from South Korea published in 2019 jumped into the most-read posts top list and kicked out some of the all-time favorites. Here’s the top three in 2020!

1. Korean NSFW: Jeju Loveland Sculpture Park in Pictures
2. Selecting a Plane Seat: 5 Reasons why Last Row should be First Choice
3. 7 Best Korean Desserts to Try in Seoul: From Sugar Ball to Bingsu

With more than 57 thousand views, the article on the benefits of sitting at the back of a plane remained the most popular post on Pipeaway.

Social media

Readers still find Pipeaway.com mainly through the organic search (73,8 %) or direct visit (13,3 %). The social media acquisition slightly grew from 8,3 to 11,1 % in 2020.

The most widespread way of reaching Pipeaway through social networks in 2020 was Facebook (68,3 %). Pipeaway’s Facebook page still has a significant number of 12k followers and publishes content on a daily basis.

The second-largest social media traffic was channeled through Pinterest (20 %). Pinterest follows grew from 718 in 2019 to 763 in 2020, with 20k monthly viewers, and 227.500 people who have seen or engaged with our pins.

The third most important network in 2020 was Twitter (6,1 % of social media acquisition came from there). Pipeaway’s Twitter account is currently followed by 1394 users, compared to 1238 in 2019.

Instagram brought only 3 % of social media traffic, and even Pipeaway’s Instagram followers’ base decreased by 9 % in 2020. We have 6369 followers at the moment.

Pipeaway’s Youtube channel is out of my regular focus, but it has still grown from 77 to 105 subscribers last year. The most popular video there was again Cambodian New Year celebration with Songkran water fights, now with 12k views. This event was the reason for an invitation to talk about the New Year celebrations on Croatian Radio.

Pipeaway’s newsletter is a bimonthly wrap-up, coming directly to your mailbox. Please subscribe if you would like to be up to date with Pipeaway’s best content. In its third year, the newsletter had 1,4k subscribers!

Social responsibility

In 2020, we finished our Circus of Postcards project, the fundraising for Arba Minch Circus, an Ethiopian social circus group working with children and youth at risk. We managed to collect 1k dollars for them.

Thank you

Blogs do not happen just magically. Besides an invested effort, the support of others is a crucial ingredient for a successful outcome.

That is why I need to express my gratitude to the management of all hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and activity organizers who recognized the value of working with Pipeaway.

My biggest ‘thank you’ goes to people who generously shared their time and space and everything during my longest away-from-Croatia periods. In 2020, those were definitely Nikos in Greece, and Mladen in Switzerland. Thanks for being family.

There are also friends, new ones and old ones, who contributed to my journeys by letting me surf couches in Belgrade (Aleksandar), Athens (Thanasis, Christos), Budapest (Jonnathan, Kasidid, Arian), and Rovinj (Corrado). Thanks for coping with me!

Thank you all for supporting Pipeaway’s journeys!

Where next?

Can anyone predict anything after 2020 has happened? The vaccine will probably lower down the defensive guard of countries and traveling will eventually resume. In which way, we will still have to see.

Traveling is sometimes the worst enemy of travel blogging. Maybe we should appreciate lockdowns as blessings for our ‘to do’ lists

Before this happens, I imagine going back to the keyboard and typing down many stories still waiting to be written. Paradoxically, traveling is sometimes the worst enemy of travel blogging, and maybe we should appreciate lockdowns as blessings for our ‘to do’ lists. Or at least for reflection time.

Nevertheless, I’m sure at least some travels will happen in 2021, and I will be here to report it.

If you have any idea on where should I go, please leave a comment under this post! I’d love to hear about your plans for piping away too!

Safe travels!

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The post 2020 Year in Review: Overtourism as a Distant Memory appeared first on Pipeaway.

Whether you’re up for laid-back vacations on the beach or active holidays that include hiking to the highest peak of the Cyclades, Naxos Island will provide things to do

As the largest island in the Cyclades archipelago, Naxos rarely feels overcrowded. It lets every visitor explore a corner of one’s own. Naxos attractions range from important historical sites to places of natural beauty.

Whether you’re up for laid-back vacations on the beach or active holidays that include hiking to the highest peak of the Cyclades, Naxos Island will provide things to do. Explore its mythology in the cave where Zeus was raised, learn about architecture in its ancient temples and newer churches, visit museums and art workshops, do sports in an amazing setting, or opt for restaurant hopping as an activity of choice!

The sightseeing options in Naxos could feel overwhelming for short stays. So choose the pace that suits you, and make the list of must-see places according to personal preferences!

The Greek island where Zeus, the king of gods, found refuge from the rage of his father, is a place where many of us could retreat to. Being the land of marble and myths, Naxos could construct some legendary holidays for a variety of travelers!

Rent a car, hop in, and start exploring the island of Naxos!

Top 17 things to do in Naxos, Greece

1. Find the best beach in Naxos

Naxos beaches are maybe the island’s most famous asset. With kilometers of sand stretching over its southwestern coast, most beach lovers end up exploring this area. It is not unusual they often end up on the top of the lists of things to do in Naxos.

Alyko beaches

For my taste, the prettiest beaches are located on the Alyko (or Aliko) peninsula. Just where the dirt roads replace the paved ones, this secluded corner of Naxos opens to the scenic wilderness. It is a protected natural area covered by the largest Greek cedar forest.

Kedros Beach (reserved for nudists) and Hawaii Beach (just next to it, with a 10-meter drop from the dunes to the sea level) look stunning. But they are also exposed to the northern winds and stronger waves. For better protection, visit the popular southern coves called Alyko Beach and Mikro Alyko Beach.

While special unspoiled beauty emanates from these white soft sand beaches and their azure waters, there is not much infrastructure. Forget the toilets, shops, sunbeds, or parasols! The nearest hotel is actually the abandoned one, still worth visiting though – check the recommendation no. 14!

Agios Prokopios

If you cannot do without civilization, the best beach in Naxos in your case could be the blue-flagged Agios Prokopios. The golden sand here is thick and stretches over 1,5 kilometers.

The northern area of the beach is not developed so it attracts fewer crowds. The part closer to the town abounds with shops, restaurants, bars, and some water sports facilities – check the recommendation no. 2!

Saint George, Glyfada, Plaka, Agia Anna, Psili Ammos

There are more beaches worth exploring in Naxos. If you don’t want to go far from Naxos Town (Chora), the closest one is Agios Georgios / Saint George Beach. Its waters are shallow, which is perfect for families with young kids.

Just north of Alyko Beach, you can enjoy the sand dunes of Glyfada Beach! Even more famous dunes you will find at Plaka Beach, a 4-kilometer-long white-sand promenade. Its southern end, as well as the Agia Anna Beach south of Saint Nicolas Chapel, are popular among naturists. When you get to the chapel, find the shark-shaped rock for a fun photo opportunity!

On the eastern side of Naxos Island, the beach next to the Kanaki village is eponymous with ‘fine sand’. Psili Ammos is a lovely oasis of sand dunes, cedar forest, and clear waters.

2. Go scuba diving in Naxos with Blue Fin Divers

Agios Prokopios is not just a nice place for lazy beach days; it is also a departure point for some fantastic active holidays in Naxos!

The sea around the island is rich with natural wonders and civilization leftovers. This makes it an ideal location for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving. One can discover sea caves and reefs, but also wreckage sites teeming with marine life. In waters around Naxos, you can look for the plane wrecks from the Second World War, such as the torpedo bomber Bristol Beaufighter or German Arado seaplane. But there are also sunken ships such as the impressive Dutch vessel Marianna which finished its cargo shipping career in 1981!

Blue Fin Divers is a diving center at Agios Prokopios Beach that can organize these and other enriching scuba diving excursions for you! They offer PADI-certified training programs ranging from the Open Water Diver to Dive Master.

However, there is also a Bubble Maker program for kids, as well as a Discover Scuba Diving program for absolute beginners. I went through this introductory course that practically enabled me to experience my first dive with full equipment on seven meters of depth in just 2.5 hours!

The Discover Suba Diving program costs 60 Euros. If you want to experience one of the best things to do in Naxos undersea, you can do it with Blue Fin Divers from May till October.

