Even the names of the Tavernas, Mini Markets, Boat Hire and property services are unchanged, Paxos Property Agency, Thalassa Travel to name a few. But this time instead of just drinking in the bars of 20 years ago we decided to explore around Loggos by walking along the tracks that criss cross above Loggos harbour. Walking along the sea front before heading into the alleyways behind we pass Taverna Vasalis it has full WI-Fi service with a wap key and a notice board showing the weather prediction for the next few days all neatly laid out in BBC Shipping forecast style. Further along is Mini Market Centre on the waterfront run by Babis Dendias (Tel 26620, 31597) they do free deliveries to your yacht handy if you don’t want to walk in the heat with your shopping. There’s also a derelict building with a tall chimney that was once an olive oil soap factory, at one time it employed many of the Islanders, producing aromatic Olive Oil soaps.

Heading into the Olive tree covered hills behind Loggos on our mini excursion, we’re able to skirt around the harbour looking down amongst the roof tops into the bay. Walking past the Villas, Planos Holidays, Simply Travel, Travel a la carte and Agni Travel seem to have the monopoly on the Island when it comes to Villa rentals. Ending back on the coastal road near to Lavrechio Beach we’re back in the harbour front within an hour of leaving, are desire to return to the water was compelling in this heat.

Paxos is ideal for the adventurous traveller, there are plenty of foot paths and dirt tracks that takes the adventurous walker all over the Island and using Loggos as a base to cover the north of the Island would be an ideal choice. However, if you choose to explore on foot – you’ll soon find yourself being drawn back to Loggos harbour and its tranquil location. Ideal for chilling by the sea.

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There are a lot of things to do while you’re in Greece. Athens have some of the most famous sights like the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Musem. You can also visit the Kallimarmaron stadium where the ancient Panathenaic Games were held.

During summer, the beaches should be on the top of the list. Beaches in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer the best beach parties in Greece and are one of the top places to be in Europe.

Aside from swimming and soaking during summer, there’s also the Hellenic Festival.  It celebrates the performance arts , theatre, musical and dance. Here, you get to experience the recreation of Greek tradegy in the heart of Athens.

Greek wine is steadily gaining popularity. On the island of Santorini, the volcanic-rich soil makes some of its wines a unique taste. On Crete, wine production can be traced back to the Minoan civilization.  There are tours conducted in wineries, these tours enable you to experience the mountains and beaches of Crete.

Aside from wine tours, Greek cuisine is something that tourists should not miss. There are restaurants and tavernas located in magnificent places. They offer traditional Greek food and the famous ouzo.

Greece has eleven wetland areas that are of international importance.  Aside from this, there are also 190 important areas for birds.  Several top places for birdwatch are the Nestos Deltas and Prespa Lakes.  Some of the birds that can be encountered are eagles, storks, pelicans and herons.  There are turtle doves, peregrine falcons, magpies, red-rumped swallows that can also be seen.

Most people don’t think that it’s possible to ski in Greece, but it is! The season for skiing starts in December and ends in April.  There are 14 ski areas of which Parnassos is the largest and most popular.

There are many options for tours in Greece. There are outdoor tours that can be arranged. Greece is a country with dramatic landscapes featuring soaring mountains and gorges. There can be bike tours on the island of Crete, rock climbing in Meteora or jeep tour in some of the unknown but magnificent gorges.

Taking part in sport events in Greece create special feeling since you are playing in a place where Olympics started. There are marathons where you can participate.  Or at least, try to run the route where Olympic athletes ran the last time they were in town.

Don’t forget to do a good deed, even if you’re on a vacation. There are a lot of volunteer causes that you can get involved with, an environmental organization.  For the young and funky spirits, there is a Rockwave Festival of music. Here, for three days, audiences can listen to heavy metal, rock and roll or good old fashioned dance music.

By balancing your time between educational and free-spirited activities that you can join, surely your Greece vacation would take a lifetime before you forget it.

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All this needs to be accomplished before your yacht drifts out of position. Once resting against the 60 degree incline you drop your bow anchor on shore and have a crew member walk it up the beach, burying it in the sand. Once this is done you use both anchors (Front & Back) to hold you off the beach by a couple of feet.

Do all of this too quickly and it all goes wrong. A German elderly couple (Liveaboard’s) were able to do this at a walking pace, no rush, no alarmed voices and competently slow, just as it should be.

