Greece 2012: On To Paros

Date: 20 June 2012

Location: Santorini and then on to Paros

Traveller: Helen

The first leg of my trip was over and it was time to travel onwards via ferry. Luckily a very large steady ferry (I'm not good on boats). Bye-bye Santorini!





And hello to my next destination: the island of Paros. It was late when I arrived and I was excited to meet up with my friends. We checked into our hotel in the little mountain village of Lefkes. When I woke up the next morning this was the view from our hotel. Down the valley...



... and across to the village with its impressive church on the hill.



Our hotel was very comfortable indeed, with a beautiful big swimming pool and delicious breakfasts on the terrace.




Lefkes is situated right in the middle of the island - the perfect base for our daily explorations. It's in the hills, but one can still see the sea!



And the charming village centre is just a short stroll away.


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Greece 2012: Kamari, Santorini

Date: 19 June 2012

Location: Kamari, on the island of Santorini

Walker: Helen

Late one afternoon I caught a bus from Fira to Kamari on the other side of the island. This resort town is known for its black pebble beaches. I took a stroll along the shore.




I love the sound of waves breaking over pebbles. Whoosh-whoosh. But the stones were not very comfortable underfoot so after a while I opted for the paved walkway alongside the beach instead.



Here I saw natural sponges for sale. Aren't they lovely?



After my walk I picked one of the beachside restaurants for an early supper.


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Greece 2012: Fira, Santorini

Date: 17 to 19 June 2012

Location: Fira, on the island of Santorini

Walker: Helen

I was based in Fira for my three days in Santorini and every day I spent some time exploring there. I arrived in the late afternoon and as soon as I'd settled into my hotel I made my way into the town centre. There's a vibrant market area with plenty of shops and restaurants lining the narrow streets.




And beyond that the caldera, with its spectacular views...



... and a glorious sunset!



There was a back way to get from the hotel into town: a ten minute walk along a little pedestrian alleyway. I walked this route several times every day and got to know it really well.



Complete with donkey poo and stray cats.



I was very taken with the doorways and gates along the route.







This back way lead to one of the main roads through Fira. Here I was grateful for the shade from the gum trees.



Every day I stopped at a mini-market to buy bottles of water and fruit.



It was a short climb up one of the cobbled streets into the town centre.



I was drawn to the sea views every time, looking across to the volcano island and watching the cruise liners, ferries and other boats below.



Like Oia, Fira is built along the edge of the cliff, with steep stairs everywhere. One can certainly get a workout walking up and down!



Far below is a small harbour, accessed via cable-way...



... or donkey...



... or very many steps.



I had plans for a long walk along the edge of the caldera. I also wanted to do the boat trip across to the volcano and visit the site of Ancient Thira. But unfortunately I got sick (bronchitis.... sigh). Although I wasn't well enough to do these excursions I felt okay to meander around Fira and just soak up the atmosphere and the scenery.



In fact it was an absolute pleasure to stroll around at a very leisurely pace, with no particular destination in mind. I often got a bit lost, but all paths eventually led back into the town centre.



Greece is so beautiful!







When I got hungry I read menus and picked a restaurant.



And when I got tired I made my way back to the hotel for a nap or a laze by the pool. After a couple of days I was feeling better.


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Greece 2012: Oia, Santorini

Date: 18 June 2012

Location: Oia, on the island of Santorini

Walker: Helen

On holiday in the Greek islands! First stop... Santorini. On the morning of my first full day I took the bus to the village of Oia. It is known to be one of the most picturesque places on the island, and it did not disappoint. Perched on top of the cliff, with wonderful views of the caldera...





... and an extraordinary marble pedestrian 'highway' all through the town.





All along the way there are shops, hotels and restaurants. Tourist mecca.




The main square has a large church. Love the bell tower.




Even the ruins and dilapidated buildings in Greece are charming.



At the end of the main walkway is an old stone fort.





Views from the fort to the left...




... and to the right...



... and down to the harbour below.



I also meandered at random around the alleys and side streets.






I had a quick look at the Eastern side of the island.



More shops and restaurants down this way.



And then back to the main part of town, and more churches.




Looking south, back down to the outer reaches of the village. It looks like the houses are tumbling down the hillside doesn't it. They are actually built into the soft volcanic rock of the cliff.



After a few hours of walking I was hot and thirsty so I took a table at a shady rooftop restaurant and ordered some tea...



.. and watched the comings and goings below. Good to be on holiday :-)



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