Scuba diving astronauts in a rewarding universe

Panagiotis Niflis is an experienced diving instructor with two decades of professional love for the underwater. First, he provided personal instruction in the theory of scuba diving, which was both educational and fun. Then we put our wetsuits on and crossed over the beach full of bikini-clad observers.

With the heavy equipment, I walked proudly through the soft sand. I tried my best to look professional, and at least not trip over before I reached the shallow water. My first steps towards weightlessness really felt like embarking on an astronaut’s mission. Okay, with no countdown, applause, and live media reports.

After initial training in the shallow water, we slowly floated away into grander depths. Breathing underwater was an intense experience and one needs to approach it with utter respect. In mostly white sand surrounding, with several fun stops arranged by the dive center, such as an underwater bicycle, an abandoned toilet bowl, or a feeding spot for some colorful local fish, one could easily lose the sense of orientation. But with the vigilant eyes of Panos, and his Bulgarian assistants Aleksandra and Viktor, exploring the unknown Naxos universe seemed a reasonably safe thing to do.

After this basic introduction program, one could easily decide if scuba diving was for him/her or not. There were three of us about to dive that day. One did give up after the initial training in the shallow water.

For those who bravely stayed until the end of the basic course, scuba diving brought a real risk of becoming addicted. Especially with so many tempting baits in clear Naxos waters, plane and shipwreck sites, rich sea flora and fauna, one could easily trade the earthly pleasures of sun tanning on the beach for the otherworldly trip to Naxos below the sea level.

If you don't want your underwater photographs to be in blue and green tones like mine, learn what to do in our guide to underwater camera housings!

3. Surf the windswept beaches

There is a reason behind so many windmills built on the Cycladic Islands. Some of these monuments to Naxos winds are old, some are new. The modern wind turbines are located in the northeastern part of the island, while on Vivlos hills one can find three ancient windmills.

From May till September, Etesian or Meltemia winds blow over the Aegean Sea. These dry northern winds can be dangerous for sailors. But due to their steady nature in the afternoon hours, the passionate Naxos kiteboarders and windsurfers exploit them for their water sports.

Kite surfing on Mikri Vigla Beach

Mikri Vigla and the connected Orkos Beach may not be ideal for tourists looking for casual swimming. But if you like resting your eyes on kite surfers flying over the waves, these are the best Naxos spots to visit. The Meltem winds produce low rolling waves on Kastraki Beach / Sahara as well, so that’s another location worth visiting if you are a fan of this sport.

Windsurfing in Laguna

Laguna Beach, just north of Naxos Airport, is a favorite spot for windsurfers. They come from all over the world to power their sails in this wide shallow bay, making it one of the most popular windsurfing destinations in Greece. If you come just to watch, try to pair it with the air traffic at this not-so-busy airport. That way, you might even steal a selfie with an arriving/departing plane! Check Naxos Airport’s live schedule here.

4. Visit Portara – the Temple of Apollo, or – Dionysus?

Portara or the Great Door is a massive marble frame standing on the islet of Palatia, just by the main Naxos port. In ancient times, the land was connecting the two hills. After the rising of the sea, they constructed a causeway for easier access.

This monumental doorway is 6 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide and is a lonely remnant of a larger temple built during the reign of the Naxos tyrant Lygdamis, in the 6^th century BC. The ambitious ruler had a grand vision of a temple that would outshine the Zeus Temple in Athens or Hera’s Temple in Samos. But then the war with Samos required resources and the construction was stopped abruptly.

In the Middle Ages, Christians erected the church over the ruins, but even that building did not survive. The marble was used in the construction of Kastro (the Castle of Naxos) – see recommendation no. 12. Portara survived only because it was too heavy to dismantle; each of its columns supposedly weighs 20 tons!

A choice to build the entrance to an Ionian-style temple on the western side of the island was unusual, therefore it could have been intentional. The fact that Portara is facing Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo, could mean that the temple was dedicated to the most beautiful of Greek gods.

But some think that Portara was an entrance to the temple dedicated to Dionysus, the wine god, and patron of Naxos. Right after he had killed the Minotaur on Crete, Theseus left his beloved Minoan princess Ariadne just here, on Palatia beach. She was forced to marry Dionysus, and the first Dionysian festivities were held here.

While Palatia was the separation point for the two lovers, today it is a favorite meeting place for couples. Visiting Portara is one of the best things to do in Naxos at sunset.

5. Explore the Temple of Demeter in Sangri

The Temple of Demeter (Dimitra) is another architectural marvel built at about the same time as the Temple of Apollo. Erected around 530 BC, as one of the first Ionic temples, it was rediscovered in 1949, excavated and restored by the end of the century.

Located in Gyroulas, near the village of Sangri, this place had a religious purpose since the Bronze Age! The Mycenaean Civilization celebrated the cult of the gods in the open air. Then that same ruler Lygdamis ordered the building of the all-marble temple in the 6^th century, as a rehearsal for the Parthenon in the Athenian Acropolis. The magnificent edifice was dedicated to Demeter, the ancient goddess of grain, so she would protect the farmers and care for the fertility of Naxos land. It even had the pits where vegetable juices would be sacrificed to please her.

When Christianity took over the command, Demeter’s Temple faced the same destiny as Apollo’s one. Aiming to erase paganism, Christians demolished the archaic temple. They built their own basilica on the same site, with the same stone. But as in that Biblical proverb, “Live by the sword, die by the sword”… The Arabian invaders demolished the church. The German archeologists were the ones who rebuilt it in 1977.

The Temple of Demeter is an excellent place to explore how religious powers have changed throughout history. One can see it on the very archeological site but also learn more at the next-door Archeological Museum of Gyroulas. The small exhibition displays parts of the interior, ceramics, statues, and other found objects. The entrance is included in the 4-Euro ticket price.

6. Cycle to the Sanctuary of Iria

Another predecessor of the Parthenon is the Sanctuary of Iria, found in 1982. This peculiar place had a religious character from the 14^th century BC until today.

The archeologists actually identified four successive buildings plus a Christian basilica on the site, showing the uninterrupted history of worship.

After an open-air cult in the Mycenaean times (1300-1100 BC), the first temple was built around 800 BC. But the flooding of the nearby river Byblos destroyed it. Not an unusual event here, as it happened in 2004 too, after the excavation of the Archeological Park.

The sanctuary whose remains, in the form of several columns, we see today was built in 590-570 BC. The temple of Iria is considered to be the birthplace of the Ionic style.

Besides being important in the history of architecture, this temple has roots in the traditions of the area. It was dedicated to Dionysus, the adored god of wine and partying. Even today, there are vines growing on the sanctuary grounds.

The location of the Temple of Dionysus is in Iria (sometimes spelled Yria), close to Glinado Village, just four kilometers from Chora. It is an interesting stop if you’re heading for the beach of Agia Anna by bike, for instance. The entrance to the temple grounds is free and one of the best things to do in Naxos for all archeology fans.

7. Visit Naxos churches

Besides ancient temples, Naxos is dotted with notable churches that should get onto your itinerary. There are at least 5 Naxos churches you should consider including in your own list of the best things to do in Naxos.

Panagia Drosiani

On the road between Chalkio (Halki) and the village of Moni, the stone church of Panagia Drosiani was built in the 6^th century. It is the oldest Christian church on Naxos and one of the oldest ones in the Balkans. This Byzantine church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the rain who allegedly ended the times of drought on the island. Panagia Drosiani has very well-preserved murals of Jesus Christ, his mother, and other saints.

Agia Kyriaki

Located in Apeiranthos, this church has some unique frescoes from the 8^th and 9^th centuries. The restoration of the wall paintings secured Agia Kyriaki a prestigious EU Prize for Cultural Heritage in 2018 – the Europa Nostra Award.

Agios Georgios Diasoritis

Ten-minute walk away from Chalkio, the Byzantine Church of Saint George Diasoritis stands out in the idyllic surroundings. Its walls were built in the 11^th century. They decorated them with elaborate paintings of Saint George, Second Coming, etc.

Agios Mamas

Dating back to the 9^th century, Agios Mamas set in the green valley is just a short hike away from the village of Potamia. The chapel dedicated to the patron saint of the shepherds was originally a Greek Orthodox cathedral. At the beginning of the 13th century, it was converted into a Catholic church. There are interesting frescoes and sculptures kept inside, away from the public eye.

