Continental Greece and the Peloponnese

June 2003: We are undecided ... France or Greece? We decide to Greece, thinking you can combine culture and leisure sea ... We have 20 days available, consult the guide of the Italian Touring Club and Lonely Planet, the Internet we find some interesting trips, particularly in the camper by Sandro Prian seen on taccuinodiviaggio.it / lines on which we derive our greatest journey of allowing some elasticity.
Book ferry tickets to Minoan, and anxiously await the end of the month to prepare your luggage

 

L 'Africa Twin with oil filter and new spark plugs scalp, tires have 1000 km of running .. prepare your luggage ... We have two box GIVI side and 41-liter (one-to-head ..) comfortable with the points of the combination lock that allows you to insert small objects without having to open the whole box .. + A box GIVI Maxia 50 (in which we share the space ..) move a little bit of space .. and I decide to place a laptop ... with Autoroute, maps and plans, various articles, and not least to download daily photos from digital. On portapacchino baule system one of the backpack, which will be a great plus .. fix everything with the elastic net, and we are ready to go

Cavalese - Ancona km 501

We start at 9.00 at a time of Ancona, which quickly reach by motorway, we check in withdrawing Minoan tickets, we had
booked via internet. Succeeded in starting in the low season, the cost is modest, way to Igoumenitsa and Patras in return for two € 144 + € 51 motorcycle
€ 295 in total sistemazione armchairs "type plane that does not detect very comfortable for sleeping, in fact returning, I slept on the mattress
beach ... This was our first trip to the ferry, and we suffered the inexperience, in fact, on the ship to use the air conditioning is
massive, and we just clothes .... we have suffered the cold to warm ... walks on the bridge .... The ship leaves on time at 17.00.

Igoumenitsa - Kalambaka km 220

We arrive at Igoumenitsa at 9.00 after 17 hours of quiet navigation. quickly leave the port, Joannina in the direction towards the destination of today, Kalambaka and the Meteora monasteries. Let us be acquainted with the Greek roads, curves, bends, ups and downs continue, and trafficking of Turkish truck drivers with talented but daring, a pleasure for me to drive .. not the same for Simona, who suffers from passing it. Let for Metsovo, a pretty mountain village, we reach the 1700 meter step Katara, before falling back down to Kalambaca. The meteors are ahead in their majesty, shortly before arriving in the country.
We accommodated for the night at Hotel Meteora, simple but clean, with low prices, € 30 per night with breakfast and air conditioning

Belle the Meteors .... are a rare geological phenomenon, an oddity of nature, who created these impressive cliffs so called because it seems suspended in the lowlands. An unimaginable spectacle is impressive for both its size and its forms, a visitor watching these stone is hit by mixed feelings of admiration and fear.
Have gone well here in the orange truck Overland ....

We begin our visit from above, with the "big meteor / Megalo Meteora" as its name indicates, the largest of the monasteries, visited on his arms and legs covered and accessible with a long staircase, descend slightly towards "Varlaam" the hot gets heard, we are close to 40. Even scale, but the visit, and the sight makes us .. continue to "Agio Stefanos", easily accessible, and very similar to the previous ones.

Back and visit "Agia Trias" scale yet ... but still great satisfaction this monastery is smaller than the others, and even less visited, there are only few people, including two motorcyclists in Ancona with whom gladly exchange chat. .. also with a twin Africa .. and a route similar to ours ... The view of the plains and the countries below, is a fairy tale ...

We conclude our visit we head down again and "Roussanou" a short distance from the road, with beautiful panoramic terrace. The day draws to a close, we decide to skip the visit to the monastery "Agio Nikolaus.

Kalambaka - Itea km 318

We start at 9.00 with Delphi destination the road is smooth and fast 4-lane, pass and jump to Larissa in "highway" as yet unaware of what serves the toll, given that we do not pay ... We reach in a hurry along the Lamia sea, and allowing a break for lunch, before facing the great speed at wide back road that comes off just after Lamia and salt Amfissa direction.

