Unforgettable Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure in Naxos - On our first day in Naxos — before we’d even had the chance to see anything — we left our luggage at the hotel, and Ismini picked us up in their van. After about a 40-minute drive, we were already speechless from the stunning landscapes and views along the way. We headed north, up into the mountains, far from the touristic areas, and arrived in a hidden, peaceful little village that felt like a step back in time. From there, we began our hike along a beautiful trail that wound between towering rock formations and dry riverbeds filled with lush vegetation. The views to the west and across to Paros Island were simply breathtaking. The trail itself was quite easy, with minimal elevation, but some sections were rocky — definitely not for sandals! After about 45 minutes to an hour of relaxed walking (with plenty of stops as our amazing guide pointed out and explained all the local herbs and plants), we reached a small oasis with a waterfall. The water flow was gentle since it hadn’t rained recently, but that actually made the spot even more peaceful. As Ismini explained, when the waterfall is stronger it can be quite loud, so this way we could really enjoy the serenity. We took a long break there, had some snacks, and enjoyed a lovely chat with Ismini — she’s not only knowledgeable but also incredibly warm and interesting as a person. Afterward, we returned to the village and continued our journey to Koronos, another picturesque mountain village about 15 minutes further north. It’s full of narrow, maze-like alleys and charm at every corner. We had lunch at a local taverna where everything — the meat, cheese, and vegetables — came from their own production. Honestly, it was the best food we’ve ever had! Next time we’re in Naxos, we’ll definitely choose Off the Beaten Trail again — they truly know what they’re doing. This was hands down the best experience we had on the island!