Stavros Keramotis

Located at the largest junction of the rural roads in Naxos, Stavros Keramotis is on this list mainly because of the views. It is the only place where one can see the sea on both sides of the island. The small whitewashed church is dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It was the only church from this list whose doors were actually open when I arrived.

8. Hike to Zeus Cave

Besides heavenly beaches and heaven-aspiring houses of worship, Naxos is also a hiking paradise! It has many tempting treks, but the mountainous village of Filoti is the starting point of its most famous hike – the one to the Zeus Cave!

Instead of walking all the way from Filoti, drive towards the Aria Spring and start hiking there! You cannot miss it; it is a dead-end street. The road also has a dead side, if I can call it like that. Driving by the daunting cliff with no guardrails is rather ominous. At the end of the road, you will see the forbidden-parking sign. Most people park their cars here. Because – where else?

From Aria Spring (Fontaine d’Aria on Google Maps), a place to refill your water bottle, continue uphill after the doors you should close behind. I assume this is for controlling the movement of goats you will probably encounter twenty minutes later, just before the Zeus cave.

Mount Zas grotto – the hiding place of god and shepherds

The cave will appear on your left-hand side. It brings a welcoming protection from the sun, especially if you didn’t start your climb in the early morning. One doesn’t need to be the shepherd or the farmer of the past to call it a sanctuary.

Zeus, the ruler of the Olymp gods, spent his childhood in this very cave, the myth says. Well, there is one in Crete that is also priding itself as an authentic hideaway of the little god. His father Cronos swallowed his children as soon as they were born, afraid of the prophecy that one of them would overthrow him. The mother Rhea hid Zeus in a cave and he grew up hiding in the mountain. Eventually, he did fulfill the prophecy and became the king of gods.

If you have good stamina, you can continue climbing for another hour to the top of Mount Zas, named after this divine survivor. At 1004 meters, it is the highest peak of not only Naxos but of all Cycladic archipelago. The summit provides great panoramic views.

9. See the impressive Naxos Marmor

Ancient Greece is not only the place of origin for the word ‘marble’, but also home to some of the finest type of this shining stone on the planet. The people of Naxos were the pioneers of marble; they introduced the broad use of the noble material in architecture and sculpture. The temples and statues on this list were all built of Naxian marble, white marble with the largest crystal grains on Earth!

The first time I had an opportunity to explore this precious stone up close was at the Delphi Archeological Museum. The Sphinx of Naxos displayed there is an impressive 2-meter tall statue that stood on the top of a 10-meter tall column in this famous religious center of ancient Greece.

Read more about Delphi, the center of the antic world here! 

If you type ‘Naxos Marmor’ in Google Maps, it will point you to a quarry near the village of Kinidaros, the modern-day center of Naxos marble mining. With precisely cut-out cuboid blocks of stone, the scenery looks surreal. It resembles an otherworldly place where Superman might’ve been growing up. Then again, he did, didn’t he? Except that he was called Zeus in this story.

10. Find Naxos Kouros statues in Melanes and Apollonas

The ancient marble quarries in Naxos were located near Melanes and Apollonas. These are the places where some of the remnants of the island’s glorious mining past still lay as witnesses.

They call them Kouroi (Kouros in the singular, literally meaning ‘beautiful man’). These ancient Greek freestanding monumental sculptures are meant to be the epitomes of the captivating beauty of young nude men. Some of these unfinished, roughly formed statues lay on the Naxos ground, abandoned due to the probable breakage that happened in transport.

Close to the village of Melanes in Central Naxos, there are two incomplete Kouroi statues. Kouros of Flerio lays in a shaded garden, tucked under a tree. Kouros of Faranghi (or Kouros of Potamia) is just meters away from where they cut out the stone. These oversized men (about 5 meters tall, and weighing above 5 tons each) are in a typical archaic, frontal, still position. They both date to the 6^th century BC and someone possibly cursed them with a “Break a leg” good wish.

In Northern Naxos, the stonemasons abandoned another impressive marble sculpture. Kouros of Apollonas, named after a village it still lies by, does not follow the Kouros rules. It has more distinctive facial features than those in Melanes. Actually, it seems to depict an older man (some call it the Colossus of Dionysus)! Additionally, instead of still arms close to the body, its right arm would have been stretched out. Kouros of Apollonas is also much bigger than the fellows in Melanes; it is 10.5 meters in length and weighs about 80 tons!

Admission to both Kouros graveyards is free, as long as you can find them. Some people tend to miss the signposts.

11. Explore the museums of Apeiranthos

If you want to learn more about Naxian marble, other marble, as well as other types of rocks, a small village on the slopes of Fanari Mountain is the place to go. In the central street of Apeiranthos (or Apiranthos), one can find marble stairs. But the true gems are at the Geological Museum! This place exhibits rocks, meteorites, and fossils, some as old as 70,000 years! For science nerds, visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Naxos!

The charming village of barely one thousand citizens has an astonishing number of museums – five of them! Just above the Geological Museum, there is the Folklore Museum which displays local traditions, furniture, clothes, tools, instruments, etc. Another floor up, the Visual Arts Museum exhibits paintings, sculptures, and other artworks of the village’s many artists.

Natural History Museum has its own little room on the main road. Here, one can find skeletons of dolphins, the skull of a sperm whale, the shell of a turtle, snakes in formaldehyde, as well as a large flora collection.

Apeiranthos Archeological Museum exhibits the findings from the excavations in Naxos. It’s a one-room museum, but unlike the other four on this list, this one charges 3 Euros for the entrance.

With nice artistic workshops, charming cafés, and restaurant terraces, Apeiranthos is an ideal break from the exhaustion of the island exploring.

12. Climb to the Kastro of Naxos

Kastro of Naxos is the castle on the top of the hill of Naxos Chora. Marco II Sanudo, the Venetian Duke of the Archipelago, erected this citadel at the beginning of the 13^th century. It was the center of political power dominating the Cyclades for three centuries.

The medieval walls, composed of houses that were built there, still stand above Naxos Old Town. Inside, there are narrow streets, quiet squares filled with flowers and cats, Venetian mansions, churches, monasteries, and museums. It’s a calming area to get away from the Naxos sun and winds and enjoy the stroll among cafés, galleries, and terraces with picture-perfect views.

Look for the marble taken from the Temple of Apollo, used in the construction of the castle! It is a reminder of the constant recycling character of history. The castle built above the remains of the ancient acropolis is yet another addition to the ode of temporality on Naxos Island. Only the pieces of marble are strong enough to survive the ideas of those who believed they were building eternal monuments.

Chora’s Kastro is sometimes called Kato Kastro (or Lower Castle), in order to distinguish it from the Apano Kastro (Upper Castle), the fortification located on the hill above the village of Potamia. This construction project of the same duke never became a real settlement.

13. Visit the Venetian towers of Naxos

Besides Chora’s Kastro, Venetians built castles and towers strategically dotted over the entire Naxos territory. They were a protective shield against the pirates and had a special alarm system when one of them would get under attack. They would lit a large fire on the roof and, as in a domino effect, the neighboring towers would follow, quickly alarming all Venetian families on the island. Talk about the medieval version of WhatsApp!

You could visit many buildings from the Middle Ages while exploring the island. Only six of the most interesting Venetian towers entered our list of the best things to do in Naxos.

Fragopoulos Della Rocca Tower

Dating back to the 14^th century, Fragopoulos Della Rocca Tower in Kourounochori is one of the oldest fortified towers on Naxos. It is also a place where a future Duke killed his predecessor.

Barozzi-Gratsia Tower

The same as Fragopoulos, the 17^th-century Barozzi-Gratsia Tower in Chalkio has strong walls that are equipped with ‘murder holes’. They were designed to distract unwanted visitors – with scalding water!

Tower of Agia

The Tower of Agia, just before the village of Apollonas, was also built in the 17^th century. It was the summer house for the rich Kokkoi family.

Bazeos Tower

Bazeos Tower served as a monastery and today, it is a private cultural center hosting exhibitions, concerts, and other events.

Bellonia Tower

Bellonia Tower in Galanado is interesting because of the Church of St. John standing next to it. It has a double arch, with a separate Catholic and Orthodox altar, one of the Venetian diplomatic attempts.

