We weren’t entirely sure what to do on the Pelion Peninsula. In the end, we decided to go on a round trip and give the kids some more time at a couple of beaches. The first beach we stopped at was Mylopotamos. It turned out to be lovely and we stayed to play with the stream and the rocks. Up the stairs again for a great lunch at Aggelika. Now, we wanted to move on but the Agent had found three girls to go exploring with for the second time. So a second exploration it was.
Afterwards, we finished the loop with a stop at Agios beach and a ride through the apple orchards in Zagora. Back to Camp Sirka for the night.
Muesli with Greek yoghurt for once
View of the Pagastic Gulf
All that honey we are consuming is produced all over Greece. It’s just the first time I get a picture of them
Right through the mountains
And down to the other coast again
Even the tiniest creek washed a lot of debris down. The Pelion Peninsular had a big storm last September and has substantial damage, especially the roads and the now non-existent bridges
We were later told, that neither beach nor stream had been here before the severe storm last year
All that greek honey must come from somewhere, right?
Another “Agent amongst the flowers” picture
20th century Nymph
took some coaxing to get them to wade through the chilly stream
Made it over, now warming up again
Everything is better on the rocks
The agent of entropy has a thing with sticks now
Epic gull pose
Only time I had ancovies, as I had to eat them alone. But soo good, with great bread and treats
The Greek-german dad of the three new friends told us that last year, he went here with the sea kajak. now it is filled up with 1m of debris
Never too early to experiment with hydrodynamics
A man proud of his work
Our initial plan was to head out after lunch. Then the kids made new friends and tricked us into beach round two
This tiny stream carried all the debris you see, ripped away multiple bridges along the way and tore 20 m of riverbank out last autumn
find the bee
Beach would get them any time, last stop on the pelion peninusla loop
The bee in question, had a good ride
this is an example image sparing you the view (and smell) of the impact of this on our poor Number Three
We made it back, down there would be our camp for the night
About an hour’s drive north of Delphi lay our next destnation: Iti National Park. I’d read up on it, opted for a hike to a waterfall and felt generally prepared. Flo did a quick stop at the bakery to buy pastries for lunch and we were all set to start.
And then the hike turned out to be much more involved than I had wanted. The kids and Flo loved it, while I fought vertigo and anxiety seeing my kids move over streams and tree trunks, up steep inclines and hanging from ropes.
In the end, the waterfall was absolutely stunning. It wasn’t the one I had chosen but it was beautiful and we had made it. Plus, when I finally made it there, we met about three classes of Greek pupils aged about 12 years old who did this hike as a field trip.
Driving to Sirka on the Pelion Peninsular afterwards meant another late arrival. But we did the best and opted for dinner in the taverna which was lovely.
Ypati was suggested by the Lonely Planet as a good starting point for hikes
So we started a 2,4km round trip to a waterfall. That’s what I signed up for.
The first “sight” along the way was this wind hole which was actually pretty cool
Next to the signpost telleing us to go left to see the wind hole, we had lunch.
Now it’s starting to look like a hike in a national park
Both kids loved finding the way markers
Then, we came to this dry river bed which was to be crossed. It was the first time I went “hm….”
Looking out over the dried up river bed
Next up, we had to cross a small stream. Luckily, there were enough stepping stones
Why are there metal steps? Why is it so steep?
Both kids and Flo LOVED the track while it wasn’t what I had signed up for….like at all
And then, you had to cross a freaking tiny trunk holding on to a steel cable!
