Sunday, May 14, 2017

Cruising the Greek Isles: Kythera & Monemvassia

We sailed 180 miles from Crete to the island of Kythera.  Kytheria lies opposite the south-eastern lip of the Peloponnese peninsula and is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of Love. (Cyprus also claims to be the birthplace of the goddess, but I’ll leave that religious debate alone). From ancient times until the mid-19th century, Kythera was a crossroads of sailors, merchants and conquerors.  Naturally, the island was influenced by those who have passed through it, which is readily seen in some of its architecture.

We went to Hora, the capital of Kythera, where we walked through the quiet streets and climbed up the hill to wander through a castle built from the late 12th century till the early 13th century during the Venetian occupation.  From the castle one can see the Ionian, Aegean and Cretan Sea.  This observation point is called “The Eye of Crete.”  

As you can see from the photos, everything in Kythera exudes the old Aegean charm, from the pure white houses, narrow pathways, to the many pots filled with flowers along the way. 

The big attraction before we sat down and enjoyed lunch,  was watching a shark being pulled out of the water.  Apparently a fisherman had caught it in his net—which the shark had destroyed.  With the use of ropes the shark was pulled to shore.

There was a beautiful beach right next to where our ship was docked and near the taverna where we enjoyed lunch.  A few brave souls went swimming, but all I could think of was that shark!  


Following lunch, we embarked and sailed for Monemvassia.






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