AboutDenny Expertise Greece on a budget, The Islands, Mainland, Athens and its burbs. For the basics on getting around...maybe I can help...I go there yearly and you can`t be as cheap as me .
Experience Worked & lived in Athens area for 5 years. (78-83 Was AFRS Radio Announcer (Denny West)at the time. Last visit: Mar/Sep 2005. Last time in Europe, June
2008 (Spain & Germany).
Organizations Janesville Library (I have a card)
Publications Stars & Stripes
Education/Credentials I have a BS degree from UTSA, guess that means I can expound on just about anything ?
Awards and Honors USAF Broadcasting's 'Thomas Jefferson Award'
Past/Present Clients I am NOT a travel salesperson.
Question 1.I want to take the night ferry next week to Naxos from Piraeus, Deck Class (no cabins left): is it necessary to book or will I be safe just turning up before departure?
2.Is it OK to camp "rough" (not on an official campsite) in the quieter parts of Naxos, and on the Little Cyclades? Can you recommend anywhere, either specific place or general area?. My wife and I would just like to hang out for a few days as secluded as possible, but within 30 minutes hike of a place to eat/get water.
It is a great service you offer, I found many of your previous answers very helpful. Thanks.
Bob Jones
Answer Yiasou Bob, thank you for your inquiry,
REF Nite Ferry...You will be safe just showing up. But try to arrive about 90-min before departure in order to get your tickets and then early boarding in order to find a good seat either on deck or inside...also, to sign up for any rooms that might come open due to cancellations (Pursers office...where all the funny looking Greeks in sailor suits are).
Camping on NAXOS ... Seems to be a popular thing to do ... there are at least 3-campsites that rent tents (2 Euro)...cost PP is between 4 & 8 euro. PLAKA, NAXOS and MARAGOS camping. NAXOS camping is nearest a beach (150mtrs)
and has bamboo walls that divide the camping areas. Oh, you WILL be greeted by their reps at the dock.
The LITTLE CYCLADES: KOUFONISIA is the smallest and most popular of these tiny isles that bridge Naxos and Amorgos.
There are some dazzling beaches on the SE side of the island. Cost is about 7 Euro to get there from NAXOS by ferry. 2+ hours. HARAKOROU Camping has few amenities, is in a beautiful location and just 15-min from the wharf. Here is their number: 22850-71-683 ... 5-Eu pp p.nite
This time of year NOTHING will be too secluded, however these two places are closest thing to it. There are also some caves on Koufonisia (or hollows) that may or may not be secluded.
Roughing it is still permitted in 'out of the way places' on Naxos and the smaller Cyclades. It's mostly safe ... but you never know completely. I wouldn't try it without at least 4-people.
Here is a way to impress someone at the dinner table...ask for the famous NAXOS drink...CITRON ... Green=sweetest, Yellow=strongest, and the 'clear' one is inbetween. After dinner drink. The Citron tree grows only in 3-places in the world. NAXOS is one of those places.