Tower of Glezos

The Tower of Glezos stands on the northwestern gate of the Kastro of Naxos and is the only round tower on the island. It was home to the last generation of Dukes.

14. Explore the abandoned hotel in Alyko

On Alyko promontory, right above some of the most beautiful Naxos beaches (remember the recommendation of the best things to do in Naxos no. 1?), a skeleton of a hotel stands still. Abandoned some six decades ago, never to welcome guests to its rooms with a sea view, the crumbling building is frozen in time.

The ghost hotel turns heads only of beachgoers in need of shade, avid urban explorers excited by the architecture of the past, and street artists always looking for a new canvas.

They are an unexpected finding, the ambitious murals trying to inject some new beauty and meaning into this concrete monument to a failed business investment.

Okay, some of these can-equipped visitors leave just uncreative scribbles on the decaying building. But then there are true artists too, such as Wild Drawing (aka WD), who make the urban exploring of this Naxos hotel truly worthwhile.

This Bali-born Greek immigrant delivered many intriguing works to the outer walls of his new country, and we are happy to see that Alyko on Naxos often gets onto his summer itineraries. WD’s large murals that love to play with the environment in almost 3D realism, give a special value to the urbex adventure in Alyko’s empty hotel shell.

If this abandoned hotel project did anything for the tourism of Alyko, it brought the asphalt closer to the beaches one would need a car to explore anyway. The unexpected outcome of this architectural failure was that the dead-end street has ended up in – street art.

15. Eat Greek at To Elliniko

Naxos potatoes and cheeses are the founding stones of the island’s cuisine. To try these famous local ingredients, I visited the traditional kitchen of one of the best restaurants in Naxos. Eating local is, after all, one of the best things to do in Naxos, the most fertile Cycladic island.

To Elliniko literally means The Greek, and it delivers exactly the promised authenticity. The secret weapon in this family-run restaurant is mother Katerina who cooks with love and meraki (a Greek word describing passion, devotion, and leaving a piece of oneself in delivered work). Since 2008, the children of the Antoniou family have served the dishes from mom’s kitchen, while one of them, Giannis, continues to run the restaurant after Mixalis, the father of the family.

Behind the simple pot on the restaurant sign, lies equally simple homemade food. A starter woke up my stomach. It was a delicious infamous cheese platter with Naxos graviera, kefalotiri, and sour soft cheese!

The cheese, together with potatoes and vegetables, appeared in Kleftiko too. This slow-roasted baby goat dish is a Hellenic classic. Paired with Sauvignon Blanc and wrapped like a present, it was truly rewarding! Supposedly it was named after Klepths, the Greek bandits who would steal lambs and cook them in the underground pits to not draw attention. After trying this mouthwatering meal where meat was melting off of the bone, I could totally understand what made these guys become kleptomaniacs.

My dinner at To Elliniko finished with an orange cake and ice cream, and mom’s raki liqueur with pomegranate. In the outdoor setting of a garden centered around an old olive tree, and encircled by flowerpots, with approachable and friendly staff, it seemed like visiting an old friend’s house for dinner. The one you end up commenting on: “You guys should open your restaurant!”

16. Sweeten up your day in Chalkio

Once the capital of Naxos, Chalkio village (Halki) still rules the palates of its visitors. Come here for a treat or two!

At Dolce Vita, the charming retro-styled café/patisserie, life is sweet indeed. Surround yourself with old gramophones, black-and-white photographs, and wooden chests. Order portokalopita or orange pie, and you will lick your vintage plate clean!

For those who are old enough to drive, yet will not sit behind the wheel for this little excursion, the Vallindras Distillery is right next door. This is the central production place for kitron, Naxos’ own liqueur, produced from the leaves of the autochthonous local citrus.

The fruit of kitron, resembling a lemon on steroids, can grow up to two kilograms each but is good mainly for making jams. The leaves, however, end up in this 96 % alcoholic beverage, in three differently colored varieties (from the lightest green, via the balanced transparent one, and yellow being the strongest).

The Vallindras family has been producing kitron liqueur since 1986, and you can try it after a little tour of this alcoholic lab/museum.

17. Buy some pots by the road

When driving from the southeastern Naxos coast towards Chalkio, make sure to stop by the road in the Damalas area. You can hardly miss the spot, as both the house facade and the parking lot are tricked up with an enormous quantity of pots of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Besides this colorful exhibition place that turns heads on the main road, the same family owns another workshop in Damalas village itself.

Limpertas Manolis Pottery is a traditional pottery workshop in operation since 1937. On two locations, descendants of the fourth generation of potters from the island of Sifnos, produce both functional and decorative clay products.

Since their grandfather Chrysos brought craftsmanship to Naxos in the 1870s, the technology might have advanced a bit, but artistic endeavors remained the same. Through passing the knowledge and secrets of the trade from one generation to another, the family business is booming.

Enter this clay wonderland, and lose your gaze among the thousands of cups, bowls, vases, jars, figurines, and fridge magnets! You might get a quick lesson in the production processes, as well as choose a special Cycladic souvenir to bring home from Naxos!

17 best things to do in Naxos – Conclusion

With the highest mountain of the Cyclades, Naxos is the greenest island in this Greek archipelago. Mountains trap clouds, clouds produce water, and water makes plants and trees grow. This results in more bearable hikes and possible shade just by the beach, as well as more productive agriculture that triumphs on the plates and in the glasses of Naxos restaurants.

Whether you climb up the mountain home of Zeus, dive deep into the world of Poseidon, or surrender to the decadent feasts of Dionysus, Naxos is a place of divine experiences

Even if it is the center of the Cyclades, Naxos Island attracts fewer tourists, and one can explore its many archeological sites, medieval castles, churches, museums, and charming mountainous and seaside villages without the feeling of a mass-tourism rush.

Whether you climb up the mountain home of Zeus, dive deep into the world of Poseidon, or surrender to the decadent feasts of Dionysus, Naxos is a place of divine experiences. It is a destination where one can appreciate the beauty of the land, as well as its gifts, from food to marble.

Naxos integrates the richness of culture, the power of history, and the intrigue of mystery. Something sacred, whether one believes in God(s) or not. In true holidays, this island fights well to explain the ‘holly’ part.

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Before booking your trip to Naxos…

How many days do you need in Naxos?

After earlier two and three-day visits, on the most recent trip, I stayed four nights in Naxos and I still underestimated what the island has to give! If you like what you’ve read here, I advise you to extend your trip to a week. After all, one needs to set a human tempo for any holiday. With so many beaches the island is rightfully proud of, one has to tune down the exploring spirit at some point, and leave enough time to just enjoy the seaside and essentially do nothing.

What is the best area to stay in Naxos?

Most of the island’s visitors stay in Chora or on the southwestern coast, depending on the type of Naxos holidays they are looking for. Those who want to be in the center of the buzz and close to the port will opt for Naxos Town, and the others who prefer being next to the swimmable beaches will look for their Naxos accommodation in Plaka, Agia Anna, or Agios Prokopios.

Whether you’re looking for the most affordable or splurge option, you will find the best place to stay in Naxos here.

Getting to Naxos

The most typical way of arriving in Naxos is by ferry. If you’re traveling from Athens to Naxos, you can catch the ferry in Piraeus or in Rafina. There are different operators who will bring you to the island at varying speeds and prices, but typically you should be there in less than 6 hours. Typically Blue Star Ferries offers the most economical transfer to Naxos.

Naxos is also well-connected with other islands such as Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Syros, Crete, Milos, Ios, Amorgos, Koufonisia, etc.

I typically check ferry options on the openseas.gr website and buy them in any port agency. Book them in advance for the best prices! Even in the times of pandemic, the connections could sell out (which I actually experienced once), because boats travel with reduced capacities. So don’t rely on the idea that people are traveling less these days, and buy your ticket on time!

Can you fly directly to Naxos?

Naxos Airport “Apollon” is not the busiest one, but it is connected with Athens. If you’re looking for a quick 30-minute flight, check the offers of Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, or Sky Express.

How do you get around Naxos?