Neilson like many other flotillas uses this little harbour on the northern end of Valtos Beach as an overnight spot whilst traversing the islands of Corfu and Lefkas. It’s an ideal place to walk along it large beach and explore the Tavernas nearby. There are regular water taxis to Parga town (you can walk the length of Valtos Beach if you prefer). Yannis and his musical Zorba sounding caique (He has two lounge stereo speakers that competes with his engine for attention) is the officially adopted taxi service for most of the flotilla companies that visit Parga. I remember him and his Hawaiian shirts 20 years ago and nothing has changed there.

Parga authorities have neglected this isolated little corner of Valtos beach preventing the full use of the harbours little quay due to two sunken pleasure boats of about 30 feet in size. Despite this, yacht now choose to anchor bows to the beach using the harbour wall as protection from the elements.

This little corner of Parga attracts the flotilla and liveaboard sailor alike; it’s an ideal location for traversing the Island of Corfu and Lefkas. It’s also an ideal spot for impromptu beach parties and getting to know other sailing enthusiasts.

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There are a lot of things to do while you are in Greece.  There are some historic sites to visit in Athens.  Athens have some of the most famous sights in Greece like Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Musem.  You can also visit the Kallimarmaron stadium where the ancient Panathenaic Games were  held.

During summer, the beaches of Greece are on the top of the list.  Beaches in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer the best beaches during summer season.  The nightlife and beaches in Greece are one of the top places in Europe.

Aside from swimming and soaking during summer, there is also the Hellenic Festival which is among the most popular and most significant events in Greece.  It celebrates the performance arts , theatre, musical and dance.  Here, you get to experience the recreation of Greek tragedy in the heart of Athens.

Greek wine is steadily gaining popularity.  On the island of Santorini, the volcanic-rich soil makes some of the unique tasting wines.  On Crete, wine production can be traced back in history to the Minoans.  There are tours conducted in wineries, these tours enable you to experience the mountains and beaches of Crete.

Aside from wine tours, Greek cuisine is something that tourists should not miss. There are restaurants and tavernas located in magnificent places.  They offer traditional Greek food and the famous ouzo.

Greece has eleven wetland areas that are of international importance.  Aside from this, there are also 190 important areas for birds.  Several top places for birdwatch are the Nestos Deltas and Prespa Lakes.  Some of the birds that can be encountered are eagles, storks, pelicans and herons.  There are turtle doves, peregrine falcons, magpies, red-rumped swallows that can also be seen.

Most people don’t think that it’s possible to ski in Greece, but it is possible!   The season for skiing starts in December and ends in April.  There are 14 ski areas of which Parnassos is the largest and most popular.

There are many options for tours in Greece.  There are outdoor tours that can be arranged.  Greece is a country with dramatic landscapes feturing soaring mountains and gorges.  There can be bike tours on the island of Crete, rock climbing in Meteora or jeep tour in some of the unknown but magnificent gorges.

If you are not of the outdoorsy type, there is another tour that can be taken advantage of when you are in Greece.  Taking a helicopter tour in Athens wull take you to a breathtaking view of the different landscapes.

Taking part in sport events in Greece create special feeling since you are playing in a place where Olympics started.  There are marathons where you can participate.  Or at least, try to run the route where Olympic athletes ran the last time they were in town.

Donít forget to do a good deed, even if you are in a vacation.  There are a lot of volunteer causes that you can get involved wit, like environmental organization.  For the young and funky spirits, there is a Rockwave Festival of music.  Here, for three days, audiences can listen to heavy metal, rock and roll or good old fashioned dance music.

By balancing your time between educational and free-spirited activities that you can join, surely your Greece vacation would take a lifetime before you forget it.

When you think that you have already got your fill of the fantastic and beautiful sights in Greece, there are a lot of things that you can do.  Throughout the country, there are various sites to visit, beaches to swim, shops and museum to go to.  A Greece vacation is what you need whether youíre a sport bum or a museum enthusiast.

There are a lot of things to do while you are in Greece.  There are some historic sites to visit in Athens.  Athens have some of the most famous sights in Greece like Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Musem.  You can also visit the Kallimarmaron stadium where the ancient Panathenaic Games were  held.

During summer, the beaches of Greece are on the top of the list.  Beaches in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer the best beaches during summer season.  The nightlife and beches in Greece are one of the top places in Europe.

