Folegandros and Milos Islands, Greece
Our fourth day in the Aegean Sea was an unexpected, but delightful surprise to us! Early in the morning, the Panorama docked at the tiny pier of Karavostasi (meaning “where the boats stand”) in Folegandros, perhaps the driest of the Cyclades. Everyone here seems as if they are living in a different time – slow pace, smiling people, no worries!
The local public bus took us to Hora, the main town of the island. It’s a small treasure found in the inland, built right at the edge of a very steep cliff. As we were strolling at the “Castro,” we found out how a lack of space makes you inventive, and every single inch can be useful. The locals still live in the castro, and everybody has to share a very narrow alley that functions as a public street and as a front yard of each property at the same time. This small residential area remains unspoiled and authentic. Next to the castro extends the main square, which is surrounded by traditional kafeneia, tevernas and is a kind of shopping area as well, with many churches on each corner. Before making our way back to the port, we all tried the traditional drink of Folegandros – rakomelo, which is a combination of raki and honey, served hot, in small shots. Definitely on a cold winter day, this could heal a sore throat! Nobody leaves the island without the rakomelo experience.
Our plan was to spend the rest of the day swimming and kayaking at a small, secluded beach in Poliegos, but Aeolos and Poseidon, the gods of wind and sea, had different plans! We couldn’t mess with them anyway! So, the conspiracy of Aeolos and Poseidon showed us the way to Milos Island, and the port of Adamas, where we could find shelter for the night. Upon arrival, a group of swimmers hit the lovely, sandy beach near the ship, and went for a quick swim before we left for an afternoon tour of the island.
Milos has been a dormant volcano for over 500,000 years, with great geothermal underwater activity! It is the richest island in minerals, with deposits of obsidian, pozzolana, perlite, bentonite, kaolin, manganese and pumice. By bus, we reached the most photogenic area of the island, Sarakiniko. The sea, throughout the years, has shaped the cliffs of pure white pumice, and created a very modern sculpture. The most daring visitors to Sarakiniko go for swimming and diving. I’m sure that we will never forget the “moonscape” scenery that offered us many “Kodak moments”. The second part of our tour was Plaka, which is the busiest village during the summer season. We explored the little streets for a while, we admired the typical Cycladic architecture, and we ended at the balcony of Virgin Mary’s church. The festive decoration, with Greek flags, reminded us of the celebration that takes place here every year on September 8th, celebrating the Virgin Mary’s birthday! Though the old pastry shop around the corner made most of us feel like sinners since we couldn’t resist trying most of the traditional desserts.
This beautiful day wouldn’t be the same without our cocktail party at the aft of Panorama during sunset, and the Greek dinner party that followed. Our Captain, staff, guides and crew danced together and instructed us how to dance a syrtaki! This crazy circular Greek dance goes faster and faster, and fills the hearts of the dancers with the joy of good life!
