Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Romantic Greece and Exciting Turkey : 2011 Trip Report

Romantic Greece and Exciting Turkey : 2011 Trip Report

Old Jul 15th, 2011, 10:15 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Romantic Greece and Exciting Turkey : 2011 Trip Report

We returned a few days ago from a 16-day trip of Greece and Turkey. We were accompanied on this tour by another friend couple of ours, so we made a happy foursome. We are a couple from India, in our early 50's, avid travelers who have galavanted across the globe, but never to these countries. During this trip we visited the following places:

Athens - 2 nights
Paros - 3 nights
Santorini - 2 nights
Nafplion - 2 nights
Cappadocia - 3 nights
Istanbul - 4 nights

The trip was preceded with much planning as usual, which I enjoy as much as the travel itself, and DW is more than happy to leave all the preparations to me. We extensively used the Lonely Planet guidebooks of Greece and Turkey, and made full use of this Fodors forum (as always). Numerous questions were posted here, and reading through the threads on this forum, our planning was pretty much immaculate.

All four of us were vegetarians, which did limit our choice of food somewhat in these two countries, but finding delicious vegetarian food was not much of a challenge in either Greece or Turkey. I plan to post an exhaustive trip report in several installments, as much for our own records as for the benefit of readers at this forum. So here goes the first salvo :

Day 1 (Friday, June 24th) : ARRIVAL AT ATHENS :
We had a long day ahead of us, as the flight connections were bad. An early morning Turkish Airline flight at 5:15am out of Mumbai, which pretty much ruined any chance of sleep the preceding night. A boring wait at Mumbai airport from 2 am onwards, where the ladies did catch a few winks of sleep. Fortunately, the flight was mostly empty, and we could each stretch out on 3 seats apiece, and manage some sleep. It was over a 6-hour haul to Istanbul, which we reached at 9:30am local time. We had over 7 hours to kill at Istanbul, as our flight to Athens was only at 5pm in the evening !

We were mentally prepared for this ordeal, and we killed time first sitting at cafes drinking coffee, and using the wi-fi to surf the net on our netbooks. Then located suitable lounges where our credit cards allowed free access (the Zone lounge for me and the HSBC lounge for our friends), where we killed more time relaxing, with free snacks, coffee and wi-fi. At 3pm we undertook a joint inspection of all the airport shops, sniffing at all the perfumes and EDT's available. Finally, the ordeal was over and we boarded the Turkish Airline flight to Athens.

We reached Athens on schedule at 6:30pm, and quickly retrieved our luggage. Stopped at the Amphitrion Holidays counter in the arrival hall, to buy our ferry tickets for Paros and Santorini for later in the week. Good advice from Fodorites, as this was speedily done. Then boarded the metro by 7:30pm to head to downtown Athens.

The metro was crowded at that hour. We had a 40-minute ride to Monastiraki, which was our destination. Had heard a lot about pickpocket gangs that operate on these metros, and despite all the warning and precaution, I almost fell victim to such a gang myself. There was a guy trying to get friendly and helpful, standing next to me. My friend warned me to be careful of him, and I also spotted something suspicious about him. Just when we were to reach Monastiraki, and I lifted my suitcase off from the rack, another stranger tried to be helpful and held the other end of my suitcase (to assist me apparently). However, despite my pleas, he just would not let go of the end of the suitcase that he was holding. I kept telling him that I was fine, and he should put the suitcase on the ground, but he persisted. This was a ploy to distract me, while the earlier suspicious bloke moved in close to me and tried dipping his fingers in my jeans pocket. A shout from me, and they all disappeared, realizing that the game was up. I was a little shaken up, as it was a close shave. Fortunately, I had one hand very close to my wallet at all times, and averted a clever pickpocket attempt.

Anyway, we alighted at Monastiraki safe and sound, and walked the required 5 minutes from the station to reach our Hotel Plaka. It turned out to be a decent hotel, at an excellent location. Rooms were a little small, and the toilets were tiny, but we could live with that. We dumped our luggage in the rooms and left immediately to catch some dinner. It was about 9 pm, and we walked to a nearby square, and sat down at "Platanos" taverna on an outside table. Nearby, some nice music and folk dancing was going on at some cultural center. The ambiance was lovely. We had a nice dinner of Greek salad, pastas, cooked spinach & tomatoes with rice, downed with excellent Mythos beer (very well chilled).

