travelerjan

PS: Why is it that my age is mention, yours not?? Unfair!

stanbr

Ah Jan I mentioned your age so people could understand that there might be a reason for your being crochety while treking with us.

stanbr

Oh no I forgot to attache my pictures. This album is called 10 days in Naxos 2015
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...57656336387898

lauramsgarden

Ah Stan what an amazing trip report - thank you for the advice - so many wonderful choices. If you were choosing one spot in Crete as a base for exploring where would you put down your bags? (I'm not sure we're up for as much bopping around as you did - I am impressed!) I'm also a huge Outlander fan (have read all 8 books I think) so now I trust your judgment even more lol. (check out the TV show if you haven't already).

BeniciaChris

Thank you so much Stan. We fly out next week Will spend a week in Naxos I felt I was already there looking at your pictures. I took notes for all the places to eat.

stanbr

Hi Lauramsgarden. I would choose Chania. It is delightful and probably the prettiest city in Greece ( primarily the old town and harbour area) It is a good base for day trips like the Samara Gorge, balos and Gramovossa,Elofonissi beach, ancient Falasarna and the beaches there, ancient Aptera and a nice day trip to Rethymnon. You could also take a day trip down south to a nice beach village like Sougia.
Most of this can be done by local bus except Aptera but a car will give you max flexibility.

My second choice would be to take the ferry along the Libyan Sea starting in Paleochora then on to Sougia, Ag Rommouli, Loutro and Chora Sfakion. If you wanted to just stay in one place I would choose Sougia and then just take the ferry which runs regularly to whichever of these villages you would like to see as a day trip.

I give you two suggestions because Chania is a historical type vacation and the Libyan Sea is a hiking, rugged, big vista type of vacation so the answer really depends on what you are looking for. You will enjoy both but they are two totally different experiences.

stanbr

Hi Benicia. Thanks for your comments. I think you will really enjoy Naxos.
We are toying with a 2016 trip to Naxos in September. I would be interested in hearing about your impressions of the weather, crowds and feel of Naxos in September.

Heimdall

Hi stanbr,

I enjoy reading your trip reports, and looking at your superb photos. I won't be on Naxos this year, but can give you an impression of September from where I am presently on Antiparos.

As always, sea temperatures are much warmer than in June, so swimming is a delight! Daylight hours are, of course, shorter, and it is starting to get dark around 7pm. This year it has been quite hot right until yesterday. The wind picked up to about Beaufort 6, and last night was the first time I wore a jacket.

The biggest difference I have found in September is the age of the visitors - many mature couples and singles, some families with toddlers, and not many (but a few) young adults and school age children.

Naxos has a slightly longer season than Antiparos, but visitor numbers drop sharply after the end of August. Each weekend in September more visitors leave, and beaches & restaurants get less busy as the month progresses. Some hotels and tavernas are closing down, but most will be open until the end of the month or later. In my experience it is a myth that islanders get burned out in September - far from it! Staff are relaxed after a busy summer, and eager to squeeze out a little more income before the season ends. I have received several acts of kindness from islanders this year.

Don't tell your wife, but most of the shops are having end of season sales, with prices reduced by as much as 50% or more. Leave room in your suitcase for bargains to bring home!

stanbr

Hey Heimdall thank you very much. Thats great info. All I need to do now is save some money and persuade Lolly that this is a good idea. Fortunately time and persistence are on my side.

Heimdall

Go for it, stanbr! I find it educational to visit the islands at different times of year, although I've never been in winter. For several years I was visiting in both June and September, and still can't decide which I like best. This September has been a treat for me, because most of my old Antiparos friends, both Greek and others, have been here on the island.

BeniciaChris

This will be our 2nd time visitng in Sept. I prefer Europe in Sep for the nice weather & the thinning of tourists.
Thanks for the info on Sales in Sept. My home is full of Greek Treasures

Heimdall

Yes, many merchants would rather sell at a discount and get the cash than to put away their stock for the winter. That doesn't apply to shops that stay open year-round, but just about every shop selling clothing has sales signs in their windows. I have my eye on a pair of Teva sandals at 50% off, but so far have resisted temptation.

I was watching a tractor down at the beach yesterday loading up sun beds. The season is coming to an end, but the weather is still glorious, and the sea water is warm.

stanbr

Heimdall you will have to buy a beach mat for the rest of your stay. Personally I can no longer use the old reliable straw beach mat. I can get down OK but getting up again is an entirely different matter.

Heimdall

I know what you mean, stanbr, as I have the same problem. There are still some sun beds left on the beach, but I'm sticking with the beach mat for the time being. Call me a miser, but I brought one from home that wasn't worn out after my previous Greek holiday.

lauramsgarden

thanks so much for the advice Stanbr - I think Chania it is as we do love history and it sounds easier to negotiate for first timers. Love all your pictures and advice - thanks

kja

Another great report, stanbr – thanks so much! Although I haven’t made any decisions yet, I’m inclined to rent a car for substantial portions of the trip I am planning, but I do so knowing that I miss some unbelievable landscapes as I focus on the road, and I’ll miss some wonderful opportunities to observe or interact with locals, too. I always find the decision of whether to use public transportation or a rental car a tough call, and am glad to see another Fodorite point to its advantages!