Friendly mail exchange with Iakovos was a good sign from the start, and I was certainly not disappointed. Iakovos was not in Naxos when we arrived, but he had arranged a taxi ride for us from the port, and we were welcomed by his son Nemos who was extremely friendly and informative, and took his time to show us around. There was water, oil, fruit and cheese left for us, which we found very attentionate. There was also plenty of helpful documentation about the island. The house was just perfect, the Mediterranean - or rather Aegean! - dream of any North European. It is located in a neighborhood of narrow shady streets, all white houses and blue shutters, and the only noise heard was that of children playing, occasionally of motorbikes, but remarkably quiet. And all a mere minute away from a lively central square from which you could walk just as easily to the very picturesque downtown on the waterfront. Nothing was missing inside : washing machine, ultra modern television set, complete kitchen equipment. There was even some basic pharmacy in the bathroom! The house has been tastily renovated, but it was really inhabited not long ago and we immediately felt at home. As it is naturally cool inside, we did not even use the air conditioning. The beds were super comfortable, and there are no less than three terraces. The one on the roof is the most spectacular with view over town and sea. You cannot eat there because of the steep staircase and the scorching heat during daytime, so we enjoyed the meals we cooked ourselves on the front one next to the kitchen. Buying food was very easy, since one of the Kouteleris supermarkets of Naxos is located two minutes away. Actually, everything was easy… Naxos was a pleasant surprise after overcrowded and overpriced Santorini and Mykonos. It is much more Greek in its atmosphere, all the people we met were helpful and friendly. We found some of the handicraft shops really classy. The western coastline is a long sandy white beach with crystal clear water, buses take you there and back every half hour. Just beware that it is windy and cool not like Mykonos, but you get used to it quickly and it feels healthy. Naxos also has a real countryside with visible production of fruit, and quite a few historical curiosities. It would probably deserve a longer stay than the four days we gave it, the villages of the inside are seemingly worth a visit too. We met Iakovos on the morning of our departure. He is a native Naxian, and came with a pot of local honey in his hands for us. We were actually fortunate that he was there, as our departure did not turn out exactly as expected! So, "efharisto para poli" to Iakovos and Nemos for their sense of good old Greek hospitality. It was a short but great stay, and we can only recommend this place without hesitation.