Almost at their destination, do not we see the turning to Delphi, and we arrive at the sea close to Itea, quiet seaside resort, the sea we try and decide to grant the first refreshing swim in Greece .....

Overnight in Itea, all 'Trocadero hotel directly on the beach in a quiet, air conditioned, recently renovated, 40 €

Itea - Delphi - Athens km 205

With great effort we can start at dawn ... (9.00) directly in Delphi (18 km) we visit the archaeological site with the temple of Apollo, the theater, stage, and the museum, partially closed for expansion. The site as shown by the reconstructions had to be really impressive. Pity that Mount Parnassus is a rock that will crumble easily and over the centuries have crumbled columns like breadsticks. Visit archeologica very pleasant. We conclude the visit in a couple of hours, look fleetingly the many souvenir stalls on the main street of the village, and take the road to Athens.

L 'impact with the city is quite traumatic, the traffic is intense and chaotic, poor directions, and the heat helps to tire, many hotels are located in the Plaka pedestrian area under the Acropolis, and it is not easy to get there, but we are lucky exit and turn right by the highway, struggling to find accommodation for the night, tired and we give up all accaldati 'hotel myrtle, dilapidated, and not' s of € 60 required to sleep.

Athens - Nauplia km 185

At 8:00 we are at the gate of 'Acropolis, enter one of the first, beautiful view on' Odeion Herod, pass by the door beul, just hit us all the scaffolding and cranes mounted on the restoration, not a little disturbing, and remove much to the beauty of the site, the Parthenon is unapproachable and visible only from outside, however beautiful, majestic in the perfection of line and harmony of proportion.
We continue towards the museum corridor transformed into a yard .... reach the lookout for a picture of the city, passing in front of the temple of Rome and Augustus, and then back towards the exit before you see the 'ERETTEO and the Temple of Athena conclude the visit with a hint of disappointment .... crossed descending frotte of tourists eager to reach the top ...

Go and visit the Agora quickly that we particularly like, that may be due to the calm that we find.

Leave to Athens and its chaotic traffic and we head towards Corinth, famous for 'namesake channel we are lucky .. not intentionally leave the motorway at 'exit' in Corinth "and we are on the normal passing through the channel, we pause to make photos of the rite, and turn a beautiful road overlooking the sea which leads us to Epidaurus.

We arrive at the site around 16 and the majority of tourists have left the place, so we can make our visit in peace, we appreciate the majesty of the theater known for its excellent acoustics and perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape, we visit the museum, and after another 30 km we reach Nauplia beautiful seaside resort. Unfortunately we are unable to find accommodation for the night despite the numerous hotels, inns and Domat, we are told that on weekends during the summer months is always "sold out".

We give up and let Nauplia and after about ten km Myli where we come to find a nice room at a great rate, we meet here Glaucus and Annalisa, two motorcyclists in Mestre with a Transalp .. with which we accompany a dinner exchanging information and plans of their routes ...

Nafplio - Leonido - Poulithra km 117

Today we have little desire to travel, we return to Nafplio where it is still evident l 'influence of Venice, in the beautiful palaces, in the castle of Bourzi on' namesake island not far from the country, and the mighty fortress of Palamidi, which easily reach in motion , avoiding the 847 steps that climb from the village .... we visit the fortress entering the door surmounted by lion of Venice, the beautiful view from the top to the country and the sea ...

After the visit head our wheels Leonid calmly toward the beautiful and not very busy coastal road. Easily find a Domat Poulitra able to save and finish the day at the beach ...

Poulithra - Mistras Monemvasia km 201

We start to Geraki along the dry bed of a stream, for what was to be driving on a lush blue snake ... go under the monastery of Elona the village of Kosmas, the road descends down to the sweet Geraki to reach towards Goritsa Sparta, which was not of great attractions, but only 6 km, there is the Byzantine city of Mistras.

Mistras has two entrances. One allows the top of the castle and visit the city by hiking downhill. With the same ticket (6 euros) you can visit the city from below. The landscapes and well-preserved ruins Mistras make a place unique. Pantànassa nuns of this monastery is the only evidence of human presence in the town abandoned. Nell'attraversare these deserted streets, thinking about the past glory, the emotion is stronger than suggestion. Meet Glaucus and Annalisa .. just returned from Monemvasia, our next step.

