So, back from this much needed holiday, I can now draft some thoughts about this trip.
As we left Athens behind, with its marvels and ruins – the latter meant in all the meanings of this word – it all seemed to get better. We took a short flight to Santorini and landed in the island’s small airport, where we were met by our transfer bus within a few minutes from arrival. The drive to the hotel put our stomachs to test as the driver was more skilled in blowing the horn than in using the brakes. However, I observed that this is how people drive in Greece and you just have get on with it (or drive the car yourself as we eventually did).
The hotel where we stayed was very nice. Quite basic for a four-star in terms of room furniture, old TV set (though those who know us well enough also know that we wouldn’t turn it on even if it had a cinema screen), and so forth, but it can really pride itself for its quality of service. We were truly happy and satisfied, we spent a few days between the pool and the beach, in the early morning and late afternoon, breaking off during the baking hours to explore the island and its beauty. Santorini definitely deserves a visit. If you go, you can’t miss Oia (pronounced “Ia”): there are just a few other places like that in Europe – and perhaps, in the world. I am referring to Positano, Bruges, Mont St Michel, and so forth. I could add Füssen to the list, though in Füssen the castle is the real attraction, rather than the village.
The bottom line is that Santorini is beautiful and unique.
At the end of our stay we packed our bags and made our way to the port, where we boarded a turbine powered catamaran ferry that hauled us to Paros.
Paros is no match to Santorini in terms of architectural and historical interest, and our observation is that it is more a tourist industry place that offers more under the natural beauty perspective.
We booked ourselves in a five-star not far from the port but a bit off the beaten track. That means, in Greek road system and transports terms, that if you have no car you are stuck in the hotel – something we were not prepared to compromise on. So car it was: we got ourselves four wheels and headed toward the hotel. This hotel was the opposite of the resort we stayed in Santorini: a lovely and beautiful place, but with a rather poor service.
During our stay in Paros we drove around the island, visited a few secluded beaches, seen some of the villages. The clear waters, the scent of the Mediterranean nature, the blue sky, the peace of early September, are what we have enjoyed most.
Sadly, these two weeks have now come to an end but we also feel good about being back home. We really enjoyed our holiday and our current mission is to plan the next one.
