We had a quiet end-of-year for a change, from 2013 into 2014. After all, a change is as good as a holiday and variety is the spice of life.
The weather was cloudy and cool (10 Celsius) by 6pm on New Year's eve 31 December 2013, a chicken casserole was simmering on the cooker and a medium bodied Portuguese red waiting on the side. Inside Fifi the motorhome it was cosy at 19 Celsius in a quiet, well appointed campsite near Nafplio in southern Greece - with only three other 'vans on site. Peace and quiet! The last of the autumn / winter leaves were providing a bright yellow-orange-brown display on the trees and on the floor adding to the mood of 'Far from the Maddening Crowd'.
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Before the New Year we did however do some further touring. We went near to the southernmost point of Greece at Vatheia (beautiful views across the Ionian Sea) and Porto Kagio (almost no winter sun) which is an easy two hour journey from where we stopped for Christmas.
We left Faros Taverna at Karavostasi on Saturday 28 December and made for Nafplio in the eastern Peloponnese. First a stop at Lidl's in Sparti to stock up and then across some lovely mountain countryside and some motorway to Nafplio. We headed as is usual for the port / marina area where free overnighting is always possible. We found ourselves amongst several other motorhomes with grand views across the port area.
Prominent is Bourtzi fortress a few hundred yards off shore - former defensive position, executioners residence and hotel.
We spent two days parked on the quayside in good sunny weather, and found the 'old town' now a shopping and semi pedestrianised area, to be a real delight. Lovely shops, somewhat touristy, very clean with many cafes and eateries and well supported by locals giving it an authentic atmosphere. There is a lovely walk around the coast surrounding the town, with sea on the one side and the hilltop fortress on the other.
The hillside is covered in places with Bougainvillea and succulents with shady areas and benches as you go - no rubbish lying around! Well done Nafplio!
The port parking area, in its build up to New Year, became noisy at night and we decided to move on and find a more quiet spot - enter Triton campsite just east of Nafplio. The town of Drepano is walking distance, it's 200 yards from the coast, clean shower block and hand's on management.
Good bakeries, choice of small family owned mini-markets and very local Greek atmosphere - we attracted stares wherever we walked. Fifi the motorhome looked like something out of space when we drove through town.
The weather was cloudy and cool (10 Celsius) by 6pm on New Year's eve 31 December 2013, a chicken casserole was simmering on the cooker and a medium bodied Portuguese red waiting on the side. Inside Fifi the motorhome it was cosy at 19 Celsius in a quiet, well appointed campsite near Nafplio in southern Greece - with only three other 'vans on site. Peace and quiet! The last of the autumn / winter leaves were providing a bright yellow-orange-brown display on the trees and on the floor adding to the mood of 'Far from the Maddening Crowd'.
.JPG)
New Year's eve 2013 in southern Greece
Before the New Year we did however do some further touring. We went near to the southernmost point of Greece at Vatheia (beautiful views across the Ionian Sea) and Porto Kagio (almost no winter sun) which is an easy two hour journey from where we stopped for Christmas.
Looking north from near Vatheia
Former hilltop settlement near Vatheia
We left Faros Taverna at Karavostasi on Saturday 28 December and made for Nafplio in the eastern Peloponnese. First a stop at Lidl's in Sparti to stock up and then across some lovely mountain countryside and some motorway to Nafplio. We headed as is usual for the port / marina area where free overnighting is always possible. We found ourselves amongst several other motorhomes with grand views across the port area.
Prominent is Bourtzi fortress a few hundred yards off shore - former defensive position, executioners residence and hotel.
Camperstop Nafplio port
Bourtzi fortress seen from Fifi
Fisherman's quayside
We spent two days parked on the quayside in good sunny weather, and found the 'old town' now a shopping and semi pedestrianised area, to be a real delight. Lovely shops, somewhat touristy, very clean with many cafes and eateries and well supported by locals giving it an authentic atmosphere. There is a lovely walk around the coast surrounding the town, with sea on the one side and the hilltop fortress on the other.
The hillside is covered in places with Bougainvillea and succulents with shady areas and benches as you go - no rubbish lying around! Well done Nafplio!
Bougainvillea
Cacti and prickly pears
A carpet of leaves
The port parking area, in its build up to New Year, became noisy at night and we decided to move on and find a more quiet spot - enter Triton campsite just east of Nafplio. The town of Drepano is walking distance, it's 200 yards from the coast, clean shower block and hand's on management.
Good bakeries, choice of small family owned mini-markets and very local Greek atmosphere - we attracted stares wherever we walked. Fifi the motorhome looked like something out of space when we drove through town.
>> HAPPY NEW YEAR! <<
Happy new year to you too! I am so enjoying reading about your travels. I hope the upcoming year brings you peace and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Bright side and bottoms up!
DeleteHappy 2014 Marius and Joan! We met up with mates for NYE, after spending the last two on our own as you guys just did. Nice change. Now onto the next year, looking forward to reading your winter and spring travels. Have a cracking time guys, Jay and Ju
ReplyDeleteThanks you two! Trusting the new jobs are going well. Batten down the hatches against those storms, pour a wee dram! Cheers!
Delete