Being back in Naxos is like reuniting with an old friend – fun, warm, congenial, interesting, with plenty of stories to tell.

Naxos’ beautiful sandy beaches, 13th century kastro, meandering white-washed lanes and fascinating, unfinished temple of Apollo make it a special friend of many.

Having stayed a couple of times by the port in Naxos, we decided this time to stay by the beach, so Agia Anna it was! And what a good decision that was. Spoilt with both a pool and beach within metres, we sunned a bit, swam a bit more and relaxed mainly. Rykersaurus especially enjoyed building sandcastles, floating in the sea and eating icecream (some things never change). There is just something about being close to the sea, and better still, being in it, that dissolves away all your cares.

Until, of course, you get out and your bather bottoms are full of once-comforting and now- itchy sand, your hair is spaghetti a la seaweed and your towel is being used vigorously by a nearby German tourist. Not quite the Ursula Andress scene you imagined.  Ok, I made up that bit about the tourist but European tourists do have a different sense of space than we do down under  – you find yourself a nice, quiet spot on the beach away from others and within minutes, there is a bunch of other sun seekers right next to you. Literally. I suppose it’s a good problem to have -undoubtedly there are far worse predicaments.

Speaking of tourists, the majority of them here are Swedish. In fact, I think it is the official language of Naxos, well, Agia Anna anyway. There are blondes everywhere – with hair so transparent that Rykersaurus and I look like brunettes.  The lady in the apartment next door is a total Agnetha clone – it is amazing!  We actually found the same situation in Phuket last year. They love the resorts. I don’t blame them. We have enjoyed our resort spell too.

It’s off to Naxos town for a few days next. Will keep you posted.