Europe 2024 | FindPenguins

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Europe 2024
Agios Nikitas - Milos Beach
September 23, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
The hike from Agios Nikitas to Milos Beach is a short but moderately challenging trek over a hill that separates the two beaches. The trail begins at the southern end of Agios Nikitas, near the main beach. It's about 1 kilometer long and typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and fitness level.

The path starts with a steep ascent up a dirt track, which can be quite demanding, especially in the heat of the day. As you climb, you'll pass through olive groves and Mediterranean scrubland, with the terrain becoming rockier as you gain elevation.

At the crest of the hill, you're rewarded with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the coastline in both directions. You can see Agios Nikitas village behind you and get your first glimpse of Milos Beach ahead. The descent to Milos Beach is steeper and can be slippery, especially in dry conditions, so proper footwear is recommended.

Milos Beach itself is a pristine stretch of white pebbles and sand, bordered by clear turquoise waters. The beach is undeveloped, with no facilities, which contributes to its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The effort of the hike often means the beach is less crowded than more accessible spots, offering a sense of seclusion. The return journey follows the same path, with the steep climb back up the hill providing a good workout. It is possible to travel by boat from Agios Nikitas to Milos and retrun, but that’s not much fun.

This hike offers a perfect combination of exercise, natural beauty, and the reward of a secluded beach, making it a popular activity for visitors to Agios Nikitas.Read more
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Europe 2024
Paralia Porto Katsiki
September 24, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Porto Katsiki Beach is one of the most renowned and picturesque beaches on the Greek island of Lefkada. Known for its striking beauty, this beach features dramatic white cliffs that contrast beautifully with the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. The beach's name translates to "Port of the Goat," possibly referring to its historic use by local goatherds.

Accessing Porto Katsiki requires some effort, which adds to its allure. Visitors typically park at the top of the cliff and descend a long staircase (approximately 80-100 steps) to reach the beach below. The journey down offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the vast sea beyond.

The beach itself is a mixture of white pebbles and sand, creating a dazzling effect when combined with the clear blue water. It's an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and photography. Due to its popularity, Porto Katsiki can get crowded during peak summer months, so arriving early is recommended for those seeking a quieter experience.Read more
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Europe 2024
Dinner at Maistros
September 24, 2024 in Greece ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Maistros is a well-known restaurant located in Agios Nikitas on the Greek island of Lefkada. Maistros has gained a reputation as one of the area's top dining establishments.

The restaurant takes its name from the "Maistros" wind, a northwesterly wind common in the Ionian Sea region. This name reflects the restaurant's connection to its coastal environment and the local maritime culture.

We had a “Taste of Summer” salad and a Seafood Saganaki that were both amongst the best food we’ve had on the trip so far.Read more
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Europe 2024
Paralia Kathisma
September 25, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Paralia (Beach) Kathisma is very much like both Paralia Porto Katsiki and Paralia Mylos (Milos), except that is accessible easily by car.

As a result it is adorned with beach bars, rows and rows of beach beds and plenty of touts.

Like the other beaches, the water is crystal clear, lapping onto a pebble and sand beach.

We spent a lazy morning and finally succumbed to hiring chairs.Read more
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Europe 2024
Final morning in Agios Nikitas
September 26, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Lovely clear morning in Agios Nikitas. Some of the summer’s heat has started to dissipate and the air temperature is a delightful 25°C.

We spend the morning on the beach and then reminisced about some of the excellent meals we’ve had with a final lunch at Maistros.Read more
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Europe 2024
A quick look at Lefkada Old Town
September 26, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
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Europe 2024
A quick trip to Nydri
September 27, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Nydri is a coastal town located on the eastern shore of Lefkada. The town faces a bay dotted with small islands, including Skorpios, once owned by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

The landscape around Nydri features clear waters and a backdrop of green hills. The town's main beach is pebbly, typical of many Greek islands. Nydri's waterfront is lined with restaurants and cafes, catering to both locals and tourists.

Nydri is accessible by road, about 15 minutes drive from Lefkada town.Read more
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Europe 2024
Vasiliki
September 28, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Vasiliki, located on Lefkada's southern coast, is a 40-minute drive from Lefkada town. The village is known for its windsurfing conditions, particularly in the afternoons when thermal winds create ideal conditions for the sport. It is also one of the ferry ports on the island with a direct service to Fiskardo.

The main beach is a long stretch of pebbles with clear water suitable for swimming. Water sports options include windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.

Vasiliki's harbor forms the center of the village. The waterfront features tavernas and cafes serving local cuisine. The area maintains a traditional Greek atmosphere, with fishing still playing a role in the local economy.

The village is surrounded by mountains, providing a scenic backdrop to the bay. Mornings are typically calm, with wind and water sports activity increasing in the afternoon.Read more
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Europe 2024
Dinner at Thymari
September 28, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Thymari is a taverna located in the heart of Lefkada town. Situated on a narrow cobblestone street, it offers an authentic Greek dining experience away from the main tourist thoroughfares.

The taverna specializes in local Lefkadian cuisine, with a menu that changes daily based on available fresh ingredients. Dishes often feature locally sourced seafood, meats, and vegetables. The restaurant is known for its grilled octopus, traditional Greek salad, and homemade tzatziki.

Thymari's interior is simple and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs. During warmer months, additional seating spills out onto the street, allowing diners to enjoy their meals al fresco while observing local life.

The menu features classic mediterranean dishes with a modern twist. Although expensive by Ionian Island standards, it is well worth a visit.Read more
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Europe 2024
Lefkada to Rafina
September 30, 2024 in Greece ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Up early and headed out for the 400km drive to Athens airport to drop the car and get a shuttle to our accommodation in Rafina.

The route on Google Maps had a warning about wild fires along the way. We mulled it over and decided to take the short route.

We saw the fires from the road and water bombing helicopters working as we went past.

An uneventful drive.Read more
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Europe 2024
Dinner with Mark
October 1, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
We arrived into London (LHR) around noon and went straight to our Hotel at Hatton Cross. It was raining and a miserable 13 C.

We had planned to venture to the V&A Museum however we just got a quick lunch and waited till we needed to head out to Gloucester Road tube.

A quick drink at the Stanhope Arms and a walk to Cambio De Tercio on Old Brompton Road where have had an excellent Spanish meal and wine with Robin's dear friend Mark Thornton.Read more
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Europe 2024
Homeward bound. 2nd stop Tokyo
October 2, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Early morning flight out of LHR had us arriving in Tokyo at 7:15am
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Europe 2024
Haneda Airport
October 3, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
We had a long layover in Tokyo.

We had planned to exit immigration and head into the Ginza for lunch, look around a bit and return to have a shower at the lounge before our 7:30pm flight.

Haneda had other thoughts about that. There were over 1000 people in the immigration hall and the que stretched back into the walkway between gates. After a quick assessment of the lines we decided to spend the day airside and went back through security and on to the Sakura Lounge.

The Sakura lounge is pretty busy as it services about 5 flights out of Haneda in the morning. Food options are not the best so we headed to the Cathay Lounge which we had almost to ourselves. 10am being the only Cathay departure until 4pm.

Having had an issue securing a shower last year we went back to the Sakura lounge early and booked our spots, had our showers and prepared for the overnight flight to Sydney.Read more
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Europe 2024
JL51
October 4, 2024, Tasman Sea ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
An uneventful flight had us touching down right on schedule to a brisk (for us) Friday morning, glad to be home again.

So ends a fabulous trip through Malta, Crete and Greece.
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Trip end
October 4, 2024