Naxos, Greece 10-Day Slowcation

(May 23 – June 1) – $2,950 – Trip cost per person. (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

(June 1 – June 10) – $3,150 – Trip cost per person. (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

A down payment of half the trip cost, $1,475, per person is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.

*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.

I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

There is no single supplement fee for this trip. You can upgrade your room for an additional fee. 

*Please see the ‘Rooms’ tab for more information on each room. All rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are 2 people sharing a room, you can pick any room and you will not have to pay any upgrade fee. We suggest the Penthouse for 2 people sharing a room! We do not offer roommate pairing on this trip.

What is included :

  • 9 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel
  • Slowcation leader
  • Airport/ferry pick-up from Naxos
  • Breakfast served daily
  • 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Activities as noted on the itinerary

What is not included :

  • Most dinners & lunches
  • Gratuities
  • Optional activities and excursions
  • Souvenirs
  • International flight
  • Domestic flights and/or ferries
  • Supplementary insurance
  • Airport/ferry drop off

  1. Smile policy
    We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.

    No complainers
    Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!

    Greece is not like home
    Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Also, Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas.

    Slowcation leader
    Your slowcation leader will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions & offer suggestions. He/she will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your slowcation leader who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.

    Semi-independent trip
    Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your slowcation leader can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities. Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc. are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates.

  2. This trip requires a low to moderate level of physical fitness. Many of the Greek islands are famous for their breathtaking caldera views which may involve walking uphill and downhill and, in some towns, many steps. The hotel you’ll stay at during this trip is in a flat area with no hills.

    The hotel is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from the Naxos’ city center and it takes about 10 mins on foot from town to the hotel. There is no shuttle from the hotel to town or back so you must be able to walk to town unassisted to participate in this trip. Or you will need to purchase a taxi ride from the hotel to Naxos’ city center.

    To participate in this trip you should be able to:

    • Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day, up and down stairs, and over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with and without an incline and go up & down 2 – 4 flights of stairs.
    • Be comfortable on your feet for up to 2 – 3 hours walking and standing, both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
    • Get in and out of a van and a boat without assistance even on rough waters.

  3. During the first few days of your slowcation, some activities and meals are included in the trip cost. This is a great chance to help you get to know your fellow travelers and get familiarized with your new surroundings.

    During the remaining days of your slowcation, you can choose what you want to do. There will be recommended things to do during your free time. Whether it is planning events, hosting dinners, or organizing excursions with your fellow travelers; the choice is yours!

    Find out more about how our slowcations work by clicking here: HOW IT WORKS.

  4. During your slowcation, you will have 3 days of free time and there will be a list of suggested things to do in the area and tips to get around.

    Naxos has plenty of landmarks and beautiful beaches away from the more famous, touristy islands. Past travelers have said Naxos was their favorite island and enjoyed discovering its local culture and history. You can read up on different activities and landmarks in Naxos at the following link: Naxos Information Page. You can also get ideas for some optional tours in Naxos here.

    Past travelers have also visited Santorini in their free time. However, it does require some organization. You can read up on planning your visit to Santorini from Naxos in our blog. Your slowcation leader can offer advice on transportation with sufficient notice. If you’re interested in visiting islands that are not accessible by ferry, we recommend booking a tour online to avoid the hassle of logistics or booking private transportation through your slowcation leader.

    Lastly, one of the joys of being on such a relaxing island is experiencing Greek life by just relaxing on the beach with a glass of wine at sunset! It’s up to you to organize your free time and any events you wish to do.

  5. The hotel is about 3 kilometers from Naxos’ port. Below are some islands to visit and the approximate time it takes to get there by ferry from the port of Naxos:

    The port of Naxos is also a great place from which to the Lesser Cyclades. There is usually a ferry that goes there every other day.

    People on past trips did an overnight stay as a group in Santorini. This is the best option to maximize your time there. If you would like to visit Santorini during your free time, please read our blog for more information on visiting Santorini from Naxos.

    *Click on the links above to get a description of the islands and/or ferry schedules.

  6. The boutique hotel is located on Naxos Island, one of the best-kept secrets in the Aegean. It is a hidden gem; like a secret island where you can peacefully escape the hordes of tourists. Being on Naxos is perfect for experiencing the slow, laid-back Greek island life!

    Naxos is historical
    Naxos is a great place for those interested in history, culture, and archaeology. The island’s rich soil lends to its agricultural wealth and has put Naxos at the center of trade in the Aegean. Grand castles and centuries-old mansions have bore witness to various reigns and rulers throughout the ages.

    Hotel location
    The Naxos hotel is about 10 minutes on foot from a beach with chairs and umbrellas for rent as well as plenty of beachside restaurants to choose from. It is about a 10-minute walk into town and just steps away from a local grocery store and a small cafe. There is a bus stop next to the hotel if you would like to head to other parts of the island that are not reachable on foot.

    Beaches and more beaches!
    Naxos offers more activities than many of the other islands so you’ll never get bored while on the island. The whole western coast of Naxos consists almost entirely of one long golden sand beach.