Monemvasia absolutely original site can be reached by land from Gefyra, a thin piece of land that serves as the isthmus. Access is only in town for half of that trail along the south coast that leads to fatigue in the lower part of the village, a Kastro (fortress) and thence to the most purely medieval arrampiccata on the rock almost 300 meters above the sea. On top of the tower, another high, 350 meters from sea level, the location ensures a more panoramic mozzafiatto of the entire Aegean.

Perhaps also the fact that we arrived at Monemvasia to 18, and we found few people, can enjoy the beauty of the place in peace, this place is like us.
Lodging in a beautiful room in a house recently built towards the end of the country of Gefyra in the direction of the economy.

We decided this evening to spend several days on the 'island of Kithira

Monemvasia - Neapoli - Kithira km 117

We start decided ... wrong way .. but go up for several kilometers on a road not marked on the chart, almost decided to go back crossed a farmer who ask information that respond to gestures and in a faltering English folk and convince us to continue .. soon the road turns into a virtual path, but we trust the farmer after another ... in fact many km we come in 'main artery that there seems to be a "highway" around Elliniko Neapoli arrive shortly after noon is not without difficulties the agency that issues tickets of the ferry to the island of Kithira (Kythera), the ferry to the 14 .. just have time for lunch and a nap and we are at sea, an hour after landing at Agia Pelagia buy a guide with a map, since the guide that we brought from home do not cover the islands. Short summit .. we decide to go to Kapsali in the south of 'island, we come to the beautiful bay ee walk to the seafront road where they are concentrated taverne various restaurants and shops, too touristic for our taste, we try to sleep without conviction ... but we give up now, we return to Kato Livadi immediately and find a nice room (near the gas station shortly after the bakery on the right).

Dinner from Pierros, tavern not far spent little and eating really well served by the owner, a greek really hospitable.

Kithira

Today, advancing to the discovery of 'island Avlemonas visit the picturesque small fishing village in the eastern islands', and the Venetian castle, a few steps from the harbor.

Back to Livadi via Palopoli, to reach the beach Melidoni, which we viewed the photos on the rail .. The road is narrow, soon 's asphalt gives way to concrete, like many other roads islands', and then switch to dirt, which ends in the beautiful bay of Melidoni, when we arrive there are only 4 more people ... too good, the sea is a fairy tale, we spend the whole day ....

In brief return visit to Milopotamos with the cascade of Fonissa.

Bella Kithira here sebra time to stand still, the exploitation, it is far away, you breathe an air of great peace, nature is beautiful, and the countries are very "real" just as it pleases us.

Kithira - Aereopolis km 202

Advancing the discovery, go from limited, and we reach Diakofti is dawning where the main port of Kithira that would replace that of Agia Pelagia case where the wind currents and the berths are not always easy.

Very nice small beach, sand, the shallow water, and crystal clear water

Reluctantly leave this place, but the ferry waits for us ... to buy tickets Potamos, there seems to be the biggest center on 'island, we board the 17th

Back again as the first finger of peloponesso "transiting Githio, great seaside resort, and we continue to Areopoli a beautiful country with its characteristic towers ... we are in the "hands"

Domat find a nice and beautiful in a pure economic... a few steps from the center, as always avoid the square root of the country, defiladed a while, to dine, and are rewarded, a taberna is where we eat really well.

Aereopolis - Kardamili km 153

Leaving for the visit of the "hands" down to the south, towards Gerolimenas to a beautiful coastal road, the landscape is harsh, there are countries and coves, many homes towers, mostly uninhabited, Gerolimenas to pass, with the port in a beautiful sheltered bay, come to Vathia. The most charming village in the region, a series of houses embrace, atop a high rocky outcrop, we continue to head Tenaron, we return back just where the road begins to rise, the beautiful view over Porto and Kagio Agios kiprianos, climb again, as always ... After the climb, you descend gently towards Kokala, we stop to eat in Kotronas, in 'single, small restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea ..

