Sifnos, Greece: Hot, Hazy, 32

Finally, Walking In Greece!

Having transferred from Milos Island to Sifnos it was time to enjoy what we had come here to do...walk! Sifnos is one of the few Greek Islands that has taken the time to setup a series of formal walking trails, totalling over 100 kms. The trails have been developed by professionals, are well marked with the red and white of GR routes and take one along trails that have crisscrossed this ancient land for ever. The routes cover the island and one can change routes on the go to get to the desired destination. Today we walked from Artemonas where we have centred ourselves and walked to Faros and then on to the Chrisopigi Monastery. Looking fresh at the beginning...that wasn't to last as we started at the seemingly late hour of 10:00. Don't ask...

We started on Route 1 heading for Kastro on the coast...we are staying in the mountains where most of the Greek island inhabitants reside. pew passes by one of the many windmills on the island, usually a striking white and blue.

That's Kastro in the distance, seemingly downhill! A good thing because the trails are all exposed and very hot.

The trails range from pretty well groomed to quite rough, and yes, loads of stairs. I hate stairs....

In some respects it looks a little like walking in Galicia without the trees or rain. And did I say that it's hot?! We descended down to a local agios (church), had a nice look see and moved on.

There are beautiful small churches along the entire route, many of which sit on cliffs above the Aegean Sea. 

This one is back in the distance behind the ladies.

We arrive at Kastro to see the small churches on the sea.

After climbing up through the town this is the view.

And then having come this far of course you have to walk down to see the church...and of course back up. Did I say it was hot?

Afterwards, we headed in this direction, changing to Route 2. 

And of course we made many new friends enroute! This guy told us that he loves Canada. I returned the love about Greece!

More friends!

And we know this guy with the occasional selfie:)   I think I looked a little like this in Japan!

We walked and we walked. Did I mention that it was HOT!

Then we found ourselves very close. Faro down below and the monastery a way to the right a few more kilometres onwards.

On the way out to the monastery...

Before heading out the monastery we stopped at a very traditional taverna for a light lunch right on the beach! Then out we went, Geoff finding an unlikely place to put on his swimsuit! 

Then we figured that we may as well swim off the rocks rather than the beach. It was excellent after the day of walking. We figured there was no way we could rent any of the huge boats at anchor! 

Then cooled down and changed we walked back to Faros for the traditional celebration!

Followed by the traditional push and punch your way in to a Greek bus and a return to have a good shower and wash some clothes. Sounds rather familiar! Now finish posting this and it's off to the festival again to eat and drink a bit more!