I searched the Port and Chora but nothing! Then I stubbled across this really cool hippy campsite … they also had no rooms (or space in their tents) but they did say I could stay and use their facilities and sleep anywhere I want …. there are hammocks, benches, deck chairs …. as long as I can stop the mozzies from biting!

Chora ( which is Greek for village) is such a gorgeous little traditional place full of little restaurants and street cafes. The island itself is only around 17k by 12k and the population very low. So far I have seen 3 beaches here but apparently there are around 6 or 7. This campsite sits virtually on one of them.

Tomorrow is going to be another challenge. My ferry leaves here at 10.30 pm and gets into Milos at 1.15 am …. lets see if I can find any accommodation …. seawhathappens

Arrived here from Ios also via Sykinos. Tiny pretty Port with a little pebbly beach enveloping the steep road up to the Chora. I have checked all hotels in the Port now and they are all full so will get the bus to Chora and see if there are rooms there. If not then I will come back to the Port as there are benches on the beach with plenty of shade so that will be my bed for tonight. First impressions …. pretty … what a diversion from Ios. Photos are of Port ( all I have seen so far) but hopefully will post more later.

So 2 days are enough here. Don’t get me wrong its a lovely island but too commercial for me. I went exploring today (after I did the beach) as I wanted to see if there was more to Ios than beautiful beaches and great night life, so I went up into the centre of the town and dug deep into the depths of it. I wanted to experience what the locals experience and I think I did pretty much that! I found the local church (which is always a good starting point) and went from there. I discovered that there was more to Ios, you just have to look for it. My photos show one of the churches and the tiny narrow streets which are shaded from the sun most of the time.

Frozen Greek Yogurt has got hold of me now and I am having a craving for the stuff daily!

Off to Folegandros tomorrow morning but I believe I may struggle to get a room. Its a tiny island with a small population and I believe very few hotels which are all full. Lets seawhathappens .,,.

Ok, I made it up … only because the majority of tourists here are people in their 20’s …. and I have got to be honest with you …. if I was 30 years younger ….

On a serious note, the island has a lot going for it (what I have seen so far any way). I mentioned the beaches earlier and as promised, I attached some photos. This particular beach was a 10 minute walk from where I am staying. There is another beach which you can get to via bus which suppose to be one of the best in the Cyclades. Will see if I get there … only 2 days here so not a great deal of time!

Walked into the town this evening as things were busying up! Had a nice Greek meal in a restaurant by the Port then mooched into the old part of town where the locals hang out. That was where I had a coffee and watched the local children play out in the dark … doors and windows left open and the lovely Greek aromas floating out of the kitchens whilst the men play cards in the street smoking their cigars!!

Ios has a very different feel to it compared to the other islands I have visited but that may just be the party season feel …. be interesting to see what its like later in the year. Will do some more exploring tomorrow unless the beach calls me again.

Just a 50 minute high speed ferry from Santorini takes you to the party island if Ios where its famous for its beautiful beaches (watch this Blog for photos of beach soon).

I managed to get accommodation in the centre of Ios (see photos) which I had to fight for …. high season and hoards of party goers (inc me) teaming off the ferries coming in from the other surrounding islands and Athens.

Need to go and explore now as I have only 2 nights here. Will keep you posted.

I have spent 5 days here which is the longest time I shall spend at any of the islands. I shall return here though. Almost all that enters will want to come back …. almost guaranteed. I did get to the beach … albeit for only a short time as it was shaley and pebbly. The rest of the day was spent around the castle and then chilling in the Hostel courtyard on the hammock with a good book and checking out my next 2 destinations.

I am off to Ios tomorrow on the fast cat. Hoping to get accommodation from the ferry Port. I intend to spend no more than 2 nights at the party island. Seawhathappens. Photos are of beach and castle.

Its 35 degrees here already today and its only 10.30 in the morning as I sit and write this on the sun terrace at the Hostel. Got to be completely honest here I will miss this little place ( the hostel). It has a really friendly feel to it and is run very efficiently. Highlights from Santorini ( apart from meeting my son here) I would say … the views … the magnificent sunsets! It is seriously worth the trip! Although probably the most expensive of all the Greek islands you are most certainly paying for location location location! Lows …. there has been NONE!! Photos today are some that were taken last night. Going to see the castle later today and may get that beach walk in …. unless I get side tracked again by that glorious pool!

Well, thats not true really but the contrast of accommodation to where I was today was on a wider scale! I didn’t get to the beach … got side tracked .. literally … the sign said Swimming Pool so I thought I would take a look .. and as you can see the beach didn’t get a look in! Pretty cool eh? I managed to lie there all day on a squashy sun lounger eating greek yogurt with honey and almonds! Oh how life can be so tough sometime! But I did roll into the pool occasionally for a little exercise.

Once I had managed to prise myself off the lounger it was a Gryos and coffee …. that part of my plan I did fulfil.

Sunday is for chilling so what better way than to spend it on a dark sandy beach with a clear blue sky and turquoise warm clear calm waters to cool off in. Gryos later, and I am sure I wont be able to resist the frozen greek yogurt which I have become partial to over here.

Starting to think about my next trip now which is the party island of Ios. I have booked a fast cat to take me over on Tuesday and will find a room when am there. Right, beach is shouting …. catch you later ….

Ammoudi Bay is a nugget in the corner of Oìa. A tiny Port that harbours local fishing boats and small luxury yachts transferring very wealthy holiday makers to their private villas. Some nice fish restaurants line the bay with approx 220 steps going up to the top of the cliffs where the poor donkeys heave their riders up and down.

There are photos of the Ammoudi Bay plus a few more of Oìa thrown in.