The surroundings of the area were quite lively, and shops were open way past 10pm. Despite our journey fatigue, the ladies enjoyed some window shopping. Finally, we returned to the hotel at 11pm, showered, and crashed out in bed. Athens, we will be ready for you by the morning !
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 10:23 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,925
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the feedback. I look forward to reading the instalments of your trip report.
Heimdall is online now  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 10:54 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,609
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Bookmarking - always enjoy your reports.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 11:12 AM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Day 2 (Saturday, June 25th): ATHENS
We got up at 6:30am and got ready. The hotel had a fairly decent breakfast buffet spread, and we were out of the hotel by 8:15am, headed for the Acropolis. Everyone on this forum had advised to get an early start for visiting the Acropolis, as busloads of tourists and the stifling heat can ruin the visit later in the day. Dead accurate.

Even so early in the morning, it felt a bit hot and humid. The climb was somewhat arduous, but doable, and we reached the entry gates by 9 am. Bought tickets and in we went.

The Acropolis visit was excellent. The crowds were not heavy at that hour, although the sun was quite strong on the hill. Many areas were undergoing restoration, and were cordoned off. However, we did see the Beule Gate, Propylaia, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Theatre of Dionysos (in ruins), the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Had to use our imagination to conjure as to what the original structures would have looked like in all their glory. What I can I say about such an important and monumental historical site, about which so much has been written. Suffice to say that it lived up to its expectations, and we were satisfied.

Around 11 am we started our descent from the hilltop, selecting the route that went through the Anafiotika neighbourhood. A lovely part of town, very quaint and pretty. Stopped at a cute outdoor cafe which had little fans installed everywhere to cool the patrons. We rehydrated ourselves with some cool long drinks, and then walked down further to enter the Plaka area.

The next 2 hours were spent roaming the narrow lanes of Plaka, with the ladies having a whale of a time going into every footwear and handbag shop. Both of these were in plentiful abundance. Finally entered a painting shop, where an old man was sitting and painting away with his brush. Ended up buying a few miniature pieces to decorate our kitchen. As we passed through Monastiraki Square, we saw numerous streetside fruit vendors, where we picked up excellent cherries, apricots and peaches. Bought some yogurt and cold drinks, and returned to our hotel. We were tired after the Acropolis climb, and lack of sleep, so we feasted in the room with some home-made snacks that we had carried, together with these fruits. Then retired for a much needed siesta for the next two hours.

We got up before 4 pm, had coffee in the hotel's breakfast room, and ventured out again. Walked on "Arminou" street, which was full of shops. Ladies kept shopping for odds and ends while we headed towards the New Acropolis Museum. Now this museum is a must see in Athens, and it would be a shame if anyone missed it. It is beautifully located, as the actual Acropolis is in full view from its balconies. A short video film inside gives one an excellent history and background of the structures, and one starts appreciating the architectural details. The archeological finds from the excavations are very well displayed in this museum, which is very well laid out. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

We exited the museum around 6 pm, and retraced our steps to see the Hadrian Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The latter was closed, and we could only click pictures from outside. After some gelato, we embarked on a walk on the pedestrian promenade around the Acropolis, which started from here. We went past the Acropolis Museum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Ancient Agora (which had just closed by then; what a pity). The promenade was lively at all places, and beautifully constructed. We stopped ever so often for rest and to watch the people go by. Nice pavement shops and cafes everywhere.

Finally, when we had walked till the end of this pedestrial promenade, we reached the westernmost end of Arminou street, where we relaxed at an outdoor cafe with some beer. Tried the local Alfa beer, but discovered that I had liked the Mythos beer more. We continued walking till we reached Monastiraki square. It was 8:30 pm, but the sun had not yet set. Kept walking till we reached Parliament Building.

I loved the area around the Parliament building. There were hundreds of tents all around the place, each one protesting some cause or the other. Language barriers prevented us from comprehending the cause of dissatisfaction of most. Animated discussions were in progress at many places, between small crowds of people. Some groups were shouting slogans, and we merrily joined in the slogan shouting, without a clue of what was being said ! Atop a long flight of stairs, one old man was standing wearing a hat, with this hands pointing to the sky as though he was holding the heavens from falling down. Tapped him on the shoulder to enquire what he was doing. He indicated that he knew no English, and was unable to explain his gameplan to me.

We walked all around, soaking up the atmosphere. Peaceful democratic protests. Saw the change of guards at the Parliament building. Little did we realize that these same protests were to turn violent after two days (as we later saw on Television a few days thereafter), with the mobs pelting stones and the riot police bursting teargas shells. Fortunately, all was peaceful the day we were there.

