Rhodes
Rhodes is a modern city, not especially attractive. However, the old town within the amazing fortifications is awesome and in some parts very well preserved. The only downside: hordes of tourists, partly from cruise ships docked right in front.
UNESCO designated the Medieval City of Rhodes a World Heritage site in 1988, acknowledging its cultural and historical significance, especially in the context of medieval military architecture and its blend of different cultural influences over centuries.
So many beautiful islands in this part of the world
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
Fascinating history in Knights Street
The beautiful mosaics of Rhodes
Nothing says Greek island more than all the street cats fed by the neighborhood
We could not get tired of having the Greek salad daily
The incredible triple walls Rhodes fortifications, from the 15th century
The formidable walls that once safeguarded the town of Rhodes. While Sultan Mehmed II successfully breached the Theodosian Walls and captured Constantinople in 1453, his forces were unable to overcome the robust defenses of Rhodes’ walls. Only sixty years later his grandnephew Suleiman the Magnificent, finally succeeded in breaching Rhodes' formidable walls in 1522
Symi
Big crush on Gialos, the main city in Symi Island! Amphitheatrical layout with a neoclassical (Italian) influence, many houses retain traditional Greek island elements such as red-tiled roofs, stone-paved courtyards and narrow, winding streets. Loved the atmosphere!
JB exploring the bay of the wonderful town of Simi/Symi
Nisyros
Nisyros, a volcanic island in the Dodecanese is small but very enjoyable. We visited an active volcano’s caldera is and walked inside the Stefanos Crater, a large crater with bubbling mud and fumaroles. Then Nikia and finally Mandraki, filled with traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets. More importantly I had scheduled to meet there my friends Francesco and Yuka that I had not seen since they left California six years ago, to live on their Catamaran.
Arriving to Nisyros
It was so great to meet again my Californian friends, Yuka and Francesco, who have been traveling for 6 years on their catamaran
Our peaceful harbor, Pali
Pali at sunrise
Nisyros Volcano
Nisyros Volcano
Nikia town, overlooking the volcano
Mandraki fortress
Mandraki his really charming, right on the water
Mandraki
From Mandraki's harbor
Astypalea
At the top of the hill is the Venetian Castle (Kastro) a Venetian fortress built in the 13th century. You can see our boat anchored in Livadi Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters.
View on the Castle of Astypalea
Chora (Astypalea Town) picturesque white-washed houses, narrow alleys, and iconic windmills
Astypalea and it's fortress
How many churches can you need in the same place?
Our beloved Rode Trip
Naxos
It was just a touch and go in Naxos, anchored in the minuscule bay of Panermos for the night. We were here to visit the Prehistoric Panormos Acropolis that dates back to 2500 BC and consisted of 20 room spaces circled by a fortification that featured five towers.
Panormos bay, with a rock citadel on the hill behind
We're the only people around, besides a shepherd in the hills
View on the Acropolis
Mykonos
The island is one of the Cyclades islands, which neighbors Delos in the Aegean Sea. I wasn’t sure I’d like it based on what I’d heard—too touristy, too commercial, too pricey. But I ended up really enjoying it! The town is beautifully maintained, full of charm, with excellent bars and restaurants. In October, it wasn’t too crowded either. It’s quite different from most Greek islands, but definitely worth visiting for a day or two.
JB is à great Captain, especially to find the beat anchorages!
The Mykonos windmills are an iconic feature of the Greek island of the Mykonos
Great restaurants in Mykonos. Quality of products is paramount.
Our sailboat, Rode Trip, in the sunset. Picture taken from the bars in front 🙂
Kéa
We had a great time in Kea. I rented a scooter to explore around the island. Ioulis is a picturesque town with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful bougainvillea. A trail leads to the Lion of Kea, one of the island’s most famous landmarks.
A lighthouse jointed with a church
Mooring at the Archaeological Site of Saint Eirene at Kea
Ioulis town
Ioulis town
Ioulis town
A donkey, oblivious of the sign posted
Ioulis town
Typical street in these villages
The Lion of Kea, one of the island’s most famous landmarks. The stone sculpture, believed to date back to the 6th century BC, is about 6 meters long and represents a reclining lion with a serene and slightly smiling expression, typical of ancient Greek archaic art.
Aegina
On our way to the island we went by the famous Cape Sounion and its Temple of Poseidon. I really liked the city narrow streets and all the restaurants in Aegina.
JB, the awesome Captain
Typical Greek taverna
Last island of my trip, but Poros is really enjoyable for a last stop in the islands
Like most Greek islands, there are antique sites to visit
The city of Poros, in the Poros island
I'm going to miss the good food, on terraces by the water
Clock Tower
