Today we got up early, breakfast overlooking the sea at our bungalow and packed our bags for a full day out and then the evening in Naxos Town. Russ did some press ups and swim on the beach first, missing his work outs! The DK eyewitness travel book has few pages on Naxos and we used this to route our way to Appollon on the northern tip heading into central Naxos and then back to Naxos Town along the north west coast road.

The journey took us into Melanesia villages, we stopped off at Kournochori to see the Venetian Della Rocca Tower. We then continued on to Myloi near the ancient marble quarry at Flerio where 2 6th century BC Kouros huge marble statues, 8 metre long and the other 5.5 m. There is a small parking area and information boards (yeh) for the stories of the statues as well as a small trail to see the ancient aqueduct exit and tunnel entrances. The paths are marked to,the statues by marble signs. Knowing the history of them they are quite a sight to see.

This drive to Appollon I have to say equalled that of driving coast to coast on the White mountains of Western Crete it was simply stunning and a must for visitors.

The roads were quiet and not until we reached Appollon did we find many other people, the sandy beach front is lined with tavernas, we chose a very lovely one in the middle called Akrogiali where the host was very obliging, we had coffees, beer, fresh fruit smoothie, a crepe with cheese, bacon, mushroom and tomato for me and Russ a club sandwich. It was delicious and came to €25.

We then stepped down to the beach, creamed up, walked whilst it soaked in and swam, snorkelled. Russ snoozed a little but I stayed in and snorkelled. I floated, which you do, so easily, and watched the parrot fish eating away right by me. I only came out as I was getting cold which is a good job as it was time to go and continue our tour. There are changing rooms and showers on the beach which was useful.

We drove down the coast rode stopping off just outside Appollon to see the largest of the Kouros and were joined by a coach load of people too.

The journey to Naxos is spectacular but have to say the inland route we took was incredible. The drive to Appollon with stops took us about an hour and 15mins.

We parked on the outskirts which in reality is in the port as it is so small compared to what the map makes it looks like. We strolled into the harbour front and took some steps to make our way to the Venetian Kastro, the Bourgeois Market, the Orthodox Cathedral, 18 th century, loving the small patchwork of streets.

Just reading the DK book I don't think we saw the fortified Kastro, we went into a house where the Bourg lived and paid to see the rooms but I need to check now as I thought this wasn't the Kastro!!! We shall have to,return. Anyway we strolled down to the harbour for a cocktail and I used .stanbr trip report for one of his tavernas he eats at, we chose Taverna to Kastro. We located it and then realised the sun was sinking quickly so off we went to The Portara , the temple of Appolla that the Venetians ransacked but left what stands today as they were too large to move! There were around 8@ other people on the hill to,get that shot! We just made it in time and I snook in between them to get a shot of the sun setting in the middle. We did a live feed video on Face Book to share the moment.

Right looking on line we have seen the Kastro, phew!!

Heading back to the taverna which was easily found and continued enjoying the sunset from the view. Russ had beef stavado, myself Lamb in artichoke, one beer which came to €28.

Heading back to Mikra Vigla about 30 min drive and now sat on our patio enjoying the night sky and sound of the waves on the beach below us. A very quiet night, no wind or clouds.