Aside from swimming and soaking during summer, there is also the Hellenic Festival which is among the most popular and most significant events in Greece.  It celebrates the performance arts , theatre, musical and dance.  Here, you get to experience the recreation of Greek tradegy in the heart of Athens.

Greek wine is steadily gaining popularity.  On the island of Santorini, the volcanic-rich soil makes some of the unique tasting wines.  On Crete, wine production can be traced back in history to the Minoans.  There are tours conducted in wineries, these tours enable you to experience the mountains and beaches of Crete.

Aside from wine tours, Greek cuisine is something that tourists should not miss. There are restaurants and tavernas located in magnificent places.  They offer traditional Greek food and the famous ouzo.

Greece has eleven wetland areas that are of international importance.  Aside from this, there are also 190 important areas for birds.  Several top places for birdwatch are the Nestos Deltas and Prespa Lakes.  Some of the birds that can be encountered are eagles, storks, pelicans and herons.  There are turtle doves, peregrine falcons, magpies, red-rumped swallows that can also be seen.

Most people donít think that itís possible to ski in Greece, but it is possible!   The season for skiing starts in December and ends in April.  There are 14 ski areas of which Parnassos is the largest and most popular.

There are many options for tours in Greece.  There are outdoor tours that can be arranged.  Greece is a country with dramatic landscapes feturing soaring mountains and gorges.  There can be bike tours on the island of Crete, rock climbing in Meteora or jeep tour in some of the unknown but magnificent gorges.

If you are not of the outdoorsy type, there is another tour that can be taken advantage of when you are in Greece.  Taking a helicopter tour in Athens wull take you to a breathtaking view of the different landscapes.

Taking part in sport events in Greece create special feeling since you are playing in a place where Olympics started.  There are marathons where you can participate.  Or at least, try to run the route where Olympic athletes ran the last time they were in town.

Donít forget to do a good deed, even if you are in a vacation.  There are a lot of volunteer causes that you can get involved wit, like environmental organization.  For the young and funky spirits, there is a Rockwave Festival of music.  Here, for three days, audiences can listen to heavy metal, rock and roll or good old fashioned dance music.

By balancing your time between educational and free-spirited activities that you can join, surely your Greece vacation would take a lifetime before you forget it.

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So will recommendations made by the Lonely Planet, a book more important that a clean pair of pants whilst travelling. Swatting up and having a rough idea of some islands you would like to visit is great, but so is being flexible.…

Paros is an island right in the heart of the Cyclades, and so the theory was to do one long journey first (4hrs30mins) and free ourselves up for shorter ones in the following weeks to come. Once on Paros, other islands were a stone’s throw away. Paros is neighboured by Naxos, the largest island of the Cycladic Islands. However, Paros is still regarded by backpackers and professional travellers as the better of the two. The little airport means that Paros hasn’t had to cater to large groups of tourists and 18–30 year olds on corresponding holidays, so it is much more authentic. It is not exactly as lush and green as say, Amorgos but approaching it via the port Parikia, the skyline is littered with Greece’s traditional bright, white buildings and blue roofs.

Upon arriving we were quite unprepared for the onslaught of hostel, hotel and campsite promoters and so pushed through them like robots, refusing all. However, this barrage of sweaty Greek men is a prime time to get your accommodation sorted. These guys will drive you to your abode straight from the port meaning you can unstrap your backpack (otherwise known as that pain and strain in your ass) and explore the island back-sweat free.

The key word here is haggle. It is the Marrakech of sleeping arrangements and so don’t take their first offer. Another couple of islands and Becky and I had become season pros at this.

Our first stop was a pharmacy to get Becky some form of medication for her worsening case of tonsillitis. The thinking was that they sell antibiotics over the counter in Spain, so why not here? An odd game of charades ensued whereby I pointed down Becky’s neck and made a face and she clutched her throat and gurgled. We were presented with a throat spray and sent on our way.

After a spattered barter with an English guy still loitering around the port, we agreed on a price to stay in his camping spot on the southern side of the island. After bundling ourselves into his scorching hot truck, our driver gave us an animated tour pointing out that there are two halves to Paros: the more secluded side (our present destination) and Naoussa, where nightlife resided, at which point he wiggled in his chair to demonstrate “nightlife”. We understood much better after that.

