Unless one lives in Nothern Greece, things are quite difficult to reach the island. One option is to go by plane to Alexandroupolis. There are 5 flights daily from Eleftherios Venizelos airport with Olympic or Aegean Airways and the flight lasts approximately 45 minutes. From Alexandroupolis there are ferries departing regularly, and the duration about 2 hours.
Another option is to go by train from Athens to Thessaloniki and from there again by train to Kavala or Alexandroupolis. This will take lots of time, an approx. time of about 20 hours to reach the island.
The best way to explore the island is by renting a car. If one really wishes to go off the beaten path, rent a jeep, as the island is full of dirt and gravel roads.
Christos at 'X Rentals' offers very good rates on rental cars. Tel: 0551 0 42272, 98335
Updated Oct 29, 2002
Hora: A kiosk and its owner.
Authentic kindness and simplicity characterises the locals and their slow pace of life. Unpretending smiles and eyes, balance (in a way) the effects of the slow service that we, the 'westerns' are not used to. Take it cool and enjoy it, as time stands still here for many years now...
Written Aug 31, 2002
There are no warnings or dangers for this place. Just make sure you will be there outside the peak season (July 20 - August 20) and let yourself get lost amidst the numerous rivers and waterfalls. Walk alongside the rivers and lose yourself to the sound of the running waters and the singing birds...
Oh, yes, there might be a danger here...you might not want to leave the place and just spend the rest of your life here...
Written Aug 31, 2002
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: As any vain woman who respects herself, I included in my luggage all those high heeled sandals and sexy evening dresses 'equipment'.Useless. What I really needed were my comfortable everyday dresses, short pants my bikinis and comfortable cotton tops. As for the shoes...ah...that trip was my Adidas pair of shoes triumph!
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you have any camping tent or other similar equipment just brink it with you.The place is ideal for couples and for those who wish to spend a night by the rivers or by the waterfalls for an 'ultimate' experience under the stars.
Miscellaneous: If you are a 'trekking' type, then the place is for you. Walking and climbing are the major activities.
Written Aug 31, 2002
The whole island itself is an off the beaten path excursion. That's the only Greek island I have been to that doesn't have any tourism operator. Just a few foreigners travelling individually -- Italians mainly -- and many many young Greeks -- with the hippy look -- seeking for their paradise on earth ;-)
With a population of 2800 inhabitants and 60,000 goats, one should give special respect to those animals and take care when driving as they often appear unexpectedly right in front of you! You can see them everywhere, on the streets, in the mountains, on the beach...
Written Aug 31, 2002
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