Greece 2026 - Day 6, Naxos
2 May 2026
Naxos, Greece
Weather: The day began with sunshine and patches of blue sky over Santorini. Conditions remained pleasant during the ferry crossing to Naxos, although strong winds became increasingly noticeable upon arrival. Clouds gradually built up during the afternoon, creating dramatic skies over the island. A short evening shower passed through during dinner, followed by cooler temperatures and a refreshing breeze for the rest of the night.
The morning began with a final look across the caldera from Firostefani before we checked out of Agali and made our way down to Thira Port for the ferry to Naxos. The weather looked promising, though dark clouds lingered in the distance as if Santorini was reluctant to let us leave.
While waiting for our SeaJets ferry, we settled into a small café called The Dock for breakfast. The coffee arrived quickly but the food took its own sweet time. With only one chef working in the tiny kitchen, orders were piling up. We were beginning to glance nervously at our watches when the waiter calmly reassured us, "Relax, I see this every day." He kept insisting we stay put instead of rushing to the boarding gates. In the end, the café owner felt bad about the delay and surprised us with complimentary bagels. A simple gesture, but one we appreciated.
This was actually our first inter island ferry ride of the trip. Having heard stories about the rather chaotic boarding process, we spent some time before the trip watching videos and reading tips online. By the time we arrived at the port, we already had a game plan. Lock the luggage together, move quickly when called and secure our seats before settling in for the journey to Naxos. The ferry departed late and eventually arrived in Naxos about twenty minutes behind schedule. Compared to Santorini, the arrival felt refreshingly relaxed.
Our accommodation, Oceamo, was just a short walk from the port. The Yaps landed the ground floor room, which quickly became the unofficial headquarters for the next few days. Every travelling group needs a gathering spot and Room 4 was it.
After settling in, we headed straight into the maze of lanes that make up Chora's Old Town. Naxos immediately felt different from Santorini. Less polished perhaps, but far more lived in and authentic. Around one corner, we stumbled upon a shop called "Drink in Peace". Parked outside was a car with a registration plate beginning with Hui Hong's initials, YHH. What are the odds?
We spent the afternoon wandering aimlessly, which is often the best way to explore a Greek island. At Promponas Citrus, we sampled local products and picked up a few bottles of Naxian wine for after dinner drinks over the coming nights. A traditional bakery nearby was still producing bread the old fashioned way and we bought a fresh loaf for breakfast the next morning.
Lunch was at Taverna Naxos, recommended by both Google reviews and a colleague of CL. The food was hearty, delicious and noticeably more affordable than Santorini. It was also where many of us began our love affair with Naxian lamb. Afterwards, everyone was desperate for coffee.
The afternoon was spent exploring the old Venetian Castle that sits above the town. Hidden within its walls was a former convent school, while perched at the top was a rooftop restaurant that would become our dinner venue the following evening.
Dinner was at To Elliniko, where the Tans had thoughtfully gone ahead to secure our reservation. The food once again impressed and we discovered a lovely local red, Moutharo from Ktima Katradios Winery, which paired beautifully with the grilled meats. Midway through dinner, the weather finally turned. Rain began falling steadily outside, forcing us to make a damp but cheerful walk back to our rooms.
The evening ended the way many great holidays do. A few bottles opened, stories shared, laughter echoing through Oceamo's Room 4 and nobody in a hurry to call it a night. Santorini had given us spectacular views. Naxos, after just one day, was already beginning to win us over with its charm, warmth and wonderfully unpretentious character.
