Oh my god!I sure as hell am in love with the Greek islands(over 3000 in all I’m told).If you ever get an opportunity to visit greece, jump on it.
We began in Athens which is good, just steer clear of Omonia Square and hotels located thereabouts.It certainly is not a great neighbourhood to be in, most denizens being drug addicts, pros, and ethnic minorities who are mostly illegal immigrants.
But Plaka is where all the action is-restaurants, bistros, open air musicians, markets, shopping, all the fun.For budget shoppers there’s the Roman market & the flea market opposite.I picked up great bags, shoes & even a pair of sunglasses.For people with a lil moolah, head to Kolonaki where the rich Greeks shop.
The Parthenon needs no introduction, make sure your hotel window overlooks this magnificent monument. Thats not as difficult as it sounds coz the monument is located on a hilltop and can be seen from virtually any room at a height.
Do take a cruise of the islands, we went to Poros, Hydra(pronounced ee-dra)and a few others. Santorini is known as the playground of the rich & famous.You’ll find celebs, painters, stars and the like lazing about getting a tan.By far the islands took my breath away, milk white buildings with red or blue trim amd oranges in every yard, garden &
town square.
The fishing islands are famous for their squid and octopus delicacies, and they are yummmm.mmmm.mm. Grilled octupus is the best thing I’ve ever tasted in sea food so far, it sounded eek! but its delicious beyond compare.They have these fish farms in the midle of the sea where they catch bass and other fish.Cape sunion by the agean sea is lovely, the story behind it being a greek father/son tragedy.The Temple of Athena houses a magnificent amphitheater, which magnifies a whisper ten times over.Its located on a mountain the location of which is fairytale stuff.The thing that struck me the most was the absence of people, streets lie deserted, restaurants stand almost empty at times.Its bcoz of a small population, I’m told.I wish we could have that here, but thats impossible with our population bursting at the seams.
Crete is unforgettable, so are these fabulous greek islands. We went in the winter but if you don’t like the cold, visit in summer, though season rates will be significantly higher.