Just Back from Greek Islands

by Roula Tsoukalis

I hadn't had a summer in Greece since I moved back to Australia, almost 7 years ago. So I was very excited about packing ''light'', getting on that plane and heading to the Greek Islands.

Our first stop was Kos in the Island group of Dodecanese. The island that gave the world Hippocrates, the father of medicine. After a very long flight, we rested & the next day we got up, had our 'frappe' and off we went to the beach. Apart from baking yourself under the Greek sun, there are many things you can do in Kos. In summer there are plenty of concerts, theatre & festivals happening. Places to visit are: the seaside resort of Kardamena, Mastihari & Tigaki. Also some beautiful beaches like Kefalos.

A must is a visit to Thermes with its natural hot springs (emphasize on the word hot). Although you will come out smelling something like egg(?) its an amazing experience - it is said that these hot springs are therapeutic. There is also a very nice tavern there that amongst your traditional Greek food also serves 'Octopus Balls'...Be sure to try them, I promise you won't regret it.

While in Kos we also went on a full day boat cruise - you can visit Turkey or visit a number of other Greek islands (how does a day trip to Rhodes sound?), where you can stop for lunch & swim at secluded beaches. From Kos we took a day trip to the beautiful island of Patmos. Patmos is well known because this is where Apostle John - wrote the Apocalypse in a cave on the island between 95 and 97 A.D. This cave is now a Church and thousands of tourists come every year from around the world to visit this sacred place. There is also the monastery of St.John the Theologian that crowns the hill above the port.

Our next stop was Kalymnos. Where you may ask? Well if you are after something different, with few tourists, then this island is definitely worth a visit. Me and hubby were also there to visit his relos - any Greek would know if you don't visit the relos while on holiday in Greece, they will hold it against you for life... It was my first time there and I absolutely fell in love with this place. Kalymnos is home to sponge divers, the people are very friendly, it's an island full of history & traditions. With great beaches like Gefira, Masouri, Emporio, Telendos & Myrties. You can also go Rock Climbing, diving, a variety of watersports & more.

The Church of Agios Savvas high up on the hill with a view to the port is an absolute jewel. The view from up there is sensational. If you ask a Kalymnian what place to visit, they will most definitely say Vathi, a small fishing village - at the most fertile part of the island where lots of citrus fruit grow. Best to visit by sea where you go through a 'canal' which runs through the village or you can always take a taxi. Some very nice tavernas there & a great place to swim.

 

Next stop was the island of Evia, almost the size of Crete, this island is covered by rich vegetation, with crystal clear blue waters. The capital of Halkida (about an hour from Athens) is where we stayed for 2 weeks & it is where I used to live. This island is connected to the mainland by the old bridge (about 40 meters) - across the Evripos Straits and features the still unexplained tidal current where the water changes direction every 6 hours or so. Halkida is a beautiful town with many things to do & speaking from experience - the best nightlife! The beaches are amazing, although you might need to drive a little bit to get to the better ones, you will find its worth your while. The island is so large & diverse that you will need plenty of tio explore as well as try the activities available like hiking, climbing & more. Places to visit would be the well known spas of Loutra Aedipsos in the northwest, or Kimi to the Northeast where you can also catch a ferry to the islands of Skiathos & Skyros. Heading south from Halkida is the seaside resort of Malakonda Beach & the tourist towns of Eretria & Karystos.

Tip: August is the end of Season (Summer) sale so its a good idea to go shopping in Athens... or anywhere in Greece for that matter! You will find items with up to 75% off. Remember pack light, because you will definitely need the room on your return..

I know this is not your typical 'Greek Island' itinerary, but apart from the islands most visited by tourists every year, there are so many more that are truly worth exploring. So don't hesitate, just go for it.