After my visit to the site of the massacre on Kappi Ridge earlier today, I was in a quandary about how to spend the rest of the day. As part of the Kalavryta City Pass I have a ticket for the Cave of Lakes in Kastria. I walk to the taxi rank which is just…
After visiting the Kalavryta Holocaust Museum yesterday, I want to walk up to the memorial site on the Kappi Ridge. I can see the large cross on the hill from my hotel balcony, just over the tops of the pan-tiled rooves across the road. This morning, however, even though the sky is bright, there are…
Last night I went out to eat at a nearby taverna called Stani Taverna Kalavryta. It’s a large place though only part of the seating area is being used. A log fire is roaring away and this along with the stone walls adorned with agricultural tools gives it a nice rustic feel. I realised earlier…
When I arrived in Diakopto last night it was pitch black and all that I’d noticed was the large church in the square by the train station. Now daylight has broken I can see that the village is surrounded by mountains. The area looks relatively affluent with wide avenues, large modern style villa’s where lemon…
Before I left for Greece I wasn’t sure if this part of the journey would work out for me. To get to the Peloponnese from Athens I’ve always caught the bus. However, on this occasion it will be faster travelling by train. The Hellenic Train website I found to be a bit hit and miss….
I had heard about the Skyrian ponies before I’d heard about the island’s very unique Carnival celebrations. Although I haven’t seen much of the island (probably the first time I’ve never seen the port of a Greek island!), my stay wouldn’t be complete without seeing the horses. Last night I’d messaged Amanda to see if…
The last twenty-four hours have been pretty ‘yuck’! After returning back to my studios in Molos, the lurgy that I’d been fighting for days now wreaked its revenge. I spent the night shivering and struggling to get warm. The air con was cranked up to the max and I put as many layers of clothing…
The thing about Carnival on Skyros is that there is a loose framework around what is going to happen and where it will take place. However, you really need to be ‘in the know’ to grasp what’s going on. It isn’t like the very commercialised and huge carnival in Patras which because of its size…
It is a beautiful spring-like day today and I don’t want to waste any of it. Despite feeling like death warmed up I get myself together and go out to explore. I’m curious to see what’s further along the coastline in Molos so I turn left away from the direction of Chora and just follow…
I slept really well at Apartment Tina’s. The beds are very comfortable and that’s coming from a Princess who could spot a pea under multiple mattresses. I had a little breakfast and chilled in the garden until it was time to go. There is a new face working on reception today. Well not new exactly…
The week leading up to my departure was chaotic. Work was busy, the family were – well – my family and I had a real problem packing. I hate packing and procrastinated until I couldn’t procrastinate any more. God knows how many times I packed and then re-packed, trying to incorporate a wardrobe for all…
3 week itinerary – This winter Greece itinerary covers Skyros for the unique Skyros Geros Carnival (Apokries), the Odontotos rack railway from Diakopto to Kalavryta, and historic Nafplio in the Peloponnese. Best time: February for Carnival, year-round for islands and mainland. Highlights: traditional Geros–Korela–Frangos characters at Kastro, scenic mountain railway through gorges, Holocaust memorial, Cave of Lakes, Kalavryta Ski Centre and Mycenae day trip. No cars were hired during the creation of this itinerary but taxi services were occasionally procured!