It was now 9:30 pm, and getting dark. We walked a few blocks to reach "Kydatheon" street, where we knew we would find a large number of street-side restaurants. We loved the place the moment we reached it. Inspected quite a few eateries, and sat down at the busiest one (Vinzantino, or something close to it, was its name).It was very large and very crowded. Waiters have to compete in tough conditions to attract customers to their eatery, and we were offered free wine to be seated here. We got a very good pavement table. The service was excellent, and the food was exquisite. Had a mixed vegetable platter, fried pimientos, eggplant & cheese croquettes, and domus (which was divine). We enjoyed the meal as much as the ambiance.

We again had to walk on Arminou to return to our hotel. Ladies bought some junk jewellery from a very pretty salesgirl in some shop, and ended up buying footwear at a shop just opposite our Hotel Plaka (strange to see shops open close to midnight !). On reaching our hotel, we settled our bills, as we would be departing early the next morning. Booked a taxi for the morning, and went to the rooftop bar/garden of the hotel. Settled on comfortable sofas, and feasted on superb views of a lit-up Acropolis. Felt like going off to sleep there, as it was so pretty and relaxing.

Finally returned to our rooms, showered, packed up everything, and retired to bed well past midnight.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 11:14 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Heimdall, my special thanks to you, as you had answered so many of our questions before the trip, and helped us plan this vacation.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 11:15 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thursdaysd, I am flattered that someone has followed many of my trip reports. Please keep the encouragement going !
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 03:14 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A very evocative report that captured the lively spirit of Athens in the evening ... keep it up!

Happy to hear that you foiled a pickpocketing attempt --- but was dismayed to read that you had kept your wallet in your jeans pocket, despite the fact that you use guidebooks and this forum, all of which warn against this. I've read reports that 80% of those pickpocketed on the metro are men ... because despite being warned, they stubbornly continue to keep wallets & passports in pocket of pants OR jacket, many declaring, ME? no! I would always know if someone was trying to get into MY pocket!! Women are more used to wearing their purses (or day-bags) with a crosswise strap, and keeping their hand on the closure. Men, take a lesson. Wallets in pockets on Metro, not manly, just foolish.

I do admire the patience you seem to display with the shop-o-rama that went on ... many women wish their husbands were as forebearing!
travelerjan is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 04:56 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm enjoying your report Keep it coming!
aimeekm is offline  
Old Jul 15th, 2011, 07:01 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Travelerjan and aimeekm, thanks for the appreciation. And a special thanks to you travelerjan, for having answered so many of my questions on this forum, and having helped plan this trip.

I agree with you, that I was being foolish. I had that same bravado attitude : "pickpocketing can't happen to me ". Now that I have had a close shave, I am duly chastened. I usually use a money belt; that day I was just being lazy, and fortunately did not have to pay a heavy price for it !
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 06:32 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,815
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Another follower! Looking forward to the rest!
progol is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 07:56 AM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Welcome progol. Next installment coming up within an hour !
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 08:34 AM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Day 3 (Sunday, June 26th): PAROS
We were booked on an early morning ferry to Paros, departing at 7:25 am from Piraeus port. So we were up by 4:45 am, got ready and brought our bags down. Hotel Plaka had been very accommodating about serving an early breakfast to us at 6 am. Our taxi arrived at 6:15 am, and we were off for Piraeus.

We boarded the Blue Star ferry at about 7 am. On advice from Fodorites, we had purchased business class tickets, which turned out to be excellent advice indeed. They cost only marginally more than the economy seats, and the additional benefits are immense. The business class seating area was most comfortable, with lovely sofas, and very few people. We got a prime window port to ourselves, and spread out comfortably on the sofas, enjoying the excellent views from the windows. A peek into the economy seating area revealed cramped passengers holding on to their chairs, looking mighty uncomfortable and crowded.

The 4 hour sailing journey was largely peaceful and calm, with some rough seas after 9:30 am. We caught some sleep, made some travel jottings, snacked a bit, and generally relaxed.

We reached Parikia port at Paros around 11:45 am. It was hardly a 3 minute walk from the port to our Hotel Argonauta. It turned out to be a nice hotel, at an excellent location, with very friendly staff. The place had a homely feel to it. The reception area was large, informal, and lovely; the rooms were simple, clean, with minimalist decor, but painted in very soothing pastel shades. We settled our luggage in our rooms, freshened up, and left by 1 pm. There was a strong wind blowing in the air, but it was comfortable with the afternoon sun.