Number 3 did it nearly without help
Yeah….this was not the hike I expected. It had so many climbing parts
And then we were at the waterfall. The sun came through the opening and I stopped complaining. 😉
Waterfall-gazing kids
Family with waterfall
In the shade, with the water spray, the Agent was cold all of a sudden. Cuddling helped
And now….at least for the last part, we had to retrace the track. Up the metal handholds and ropes
And down the steeep parts
Now there was even a bridge over the stream on the way out
For a bit, this dog accompanied us on the hike. I didn’t find out if his owner was around or if he was just living here
Sundown at Camping Sirka on the Pelion peninsular. After the hike, we had to drive for quite a while again to get to the next campground
So we opted for a late dinner in the campground taverna, right at the sea. Fresh fish was on the menu, as well as baked cheese with veggies
Despite arriving super late last night, we had managed to get a super nice campground. Flo made his round this morning, talking to other campers. Our neighbours helped us out with the hole in our tent (happened yesterday while putting up the tent in the dark) and then Flo came across Rick and Sylvie from https://www.instagram.com/seitert2sydney/
We talked and they knew people we know so…it was a very pleasant conversation. 🙂 Good luck on your travels!
Afterwards, we drove the 15km back to the cute town of Arahova which we’d passed last night. Had great lunch with local home-made pasta, a first since we’ve arrived in Greece.
Checked out the archaelogical site in Delphi where the oracle could be consulted. Back early to the same pretty campground to enjoy the view, the pool and some baklava.
This fella belonged to a dutch couple in a beefed up jeep at the start of an overland adventure – they helped us out when I ripped the tent
So cool to meet fellow travelers – they knew our friends Peter and Leonie from the discover overland meetup last year – all the best to you!
A lady with a mission – it’s lunch time
Detail of Arachova
The town was lined with three things: Cafes. restaurants and gift shops with local wares
Divine lamb shank and noodle dish, the Agent agrees
The veggie side of the table was also quite happy
Off the main drag, it was all cute angles and narrow alleys
Exploring the back alleys
alwas get your exercise in
they dragged us in and begged for baklava – and got it 😉
Second LP cover number one has tracked down
Tholos Athene – we are not quite sure what this was for, originally
starting the track up the hill in Delphi, as the pilgrims did
The navel, once assumed the geographical center of the greek world
If my usual experience is right, all it says is that john owed james 7 goats …
It once had a solid gold figure on top … got looted, obviously. But they kindly left the bronze pilar
This is the site of the ancient oracle, where young lasses were forced by weird old men to huff some stuff and get all prophetic
The view down from the Delphi amphitheater
remaing pillars of the Apollo temple
The one treasury rebuild in Delphi. funded by the Athenian Council. Imagine this stacked to the roof with gold and loot
We passed through Arachova yesterday night, looked quaint, so we went back for the daytrip
This once topped a huge pillar, one of many show off pieces dedicated by a greek city state
The remaining marbles frizes from the temple, in the museum as usual
gold is so unique, the way it withstands all blemish over the ages. The black bits were shining white, once …
She was frustrated with her progress learning to use the swing – so she taught herself swinging standing up instead …
Back at the very lovely Delphi Camping site
Our kids talked us into buying half a kilo of baklava
Dream spot for a pool, just a little bit …
… too cold fro some
The view from the pool deck
Nina made new friends – and got a picture taken. I have no idea about the circumstance here 😀
Today was mostly about seeing the Parthenon and being on top of the Akropolis. In the morning, we visited the Roman Agora and the Museum of Greek Musical instruments before having lunch. After lunch, at 2pm it was our time slot to visit the Akropolis. After a last “farewell Athens” coffee, we drove 2 1/2 hours to our next campground in Delphi.
A selection of olives
The first farmer’s market we’ve encountered in Greece
The Agent was adamant. She wanted a miniburger for breakfast.