    Food, glorious food!
    Naxos is rich in agricultural resources which you will discover when you sit down at one of the island’s restaurants to enjoy some of the finest local products that you can find anywhere in the Aegean.

    Naxos is the most self-sufficient island in the Cyclades and many local restaurants offer delicious dishes made with fresh vegetables picked that day. What’s more, the island boasts top-quality meats, local cheeses, and of course, fresh fish plucked straight from the sea.

    While shopping in town, you’ll notice that many of the products are locally made so make sure to save room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs and gifts!

    Local Greek life
    We think the island’s greatest beauty lies within its inland villages and landscapes. The main road loops up through mountain villages filled with a lush landscape dotted with tiny white churches. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Mykonos. Most of these villages have a population of 100 or so and many day-trippers to Naxos never visit them so they remain truly authentic.

  7. Each group usually consists of 8 – 16 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, small groups are more easily able to integrate into local society and generally have more authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that you will receive more personal treatment from the slowcation leader who can thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be easily altered. If the group discovers a special event or festival that they would like to attend, it is easier to organize with a smaller group.

  8. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.

    The minimum age on our trips is 18.

    Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples. 

    Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE

  9. Airport pick-up is included in this trip. A private driver will pick you up from the airport or pier in Naxos. Transfer from Athens to Naxos is not included, for more information on getting to Naxos, please refer to our blog about it!

    Airport drop-off is not included on this trip. The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the Naxos airport or pier.

  10. We strongly recommend arriving and staying in Athens for one night before the trip starts. This will help alleviate the stress of tight connections and/or any delays.

    We do not offer pre-tour extra nights on our slowcations, but we recommend Athens Gate Hotel. It is right next to the Acropolis and also offers amazing views of the Parthenon from the rooftop.

    We recommend this hotel to everyone on your trip so if you are traveling solo, you can easily meet up with others in the group (via the WhatsApp chat group that we’ll set up a few days before your trip) for dinner or sightseeing.

    You can either take a flight or ferry from Athens to Naxos. We suggest a flight because it is significantly faster and less prone to cancellations or delays.

    Read more about getting from Athens to Naxos in our blog!

  11. Passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

    If you hold a passport from another country, it’s best to contact your nearest embassy or consulate about entry requirements.

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  12. The official currency of Greece is the euro (EUR).

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

  13. We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Greece as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.

    You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Greece. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.

    Since euros are a popular currency, most banks in your hometown/city will exchange your local currency for euros. This a very convenient way to get euros, but be aware that some banks might not have favorable exchange rates or charge additional fees to exchange. It is best to check with your bank to see what fees are associated with exchanging money in your home town.

  14. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10-20% of the total bill is appreciated.

    Tipping your driver for services when going on an excursion is appreciated. A suggested amount to tip your driver is around 5 euros a day.

    Tipping your slowcation leader: Your slowcation leader will be on the property every day to assist you with any requests and suggestions. If you feel he did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere from 80 to 120 euros at the end of the trip.

    Tipping the hotel staff: At the end of your trip, you can also tip the hotel staff.  This includes the maids, reception, cooking staff, etc… Most people tip 50 euros to the hotel staff at the end of the 10-day trip.

    For more information about tipping your trip leader, please see our blog on tipping your tour leader.

  15. Based on past travelers’ feedback, an estimated amount to bring or have access to is between 500 – 800 euros.

  16. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Greece, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:

    Welcome to Greece! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

  17. You can connect to Wifi at most cafes and restaurants. The hotel has Wifi throughout and you can usually connect from your room as well as the common areas. If you are not used to connecting to Wifi networks, then it is best to get an international plan for the duration of your stay.

  18. In Greece, the most common outlet fits European pin plugs also known as the standard “Euro” outlet (see picture below). Greece operates on 230V and 50Hz. Converters and/or adapters might be necessary for your electronic devices. 

  20. Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • A positive attitude and open mind
    • Sunglasses/hat
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
    • Comfortable walking shoes (with good ankle support & tread)
    • Jacket (for evenings/night-time)
    • Raincoat (for waves on speedboat)
    • Umbrella (for shade on Delos)
    • Swimsuit & cover-up
    • Flip flops/sandals
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Shampoo/conditioner/soap*
    • Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag (for the day)
    • Any prescription medication and/or over-the-counter medicine
    • Sea-sickness medication
    • Adapters
    • Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)
    • Reusable water bottle

    *All rooms have a hairdryer, flip flops, beach towels, bath sponge, mosquito repellent device, makeup removal pads, and sample-size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. You can bring your own toiletries or buy more in town if you need more.

  21. Laundry service is available at the hotel and takes less than 24 hours to complete. A full large bag of clothes usually costs around 15 euros.

    Ironing can be done for an extra fee. There is an ironing board and iron for guests to use free of charge at the hotel.

  22. Breakfast will be served daily and is buffet-style. It offers 68 different delicacies to choose from; many of them vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and homemade. Tea and coffee will also be served at breakfast. You will also have a kettle in your room with tea and coffee.

    Beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks are available for purchase at the hotel. There is a mini-refrigerator in your room to store any food/drinks. There is also a grocery store steps away from the hotel so you can easily buy any items there and bring them back to the hotel.

    Maid service comes daily to clean the rooms.

  23. Tap water in Greece is safe to drink but it does have a ‘taste’ so many people prefer bottled water.

    Right outside the hotel, there is a natural water spring where you can refill your bottles with drinkable water coming from the mountains above.

    The mini-bar in each room has soda/beer/water for purchase. Bottled water costs approximately 1 euro.

  24. Most areas of Greece that you will visit on this trip experience few crimes compared to bigger US and European cities. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with a secure over-the-shoulder day pack that closes tightly. This way, your belongings won’t easily become the property of any purse snatchers or pickpockets. When going to larger cities such as Athens, pick-pocketing is much more common and we advise not putting anything in your back pockets, especially if you are on a crowded bus/train or at a crowded tourist spot as thieves tend to target these areas.

  25. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Greece to see any recommended vaccinations.

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

  26. We offer private tours to Greece depending on the size of the group and availability.

    Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Flights/Ferries

Your arrival and departure city should be Naxos Airport (JNX) or Naxos Port. Airport or ferry pick-up is included in the price of your trip and a driver will take you to the hotel upon arrival. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the port and airport.

Please read our blog about getting to Naxos for more information.

*Please do not book any flights or ferries until you receive a confirmation email from us. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 – 48 hours of booking.

Visa

Passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

*NOTE: We strongly recommend arriving and staying in Athens one night before the trip starts. This will help alleviate the stress of tight connections and/or if there are any delays.

We do not offer pre-tour extra nights on our slowcations, but we recommend Athens Gate Hotel. It is right next to the Acropolis and also offers amazing views of the Parthenon from the rooftop.

We recommend this hotel to everyone on your trip so if you are traveling solo, you can easily meet up with others in the group (via the WhatsApp chat group that we’ll set up a few days before your trip) for dinner or sightseeing.

You can either take a flight or ferry from Athens to Naxos. We suggest a flight because it is significantly faster and less prone to cancellations or delays.

Read more about getting from Athens to Naxos in our blog!

This 13-bedroom boutique hotel is set away from the noise and bustle of Naxos’ chora (downtown) but just a 10-minute walk away from it. You can also take a taxi to and from the chora for about 10 euros each way.

There is no pool on the premises and the hotel is surrounded by farmland. This is a locally-owned boutique hotel, not a luxury resort.

The hotel is well-appointed, clean, and comfortable. The personal attention of the concierge team ensures that every need will be taken care of.

Exterior

Interior

There are 13 bedrooms in this hotel each with a private bathroom. All rooms have a Simmons mattress, 360-count thread cotton sheets, a water kettle with tea and coffee, a mini-refrigerator with a selection of drinks for purchase, a safe box, slippers, and a bathrobe as well as a selection of toiletries.

There is no elevator on the property so please be aware of this when making your room selection.

During the booking process, you can make your room selection which is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the room is not listed, it is already sold out.

Please read the descriptions of each room below before making your room selection. All rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting the room you prefer.

*If you are 2 people sharing a room, you can pick any room and you will not have to pay an upgrade fee. We recommend the Suite or the Penthouse if sharing a room!

Garden Double

This is the one and only room type that is located on the ground floor. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, this is a good option. It has a small outdoor seating area. This room has 1 king-sized bed. There is no wardrobe in this room.

Upgrade fee: None

*NOTE: It can be a bit noisy outside this room. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s best to bring earplugs or choose a different room.

Standard Room

There are 4 standard rooms. One room is on the 1st floor and three rooms are on the 2nd floor. Each standard room has a wardrobe, a desk, and a balcony with a table and chairs. The bed is a king but can be converted into 2 twin beds.

Upgrade fee: None

Executive Double

There are 3 executive double rooms. One room is on the 1st floor and the other two are on the 2nd floor. The executive double rooms have an outdoor jacuzzi on the balcony. Each room has a wardrobe, a desk, and a balcony with a table and chairs. There is 1 king bed in this room type.

Upgrade fee: $215 USD

Suite

There are 2 suites, both on the 1st floor. The suite rooms have a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom as well as a rain shower. The suite has 2 rooms: a bedroom and a living room with a sofa (that can be made into a bed). The room has 2 wardrobes, a desk, and a balcony with a table and chairs. The bed is a king and can be converted into 2 twin beds

Upgrade fee: $430 USD

NOTE: If you are 2 people sharing, you can select this room and not pay an upgrade fee.

Penthouse

There are 2 penthouses and both are on the 3rd floor. Please be aware that there is no elevator on the property. The penthouse rooms have an outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi bathtub and a sitting area with panoramic views. Each room has a wardrobe and a desk. There is 1 king bed in this room type.

Upgrade fee: $835 USD

NOTE: If you are 2 people sharing (there is only 1 king bed in these rooms), you can select this room and not pay an upgrade fee.

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N