Naxos – a night in the middle of a party mile

We continue towards the Cyclades. The Aegean and especially the Cyclades and the Dodecanese are known for rapidly changing wind and wave situations. In the afternoon, the weather forecast predicts some more. In order to get as far as possible, we decide not to sail past the islands halfway, but to rely on our navigational skills and sail for a few hours without having any land contact. It’s a bit strange, because we don’t even see any other ships. First we pass the islands of Kea and Kithnos before relying on the compass. At some point we think we can see land in the distance on the port side (left), but our destination cannot be Naxos, it must be Mykonos. Shortly afterwards, relief: land in sight, we are on course and hit the gap between Paros and Naxos. When we arrive in Naxos town we find the harbour full, but we are allowed to moor right next to the access road and have a fuel truck come so that we can continue safely the next morning. The boat needs diesel to run. But we are pleasantly surprised that we only have to fill up with 500 litres. We are early enough to get ready for shore and explore the old town a bit, have something to eat in a good restaurant and, of course, enjoy one or two anchor beers. Then it’s off to the ship, because we want to get up early again. But we won’t get a good night’s sleep, because the marina is right on the promenade and it’s a hive of activity. Thousands of tourists are partying. And right opposite us is an open-air disco. They are still partying here when we cast off at 5:00. This is the second time we have been deprived of sleep by disco and techno music all night.