Where to start?
Staying at Stelios' home gave us the kind of indelible experience that we'd hoped for when planning our first trip to Greece. His stunningly restored stone house offers an immersion in traditional Naxian living, with a meticulously curated interior, comfortable beds, great showers, and a breathtaking view of the Tragea valley all the way to the coast.
While the home is in a super central location from which it's easy to visit many historical sites, villages, and beaches, we really loved exploring the surrounding area, a mix of ancient agricultural hills and traditional homes, and winding our way to the totally charming town of Filoti, where we enjoyed delicious locally sourced meals and genuine hospitality. We loved observing the sweet village life of Filoti--the happy kids playing games on the sidewalk, the old men drinking coffee while flicking their worry beads, the consistently warm and generous shopkeepers and restaurant staff. Our kids were spoiled with many treats and kind gestures--a wonderful life lesson in how to connect with other people.
Stelios is an amazing host! He provided us with a fabulous insider's guide to the many sites on Naxos, including the best natural beaches and restaurant recommendations. We chucked our guidebooks in favor of his recommendations and had the experience of a lifetime. He was there every step of the way via messaging if we needed anything.
Due to our ambitious travel itinerary, we arrived very late on Naxos, and Stelios' family greeted us in Filoti and led the way on the narrow, rugged road to the house. We were a bit frazzled by our own delay in arriving, and both Stelios (via phone) and his family were quick to put us at ease with a very warm welcome. Stelios' family treated us to a wonderful chance encounter one evening we were in Filoti--again, a very special connection.
We hope to return to Naxos many times in the coming years, and would not hesitate to stay at Stelios' magical property again.