Paros and then Mykonos

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14thAugust 2018

Galileo departed from Santorini at 2.30am this morning, bound for Paros. The cruise is pretty smooth until the last few hours when once again we encounter some rougher seas and the wind has picked up a bit.

The original plan was to anchor in Paros bay and have a morning swim, then continue on the berth at the port in Parikia, the capital of Paros. Given the sea conditions, the captain decided to go straight to the dock in Paros, where we could have a swim at a nearby beach , if desired. We berthed at the dock at around 9.45am, and went into town with Sakis for a brief tour.
Parikia, Paros as we arrive




We are fortunate to be in Paros on this day, as the next two days celebrate the Assumption of the Holy Mother, a  very important date in the Greek Orthodox religion. Paros has a famous Church know as the Church of 100 gates, which has special significance in this celebration and tomorrow,  the town is expected to be packed with worshippers coming to celebrate the occasion. As part of the celebration a highly valued silver icon is bought to this church for the celebration every year. In the harbour, at the moment, is the Navy destroyer that transported the icon here and will remain to return it after the celebrations.

The destroyer that delivered the Holy Icon


Our group walking to the Church of 100 Gates


The Church of 100 Gates



The Silver Icon

The church was built in the 6thcentury AD, and is one of the oldest Christian Churches in Greece. 

The whole town seems to be focused on getting everything right for the celebrations tomorrow, with decorations going up everywhere.

Decorations are under way

Parikia is a pretty town, with narrow cobbled streets, where you can seek refuge from the strong winds and sun. There are lots of shops and cafes, and after walking around for an hour or so, we decide to stop in a little café in a shady spot and have a cold drinks and some local snacks (a range of dips with bread). As has been the case everywhere, the food here is quite special, very fresh ingredients, tantalizing flavours   and generous servings.

Looking back at Galileo from the Church





Our Mezze plate of assorted dips

After what was more than a snack, we waddled off in the direction of the beach to have a pre lunch swim. It is about a 15 minute walk from where we are docked, along a waterfront peppered with restaurants. Finding something for lunch does not look like it will be a problem.

Whist not as idyllic as our swimming spot on our first day, we have a nice sandy beach, and the water temperature is very comfortable and refreshing. There are lots of yachts anchored out off the beach and it is relatively well protected from the prevailing winds.

The nearest swimming beach to our berth



Refreshed after our swim, we wandered back in the direction of the boat in search of a suitable spot for lunch. It didn’t take us long to find one, and we settled in to yet another seafood meal with a greek salad and a few local beverages to wash it down.


All aboard time for our ship is 3.30pm, and we are still seated at the restaurant at 2.45pm. so we eventually got the bill and made it back to the ship with about 10 minutes to spare.

This afternoon we are setting sail for Mykonos and expect to be in port there at 7pm. Dinner is onboard tonight and it is described as a Fishermans Buffet, after which we are told to go ashore and see Mykonos by night.

Our Last Glimpses of Paros as we leave




We arrived in Mykonos, pretty much on time at just after 7pm. There are two large cruise ships in port and fortunately we have a berth alongside at the new port where all of the ferries and cruise ships now berth. To get to the old port, the best option appears to be the Seabus, which runs every hour between the two ports for 2 euro one way.

The dinner buffet is great as usual, and the next Seabus leaves the port new our berth at 8.45pm, so everyone heads around to the pier to catch it after dinner.

Arriving at the old port. There are people everywhere and the night is young. There are restaurants, bars , shops art galleries etc. I doubt that anything is a bargain, and we immediately feel like we are about 30 years too old to fit in.

The New Port of Mykonos, about 3 km from the town


Walking along the seafront from the Seabus to the town


The Alleys are brightly lit



Art Galleries are everywhere





We enjoyed our walk around and caught the 9.55pm Seabus back to the new port. I am sure in daylight it may be more appealing.

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