Instead of the average Mall food we had yesterday, we had breakfast at this fancy place along the way
The metro station next to the Mall of Athens were we securely parked the car for the day
Number 3 wanted a palm tree picture for his portfolio
There is not much left except for the tower of winds
The Agent then also wanted a picture of her and a palm tree for her portfolio
That’s how most of the sites look like: We’ve found these stones here so we put them in a neat stack to the side
Weather was lovely again today
Museum for Greek musical instruments
On the inside of the museum
The Agent enjoyed the only place with headphones with samples of music
We went back to Anafiotika for lunch
Food makes everybody happy
Oranges are in season so all this freshly pressed juice is really good
A Greek staple: Stuffed tomato and pepper
Busy at the Akropolis
The Ancient Agora in the foreground, no end of Athens in sight
Walking up to the tiop of the Akropolis
The oldest temple on the Akropolis
The Gate building on the Akropolis
The first side of the Parthenon, in scaffolding
This one is fully restored, I think. I mean, other than the Elgin marbles which are still in the British Museum
The hobbits on the lookout
My obligatory shot with the Parthenon. Number 3 didn’t like the brightness nor the crowds on the Akropolis.
View of the restorted sides
Caryatids – statues instead of columns
The legendary olive tree that Athena gave the city – they preferred it over the spring that Poseidon gave them
Roman theater on the Akropolis
My chocolate treat as a “farewell Athens”
Enjoying the view from our coffee place
Due to the lack of campgrounds in the greater Athens area, we had a long way to go to the next campground in Delphi, about 2 1/2 hours
Going through a lovely little town. Maybe worth exploring tomorrow
Our first day in Athens. Or: Anything but the Acropolis. We drove 45 min from the Campsite out in the sticks to a big mall (where we fit into the underground parking with our hight just shy of 2 meters) and after a breakfast used the great subway connection right into the heart of the City. Or more precisely: The ancient heart …
Destination: Inner city Athens. End of our looong journey to get here
Graffitied train of the green metro line going right through an archaelogical site
Temple of Hephaestus from the other side of the Agora
Detail of the Hephaestion
The reconstructed Stoa of Attalos in the back holds the Museum for this site.
A “gift” from a Chinease delegation. “What if Socrates and Confutious had met” … such a kind offer HAD to be placed in the most prominent space, right?
Seems sketchy, but there was a 150 year old painting in the museum showing it in the same state. So, should be fine …
This neural net is getting properly trained
Ancient signet ring, and a seal stamped from it
Not the easies conversation, explaining burial offering to my 6 year old …
This is another 1000 years older than the whole Socrates and so on part. Layers upon layers …
captivating statues all around. this one grabbed my attention.
Against my “plan”. the Ancient Agora was our first proper stop. This is inside the museum
in case it was unclear
Someone finding his calling, it seems
Btw, the real thing was behind the window on the left
A permanent flea market in the heart of Athens – number one loved it
Delicious sea food – all for myself, not even adventerous AoE wanted to share …
Fountain and parliament building
Guard in front of the parliament
Our first tortoise!
Trying the old trick again…it didn’t work, they were all sour.
No entry today
Not much to see here at the moment
One column fell down during a storm and lies like this ever after
Not a chance to get a good photo of this site. Hadrian build it between the old town and the new town which he claimed for himself
Walking through the tiny lanes of Anafiotika, a place within the quarter of Plaka in Athens
What a lovely space to have a coffee in!
Cuddles before our “tea for 2” arrived
Coffee time happiness
Both kids agreed to share a chocolate pie and they ate it up until the last bite. Which I had…it tasted surprisingly boozy. -.-
Unintensionally happy kids
The most interesting thing for kids in Hadrian’s Library is tortous
Posing in Anafiotika
Number 3 replacing an early victim of his severe carsickness….we actually threw out the filling of his cushion, after….you know….
Today was a bit of an odd day as we didn’t have a plan. Well, we’d actually had a great plan but it fell apart last night. Our plan was to go to Diakopto and ride the train through a gorge as a surprise for Number 3. Last night, we learned that the train hasn’t operated since February. Anyhow, we decided to go there anyway and walk along the tracks. According to the Lonely Planet this is a thing people do even when the train is operating.
So we walked the tracks for a while, had lunch and turned back. From Diakopto, we drove towards Athens which we will visit tomorrow. On the way, Flo wanted to look at the Canal of Corinth, just as a human-made feature. It turned out to be quite cool plus, it had a great bakery right next to it.
