A day spent in the Cyclades islands of Greece can be an exciting one. Most of them are situated in a beautiful locations, with an abundance of nature and history to explore and immerse yourself in the country’s culture, which stems from thousands of years ago. However, spending a whole day on one of the Cyclades islands is not only very challenging due to the rough winds that often come from all directions, but it can also be frustrating if you’re visiting during the summer months when it’s super hot outside!
Introduction
The Aegean is perfect for those who want to get away from it all. It’s a vast, blue expanse with some of the most beautiful islands in the world. For the adrenaline junkies out there, you’ll be thrilled to know that many of these Greece islands are surrounded by some serious wind and waves.
After researching where I wanted to go, I found myself on the island of Amorgos. From its capital town of Chora, it’s only an hour boat ride or two-hour hike to the popular tourist destination called Shipwreck Beach. With its rocky shores, plentiful pebbles, and crystal clear water made famous by Jacques Cousteau (and Leonardo DiCaprio), Shipwreck Beach is not one to miss if you’re looking for adventure.
The Tour
The day started with a walk from the hotel to the port. The winds were strong and it was a bit of a struggle to keep our footing on the rocky path, but we made it. We hopped on a boat for an hour’s ride out to Sifnos. Once there, in Greece, we rented bikes at a local shop and spent the morning taking in the sights and sounds. By noon, we were back on land and exploring the port town. It was time for lunch, so we headed to one of my favorite restaurants for some traditional dishes that reminded me of home. After lunch, we had just enough time to take in one more site before getting back on another boat for our ride back home.
When do you visit Greece?
I visited Greece in the summer of 2017, and it was an absolute blast. I spent a total of four weeks exploring this beautiful country, taking in all the sights and sounds. My favorite experience was driving from Athens to Crete one day.
We started off on the wrong foot with our rental car. We were at a gas station getting fuel when we saw that the windshield wipers didn’t work and there was no rear window wiper. Still, we decided to take our chances and go for it because it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! After making it through the first couple of hours without incident, I began to relax a little bit and enjoy the drive. When we came up over a small hill near Nafplio, my jaw dropped as I looked out over an incredible vista with hills covered in olive trees as far as the eye could see.
It’s amazing how fast you can feel completely isolated in your own little world while still knowing that you’re just miles away from civilization! It made me realize how important it is to put yourself out there and be brave enough to live life on your own terms.
What to Pack for the Day
Knowing what to pack for a day can be tricky, as you want to make sure you’re prepared but also don’t want to pack too much. Here are some essentials that will help you prepare:
A lightweight jacket and sweater (mid-layer) A sunhat and sunglasses
-Sunglasses and sunscreen -Sunscreen lip balm with SPF for your lips -Water bottle or another container for drinking water -Lunch items (depending on what time of day you plan to explore the island) Some light snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars -Snacks for after dinners such as trail mix, chocolate or granola
Where to Visit in Greece on a Daytrip
A visit to the island of Paros is something you should consider when traveling to Greece. It is one of the most popular islands in the country, and it’s well worth a stopover. When you’re planning your day trip, make sure you bring your camera and plenty of sunscreens. Here’s what else you need to know about this tourist destination: It’s a popular spot for boating enthusiasts with scenic lagoons, natural harbors, and boatyards -There are also plenty of ancient sights worth exploring such as the Apollo Temple at Delphi. You’ll find many beaches on Paros including Glystra Beach which has some interesting rock formations that give it a unique charm
Conclusion
I spent the day learning how to sail and feeling the gusts of wind on my face. It was an empowering experience, one that I’ll never forget. After going through a brief orientation and sitting down with a newfound friend, we took off on our little adventure. We sailed from the beach to the beach; taking in the vast ocean view as we sailed along. My time in Greece is coming to an end soon but it feels like I’ve left so much behind already: friends, family, memories everything you could think of. Spending a day at sea felt so freeing; it reminded me just how capable we are when we’re willing to take risks and follow our dreams.