Ios part 2
Arwenofbosham
Rob and Jacky Black
Thu 21 Jun 2012 12:59
Having hired a car and explored this island we decided to stay a bit
longer and just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly locals and
expats!
Jason and Kate who live on their boat Crystal Stream and run a Dive
centre at Mylopotas beach south of the port have been a mine of
information and we have visited their premises and made use of the beach
club pool where they do trial dives. It is a busy and buzzie place full of
young backpackers from all over the world. There are beach based
activities like wind surfing and ringo rides, sun beds umbrellas etc. At
the pool there is a sushi bar and a standard tavern type eatery plus of
course the usual cocktails and rather loud music!
The main beach near the port is shallow and buoyed off to prevent water
craft but also has sun beds and several cafes and bars along the road that
backs the beach. We have found a small hotel – the Corelli which has a
pool and cafe etc. Here Jacky has spent several tranquil afternoons on the
sun beds and swimming – it is much quieter and easily walked to from the
boat.
The local bus services cost 1.6 Euros to anywhere on the island and run
very regularly. The main town set on the hill above the port is really
delightful. Narrow alleyways climb around the steep slopes and are full of
shops, bars, eateries and night clubs (which don’t open until after
0000!). We found a laundry service here which does a wash and dry for 7 E,
much cheaper than the two on the main high street! We had a super meal out
in one of the best tavernas on the island called Katougi. This is nestled
on one of the tiny alleyways off the main one leading up from the
cathedral. It was recommended by Jason and Kate. We went with two other
British couples – Nigel and Tor (Victoria) from a boat called Atlanico
(Hanse 370) and Stewart and Anne from Suzanna (Bavaria 44).
Thodore the owner/proprietor was such a welcoming hostess and we sampled
several of her recommended dishes – the Pork in Jack Daniel sauce was just
amazing! The evening went with a swing right from the start as we were
treated to the house speciality Rakomelo a hot shot made from raki and
honey and gently heated! During the meal we were brought 3 more rounds of
this – no wonder we all slept in late the next morning!
Having been here for two weeks now we have got to know a few regular
visitors – American, French and British who have been returning to the
island for 30 years or more. The ferry services to here are frequent and
go to many of the other local islands as well as Piraeus. However there is
no airport so for flights most people come via Santorini.
We plan to leave tomorrow and head for Folegandros a small island SW of
here and closer to Milos where we hope to spend a few days.