Patmos monastery
departure . When my wife and I landed on the Island of Sifnos the kiosk was closed . A schedule on the door said a ferry left for Paros Island at 1:15 on Wednesday . We rented a car and toured the island for a couple of glorious days . When I returned the car at 11:45 on Wednesday , my wife went to get our tickets . I was leisurely walking toward the dock when , off in the distance , I saw her wave to me frantically . The posted schedule was from the previous week . The last ferry that day was leaving for the Island of Ios in ten minutes . Although it was not on our list of stops , it was now our next destination — if we could run to the ferry in time .
The islands that were not cruise ship destinations were quieter with a slower lifestyle and better prices . Often , accommodation could be negotiated with hotel vendors waiting for customers at the ferry dock .
Milos Island is where the statue of Venus de Milo was found in a farmer ’ s field . There are numerous small beaches , some only accessible by boat . The beach of Sarakiniko , with its white rock formations , is a World Heritage Site worth a visit and a swim . We stayed in an apartment on a farm and were treated to fresh eggs , garden produce and wine made from their own grapes .
Naxos , the largest island of the Cyclades , has a diverse agricultural industry . The island is a network of winding roads , small towns and
stunning views . The beaches in the fall were amazing with miles of fine sand , warm ocean water and almost no people . Old Town is a maze of narrow streets with every twist and turn offering new shops and restaurants to explore .
Mykonos , an island with a jet-setting party-like vibe , has amazing beaches that are very crowded on holidays and throughout the summer . The streets of the main town were designed as a serpentine maze of dead ends and side streets to make it harder for pirates to raid . Standing over the harbour are several well-preserved windmills . From Mykonos there are shuttle boats to the island of Delos , an uninhabited island that was once a holy pilgrimage site in ancient Greece . The
Mykonos windmills
island ’ s large city was sacked by pirates and has remained in ruins since ancient times . It is worth some time to explore the ongoing excavation and the Archeological Museum .
Each Greek island has its own unique personality , cultural history and geography . The Greek people are fabulous — friendly , helpful and eager to share their hospitality and rich history , which is the early history of western civilization . Food in grocery stores and restaurants was reasonably priced and delicious , and there are beautiful beaches and turquoise blue seas .
Perhaps , if you are island hopping we will meet . I will be that guy with a Greek coffee and a chocolate pastry watching the sunrise from a beachside cafe .
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