We had a lovely morning in camp. Unfortunately, the kids’ play companion from last night slept in until we left.
Oh, behind a palm tree! Let’s sneak up…
Number 3 sitting at the water’s edge, content with his thoughts
The kids digging a hole for play
Excitement about train cars!
The old cars were just left on the tracks and were vandalized a little. Not as much as I would’ve guessed though
The old steam engine (rack and pinion, says Flo)
The Agent in the driver’s seat
The train cars in the back are the “new” ones, usually operating on the tracks
The start of the tracks. We were sure there was no train going
On the way in, the Agent was’t too convinced about walking the tracks. She did her own thing.
Number 3 playing locomotive on the tracks
Pretty steep
The surrounding stone walls were fukll of caves and holes
We just made this track-side nook our lunch place
There’s a lot of great Greek snack food, like pies filled with spinach or cheese. You just buy it in a bakery and you’re set for lunch
On the way back, the Agent was allowed to be the locomotive
Someone was really tired from all the walking and pretending to be a train
You can cross in a car or on foot
This bridge is right before the canal goes out to the gulf. It is submergable, if ships want to use the canal
It’s a bit nuts, isn’t it? They just took out so much rock here.
The pink platform in the middle is to bungy jump off it 😉
Right in the distance, you should be able to see the submergable bridge!
Yep. it`s pretty high!
Fascinating stuff for Number 3
A building advertising “Bakery box” and “Coffee box” must be right up our alley. Snack time!
Number 3 found this sign to be hilarious. Especially since there was a dog around….but not in the parking spot.
AoE drinking cocoa over the canal of Corinth
There is a city camp in Athens but we didn’t get a spot. When I called they told me to try again in 1 1/2 months. So we camped 38km northeast of Athens.
The campsite had a bit of a roof so we sat under it and Flo cooked dinner
The light had already turned a bit hazy during dinner and afterwards, it just looked like apocalypse struck. My first thought was a fire somewhere.
In the end, it turned out to be another incident of Sahara sand. For here on, there was sand everywhere and we kept seeing people trying to clean it off.
We went further up the coast to the town of Nafplio. A stroll through the castle later, we had our best food yet at a recommended restaurant. After our food stop, we went to Epidaurus to look at the amphitheater. One last camp along the coast which we first thought was abandoned.
Roof tent tent roof breakfast
Fortress of Palamidi in Nafplion
Fortress view to Nafplion – with a cute mouse
The time as a prison are also long gone now
Spot the family, three accounted for
Nafplion harbour view
Break time, any shade will do
Fortress of Palamidi detail
surprisingly good coffee at the castle kiosk
She knows how to pose, if she wants to
Spectacular view from this missing gate
so good, its worth two photoes
Time to go, after the highest point. Number one leading the way, AoE still tiny.
Quick story: Our Guidebook is a bit older, and in the mean time this recomended place became even better: hands down the most inovative take on greek food so far on this trip.
Oranges are in season at the moment, the juices are so delicious
I took the vegetarian option and it was so good, I made Nina jealous
Complementary Dessert – much approved
Second sightseeing stop for the day
Hiding from the oversealous stewards of the site and their whistles
History nerd in the making
The accoustics at the very center, the place of the alter are fascinating – but no singing allowed
The first row and the first row of the upper rank have back rests, for the guests of honour. The ladies had to test them …
Sad shot from a sad “Museum”
There is always one bit re-constructed on every ancient site. Some sites pick better options than others …
A lucky find – tunred out, it belonged to a girl at the camp next door. Sorting this out lead to a great 2 hrs. holiday friendship before bed.
We took this Sunday for a city tour of Monemvasia. It’s a rebuild walled city which is also a popular spot for Greeks. Thus, it was rather crowded in the lower city (for our taste). The upper city is still in ruins and it was great fun to explore them. On our way out, we went up north through a great mountain pass and back to sealevel on the other side. Poor Number 3 was severly carsick on this stretch.