The southerly beach is known as “The Golden Beach”: clean, white sand, crystal clear sea and chilled-out, generic music coming from the bar up the beach, straw umbrellas and lots of Armani and Cavalli wearers sauntering about the place. There wasn’t a wibbly-wobbly, cap wearing, sunburnt Brit insight…apart from us obviously. Two days of this coupled with incessant spraying and Becky was almost cured, and I was craving something else to do but sunbathe. Relaxing and peaceful as it was, out of season if you are not an avid sun-worshipper, restlessness will kick in down South. On our third day we travelled over to Naoussa to see what we could see.

It felt like we’d entered back into civilisation after being at some kind of retreat. Here there certainly were Brits to be found. The beaches aren’t quite as nice however, there is far more to do, be it water sports, eating in a different place every day, sitting in a swing chair on the balcony of a bar watching the sun set or just plain people watching.

More trinkets and junk than in an episode of Bargain Hunt can be found in the stalls and markets along the seafront, broken up by the divine smell of garlic, butter and all manner of seafood. All the while, Becky and I had found it quite hard not to quote and draw references to Shirley Valentine and so on our last night in Paros, we asked the waiter if we could move our table to the edge of the sea and feel the cool waves lapping at our feet. He said no. So we settled for sharing olives, bread, Greek salad a bottle of deliciously cheap white wine on the sea front under a string of fairy lights and overlooking the bobbing boats.

On our way back to the campsite, we met a German boy (I say boy, he was 18 but looked 5) called Malta who consequently we would then meet up with on the boat to Ios the following morning and spend the next five days with. After a few drinks, Malta promptly divulged that the owners of the campsite had been placing bets as to whether Becky and I were lesbians or not. The next day we both wore dresses and mascara.

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http://www.jetsetlife.tv

This Video by ‘JetSet life TV’ Features Santorini’s Nightlife and a selection of the best places to go including Oia.. Ammoudi Bay, Oia’s port was featured in the ‘Santorini Trekking Post’ earlier last week “The coolest place on the island” says Kosta.

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If you’re looking for fun in the summer. Then Paradise and Super Paradise beach on the Island of Mykonos is probable the best place to go. Located next to a campsite within yards of the beach this hedonistic enclave has a reputation for partying. If you’ve arrived in Mykonos port you can take a local bus to ‘Platys Glalos’ in the south then hop on a tourist caique that will take you around the headland directly onto Paradise beach.  The campsite is behind amongst the trees.

Where to stay: Everyone that parties tend to use the campsite (But don’t expect much sleep at the height of the season) its party, party remember… That said the music tends to liven up in the evening after the days heat has gone and the mornings are fairly quiet. Paradise Beach Campsite is directly behind and has plenty of shade. Backpackers pitch their tents amongst the trees to avoid the heat of the day. Hammocks and makeshift washing-lines are all over.

The facilities: Are very good. Plenty of communal showers and washing facilities. There are rented lockers built into concrete walls with electricity to charge up your devices. (Great idea!) They also do Tours around the island. The are plenty of adverts all over offering, Sailing, Scuba-diving, Booz Cruise and anything else you can think off and more.

I was there early May ’08 and the season was just getting started, even then there were plenty of American students about. This is truly an international beach with European, Scandinavian and every other nationality represented too. I had visions of it been tacky but actually it’s a well organised slick operation that is run efficiently and friendly the results produced a regular following of people that come back year after year to break the shackles of the 9 – 5 grind. The atmosphere is friendly, not cynical or clicky, new faces are welcome…

If you’re young at heart… Like to party… Can control your drink… and switched on to your surroundings then Paradise Beach is for you… Oh and take a friend.

Paradise Beach Camping
Telephone 0030 22890–22129 (Summer)
paradise@paradise.myk.forthnet.gr

Paradice Beach Webcam

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Yannis shack; of bamboo, elephant grass and driftwood is situated on Myrtiotissa beach on the west coast of Corfu. Myrtiotissa beach is not easy to find a driftwood sign nailed to an olive tree was my only clue. Walking down a dirt track meandering between the olive trees I found myself standing on a cliff overlooking a tranquil bay. Fresh water from the 200ft cliffs trickled over the rocks and down onto the beach below. Looking out to the west I could see a clear blue horizon Italy being 70 miles away. Myrtiotissa beach lacks the commercialization found on Corfu’s other beaches its isolated location means a walk of at least half an hour is needed to get down to the beach. However commerce is vibrant, its northern end is for clothed or partially clothed sun seekers but its southern end is where the backpackers, travellers and the islands gypsy minded residents reside. A hippy persona emanates everywhere. Artists selling their paintings, jewellery and friendship bands sit naked in the sand sheltering from the sun. Everyone is brown, a procession of bathers walk from the mirror sea to the fresh water shower flowing from the cliff onto the beach. Many using olive oil to enhance their tan whilst others play beach ball in their birthday suits.

