Blogs from West Greece, Greece, Europe

After a wonderful hike yesterday, it was time to leave our cozy Kaza guesthouse and head down the mountains to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics. But first, we had to navigate the twisty-turny, barely two-lane roads down to the coast. Ken took the driving duties and did a great job maneuvering around blind corners, with massive drops to the cliffs below. At one very cute village, hanging off the cliffs (a theme the past few days) we decided to stop, enjoy a coffee and check out the festive shops. In this area they are known for their honey, and surprisingly homemade pasta. We stocked up on both, including some jars of yummy walnuts and pistachios in honey. While Google maps advised it was 1.5 hours to Olympia, it took over 2.5 (including the stop) which gives ... read more

The site of the first Olympic is now in ruins. From the 10th century BC, this has been a holy place for Greeks. Today, the Olympic flame is lit here for each modern Olympic Games.... read more

Campsites are like restuarants along this part of Western Greece. You can spend a night at each and still not stay at them all. Suzy is holed up at aCamping Acrodiali. Yet another Italian sounding name. The area has nothing noteworthy in terms of historical sites but what it does have is an unbelievably cobalt blue, crystal clear sea, an endless blue sky and rocky headlands. 21 euros to spend a night in prime seaside location amidst the caravans that have grown into huge man sheds over the years. Our only other neighbours are two Austrian motorhomers. Our first thoughts as we drove in were that it was a bit tight and not many spaces for us. The type of site we sometimes look at and wonder whether or not to stay. First impressions count and ... read more

We felt a little sad leaving Yiannis and his small campsite. As we headed over the causeway we said our goodbyes to Lefkada and its little island. The fort looked impressive on our way out and it would have been good to stop and take a photo opportunity but there seemed nowhere to park Suzy up. We were heading down Tortoise Alley. The little creatures ambled their way slowly from one side of the road to the other. Endearing little things that we hoped managed to get across in one piece. They risk life and limb dodging the Greeks in their cars and scooters. The flowers along the coastroad are changing . Pink and white oleanders replace the spring flowers. Broom instead of Gorse. Tamarisk pink and billowy showing our close proximity to the seaside. It ... read more

Suzy the motorhome is parked up virtually on her own on Camping Kariotes just outside the town of Lefkada. Lefkada is described as an oddity. Connected to the mainland by a causeway through lagoons and over an old metal bridge. Next to the bridge is the prettily named Santa Maura fortress and lighthouse . Lefkada was never an island . It joined the mainland until a canal was dug in the 7th century BC. It reminded me of Grado in Italy as we drove over the causeway. The lagoons sadly meant mosquitos and the two of us are getting bitten to death by the little creatures. A tortoise crossed the road slowly in front of Suzy. Lefkada was yet another one of those places in Greece that was fought over periodically by the Venetians and the ... read more