Is it a tradition yet? Summer trip to Greece!!

 This is the third summer we have visited Greece! This trip was to Sifnos, a recommendation from a colleague of mine in Athens. It did not disappoint. Bucky and I flew to Athens, rented a car and then took the ferry to Sifnos. We started our vacation in Vathi, a town right on the water that does not allow cars. You park outside of the "town" and then haul your suitcases along the beach. Luckily, we had a nice local man do this part for us!! 

We stayed in a traditional "sailor's house" right on the water. Bucky and I loved sitting on the terrace in the morning and having our coffee. The local "old folks" would go swimming each morning and it was fun to hear them talk and laugh in their lovely Greek language. There were restaurants along the beach and we did our best to try them all out. Besides eating, we walked the beach, lounged about, lay on floats in the water and relaxed. Lucie joined us after a few days which was fun. 

Our second location was definitely off the beaten path. It was called Paradise Home in Cherronisos. There were lots of warnings in the Airbnb listing about the drive down, but I certainly wasn't prepared. Luckily, Bucky was driving and Lucie was riding shotgun. I was hiding in the back. The road down the mountain was dirt and bumpy and scary. THEN, we got to the last 100 meters and it was straight down to the beach. It wasn't so bad going down, but the thought of going up worried me the entire time we were there!! 

We spent lots of time sitting out on our terrace watching the tourists (most of whom were Greek) trying to get up the hill. It was great entertainment. Spoiler alert - Bucky did an amazing job getting up the hill when we left. (Yes, we spent the entire three nights and four days right there because there was no chance we would attempt that twice!) The hosts were AMAZING and the husband took Lucie and the luggage up before us so it was just Bucky and me in our rental car. It was quite the thrill!!

The stay at Paradise Home was just that - Paradise. Beautiful water, bleating goats in the mountains around us and delicious food at the cafe next door. I think Lucie would have preferred a more lively spot, but he parents were thrilled to enjoy pure relaxation (except for worrying about the drive up!) for a few days!!

In between the places we stayed, we did do some additional sightseeing and shopping. There are some lovely towns on the island and amazing food. On our way home to Germany and Paris, we spent one night in Athens and Bucky and Lucie went to the Acropolis Museum. We also had dinner with friends of mine from work where we enjoyed great food, lovely company and a spectacular view of the Acropolis. 

Now we need to start thinking about next summer. Which Greek island should we visit? 

View from our Sailor's House in Vathi

The house

Enjoying our coffee

Ready for the beach


Pondering

Fresh catch

Lovely view

Lounging with a drink

View from a hike

Another meal




Shopping!


It was hot!

Sunset


Our house and the two cafes below. That was it!

Hiking

Another perspective






In front of the Acropolis


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