As unspoilt beaches go, Myrtiotissa beach is hard to beat. Sheltered on three sides by vertical cliffs with a snake path that no vehicle can follow, its fine sandy beach gently slops into the sea. Standing at the waters edge toes disappearing into the sand I find Joanne (Yannis wife and rival to Ursula Andress in Dr No’) back from her afternoon diving adventure displaying a pile of black urchins glistening in the sun, a real pain if you stand on one and Joanna’s self-appointed mission to rid these pests from the beach. Opening one Joanna shows me the orange food inside then eats it raw passing some to me. Tasting similar to mussels I was pleasantly surprised.

Brown bodies abound I could still distinguish between Germans, Scandinavian and Brits. The Italians are a category apart; cultural backgrounds can manifest themselves even on a nudist beach. Fashion conscious Italians, beer swilling Scandinavians, territorial Germans and lobster coloured Brits can be distinguished with ease. Yet the difference between the residents and hardcore travellers was harder to judge. ‘The best time to get to know who’s who is in the evening” says Joanna. “As quite a few sleep on the beach overnight.”

As the sun gets low in the sky the day visitors begin to leave, a precession of coloured garments snake there way slowly up the winding path and disappear from view. “Quality time” as Joanna described it, starts about now.

Ambling along the waters edge, wearing a sarong in ‘Beckham style’ I stumble into the travellers’ encampment hidden from view of the main beach. Attracted by the aroma of grilled fish, life here looked primitive, yet I could see there were plenty that had chosen to camp on the beach for weeks. Familiar faces sitting in the shade only hours before were grouped around a campfire. Rhythms of ‘Cat Stevens’ strummed on a guitar mingle with the evening heat. Sleeping bags arranged in groups, logs arranged around the campfire all were changed and ready for the evening to come. At such a perfect moment it seemed a shame to leave.

Getting there from Corfu Town & airport.
Myrtiotissa beach is 15km west of Corfu town. Take the Glyfada (Via Vatos) green/cream bus (45mins) from the New Port central bus station in Corfu Town and ask for Myrtiotissa beach bus stop (40 mins), you will be dropped of by the side of a road next to an Olive grove with a dirt track. Follow the signs to the beach (The last bus back to Corfu town is 20:30). If you take a car make sure you park in the parking place half way down the dirt track in the olive grove. Beyond the parking area the dirt road becomes really steep a 1in3 incline. Taxis direct from the airport can cost up to 40 euros so ask the price first and then haggle. The Green Bus station from the airport is 4 km so a local bus to the bus station is needed.

Sleeping on the beach…
In Greece, it’s illegal to camp on a beach as there is no revenue earned through its tourism, at Myrtiotissa those that chose to sleep overnight on the beach take their tents down during the day and only put them back up in the dark, others just have their sleeping bags and netting. Myrtiotissa’s isolated location makes the policing of unofficial campers, difficult. As long as no tents are seen it’s possible to become one with the beach and the sea without paying for any accommodation.

Accommodation…
Panorama rooms. Are located in an olive grove at the top of the cliff, overlooking the sea and a 5-minute walk from Myrtiotissa beach. The accommodation is private but you share the communal showers and kitchen. On the main road 300 yards north/south of the bus stop are a lot of apartments to rent. Villa Myrto, Villa Natassa and Villa Capella are only just a few of them. They offer average to high standards.
http://www.panorama-rooms.gr
panoramarooms@yahoo.gr

Vatos Camping is a 30 min walk from the beach and on the outskirts of Vatos village. (The same Corfu-Glyfada bus takes you there) They provide free regular coach transport to Glyfada beach stopping at Myrtiotissa from their campsite.
Tel 0030 26610 94503

Eating out & nightlife…
Mythos bar, Labis bar, Spiros 97 are all within a 30 min walk from the beach and are located in and around Vatos village. There is a local disco ‘Pam Pam’ (Operated by Vatos camping) that opens from July.

Myrtiotissa beach information guide http://www.mirtiotissa.com/

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