We first roamed one of the two market streets of Parikia. The streets were in narrow winding alleys, with stone flooring outlined in white, and every building without fail was painted in white with blue trimmings. Even the simplest of structures looked astonishingly pretty because of the color similarity, and the dense bougainvilleas brought each building to life. We emerged on the waterfront, and shopped around for car rentals for the next 2 days. Finally settled with Sixt, who offered an excellent deal for E 25 per day, plus E 10 per day for full insurance with zero excess.

We settled down on a Greek Taverna on the waterfront for lunch, where we had a sumptuous meal of Greek salads, pizzas and various other items which I cannot remember. Post lunch, we resumed our stroll of the market streets of Parikia, but noticed that over half the shops had closed down for an afternoon siesta. As we strolled, the two ladies got left behind in some shop, and we two males stumbled upon a group of four lovely Greek ladies, who willingly posed for pictures with us ! We then sat down for coffee at a streetside cafe that was bustling with activity, where our wives caught up with us. Finally, we returned to the hotel at about 4:30 pm and rested for an hour.

We left the hotel at 6 pm to go to Krios beach. When we reached the waterfront, we discovered that the water taxis had shut down for the day due to the strong winds. So we took a regular taxi and reached Krios beach, requesting the taxi to come back in 90 minutes to pick us back. We rented an umbrella and some deck chairs on the beach, and jumped into the cool clear waters of the Aegean Sea. After a refreshing swim for about an hour, we emerged, did some people watching for a while, and slowly made our way back to the taxi park area, where our taxi was already waiting. Returned to our hotel and dumped our towels and swimming attire.

We roamed around the Kastro area of Parikia, which was very picturesque and offered lots of photo-ops. It was getting to sunset time, and the soft light made for excellent photography. Then we emerged on to the waterfront, and sat down on the outside porch of the first-floor Evinos Bar. We had a round of cocktails. The atmosphere was great, but the wind was getting stronger by the hour, and howling in our face.

We retreated and proceeded for dinner at "Happy Green Cows", which was highly recommended by the hotel staff as well as the LP guidebook. The place had kitschy decor, but a very friendly host and chef. We had one of our best meals of the trip here, consisting of Fried Rolls with cheese, Raw Mushrooms, and an excellent Vegetable Platter. The dishes were all delicately flavored and extremely tasty. We loved it.

It was already 11:30 pm by the time we left the restaurant, and the wind was making the island feel cold. We had been sleep deprived for the last 3 nights, so we decided to call it a day, and crashed out in our beds.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 09:05 AM
  #13  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Day 4 (Monday, June 27th): PAROS
Allowed ourselves the luxury of sleeping in late, and getting up without the aid of an alarm clock. Left the hotel leisurely after 9 am, and located a friendly "Friend's cafe" on the waterfront. We had a super breakfast of Stuffed Crepes and coffee. Then we ambled over to Sixt office to pick up our rental car. We had paid up and booked for a tiny car, but we got a much larger Kea Centura for the same price, which made things more comfortable. Excellent deal.

Drove straight to the Butterfly Valley, where we saw a large number of Tiger Moth shaped butterflies. Nothing terribly exciting about the place; can call it a so-so experience. Then we drove off towards Lefkes Village, located in the center of the island atop a hill. As we entered Lefkes, we veered into the Yria Pottery Studio, and took a look around their premises and pottery process. Interesting collection, but IMO somewhat overpriced.

Then we reached the heart of Lefkes village, and parked our car, as most places are pedestrian only. It was a lovely little village, atop a hill. Nice alleys everywhere, with pretty houses, all overflowing with bougainvilleas. We had heard about an interesting Byzantine walk from here to Prodomos village, but learned that it was 90 minutes long, and required sturdy walking shoes. We gave it a skip, and just continued to enjoy Lefkes village and its beauty. Sat on the main square of Lefkes (if you can call it that, as it was pretty tiny), and rested our feet with a drink of coffee and a bite of ice-cream. Also shopped a little for cute ceramic items in the small village shops.

Then slowly walked back to the car park, and drove down to the eastern coast of Paros island, to the resort village of Piso Livadi. Sat down for lunch on a waterfront restaurant called "Halaris". The place was beautiful, with crystal clear waters, and boats anchored on the waterfront. Had a good meal of Tomato Croquettes, Halaris Salad, and Mashed Fava beans with bread. Thereafter, we drove back to Parikia, and rested in our hotel for almost two hours.

