Friday 13 October 2017

Mykonos, Greece …… last excursion before disembarking in Athens tomorrow

Our Tour: "Mykonos Highlights"

Forecast: Partly cloudy skies

Max: 21°

Sunrise: 7:24am

Sunset: 6:45pm

Today marks the last of our excursions from Queen Victoria.

Fourteen nights embarking in Venice, visiting Dubrovnik, Greece Islands (Crete, Souda Bay, Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes and Mykonos) and Albania before disembarking tomorrow in Athens (Port of Piraeus). None of these places we had ever visited, but always wanted to.

Venice is the exception as we have been there three times previously however it was the departing point and the dates that determined this holiday. A chance to see Venice again and the Greek Islands that were always on our list, now a tick!

Once again I was awake and in action with the i-pad to capture the tug along side steering us into safe harbour in the port of Mykonos.

One picture clearly shows the "tenders" sitting comfortably in the holding bays. Quite smart really, however would not be needed today.

We were met by our Greek guide, Petros, our only second male guide. An older gentleman whose English was a little limited, or it could have been he was quietly spoken. In any event he was polite and attentive and informative. All you should ask of a guide.

Mykonos lies at the heart of the Cyclades Islands and has been described as "the jewel" of the Aegean Sea. With its maze of narrow alleyways, well-preserved traditional windmills and tiny red-roofed churches, the town offers a delightful mix of culture and custom. Mykonos is one of the best-known holiday centres in Greece with a resident population of less than 9,500.

It owes its popularity to the fact that it was 'discovered' in the 1950s by artists and trendies on their way to Delos. Since then it has never looked back.

The main town is a characteristic sample of Cycladic architecture, with whitewashed sugar houses, lovely churches and cobbled streets. On a hill above the town, there are traditional windmills, while the most beautiful quarter in little Venice with restaurants and bars is right by the sea. The most fabulous beaches are located on the southern side of Mykonos island. Super Paradise, Paradise, Platis Gialos and Lia amaze visitors with the soft sand and the crystal water.

Beach bars are open all day and attract many visitors for swimming, kite surfing and other activities, although we saw only two swimmers and no kite surfing as the season here too is slowing down.

Our coach leaves the waterfront for the short drive to The Panagia Tourliani Monastery, Ano Mera, which was originally built by monks from the nearby island of Paros in 1542 and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From an architectural point of view the monastery is impressive with its spare, linear lines, whitewashed exterior and coloured dome which makes it typical of the Greek island style. We are allowed sufficient time here to visit the Monastery and also take a Greek coffee in nearby restaurant before our next call.

Mykonos is world famous for its beaches with golden white sand lapped by the blue Aegean sea, Kalafati Beach is a prime example and it's here I take a dip. Well, roll my jeans up and in I go.

They say 'world famous white sand", truly it's because Australia is so far away that's it's not a contender!

Sure, it was lovely and slow season didn't allow the hotel close by to offer us any refreshment as it closed two days before, but we were mindful of being in Greek Island, so yes it was lovely and water was still warm.

During this brief photograph stop we had the opportunity to see Aghios Ioannis Beach to see the island of Delos in the distance.

Then onto the Town of Mykonos which was still a hive of activity despite slowing down. One could easily imagine 000's of tourists that flogged to this island during the summer. Cafes and restaurants and souvenir shops lined the waterfront and also exclusive boutiques and stores.

Our guide left us in the town of Mykonos, again our ship was in sight although quite a distance. Cunard had arranged a shuttle service back to the ship, continually from early morning until last bus 5.30pm.

This afford us plenty of leisure time to explore this beautiful place and have a seafood lunch right on the water edge. We were wondering if we were there at high-tide, for the water was lapping the roped area, all that prevented tables from toppling.

It was another delightful stop and we were again grateful for the experience.

I have added more shots of the Queen Victoria and us, on board, hoping that all will be in the blog and there by form a permanent reminder for Phillip and me, when it is printed.

This was the reason for the travel blog, to have a 'coffee table' memory of our re-visit to Europe.

But, hey, it's not over yet!! Panicale still awaits!