Intrepid Travels

We spent three days tied up to the harbour wharf in Yefira, looking straight out to the island. The heat was intense, climbing to 40 degrees on the third day, so activities were based around managing the temperature. As the sun’s light started to fade, we ventured across the causeway in the old shuttle bus and wandered around the old village, which is like entering a fairy tale world. The buildings have been restored and many tavernas have opened, as well as a few shops serving the needs of tourists, but the place has not lost its charm and is a real paradise to wander through. We made it to the ‘upper village’ and the fortifications, and soaked in the views from the top.
The other activity worth a mention is the exploration of the surrounding area on a 50 cc scooter! We had in mind going to Monemvasia winery, in the village of Villes, but ended up looking for an ancient acropolis (which we did not find) and having coffee in Villes without finding the winery despite curious directions provided by an old local, who sent us down some very dubious tracks! It was a wonderful journey, made richer by the absence of any disappointments in the arrival at destinations, and the contact made with locals, including a young boy who introduced himself to us as Mario. We had not been on a scooter together since 1985, when we hired one on the island of Naxos, on our way back to Australia.