The sun was rising as we left Epidhavros, which was our last stop on the Peloponnisos. We were prepared for a long journey over to KEA (part of the Cyclades group of Islands), 55 miles away; most of this was done under motor but we managed a couple of hours of good sailing as we approached the port of Korrista. There was a forecast of strong winds and rain for the following day so we opted to stay for a couple of nights.
Approaching the Kea from the West Coast it looked very barren, with no trees or shrubs on the bleak looking hills, curiously much of the rock had a green tinge.
We noticed a cluster of stark white buildings on an inland hill. This cluster of houses turned out to be the capital Loulis, known as the ‘Chora’ – or village, originally built 6 miles inland for defence purposes.
This image was captured from opposite valley which was lush and green.
The following day Bissett Tours decided some exploration was necessary, so a taxi was procured and we made the ascent. The taxi drive was as usual horrendous, no hands on the wheel (apart from the hairpin bends), a couple of mobiles in constant use and no attention paid to blind spots or what was coming the other way! We made it!!
The Chora was full of character and very pretty. Mr Bissett led the way........
a warren of narrow winding lanes, steep steps, innumerable churches and colourful shrubs and blossoms bursting forth from the narrow white houses – we started to explore but it was like being in a maze……..
We eventually found our way through the village and found ‘The Lion of Kea’ – a colossal lion engraved on rock, dated 600BC - the work of an unknown Ionian sculptor. Before leaving we had a quick lunch – I mention this because we had the best Greek Salad so far – I am becoming an expert on Greek Salads………
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| Port at Korrista on Island of Kea |
KEA to ANDROS
We left early and admired the hills that looked so much more attractive with the soft morning light.
Unfortunately we were heading right into wind so we were forced to motor most of the way to Gavrion, the main harbour of Andros. Lynne and Gerry had ferry tickets to sort out as they were leaving us the following day to spend the last part of their holiday in Santorini.
It was sad to say goodbye to our first sailing visitors, Gerry was an enormous help on the boat both sailing and maintenance!
Gerry in the Galley Bilges........
and Lynne (who is not a sailor) valiantly survived the rough seas and managed to chronicle all the adventures.
Goodbye to our first sailing visitors
Alan and I opted to spend another 3 nights at the unassuming small ferry port of Gavrion and in doing so we were able to have a more leisurely look at the town. Despite being a busy port the pace was very relaxed with cafes and tavernas lining the quay; these were mostly filled by elderly Greek gentlemen passing the time of day or earnestly playing Backgammon.
View from beach looking back to Gavrion...
BATSI
We had a quiet motor down to Batsi, the main holiday resort of the island.
Batsi was ‘picture post card’ pretty, clusters of closely packed white buildings descending down to the little harbour with many steep narrow lanes and flights of steps.
I discovered to my cost just how ‘steep’ when I went off to find the Post Office, which was situated on a main road skirting the village. The Post Office was also a restaurant and bar (customers would need refreshment for resuscitation purposes!), it also had the most incredible views………..
Moody B'Lou centre left of image.......
Strong Meltemi gale force winds were forecast so it was a case of battening down the hatches.
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