At around 6:30 pm we drove to Kolymvithres Beach on the northern end of Paros, where we had a lovely swim. The water was warmer than the previous day, and there was no wind. The water also seemed clearer, and the sea bed was less rocky. Outside the water, interesting rock formations were visible. A picturesque place for a swim.

From there, it was a short drive to Naousa village, which was next on our agenda. We parked our car in Naousa around 7:30 pm, and immediately fell in love with the village. Very atmospheric place, with a great waterfront. The hotels and the crowd looked more upscale than Parikia, its market alleys were busier and its marina was gorgeous. We spent over 2 hours roaming the streets of the village, exploring the by-lanes of the narrow alleys. DW bought a nice cotton sweater, and I bought some interesting artifacts to decorate my office. The place was brimming with life and activity.

We sat down at a nice bar, and took a pavement table. Tried the Greek ouzo, which tasted excellent. Much smoother than whatever I had tasted earlier outside of Greece. Went for dinner to some place called Perimvoleris, nearer the car park area. It looked great from the outside, but it disappointed. Had the Tzitziki dip, Eggplants with peppers (bitter !!) and Tortellinis (very hard !!).

Despite the disappointing dinner, the after-taste of Naousa was excellent as we drove off, back to Parikia. We debated whether it would have been better to stay at Naousa versus Parikia, but reached no consensus on that debate. By the time we reached our hotel, and our heads touched our pillows, it was almost 1 am.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 09:39 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am so enjoying your wonderful trip report....you always write interesting reports!! We have a similarly planned itinerary, on the Greek portion of your trip, for next summer and I am glad to read about your experiences. Looking forward to more.

Just curious, what made you choose to stay in Parikia versus Naousa?
JoyC is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 07:36 PM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the compliments JoyC.

I guess we chose Parikia over Naousa for its better connectivity. Ferries to and from Paros dock at Parikia. Passenger ferries to Antiparos and back also go from Parikia (although we ended up taking our car to Antiparos, so we went from Punta instead of Parikia). With a car, it mattered little if we stayed at Parikia, and frequently visited Naousa, or if we stayed at Naousa nad frequently visited Parikia. We did visit Naousa again, which will come up in the next installment.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 08:35 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Came across your trip report, and find it very interesting! I am currently in the planning stages for a visit to Athens, Paros and Santorini. I'm definitely going to reference your report for places to visit and eat. Looking forward to your next entry!
cvilletravel is offline  
Old Jul 16th, 2011, 09:34 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow. This is a full-blown review! I appreciate you telling all these details of your trip. Yes, Greece is indeed a romantic place. Only a few find that true. I do and you do. It's a lovely place.
jh2011 is offline  
Old Jul 17th, 2011, 07:51 PM
  #18  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks cvilletravel for the appreciation. Next entry coming soon.

jh2011, I guess the most romantic place in Greece is Santorini, details of which will come up shortly in this TR.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 17th, 2011, 08:51 PM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Day 5 (Tuesday, June 28th): ANTIPAROS :
We got up late once again, and could leave the hotel only around 9:15 am. Went first to have a peek at the Church with 100 doors, called the "Panagia Ekatondapyliani", which we found very interesting. Did not try to count the 100 doors, but noticed that there were plenty ! Then sat down on a cafe nearby, called Cafe Dispato, where we breakfasted on omelettes and double Greek coffee.

We had heard that a two-day strike had started in Greece, which was likely to throw the ferry schedules out of gear. As we were booked to go to Santorini the next afternoon, we were worried. We went to the Blue Star Ferries office at Parikia, and our doubts were confirmed : the Blue Star Ferries were not running either that day or the next. However, the Hellenic Flying Cats were continuing to run, and Blue Star was offering to change their ticket to a Hellenic ticket. We got the ferry tickets changed, to depart the next day at 4pm (instead of noon), and reach Santorini at 5:45 pm instead of 3 pm. We had wanted to reach Santorini in a slow ferry, where we could admire the views as we approached, from an open deck. This was not going to happen on the Flying Cat, as it was an enclosed vessel, but at least our holiday plans were more or less intact.

After this, we went to pick up the car from the parking lot, while the ladies went back to the hotel to pick up our swimming gear. By 11 am we were all off, driving towards Punta port. It was a short ride, and a car ferry was waiting at the port. We drove on to the deck, and went ourselves to the upper deck. It was a short pleasant 5 minute sailing to Antiparos, which looked pristine as we arrived.

We drove off our car from the ferry, and headed first to Farina beach located at one end, and looked around for a while. Then parked our car near the port, and walked the length of the market street of Antiparos and back. A very quaint little village, not crowded, with a very laid back feel to it.

