We were unable to hire a scooter from the sleepy village of Vathy so we reluctantly lifted anchor on the Ist July and motored the 6 n miles north up the west coast of Sifnos to the small ferry port of Kamares.

We moored stern to the quay amongst calm yachties watching the huge ferries come and go from Piraeus on the adjacent dock. The mass of people, lorries, cars and scooters which emerge from the ship only seconds after tying up is quite something to watch.

Sifnos, like many other of the Cyclades Islands does not have an airport, but the very fast and efficient ferries are great links between the islands and mainland.

 

We hired a scooter within a couple of hours of arriving, the usual 15 euros for 24 hours and set off to explore. The capital Apollonia is lovely small town with the usual narrow alleyways, now lined with cafes, shops and restaurants.

But the gem for us was the KASTRO, the old medieval village which has the ruins of the classical acropolis incorporated into some of it’s buildings and some ‘ancient’ pieces just lying in alleyways along with the many sleeping cats.

The occasional Venetian crest on archways naming later occupants.

The views from the Kastro are great, the ancient walls and cliffs falling steeply on the one side to the sea and spectacular terraced hillsides to the other.  On the sea side an outcrop is topped by a church with a white- washed pathway leading down to it------ not unlike the church in the ‘Mama Mia’ film.  ( see photos )

 

We continued to scooter around the island in warm winds and hot low 30’s sun. The temperature dial has certainly turned up and with it comes the scent of rosemary, thyme and pine---very strong.

 

Another gem location is the bay of Faros on the south of the island--- and a church on the outcrop of rock at Chryssopigi,  ( see photos ).

What a sight, the 300 year old church, only reached over a small bridge which links the outcrop of rock.  The white- washed church, archetypal Greece with a white- washed path leading to it.

On the end of the rocks stands—what look’s like a font--- next to an ancient ‘font’ carved in the rock.  The white wash paint takes you on a journey to it.  Another path leads down steps to the sea and to a gentleman’s motor yacht, called ‘Lord Byron’ which was anchored in the bay.

 

We said we need to anchor Tioram there one day to get the ultimate ‘Greek’ photo of the bay and the church behind.

 

Photos of...........

Kamares Port

 

The Kastro,   the village, acropolis ruins left in alleyways, ‘ Shirley Valentine’s’ sea below the Kastro ---‘blue and as deep as forever’ – the adjacent terraces  and the church below the cliffs.

 

Chryssopigi  ,the 300 year old church on the outcrop of rock in Faros bay.

 

Love to all

Tina and Tony x x x