Kefalonia

We took the ferry from Astakos and stayed in the campsite at Argostoli, but each day drove around the island visiting other beaches and villages.

Agia Kyriaki was a beautiful beach with a taverna where the owner would let you stay in the car park (N38.3103, E20.4888). We thought we might wild camp there until an Italian camped there showed us the invasion of ants in his van, but we had a lovely swim in the wonderfully warm water.

Fiskardo was a very pretty town with a beautiful harbour with lots of boats. The town was full of cafes and very tasteful gift shops (rather expensive). We had some delicious ice cream and sorbet.

Our friend Caroline described Myrtos beach as the loveliest beach she’d ever been on – sandy, white pebbles and turquoise clear water. It certainly looked lovely but the road down to it looked far too steep for our van. Still at least we saw it from above.

We drove to a lovely little beach called Trapeziaka. Again it was a very steep and narrow road down and unfortunately as it was a Sunday lots of people had driven there and quite a few of them were leaving as we arrived so we had to try to reverse up the hill to let them pass. Then there was a burning smell and we realised the clutch was overheating so Valerie had to run down to all the cars coming up to say “sorry” in Greek and persuade them to reverse, as we couldn’t. The upside was that there was a great taverna at the bottom so we ate a delicious meal as we waited for the clutch to cool down, and all was well.

Peljesac Peninsular

Our third campsite in Croatia has been a delightful small family run site on the Peljesac Peninsular called Camping Palme in the village of Kučiste. We are on the front edge of the site, right by the sea. Fantastic. The sea is crystal clear, calm and warm enough for swimming before breakfast.

We discovered a lovely little wine bar called Dino’s not far from the campsite where you can sample local wines by the glass whilst looking out at a wonderful view of the sea and neighbouring island. We asked if they had any snacks we could have with the wine and this is what they brought. Both the rosé and the white were delicious. Didn’t manage to get on to the red as we still had to cycle back to the van.

Snack at Dino’s

Cycling along the coast we stopped for lunch at a restaurant by the sea and had a variety of vegetable dishes – all delicious.

Lunch – Djuvec rice, chard with potatoes and olive oil and roasted mushrooms

On the way back Valerie took a detour up a mountain to a Franciscan monastery above Orebic. “It was a steep 1km climb, partly cycling but mostly walking, up to the Franciscan monastery above Orebic. But it was worth it for the view of Korčuk and the other smaller islands.”

Varkala – fishing village

We went for an early morning walk along the long long beach to a fishing village. The fishermen were hard at work bringing in their canoes.

We decided to explore the village and found a little place selling chai. So of course we had some sitting outside on the step. Then the lady suddenly brought out an appam on a plate for us, and then a second appam, and then some sambar. So unexpected and it was delicious

 

 

Foz do Arelho

A great camperstop by the sea in this beautiful place

Went for a cycle ride and saw a flock of white flamingos on the lagoon. The tide was low and they were wading looking quite extraordinary

White flamingos

Here’s the evidence

Sunset over the misty sea

Thus was our second time at the camperstop. For €4 you are right by the beach and have water, washing up and laundry, toilets, shower, brilliant. Also a pleasant little village 1k away and cafes restaurants on the beach

Methoni

Our third day in Greece and have moved south to Methoni, staying at Camping Methoni recommended by Sian and Phoebus. Definitely our sort of town and our sort of campsite. A relaxed feel and most of the people staying here are Greek. Right by the Sea, here is the view from our van

Bay and castle at Methodist
Bay and castle at Methoni

fabulous!

Went out for a meal this evening and had really interesting food, different to what we’ve had on the islands. Artichoke with peas, green beans (thick runner beans rather than thin beans), leek pie (delicious pastry) and potatoes done in the oven. Wonderful herby tastes of parsley dill and of course oregano. The town has two fresh fish shops so the barbacue is coming out tomorrow.

Encampment at Methoni
Encampment at Methoni

Pylos

Spent a couple of days in a campsite on Golden Beach a fabulous bay in the Messina area of the Peloponnese (the first finger). Doing some domestic chores – washing clothes, making bread, but then got our bikes off the back of the van an went on a cycle ride to nearby Pylos and I didn’t have to push my bike even once up several hills and hairpins!

Pylos
Pylos

 

 

 

 

Morning view across Navarino bay
Morning view across Navarino bay