The Cyclades are having an unusual spell of windy and cool Spring weather this year… …or we are told it is unusual.

After several days of waiting out the wind at Amorgos, we finally had a break in the weather. We didn’t hesitate to set sail for our next stop at Naxos. We had a very pleasant passage, about six hours. The sea was rolly especially at the start; but, we had sunshine and wind for a reach for most of the way which helped and we made good time.

We decided to plant ourselves at the Naxos Marina so that we had ready access to a marina shop for a couple of things that we needed and to facilities like showers, laundry, etc. The Naxos Marina seemed a little disorganized and our arrival was less than slick thanks to the “dockmaster”, or should I say the person who carries that title. Things kept getting better when the dockmaster explained that they have lovely new showers and marina facilities that are not ready and open for the season. Oh and the water on the dock is not potable which means we can’t put it in our water tanks to supply the showers and laundry on board. A shout out of congratulations to the gentleman who ran the one marina shop in town, he has retired and closed his shop. Anyway, we were happy to see civilization after two days and three nights without cell or internet access and we were looking forward to a good night’s sleep secure at a dock after several nights of half-sleeping while keeping watch over the weather and the anchor.

The island of Naxos is the largest in the Cyclades. The main town, also called Naxos, is a charming spot. There are remains of a Venetian castle on the hill with a warren of alleys filled with lovely shops, galleries and cafes. The view from the top of the hill is quite spectacular and well worth the uphill walk.

There is a marble arch, Apollo’s Gate, which is quite visible from around town and from sea. It is part of a temple that was started in 530BC and never finished.

The one or two-day stop at Naxos turned into five days sheltering from the wind. There are certainly worse places to while-away a few days. I think we are learning about Dolce Farr Niente whether we want to or not. Next stop Mykonos where we are already late for meeting our friends Mike and Linda.