While everyone back home in America was celebrating the country’s 250th birthday on July 4th, we found ourselves celebrating somewhere equally memorable – floating in one of the most spectacular bays in all of Greece.
Today took us to Milos, one of the Cyclades’ volcanic islands, famous for its dramatic coastline, brilliant white rock formations, and impossibly blue water. Kleftiko is the crown jewel of Milos. Once a hideout for pirates – the name comes from the Greek word kleftes, meaning “thieves”- it’s now one of the most photographed anchorages in the Mediterranean. And honestly… Wow!!!!!!
We anchored a little farther offshore to avoid the steady stream of private and tour boats, then climbed into the dinghy for a closer look. We weaved between towering white cliffs, ducked into sea caves, passed beneath the island’s famous natural rock arch, and jumped into the water every chance we got.
Every corner seemed more spectacular than the last. The water glowed every imaginable shade of blue. The caves begged to be explored. The towering limestone cliffs made us feel wonderfully small.
Some places simply leave you speechless. Kleftiko was one of them. I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story.
After another delicious lunch aboard KORA, it was time to reluctantly leave paradise behind. Strong northerly winds were forecast, and with the famous Meltemi season beginning to wake up, finding a well-protected harbour became our priority. (More on the Meltemi in the next post!)
Our first choice on the south side of the island didn’t quite provide the shelter we’d hoped for, so we changed plans and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon sail to Adamantas, Milos’ main harbour.
Along the way, Chelsea and Oscar somehow managed to produce a tray of homemade brownies from KORA’s tiny galley. Baking on a moving boat deserves a medal at the best of times. Producing warm, gooey brownies while underway deserves two. Needless to say, they disappeared remarkably quickly.
Adamantas turned out to be an excellent choice. As we settled in for the evening, we couldn’t help but laugh after spotting four Australian flags flying from nearby yachts. For a brief moment it felt as though we’d accidentally sailed into Sydney Harbour.
With Steve taking the helm of the dinghy, the rest of us headed ashore for dinner while Doug stayed aboard to keep an eye on KORA as the breeze steadily freshened.
Once again, the food did not disappoint. Fresh local ingredients, another beautiful waterfront setting, and just when we thought the meal couldn’t get any better, the owner surprised us with complimentary lemon meringue desserts for the table.
The ride back to KORA after dark was made easy thanks to Doug switching on the underwater lights, turning our little catamaran into a glowing beacon in the harbour.
Tomorrow, we’ll find out exactly what the Greek god Aeolus, keeper of the winds, has planned for us.
