My friend Debbie told me a few months ago that she and her husband have a Mexican restaurant and shop on the island of Naxos. We jumped at the chance to travel to another Greek island. We stayed for 3 nights in a sweet B&B called Annio Boutique Studios. The location is in Plaka which we found quiet and gorgeous. The rooms and grounds are welcoming and lovely. You can smell a mix of sea salt, olives, and jasmine and the walk to the beach takes 2 minutes. We took bikes and rode around the area too. There are a number of nudits along the beach so don’t worry if you forget your swim suit or trunks. Our friends, who live on Crete, joined us in this quest for all things Greek.
The Mexican restaurant that Debbie and Stratos own is called Picasso and it’s a superb establishment with a colorful and hefty menu of fajitas, tacos, beach goddess bowls, margaritas, and lots more. I would say the best part is getting delivered a meal on the beach which we did. Sunsets are priceless in Plaka. Our daughter and her friend sat on their paddle boards at sunset and relished in a Greek moment that I immensly enjoyed seeing from the shore. We also got so lucky to see part of a meteor shower on our last night there. I’m not much of a shopper because I prefer to take home photos and memories but you must stop in to Aegean Blue right next to Picasso. You’ll find so many items for yourself and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Naxos the largest of the Cyclades island group. You can ferry or fly here. I recommend “the real Naxos experience” by hanging out on the gorgeous beaches. They are clean with spectacular blues and greens. Then head inland for some hiking and local fare.
Near the port there’s a restaurant called 1926. All the products at 1926 are from the island. The fried graviera cheese was superb. The menu has something for everyone. Just take a short stroll down the beach front and you must stop at Aktaion, a pastry boutique with loads of choices including fab macaroons and unique ice cream. Try the basil, olive oil and bergamot macaroon. It is beautifully colored and tastes lovely. Its hard to savor just one – this bite earned the 2nd place in a recent Greek competition. The prickly pear and mango ice cream is lucious.
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