We were looking for the "Blue Island Divers" outfit, where we had planned on doing a beginner's scuba diving course during the day. It took a while before we located their Dive Center, at one end of the main street. They told us that scuba-diving was not possible on that day, as they were already overbooked. However, they offered boat rentals for the day, to sail around the island, for only Euro 60 per day (plus fuel). We decided to go for it.

We went back to the market street of Antiparos, and packed some takeaway food (pizzas, spaghetti, stuffed tomatoes), plus stocked up on water,ice, wine and beer. Returned to the Dive Center where we were given a briefing about the boat's operation and instructions on what to do in case of engine problems. At 1:50 pm, we were aboard the boat, and away !

This was our first experience at riding a boat solo (without trained help), and it was somewhat intimidating. We had started on the north-eastern end of the Island, and sailed northwards, until we went past the northern tip of the island. There were two small uninhabited islands off the northern tip, and we decided to circle them. As we went further, the sea started to get a bit rough, and the boat rocked ominously. We decided to retrace our path, and returned to the northern tip of the island. Then we circled and went over to the western side of Antiparos. The sea was still rough, and we were all on edge. We went past another couple who had rented a boat from the same outfit, and their engine had stalled in choppy waters. We called up Blue Island Divers, and alerted them of the position of this boat, and they promised to send help ASAP.

As we sailed south, on the western side of the island, the sea gradually became calmer. The ladies were no longer on tenterhooks, and could enjoy their lunch on board. We went past several beaches where we spotted people bathing, including a nude beach. As we went further south, there was no sign of any habitation, but the lovely vistas opened up. Beautiful cliffs, and exquisite coves everywhere. It was tempting to enter one of the coves and drop anchor, and admire the views for a while. However, at the request of the ladies, who were still not 100% comfortable, we kept moving on. Kept sailing south, and continued to encounter lovely deserted beaches and coves.

The water was like a sheet of polished glass; could see every square inch of the ocean floor so clearly. I changed into my swimming gear, we shut off the boat's engine, and I dived into the lovely waters. Swam for a while in the turquoise blue waters, where both the water temperature and water clarity were simply divine.

As we went on, the engine did stall a couple of times. We pumped out air from the fuel lines as instructed, and could manage to get the engine re-started. We had reached the southern tip of Antiparos by around 4 pm, and we were circling it to go over to the eastern side (where the habitation existed, from where you could also see Paros Island). The sea was very very still on this side, and houses gradually became visible.

As we moved northwards, the engine started giving more problems, and then stopped completely. Telephoned the Blue Island Divers a few times, discovered that we had run out of fuel, were instructed on where to find the spare fuel tank. Then followed a series of operations, to transfer fuel from the spare tank to the main tank, turn various knobs, and after many failed attempts, the engine finally restarted. We were not worried all this while, as we were not far from our destination, habitation was in sight, and we knew that help could reach us at short notice.

This time the engine did not stall even once, and we slowly headed back to our starting point, reaching there at 6:15 pm. We were just about exhausting our spare fuel also as we reached ! It had been an experience of a lifetime, with lovely views on the western coast of Antiparos, pristine waters, albeit some rough seas initially, and a few anxious moments with the engine. But it is all these which make up a good adventure. We returned the boat, and took the 7:15 pm car ferry back to Paros, and refreshed a bit at our hotel.

By 8 pm we headed back to Naousa village again, as we had fallen in love with that place the previous day. Reached there just as the sun was setting. Once again, we walked all through the alleys of the village, and finally sat down at "Insomnia" bar on the waterfront. Very pretty hostess (aren't all Greek ladies gorgeous ?). Had a B52 cocktail, which was a deadly combination of Kahlua, Grandmanier and Baileys). Very nice.

We selected a Greek waterfront restaurant, where we had a nice dinner with very friendly staff. Ordered some mixed vegetables, feta cheese with tomatoes, pizzas etc; at our request, the dishes were prepared spicy and fiery, the way we like them ! The staff insisted that we also have some complimentary desserts and some Raki, which we did.

At about 11 pm we drove back to Parikia, reached our hotels and retired around midnight.
indiancouple is offline  
Old Jul 18th, 2011, 02:12 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I can only read up to day 5 on the forum is there a reason why i cant read the rest
very imformative
I am going to zurich switzerland in sept
and suggestions where i can go..
but i also want to read the turkey section of this
report please inform how i can read it
sewanhaka is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -