Villas Kastrakis

Villas Kastraki can be found overlooking Kastraki Beach, on the west coast of the Greek island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. You can get to Naxos via Athens, followed by a forty-five minute flight to the local airport, and then a twenty-minute drive across the island to your destination. You can also take a ferry from the ports of Athens, or island hop from Santorini, Paros, Milos, Ios, or Mykonos. The villa is near supermarkets for your holiday provisions, and local cafes, bars, and restaurants are within walking distance. The nearest beach is almost on your doorstep, take the path from Villa Kastraki straight onto a secluded sandy beach, surrounded by sand dunes and cedar trees, and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea.

Naxos is famous for its water sports, most especially kite and windsurfing, with seven major clubs around the coastline, the Meltemi north wind effect makes it the most perfect conditions. The villa is near the unspoilt Glyfada sandy beach, with its crystal clear waters, and kitesurfing club Other great beaches include; Agia Anna for its sea caves and tavernas, Aliko with four beaches and a backdrop of cedar forests, Mikri Vigla for excellent water sports, Agios Prokopios for its white sand, and promenade populated with restaurants, and the most popular Plaka, with four kilometres of organised sun loungers and shady parasols. Go sixteen kilometres north to Naxos town, known locally as Chora, a lively commercial centre, with a port, whitewashed houses, and original Venetian architecture. Visit the thirteenth-century castle, the Archeological and Venetian Museums, and the landmark Portara, constructed in 530BC as the original entrance to the unbuilt Temple of Apollo, best seen at sunset.

Highly recommended is a visit to a local village, of which there are fifty on the island. See traditional village life in the mountaintop setting of Koronas, and the Church of Panagia Agrokiliotissa. Visit Chalki (Halki), once the capital of the island, admire the grandeur of the neoclassical Venetian homes and towers, and walk the cobbled streets as you shop for souvenirs. Make sure you visit the Vallindra Distillery where they make Kitron, the island’s famous lemon liqueur, sample some, and take a bottle home with you. For something a bit sportier, the island offers hiking and cycling tours, where you can discover the local flora and fauna, mountain biking and horseback riding, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. For the daredevils, Naxos is renowned for its cliff diving. For something more cultural, there is the seventh-century BC Statue of Kouros sculptures, the sixth-century AD Temple of Demeter, the Crispi Tower Byzantine Museum, and the Cycladia Cultural Centre at Damala, which hosts events throughout the season. Seek solace and find tranquillity in the many Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries that can be found all over the island, with their ornate interiors and Byzantine icons.

No trip to Naxos is complete without a boat trip, island hop, swim and snorkel in secret coves and hidden bays, dine aboard, then sail into harbour at sunset. After all that, wind down with a wine tour of one of the local vineyards, and sample their wares. Settle down for an evening under the stars at the open-air cinema or enjoy traditional Greek dishes in a family-run taverna.

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