travel

Hydra Island Pt1

Porobably the most beautiful port I have ever seen!

Hydra island is a majestic island on of the saronic islands in the Aegean sea. The island got it’s name from the natural springs on the islands as ‘hydra’ in Greek is another word for water.

It is considered a cosmopolitan island, and as soon as our ship came close to the harbour, I could see why. It is a very aristocratic looking island due to the classic architecutal style of the homes on the island.

There were many things to see and do and very little time as it was only a day trip. My camera was very happy though as you can see I had to divide the post in 3 parts.

Hidden Beaches/Κρυφές παραλίες

We cruised by Evia. The northern region of the island was devastated by fires last August.

On the Skiathos boat cruise we saw many hidden gems. Hidden beach coves that are only accessible by boat as well as caves, and some beautiful homes on top of cliffs.

Στην κρουαζιέρα στη Σκιάθο είδαμε πολλά κρυμμένα πετράδια. Κρυμμένους παραλιακούς κολπίσκους που είναι προσβάσιμοι μόνο με βάρκα, καθώς και σπηλιές, και μερικά όμορφα σπίτια στην κορυφή των βράχων.

Cruise to Skiathos

All aboard the Elizabet to Skiathos island!

The captain and a crew member show us their moves.

Everyone wants to show off their moves now

Wave your hands iup n the air, and wave them like you just don’t care!

Greek children clapping to the classic Greek socng ‘To Zeibekiko tis Evdokias’

Traveling on the cruise ship Elizabet to skiathos was an incredible and memorable experience. It was like a dream… Beaches can sometimes be forgetable, but not this boat ride! The captain pulled out all of the stops and provided the entertainment. He played music from every country that the passengers were from. He danced the sirtaki and event gave them Greek dance lessons. This was a party boat! I wasn’t expecting this at all. It was nice to see people from various countries dancing together in unity. And with covid, fire and inflation free thoughts. Just good summer fun!

Το ταξίδι με το κρουαζιερόπλοιο Elizabet στη Σκιάθο ήταν μια απίστευτη και αξέχαστη εμπειρία. Ήταν σαν ένα όνειρο… Οι παραλίες μπορεί μερικές φορές να ξεχαστούν, αλλά όχι αυτή η βόλτα με το σκάφος! Ο καπετάνιος έβγαλε όλες τις στάσεις και παρείχε τη διασκέδαση. Έπαιζε μουσική από κάθε χώρα από την οποία ήταν οι επιβάτες. Χόρεψε το συρτάκι και τους έκανε ακόμη και μαθήματα ελληνικού χορού. Αυτό ήταν ένα καράβι για πάρτι! Δεν το περίμενα καθόλου αυτό. Ήταν ωραίο να βλέπεις ανθρώπους από διάφορες χώρες να χορεύουν μαζί ενωμένοι. Και με σκέψεις χωρίς Covid, φωτιά και πληθωρισμό. Απλά καλή καλοκαιρινή διασκέδαση!

Nea Anchialos Bay/Νέα Αγχιάλου

The bay of Nea Anchialos is south west of the town of Volos in the municipality of Magnesia. It is a picturesque little bay. I would have like to have stayed longer, but this is where we had to board the cruise ship Elizabet to Skitathos. Where an adventure was waiting for as, as well as a fun boat road that I will never forget!

Ο όρμος της Νέας Αγχιάλου βρίσκεται νοτιοδυτικά της πόλης του Βόλου του δήμου Μαγνησίας. Είναι ένας γραφικός μικρός κόλπος. Θα ήθελα να είχα μείνει περισσότερο, αλλά εδώ έπρεπε να επιβιβαστούμε στο κρουαζιερόπλοιο Elizabet για τη Σκιάθο. Εκεί που μας περίμενε μια περιπέτεια καθώς και μια διασκεδαστική βόλτα με το σκάφος που δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ!

Μακρινίτσα/Makrinitsa Village

This steep path leads to a restaurant below.

A beautiful cafe with stunning views of the town of Volos below.

The village of Makrinitsa also called ‘the balcony of Pelion’ as the village is built on the side of Pelios Mountain. It’s highest point is 700 meters and its lowest is 350 meters.

Το χωριό της Μακρινίτσας ονομάζεται και «μπαλκόνι του Πηλίου», καθώς το χωριό είναι χτισμένο στην πλαγιά του Πηλίου. Το υψηλότερο σημείο του είναι 700 μέτρα και το χαμηλότερο είναι 350 μέτρα.

The village shops are full of a variety of botanicals, honey, soap and souvenirs.

Τα καταστήματα του χωριού είναι γεμάτα με ποικιλία βοτανικών, μελιού, σαπουνιού και αναμνηστικών.

It was known as the ‘noble village’ as it was mostly inhabited by wealthy people. THe homes are beautiful and covered in stone. There are cafes and a Byzantine folk museum. It is well worth the visit and so lovely you will not want to leave.

Ήταν γνωστό ως το «ευγενές χωριό» καθώς κατοικούνταν κυρίως από πλούσιους ανθρώπους. Τα σπίτια είναι όμορφα και καλυμμένα με πέτρα. Υπάρχουν καφενεία και βυζαντινό λαογραφικό μουσείο. Αξίζει την επίσκεψη και είναι τόσο υπέροχο που δεν θα θέλετε να φύγετε.

Port of Volos

From one port to another. We make our way north to the port of Volos in Thessaly. It’s one of the largest and busiest ports in Greece. And my first stop on my 3 day excursion in this region of Greece.

Quiet Beach/Ησυχη Παραλια

I’ve always preferred beaches that were quiet and had as little people as possible. This summer, due to the pandemic, a quiet beach is a a must 🙂

Πάντα προτιμούσα παραλίες που ήταν ήσυχες και είχαν πολύ λίγα άτομα. Αυτό το καλοκαίρι, λόγω της πανδημίας, μια ήσυχη παραλία είναι απαραίτητη 🙂

Sunset Over the Island

Happy New Month! ΚΑΛΟ ΜΗΝΑ! (kalo mena)

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”-William Arthur Ward

Bon Voyage/Καλό ταξίδι

I took a few photographs from the ship on my way to Agistri island. A luscious green island about 1 hour and a half from Athens. The ship made a quick stop to the island of Aegina which is near Agistri.

Piraeus Port/Το λιμάνι του Πειραιά

The view of Piraeus port in Athens from the ship I was on. On my way to a the nearby island of Agistri. Piraeus is the biggest port in Greece and one of the biggest ports in Europe.

The port wasn’t too busy, most likely due to the pandemic. Less people travelling to the islands and because it is later in the season.

Everyone was wearing a mask as it is mandatory now to wear one on a ship or in a shop.