While there are bus connections between the main island points (which could suffice if all you want is maybe get from Chora to the beach and back), for true exploration of Naxos one should rent a car. It is after all the largest island in the Cyclades and with 430 square kilometers of tempting content, having a vehicle at your disposal is a true benefit.

I warmly recommend renting your car at Fun Car & Rides agency. They have an office just at Naxos port where you disembark the ferry, making the pick-up and drop-off rather simple. Even the smallest car in their fleet such as Fiat Panda will serve you well enough to bring you to the most elevated parts of the island. And with their roadside assistance, there is nothing to worry about! Plus, the staff will not only provide Naxos maps and suggestions of things to do in Naxos. They will also bring a smile to your face in the process! The choice of the company’s name was indeed appropriate!

Things to do in Naxos and Paros – which one is better?

Is Naxos or Paros better? After repeated visits to both islands, I would say that Naxos is my favorite. Simply, there is a greater diversity of things to do in Naxos. It constantly invites you to check what’s behind the next corner! That being said, Paros does have its indisputable charm that even Hollywood stars cannot resist. The islands are neighbors, and why would you even consider not going to both? For Paros’ travelers, you might find useful our guide to Naoussa with the top 10 things to do there.

Disclosure: My scuba diving lesson with Blue Fin Divers, rent-a-car service at Fun Car & Rides, as well as dinner at To Elliniko, were complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post 17 Best Things to Do in Naxos: Haven for Zeus, Heaven for Us appeared first on Pipeaway.

Children swiping the airport floor with their stuffed toys. Their parents discretely pushing forward, so nobody would jump into the precious queue. No officer in sight who would alarm us that we were not keeping the prescribed distance. We all seemed like one happy group, a family almost. Thrilled we will enter the promised land of corona-free tourism. Only Moses could separate us!

I always had a problem with the term “social distancing”. But now I finally understood. It seemed that social distancing was an activity of distancing from certain objects or rules we engage in together. It’s a – social activity! Taking a physical distance would just be an individual act. But social distancing is a term to describe that we do this act of distancing from the “2-meter rule” together. Like a flashmob, let’s say. We are all there together to distance ourselves from the rule.

It was obvious that countries such as Croatia or Greece, which heavily depend on tourism, had to open up to visitors sooner or later. But under what conditions, under which measures? If the two-meter distance rule becomes just a mellow euphemism for digging a hole under one’s feet (and we all know what lies two meters under the ground), what kind of touristic promotion would that be? Tourism which gambles with the lives of its visitors and locals can only prosper as a funeral business. Six feet under.

Coronavirus in Croatia is a racist!

“Do you continue for Zagreb?”, that was the only question the passport control officer asked. Sure, I left my contact details back on the plane. But here, entering the promised land free of disease, they gave no further instructions. Flying in from Greece, I was allowed to enter the city of Split, even if it was known as the center of a major COVID-19 outbreak that decimated one retirement home.

As an EU-citizen, I didn’t have to enter quarantine. I did have to follow special recommendations for the first 14 days on Croatian soil. However, nobody apart from Google informed me about this.

I didn’t get any informative leaflets. Nobody checked my temperature. Nobody asked me for test results. I didn’t even have to remove a mask from my face for the purpose of identification!

The tiny dangerous virus proved to be racist! According to the Croatian border policy, the virus checks the nationality of its victim before attacking it!

When I flew into Greece from Serbia, a month earlier, my experience as a traveler was much more reassuring. Greece was conducting COVID-19 tests on all passengers from Serbia (regardless of their nationality). Greece was protecting its citizens and tourists by testing everyone coming in from a high-risk country. Unlike Croatia where people who need to take a test are charged 200 Euros, the state of Greece was covering these costs.

On the other side, Croatia was allowing in visitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina (a non-EU state) without quarantine, as long as they had Croatian citizenship. This came in handy for the political elections in the country, but also promoted an unusual theory that the tiny dangerous virus is a racist! It checks the nationality of its victim before attacking!

EU-members were allowed to enter Croatia as before the pandemic. Non-EU members had to have a personal, business, touristic, or educational reason for coming. Could you have any other?

The temptation of touristic income

Wiggling with safety measures had to show the first results. COVID-19 cases in Croatia were again on the rise. But it seemed summer made Croats snooze this alarm. Tourists started pouring in and, after a lockdown, Croatia welcomed them as saviors of the stumbled economy.

The shuttle bus from Split airport to the city center was packed this week. Passengers were sitting not only in their seats but also on the aisle floor. It didn’t seem that any measure of social distancing was in place. Sitting on the floor was not a hygienical solution even in the pre-COVID era! The transport in the time of the infectious disease looked more like an emergency evacuation from a war zone. Priorities were not set right.

There was an another Pleso Prijevoz bus parked in front of the airport terminal. It could have certainly taken the excess of passengers. But it seemed the pandemic opened the opportunity for extra profit here, not extra care. Take the money and run! was almost official. Out of change, the driver of the full bus ran towards the bank to get smaller denominations, just so he could sell even more tickets and pack even more passengers into the aisle of the bus!

In Greece, which clearly marked if certain seats in public transport (be it ferry, metro, or bus) should not be sat on, in order to maintain a safe distance, I experienced that fear of infection is much more real than a hunger for extra profit.

Do you wonder how will the hospitality industry be after the pandemic ends? Imagine these hotels after COVID-19!

‘I prefer to sit alone!’

I was traveling with a friend in Crete. We bought two tickets for a bus heading from Chania to Rethymno. Even if our tickets had reserved seating, the seats were occupied. A lady on number 9, and her purse on number 10.

“I’m sorry, I believe you are sitting on our seats, madam”, I politely approached her.

“Couldn’t you sit somewhere else?”, she nonchalantly responded, showing towards the end of the bus.

I looked around, and the vehicle was full of single travelers, occupying every row.

“I’m really sorry, but the bus is full of single travelers. We would like to sit in our seats!”

She was not showing signs of changing her mind. She liked this row.

“What is your problem, madam?”, I still tried to be nice but had to repeat this question several times, drawing the attention of other passengers. Our voices were slightly rising, and I was now thinking that someone could be making a viral Youtube video out of this.

“I prefer to sit alone!”, the lady exclaimed.

“Well, buy a car!”, I lost my temper. “These are our seats, we cannot give them up for you and your purse!”

Our back and forth lasted for a minute or so, and the bus was already on the go. In the end, I called her out for being ignorant letting a disabled person stand in the aisle during the ride. My friend has Parkinson’s disease, and I didn’t really want to pull out that argument just to exercise the right of sitting in the seats we paid for. Only when he yelled out something in Greek, which sounded like thunder, but was probably “just move away”, did she finally lower her queen-Elizabeth guard and shifted to another empty seat.

The difference between Cretan and cretin bus

When this Crete bus episode happened, I thought it was primarily telling about how selfish we could become in times of crisis. I was thinking it was mainly a story of caring for one’s own behind, disrespecting people who surround us.

I had to leave Crete and discover Croatia, in order to find out that disrespect for others could have even more fertile ground. This fertile ground flourishes in the circumstances when care is absolutely absent. When nobody cares about extending one’s own personal safe space but accepts that loading up the bus to the fullest is just a new norm, something we shouldn’t object against, we welcome this universe of the ultimate disrespect. We do not care about our own life or about the life of our fellow passengers, ultimately serving just the profit of a bus company carrying us around like potatoes.

If I could choose, I would always opt for quarreling with an arrogant lady in the Cretan bus than not quarreling with anyone on the cretin bus.

Croatia full of risk

Making a quick profit should not be a new normal. Not testing enough citizens and tourists will not make the number of infections lower.

Loosening up the Croatian measures of taming the disease might have been a useful pre-election stunt for the old-new ruling political party. But open calls to tourists no matter where they come from and no matter what they carry inside of them is just a gamble game.

Croatian minister of tourism Gari Cappelli was inviting Swedes to come over when their COVID numbers were skyrocketing. He claimed that Swedish tourists do not present a greater risk. As long as they can provide proof that they booked a room, of course! Now again, Croatia became the first country to open up to American travelers, ignoring the crisis in the United States, as well as the EU recommendations.

The uprising against the regime of Aleksandar Vučić in Serbia shows that people in the Balkans cannot stand the lockdown measures for long. But even more, they cannot stand being played out by the politics, shifting from a need to need on a daily basis. Always led by politicians more invested in quick fixes to the problems, Balkan countries hardly ever develop and follow long-term strategies.

The Croatian economy was not glittering even before the COVID-19 crisis. The decision to fix the economic problems by exposing the country to greater risks is one of those short-term strategies that could prove detrimental.

Not obeying the six-foot distance is the quickest way to six-foot-under. And if that starts to happen more often, Croatia that is currently still “full of life”, might have to invent a new touristic slogan.

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Like most other travelers, I manage to stay on the road for the major part of the year by paying for my accommodation. That means – by finding great hotel and hostel deals! While I’m checking many resources, the service I use the most is Booking.com, which is why I also personally recommend it.

While the bookings in 2017 were suggesting the popularity of Southeastern Asia, the data of 2018 puts a spotlight on Southeastern Europe!

The good news is – you are using it too! In 2018, there have been 81.838 of you who have visited Booking.com through Pipeaway’s affiliate links. And while the volume is confirming the trust you have in our recommendations, the concrete bookings you make can tell us more about the traveling trends of our users. While the bestselling bookings of 2017 have been putting the spotlight on Asia, the hit destinations, according to the data of 2018, are centered in Southeastern Europe!

Wherever you choose to travel in 2019, you can find some fantastic deals on Booking.com. But if you are a first time user, you might want to scroll down to the end of this article! I will be giving you an additional 10 percent discount on any booking deal you can find on that website!

But first, let’s see Pipeaway readers’ top accommodation choices in 2018!

1. Best Rest Guest House, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

In 2019, Plovdiv in Bulgaria is a European Capital of Culture. This will certainly make it one of the most attractive European destinations! If you didn’t know it already, this is the oldest continually inhabited city in the whole of Europe! Plovdiv is packed with historical heritage behind every corner. On the other side, it is urban, creative and artsy at the same time, making it a perfect destination for the younger travelers too! It is therefore not such a surprise that the Best Rest Guest House recommended in our article is your no. 1 choice. If you are heading to Plovdiv, book in advance, as good beds in 2019 will be selling fast! To find other propositions on what to do in the town, follow Pipeaway’s 24-hour itinerary through Plovdiv.
Booking.com guests review – 9,6/10

2. Hotels in Greece

Greece will definitely be a great summer destination in 2019! I was traveling through this beautiful country in May and June last year, and while I focused my writing mainly on Cyclades Islands, Delphi, and Mount Athos, there is so much more to explore in Greece! I will be probably heading back very soon! Here are some places whose popularity from 2018 will only grow:

Syros

Emily Hotel – Settled right on the Achladi Beach on the island of Syros, this small family-run hotel is just the right size! I wrote about it in the selection of the best beachfront hotels in the Cyclades.
Booking.com guests review – 9,8/10

Syra Suites – Not far from the previous hotel, Syra Suites offers luxurious, fully-equipped apartments. If you want to be self-sustainable during your Syros holidays, this should be your choice!
Booking.com guests review – 9,5/10

Serifos

Coco-Mat Eco Residences – Just above the Vagia Beach, one of the prettiest ones on Serifos, this hotel with exceptional breakfast places its rooms into the renovated miners’ houses. It was my top choice in the best Cycladic beachfront hotels!
Booking.com guests review – 9,1/10

Paros

Paros Bay Hotel – Another eco-friendly hotel on the island of Paros is showing great respect towards the traditional Greek island architecture, but also incorporates a nice pool to refresh yourself, in case that waves on the beach are too rough.
Booking.com guests review – 9,0/10

Zefi Hotel – Naoussa is a traditional fishermen village on the northern coast of Paros. Zefi Hotel centers around the lovely swimming pool, a great option when you are too lazy to even walk to the special beaches the area is famous for. Here is a selection of things to do in Naoussa.
Booking.com guests review – 8,0/10

Athos

Gkeea Boutique Hotel – This stylish property with a wonderful breakfast is located in Ierissos, one of the lazy towns at the entrance to the mystical Holly Mountain (Agion Oros). The peninsula is reserved only for men, so Gkeea is a perfect oasis for the female part of the family, as well as for men returning from visiting the ascetic Mount Athos monasteries.
Booking.com guests review – 9,5/10

Delphi

Kastalia Boutique Hotel – If you are visiting Delphi, the center of the ancient world, Kastalia Boutique Hotel, run by a former plane crew couple, is a great choice! The portions in their restaurant are very generous, beware!
Booking.com guests review – 8,8/10

3. Hostels in Budapest, Hungary

Hungary is another country in Southeastern Europe that comes with a lot to offer, for extremely affordable prices. My favorite thing to do in Budapest is visiting its amazing spas such as Rudas Baths, or just enjoying some extraordinary cultural events in the city such as the annual Sziget Festival.

Here are the hostels Pipeaway’s readers were booking in 2018:

Flow Hostel – Booking.com guests review – 8,8/10

Essential Hostel – Booking.com guests review – 8,0/10

Marco Polo Top Hostel – Booking.com guests review – 8,0/10

10 % DISCOUNT FOR YOUR BOOKING

Now that you got some ideas on where Pipeaway’s followers enjoyed staying in 2018, why don’t you look for your own getaway on Booking.com?

If you want to use a 10 % discount on your first booking, register through my referral link: https://www.booking.com/s/97_6/centar95. You will get a 10 percent refund reward after you make your first booking!

After registering, get back to this list of bestselling properties in 2018. If our readers AND other guests loved these, Pipeaway-approved listings might be your new compass for picking a place to stay! Start your best travels ever!

I’D LOVE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU IF YOU STAYED IN ANY OF THE PROPERTIES MENTIONED ABOVE! HOW DID YOU LIKE THEM? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

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Naoussa has always been of interest to foreigners. Unlike those in the 17th century, the visitors of today come armed with sunscreen

Naoussa has a history of attracting the attention of foreigners. French, Venetians and Russians were all building their bases here since the 17^th century! With weapons stored away, foreigners come armed with parasols and sunscreen these days, occupying Naoussa’s famous golden beaches just temporarily.

Naoussa in return, with the biggest fleet of fishing boats in the Cyclades, offers splendid Mediterranean cuisine to its visitors. Pair it with the fine wine that the area is famous for (there is even a wine museum in Naoussa!), and you will hardly be able to resist this place, considered to be one of the prettiest villages of the Cyclades!

While you are in Paros, make sure to visit the neighboring island of Naxos too. Here are the 17 best things to do in Naxos!

Where is Naoussa located?

Naoussa is located on the northeastern coast of Paros, in the island’s second-largest bay. Just 10 kilometers away from Parikia, the main port of Paros, Naoussa is easily reachable by local bus. The village is not far whether you arrive at the island by ferry (3-4 hours ride from Piraeus) or fly to Paros Airport from Athens or Thessaloniki.

Attention! The village should not be confused with Naousa in the Imathia regional unit of Greek Macedonia! They spell both of them as Naousa or Naoussa, so always double-check if organizing your transportation in Greece. These are twin towns, but the experience you would have in each of them would be very, very different. In the northern one of the sister cities, you should not expect a beach at your doorstep!

Now that you understand you should head south if you want to reach the village of Naoussa, what to do there? Que voir, quoi faire? Here is the list of Naoussa activities you should include in your holiday planning!

If you want to explore the entire island, consider joining this fully customizable private tour of Paros!

Best things to do in Naoussa, Paros

1. Make your plan on what to do in Naoussa – by the pool!

Yes, Naoussa is on an island, and yes, it is in the bay known for its excellent beaches. These facts don’t mean you should cross properties with a swimming pool option from your wish list!

I enjoy working by the pool, and the one at Zefi Hotel is a little oasis of calmness. Grab yourself a beer, submerge your feet in the water, and spend a productive morning in a stimulating setting!

Parasols are here too, and many electrical sockets to plug your laptop in. There are no excuses for procrastinating the “to do” sheet that stops you from being able to properly relax while traveling!

If you are in Naoussa just for the holidays, you can use the outlets to charge your mobile phone! It will inevitably lose its battery quickly once you start noticing all those Instagram-worthy moments Naoussa and Zefi Hotel provide!