You have to be creative to get your fresh orange in the morning 😉
Early morning in the olive trees of Camp Gythion Bay
We actually thought she’d managed to learn how to properly use a swing…
It’s even a google maps tourist attraction
The pier leading to Monemvasia
The kids were totally in awe of palms trees and cacti
Canons make Number 3 just happy
“If Number 3 gets a picture, I want a picture!”
The canon balls were just a plus to this square
It was already high up
Most of the lower city has been restored and is in use
While we went for a brunch-style lunch, my home-made lemonade turned out to be fancy
Number 3 needed some cuddles at lunch time
Up towards the upper city
Looks like a holiday
… and the view is already good
The upper town is still an archaeological site
Better not fall down
The only restored building in the upper city is the Hagia Sofia
Can’t get much further up now
Good thing I didn’t realize how close to the edge the walking path was when I was on it!
We started the day with a tour through Mystras, a former Byzantine capital. Again, we had too much food for lunch in a great little tavern, before driving done towards Mani. The Lonely Planet suggested a boat ride through a lime stone cave which we were keen to do. Due to high waters, we could only do a small tour with the boat (no pics) and walked out of the caves again. Flo took us on a little section of the Mani driving tour and then we were at the Campground right at the beach.
Mystras Castle – castle view camp ground promise checks out
if you squint, the castle is visible
We’ve taken to Greek honey and Greek yoghurt. Especially this thyme honey got all of our approvals
not much left, really. but a nice walk regadless
Byzantine church of great importance
Here was the last Byzantine Emperor crrowned
There she goes … where to, nobody knows
more restored / maintained churches
On our way to the old ciry – first trip without the carrier for EOA. She does great!
Down there behind the first ridge lies ancient and newly founded modern Sparta
Tring to get the to pose properly at the same time is like hearding cats
Full on explorer mode – maching ahead, always curious
The boder between pet and feral is fluid here – this one lives at the still active monastery
That is a lot of idols and asorted knick-knacks
The ancient nuns keep the place tidy
View from the lower city to the upper city and citadel
Nature taking over
Keeping up with our habit of odering too much food
Once again, the landscape surprised us – such high mountains and amazing driving
Buying tickets for a boat ride through a limestone cave
“It is almost as tall as I am – I must get on it”
“Made it!”
Unfortunately, the tide was so high, that we could only do the small boat ride. The rest, we had to do on foot. Which was also nice to do.
So many stalactites
High waves led to great splashes of spray
A bit of a ride through Mani
Out of Mani and along the coast to the next campground
What a lovely road!
We arrived later than we’d hoped but there had to be time to check out the beach
Today was mostly a riding day. We took the road south from Olympia through the mountains. On the way, we stopped at the Temple of Epicurean Apollo and then continued south to Mystras.
This is the grass hopper, in case you couldn’t tell before
The kids rushing over to take a picture of a big grass hopper
Breakfast time @ Ancient Olympia campground
I call this: Bedhead in morning sun
View along the route to the temple of Epicurean Apollo
The temple was supposedly up in the mountains
Passing some very slow Greek traffic participants
It also included walking uphill for a bit
The Temple of Epicurean Apollo is the oldest Unesco World heritage site in Greece. It is being restored for the last 40 years and there is no end in sight. The tent prevents further damage from the elements
Despite the long restauration, it is nowhere near finished. Probably because funding for these kinds of projects is cut first during a crisis
We had a snack at the picnic table provided on site
The old fragments are supplemented by the new pieces
Also. around the tent the setting was just lovely! The kids agreeed
*smile*
Full of energy again, she managed the way down on her own
There are soooo many animals around. Everywhere. I feel like we havn’t had enough cats on the blog so far
We drove through the mountains in the middle of nowhere and stumbled across this lovely little restuarant where we had lunch
Also along the way we came across this industrial site
