We have now been in Greece for just over 3 weeks and today we had the most amazing day cycling from our parking spot on a tiny harbour at Gerolimenas on the Mani peninsula. Since we arrived we have had somewhat unpredictable weather it has been cool, cloudy with a bit of rain almost every day, but a few days ago the weather changed, the skies cleared, the sun came out and the temperatures rose.
We set out on our bikes and headed south towards the tip of the peninsula, as we rode we were blown away by the spectacular views at every turn. It felt like a magical experience and gave new meaning to the term breathtaking! We could only progress slowly because you just had to keep stopping to take it all in. We stopped for a coffee at a cafe bar overlooking the almost deserted village of Vathia with its distinctive fortified houses. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries this area was much more densely populated, the occupants farmed the steep hillsides with olive groves, cereals, goats but this area was also known for its pirates! I can imagine the people who lived here were pretty tough with the hot summers, cold winters, difficult landscape and invading Ottomans.
The village is now one of the most photographed in mainland Greece, a popular tourist attraction, but still looks just like it did all those years ago. It looks like something out of a storybook.
Our journey continued, winding along the steep coast road with the abundance of wild flowers on the verges and up the hillsides, the area also well known for the many and varied flowers. The roads were pretty steep and lots of hairpins, we were very glad of our electric bikes, in fact we wouldn't have undertaken such a ride without them, they really have taken our cycling to another level.
We didn't go far, only about 20 miles, but it was the most wonderful day out. We found a quiet place for our picnic and an even quieter one to have our flask of coffee (the cemetery!)
And when we got back I just had to share our fantastic day out with you.
Very envious! But so glad you are having a good time. How are you managing with the language??? My only worry about travelling to Eastern block countries. Spent a few days in the Czech Republic a few years ago, and could understand NOTHING!!! Not a shop, merchandise or a road sign. And NO ONE spoke English!!! Not comfortable. Xx
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