2. Take a stroll in Naoussa harbor!

As mentioned earlier, Naoussa has a long tradition of fishing. Walking in the harbor will enable you to chat with village fishermen folding their nets, observe the process of sun-drying the mackerels, or photograph local ducks that congregate close to the boats, as well as at the place of the pedestrian bridge, where the river meets the sea.

Pay a visit to the small, but picturesque Church Agios Nikolaos, built at the entrance of Naoussa port! St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. Many still visit this single-aisle basilica to pray for their fishing boats!

3. Get wet at the Venetian fortress!

Venetian Castle of Naoussa (or Kastelli) is located just in front of the old harbor. This circular fort is one of the landmarks of the village!

Venetians from the Somaripa dynasty built it in the 15^th century. It served as a watchtower for the attacks of pirates and other enemies.

The surviving part of this half-submerged Venetian fortress in Naoussa is reachable via a narrow walkway. This wall gets hit by the raging waves, which makes the passage an exciting experience! It is so exciting that some visitors never get to cross this wall, which is a pity, as the fort is worth a visit!

4. Have lunch in a church!

Just a quick walk through the center of Naoussa will tell you how this village is eager to serve its tourists! Restaurants have spread their chairs all the way to the edge of the waterfront, sometimes taking over the anchored boats as well!

Don’t get too surprised if you figure out that they serve you in a house that has the distinct architecture of a church!

Taverns, cafes, and bars have found their way into every available hole in Naoussa harbor.

This means that even the narrow and steep alleys become the setting for romantic dinners! In the maze of stone-paved streets, you will find plenty of temptations for your tastebuds!

5. Hike to Mycenaean Acropolis!

If you want to enjoy some lovely views of Naoussa Bay, make sure to hike to the remains of the Mycenaean Acropolis! The settlement was built in 1.200 BC on the Koukounaries Hill, 75 meters above sea level and the famous Kolymbithres Beach. It was probably set on fire when the enemies attacked, but today it represents one of the most important archeological sites on Paros!

Even if you are not an enthusiastic rock explorer, this little hike through Naoussa hills is beneficial as it provides you with an advantageous view of the bay and its crystal clear turquoise waters!

Get down from the hill the unofficial way – just straight towards the beach. You will find many animal skulls on the floor, and ask yourself will you be the one who survived this descent!

If you want to discover other parts of Paros and Cycladic Islands, check our article on the best beachfront hotels in the Cyclades!

6. Enjoy Naoussa Bay beaches!

Kolymbithres Beach (Kolympethres) in the western part of Naoussa Bay is one of the most appealing Paros attractions.

It is famous for the unusually shaped smooth granite rocks that feel sculptural. The sculptor was Mother Nature, modeling the white rock formations on the beach with sea and winds for centuries.

Today, the beach provides small sandy coves, guaranteeing you a beautiful, yet intimate place to relax.

On the road to the beach, you will be able to find several bars and taverns (I ate some quite good moussaka in Anemos Taverna!).

Besides Kolymbithres, the list of best Naoussa Paros beaches includes Monastiri, Santa Maria, Piperaki, Piperi, Agios Ioannis, Agioi Anargyroi… Exploring this part of Paros will take you at least a week!

7. Get naked in Naoussa!

At the eastern end of Naoussa Bay, Lageri Beach (versions of the spelling include Lagkeri/Laggeri/Langeri) is a quiet getaway from the world of sunbeds and mass tourism exploitation. Naturally, it became a favorite gathering place for nudists, so if you are into sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and pure naturism, this is an FKK dream come true!

The sea is shallow here, which makes it an excellent place for children, but still, keep in mind that some parts of the beach seem to be more adult-only.

The area around the dunes is getting more and more popular among gay couples. However, this nude beach is so long that everyone can find their do-not-disturb corner.

Getting from Naoussa to Lageri Beach is relatively easy. Even if you decide to walk along the coast, a one-way stroll to the nude heaven of Naoussa will take one hour.

Lageri Beach certainly belongs among the best beaches in Paros, and some even call it one of the best beaches in the whole of the Cyclades.

Do remember that it doesn’t come with taverns or shops; bring everything you need for a long day of frying in the sun! Tree shade is available, so you will be able to protect your naked bum!

If you want to dive deeper in Greek nudist holidays, consider staying at some of their best clothing-optional hotels and resorts!

8. Dine with cats!

If you are a cat lover, Cycladic Islands will give you many occasions to stop by the road and pet one! However, if you are not a cat lover, then do keep in mind that, when eating outside, local cats might try to cuddle around your feet, hoping to get pieces from your plate!

As mentioned before, there is plenty of dining options here. Most of Naoussa’s best restaurants incorporate an authentically Greek hospitality habit: before paying the bill, the waiter will bring a free mastic liqueur for you to taste or some local dessert. Enjoy!

Nota bene, if you get tired of traditional Greek cuisine during your week in Naoussa, Paros, and ask yourself where to eat something else, Pizzarella offers a safe bet – a delicious wood oven Italian pizza!

9. Get a room at the Zefi Hotel!

Holidays in Naoussa, Paros, cannot be complete without a good hotel.

At the end of a long and tiring day, find some good rest at Zefi Hotel!

This four-star hotel speaks the language of the Cyclades, both in its whitewashed exterior and shell-and-amphoras decorated interior.

Exposed beams and bricks painted in white, with simple furniture, provide a relaxing countryside atmosphere.

Junior suites upgrade the Greek-style interior with discrete LED lights, and even come with a Jacuzzi! I can imagine it being a great honeymoon hotel choice when visiting Naoussa, Paros!

It is good to know that Zefi Hotel offers massage treatments, including one for pregnant women! Now, that’s a luxury!

The only real downside of the hotel is a quite unappealing neighborhood. The littering environment might not be in the domain of the hotel, but sadly it does affect the impression of the guests. As long as you ask for a room with a view of the hotel’s nice pool, you will be fine!

Looking for something different? Check out other accommodation options in Naoussa!

10. Indulge in breakfast, and repeat!

As I visited Zefi Hotel in the low season, the restaurant was not fully operational, so I cannot give any feedback on the lunch/dinner offer. But if we can judge by the breakfast, this place should cover your gastronomical needs! Even if we were rare guests at this moment of the year, the buffet didn’t seem deficient at all. On the contrary, we were able to indulge in strawberries with whipped cream, bananas with honey and walnuts, smoothies and cookies, and all the usual components of a 4-star breakfast. It was a visual and tasteful stimulation for another day of exploring the secrets of Naoussa!

What to do in Naoussa – Conclusion

As you can see, Naoussa is a charming town that offers a lot of things to do for travelers who want to experience the authentic side of Paros.

Whether you are looking for culture, history, or nature, you will find something to suit your taste in this picturesque fishing village.

You can stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the whitewashed houses and colorful boats, visit the local shops and galleries, enjoy the delicious seafood and wine, relax on the sandy beaches, or even join a boat trip to explore the nearby islands.

Naoussa is a place where you can feel the soul of Greece and fall in love with its beauty and hospitality.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Naoussa today and discover why it is one of the best things to do in Paros!

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Disclosure: My stay at Zefi Hotel was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

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When someone mentions Greek islands, the first ones that come to mind are usually Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes. However, among the hundreds of the islands in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, there are plenty of hidden gems, offering beachfront hotels that can provide excellent holidays!

Just imagine the sea waves as the most natural lullaby before you head to sleep!

Even if overshadowed by neighboring touristic giants that often come out as pricey and crowded, the islands of Serifos, Syros and Paros can compete with some of the best beaches in Greece!

And hear this now: these boutique hotels guarantee a direct entrance to some of those beaches!

A touch of luxury, a spark of tradition, and the sound of the sea waves as the most natural lullaby before you head to sleep!

Enjoy your Greek vacations at some of the best Cyclades Islands hotels!

Prepare your trip to the Cyclades with this Lonely Planet’s travel guide to the Greek islands!

Top 3 beach hotels in Cyclades Islands, Greece

1. Serifos – Coco-Mat Eco Residences
Price per night: 390-504 Euros

The island of Serifos was one of the stops for Odysseus when he was returning home from the Trojan War. Not far from the cave where Polyphemus the Cyclops imprisoned the famous Homer’s hero and his crewmen, Koutala Bay is today a sleepy home to the equally captivating beachfront hotel: Coco-Mat Eco Residences.

