Men and women in traditional Cretan dress greet us with smiling eyes. The men hand out small glasses of fiery raki. But we are not on Crete, island of the Minoans in the Mediterranean. We are next to the river Thames, in Battersea, London, being welcomed to a traditional Cretan lunch at the hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank.
The last time I was in Loggos was 20 years ago. Delivering a yacht from Corfu to Preveza. I was working for Odysseus Yachting Holidays at the time and one of their perks was moving yachts around the Ionian to places where our clients were starting their holiday. We used Loggos as one of our stopping off points. Compared to then Loggos harbour is virtually unchanged a few extra mooring buoys here and there but no more. Continue reading ‘Walking around Loggos — Paxos’
Just south of Loggos Harbour by 300 meters is Lavrechio beach, this is where all the locals go for a swim. This white stoney beach change colour of the sea, the deeper you walk into it. Every graduated colour from translucent clear to light then dark green, turning to cyan then a deep royal blue is represented as you descend into the water. Outside the harbour of Loggos this beach and it’s water is as clear as it can get. Continue reading ‘Lavrechio Beach just outside Loggos — Paxos’
Just around the corner from Lakka is the small fishing village of Loggos. It a very picturesque village with many of its houses painted in traditional Burgundy red. Mooring our yacht bow to its little quay we found this location ideal for exploring this less known but equally pretty part of Paxos. Loggos small quay only has space for a handful of yachts, yet its popularity, as a haven for artists is very apparent looking at the local international exhibitions. Continue reading ‘Loggos Harbour on the Island of Paxos’
Between Akis Bar and Giappie Snack bar in Lakka on the Island of Paxos. There’s a small dirt track that leads up some white pained steps into an Olive grove. Climb these steps and you’re rewarded with the best view of Lakka Bay. Lying at anchor you can see many white yachts bobbing in the crystal clear green/blue sea. Their flags denoting the popularity of this International destination. Many sailors use this sheltered harbour as a transit from Italy to Greece. If you head west from the entrance of Lakka the next land mass you’ll reach is Spain.
Looking Northwest from our vantage point we could see many yachts lying in a sea of green/blue with Northern mainland Greece behind. In the very far distance you can just make out the mountains of Albania. Continue reading ‘Livaboard Sailors sample the high life in Lakka’
Reading the English version of the Kathimerini Newspaper I came across this delightful interview with Piero Pieroni a solo sailor living in Greece (At the time) that just returned from sailing around the world.
All that time on his own heightened his appreciation of others, reinforced by the unique cosmopolitanism of international sea travel. He spoke with feeling about a kindly Greek consul in New Zealand, to whom he had gone to execute a legal document. The consul went out of his way to pick him up, was delighted at Piero’s basic Greek, and embraced him after the work was done.Did the trip alter his perspective? Continue reading ‘Piero Pieroni’s Exotica, mishaps, and good will at sea’
Giappy Snack bar in Lakka bay on the Island of Paxos was ‘the place’ for our morning coffee and reading of world events. A home from home, this microcosm of a typical European coffee shop, became our adopted bar during the day. Located just behind Akis bar tucked into the western edge of Lakka’s mini corner square. Giappy’s cool sheltered location was the perfect place to watch Lakka come alive. In the morning it would attract the early riser seeking a quiet spot.
Lakka, on the northern tip of Paxos Island is described by many as the jewel in the Crown of Paxos. Lakka’s chalk white harbour turns the clearest of Mediterranean Sea into a brilliant Green. In comparison to Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos, Lakka’s natural harbour is a haven for flotillas and visiting yachts.
Akis bar tucked into the south-western edge of Lakka Bay is open all year round according to its owner, Akis. 17 years of continual service to the flotilla affords Akis (It seams) a comfortable if modest lifestyle. “There’s no pressure to make money in the summer before closing,” says Akis. “Were open all year round and our 17 years in business means were here to stay.” Continue reading ‘Akis Bar in Lakka Bay — Paxos’
Whether you want to relax or just sight see, going on a vacation in Greece will feel more than just a holiday if you plan it well. Remember that you’ll be going to a place where the language and culture is very different. This means the unexpected can happen if you do not take care. So when visiting Greece expect the unexpected and plan for this.
Of course, if you really do not want the hassle of going it alone, you can always pay for package holiday where everything is all taken care of, or at least should be. But where’s the adventure in that?
Most Greek tourism offices around the world provide plenty of information for these wishing to go on a package tour of Greece and much more. So here is a good place to start.
Travelling around Greece by Car is less problematic than you’d think, as the expenses incurred is offset by the convenience it brings. Although Greece has a very good public transport system that integrates effectively with buses, trains and ferries, travelling by private car has a lot going for it. Greece is made up of many Islands and its ferry transport links cater for Cars as well as passengers with ease. It may be impractical to visit some of the remote Islands by car, but Island Hopping your way to Crete from Athens for example is an option worth considering.
Travelling by car around Greece has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore it is up to the visitor to see if it suits his or her own preferences and of course there are certain requirements that a tourist driver may need in order to drive around the country. Namely a recognised driving licence and adequate insurance. Greece being a member of the EEC enables any EEC member to drive in Greece without restriction their car insurance usually covers their vehicle within Europe for up to 30 days without special premiums. Just notify your insurance company of your intentions. Continue reading ‘Travelling around Greece using your car’
Beginning to get on top of things. will also be seeing the surgen soon for op appointment after xmass I think10:33:27 AM November 29, 2009from TweetDeck
Men and women in traditional Cretan dress greet us with smiling eyes. The men hand out small glasses of fiery raki. But we are not on Crete, island of the Minoans in the Mediterranean. We are next to the river Thames, in Battersea, London, being welcomed to a traditional Cretan lunch at the hotel Rafayel on the Left Bank.