The visit of the hand is over, we return to Areopoli, and continue looking for a nice place to stop for a few days on the coast to Kalamata, we pause to Stoupa, but it seems "too tourist" ... we stop in the country next: Kardamili, we like now .. After some research, the adverse outcomes, we find a room at the end of the country towards Kalamata. We realize too late that it had made a hasty choice ... Indeed, the bathroom is out ... we do not have the air conditioner .. and the window is directly on the state ... We go out for dinner, and calmly try another Domat .... we are lucky we find a good accommodation in the house of the country towards Stoupa. We will transfer tomorrow....

Kardamili km 15

We have done well to leave this house ... the night is gone ... but not very well .. moskitos and noises ...

Spend the day at the beach ... not far from our house ... the place is quiet, the beach and pebbles .. you're really good

Kardamili km 10

Even today the beach and relax.

the country, is little, but we have everything we need, many taverns and various shops and two supermarkets, strangely in the same building .... at the end of the country towards Kalamata

Kardamili - Finikounda km 155

Let Kardamili reluctantly, but now our turn at the end days, and we decide to move towards Patras, are only 30 km separating Kardamili in Kalamata, but on a very tortuous, especially in the first leg up to Kitriai, Kalamata is a big city, do not we stop and we strive towards Koroni a beautiful country of Venetian origin, arranged vertically on the rock, and the narrow streets, beautiful port and the promenade with typical restaurants. We do not find to stay, and we continue to Finikounda that the Lonely Planet guide praises for the beautiful beaches ...

We visit some Domat, and decide for which will be then a little dirty and comfortable .. (Which the luck that had accompanied us so far we have left?)

We finish the day with a bath, and a few hours of sun, the beach .. is not iddiliaca ...

Finikounda - Pylos km 35

We start from Finikounda without regrets, we stop in Methoni, a small town nearby, visit the Venetian fortress of the xv century castle overlooking the sea, play with pirates ... and start, as there seems to be a place for us. (perhaps we too spoiled?) arrive at Pylos, which we like now, with the central square under the trees, the harbor, in the large bay and a beautiful natural landscape.

We find easily, despite our misgivings, a very good arrangement, at: "12 gods" (www.12gods.biz/) the house is newly renovated, the room very clean, comfortable and with an excellent view over the bay of Navarrino also .. is dedicated to Poseidon ... the other rooms, for many Greek gods .. really nice ...

We remain on the beautiful sandy beach called Golden beach until sunset ...

Pylos km 35

We leave in search of the beach Voidokilla which we saw a beautiful picture in the postcard, we take a path "alternative" dirt and holes in the middle of the habitat with tall reeds .. l 'africa twin is on his land ... continue fast .. He came to the beach from the perfect shape of a horseshoe .. Unfortunately the wind is really strong, and disturbing, a real shame, we decide to leave the place ...

We go to visit the Palace of Nestor, a short distance. The site is composed of the walls about a meter high, perfectly describing the plan of the palace, remained strangely untouched a bathtub believe terracotta .... We have no responsibility for archeology .. and we fail to appreciate what we see, we're a little disappointed .... Let us return to the golden beach .... the wind dropped, still good umbrella we relax ...

Pylos km 35

Last day of sunshine and beautiful Greek sea we enjoyed in full .......

Pylos - Patras km 214

Deserted streets and Mediterranean landscapes lead us toward the Gulf of Kiparissi. Here the coast is low and is a succession of beaches in kilometers, somewhat 'disappointing when compared to those of Sud.La coast from Koroni up is full of beaches, but less interesting. We pass by the coast Maratopoli scoliosis but then there is a beautiful beach and Filiatra where a beautiful sliding way that makes us get there quickly in Patra midday.

The great Minoan vessel is in port, with the doors open .... aspects that we? last dinner in Greece, stroll, we shop for the trip, and climb on board .... We start on time at 18th

Ancona Cavalese km 502

Landings in Ancona at 13:30, walk the 500 kilometers of highway that separates us from home, and we put the word end on this wonderful holiday