Just above Vagia Beach, one of the island’s prettiest sandy beaches, the complex of miners’ houses built in 1910 went through a renovation in 2013 and became – a hotel.

The island was once known as the ‘iron island’, and its mines abandoned in 1967 are reachable by foot from Coco-Mat Eco Residences.

While renovating miners’ houses, the architect George Zafiriou respected the Cycladic tradition, but also catered for the needs of the contemporary traveler.

They built the cottages on two floors, with a kitchen and lounge area at the entrance level, and rooms and bathrooms on the lower level. It was a pleasant interior washed in white and pale grey, with natural and industrial decoration style elements, from exposed wooden beams and stone-framed mirrors to the sizeable old lantern with adjustable light.

Old miners’ houses with a contemporary design

A member of the Design Hotels chain, this bioclimatic complex offers 13 eco-friendly apartments equipped with Coco-Mat’s signature products.

This Greek company is famous for providing luxurious and sustainable sleep systems which secure a good night’s rest through the exclusive use of natural elements such as wool, wood, seaweed, or coconut fibers.

Its Serifos hotel is not an exception! Coco-Mat Eco Residences let you choose the type of mattress elasticity, pillows, and bed linen. You can even select the size of the eco slippers, and then take them home as a present!

Every unit at this beachfront hotel comes with a sunbed on a private terrace, providing excellent views of the Aegean Sea, especially during the sunset.

Vagia Beach, literally a stone’s throw away, has calm and crystal clear waters. It is even enlisted as Natura 2000 protected site!

For the latest prices at Coco-Mat Eco Residences in Serifos, click here!

The onsite restaurant offers haute cuisine throughout the day. My Aegean Codfish with potato mousse and bianco sauce was tasty, but beware – the portions are very light! Plan your hunger cycles accordingly!

Breakfast, however, was quite impressive. Rich in healthy choices, Coco-Mat’s morning buffet would fill up anyone’s energy levels, in the best way imaginable!

Coco-Mat Eco Residences are located a 15-minute drive from Livadi, the island’s ferry port. The boat ride from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Serifos takes between 2 and 5 hours and operates daily.

If you are looking for clothing-optional vacations in Greece, consult our guide to the best nude beaches in Cyclades Islands!

2. Paros – Paros Bay Hotel
Price per night: 72-107 Euros

Located in Paros, the largest and the most popular of the three Greek islands in this selection, Paros Bay Hotel was another beachfront property shining Greekness. Even if its general manager Alexis de Neuville came from France!

At the reception of this eco-friendly hotel, he welcomed me personally, accompanied by two lovely dogs. Pets are welcome here.

Constructed in the traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, curved corners, and grey shutter doors on the balconies, Paros Bay Hotel was blending into its environment like the most natural part of the beach landscape.

Palm trees in a lovely designed garden, a miniature version of a windmill, and even a boat stranded on the property were reaffirming the Greek identity of this place.

The hotel interior was decorated with sculptures and paintings of the boats. In the lobby – Christian Stemper’s “Wolves of the Sea”, a book full of photographs of ships and fishermen. Paros Bay Hotel celebrated its connections with the sea at every step.

While you are in Paros, make sure to visit another attractive fishermen’s village – Naoussa!

When I visited in late May, Paros Bay hotel restaurant’s lunch menu sadly offered only octopus salad and grilled prawns in the seafood department. The rest of the à la carte options included souvlaki, burgers, chicken nuggets, and pasta.

While the lunch menu could have been improved both in content and execution, the dinner buffet came as a positive surprise, both in variety and quality! As long as you could arrive early – because the all-you-can-eat offer attracted guests to glue themselves at the restaurant before the official door opening at 7 pm.

Seaside for swimming, surfing, and observing

Just in front of the Paros Bay Hotel, Souvlia Beach offered the first plunge in the sea.

If you were looking for a longer stretch of golden sand and bigger waves, Parasporos Beach would cater well to your surfing needs.

For those who preferred pools to beaches, the hotel offered a decent-sized swimming pool with a wooden sun deck. Encircled with white stones, the pool mimicked the beach experience, but just a few steps away from one’s room! For toddlers, there was a kid’s pool! You wouldn’t get much better than that in any of the beachfront hotels in Cyclades Islands!

For the latest prices at Paros Bay Hotel, click here!

My twin room was simple and covered all the basic needs, but came with quite a small bathroom that could use some uplift. On the other hand, there was a large terrace which offered stunning panoramic views of the sea!

Paros Bay Hotel is located just a 10-minute drive away from Parikia, the island’s picturesque capital. It is connected with Piraeus daily via ferries and high-speed catamarans (3-4 hour ride). The island’s airport also has daily flights to Athens and Thessaloniki.

The first neighbor of Paros also deserves a visit. Check these exciting things to do in Naxos Island! 

3. Syros – Hotel Emily
Price per night: 41 Euro

Syros, the capital of Cyclades Islands. That’s right! For Syros, Greek islands such as Mykonos or Santorini are just a periphery! So why on earth were these touristically overexploited sites overshadowing Syros’ secrets? Maybe that was even better for Syros, who knows? Use the information from this article, but don’t share it with others! 😉

I’ve arrived in Achladi, a small fishermen’s village situated in the south of the island, with the eponymous sandy beach being its central point. Hotel Emily was located just at this beach!

Welcomed with the local loukoumi, I could expect a sweet ordeal!

The family-run hotel was established in 1965. Today it is run by a runner; Alexandros Bolias is known in Greek islands as the fastest man around! He regularly wins local marathons and similar races.

But he wanted to keep his hands occupied too. So he raised the bar, by revamping Hotel Emily as a traditional hotel business with a modern vibe.

You seem to like the capital of Cyclades Islands? Check out this accommodation option on Syros as well!

Balcony lullaby

With just eleven rooms, this intimate hotel could never get overcrowded. The space in the room could be somewhat limited, but it had essential amenities and was tastefully decorated.

The centrally placed large and comfortable bed facing towards the small balcony and the blue bay in front of it dominated the room.

Sure, one could use AC to cool some nights down, but it would be a sin to close those balcony doors and cut out the sounds of the unspoiled Mediterranean.

In the morning, the local fishermen would be working around their boats in this small colorful harbor, adding up to the authentic Greek island experience.

By the way, the cover image of this article is from Achladi Beach! One would be waking up with the feeling of being just on the beach, sea waves tickling the toes. One could throw the alarm clock in the provided garbage bin! At Hotel Emily in Greece – only natural.

Unlike the first two examples, Hotel Emily did not have its restaurant, but breakfast with fresh seasonal ingredients, homemade jams, and juices, was always available.

For lunch and dinner, Giosifaki Restaurant in the nearby village of Vari delivered more than one could take! Enormous portions, tiny prices.

For the latest prices at Hotel Emily, click here!

Hotel Emily is a 15-minute drive away from Ermoupoli, the island’s main port. The ferry ride from Athens to Syros can take up to 3,5 hours. Being the capital of the Cyclades Islands, Syros has its own airport too, with daily connections to other Greek destinations.

For those of you who love the sea so much that you would swap your hotel for a sailboat, here are your options of cruise trips in the Cyclades, from 1 to 8 days!

Best beachfront hotels in Cyclades Islands – Conclusion

If you are planning beach holidays in Greece, try to think outside of the box! There is life beyond Santorini, and there is nightlife beyond Mykonos.

Even if the Cyclades Islands of Serifos, Paros, and Syros offer a slightly different idea of Greek island holidays, they will still provide you with decent accommodation, food, and some of the best beaches in Greece, away from the tourist hordes.

Coco-Mat Eco Residences, Paros Bay Hotel, and Hotel Emily are not random boutique luxury beachfront hotels on yet another booking list for Cyclades Islands, Greece.

All of these island hotels show the care for the particular environment they are growing in. If they are caring for their environment, they will take great care of their guests too. Experiencing such care is pure luxury!

If you want to explore more accommodation options in Cyclades Islands, find them at the best prices on this link!

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Disclosure: My stay at these hotels was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post The Best Beach Hotels in Cyclades Islands: Greece Luxury With a Sea View appeared first on Pipeaway.