More About Antiparos

I was drawn to Antiparos and Paros because of windsurfing.

The evening of my first day on Antiparos, I took the ferry to Pounta, Paros where people sailed on boards or kites. Kites seemed to be the favorite of the two sports and the guys running the business knew nothing about the sport of windsurfing but had gear available for rent.


I had to silence the voice in my head that was loudly wondering if I could still windsurf since the last time was TEN years ago in Aruba. I must admit, the voice was very strong and I nearly changed my mind the next morning for a boat adventure around the island of Antiparos.

BUT I DID NOT GIVE IN!

I went sailing and it was exhilarating!

Later that afternoon, content after eating a Greek salad at an Antiparos taverna, I painted this street scene.


Greek salads are FABULOUS! Sweet, juicy tomatoes with cucumbers, red onions, olives, and sometimes green peppers topped with a slab of feta cheese which is marinated in olive oil and herbs....YUM! I became addicted to these.

The Island of Antiparos

After spending time in Kastraki and visiting the clifftop monasteries of Meteora I decided to save Delphi for my next visit to Greece and head out to the islands.

I was intrigued by the mention in the Lonely Planet Greek Islands book of the great place to windsurf between the islands of Paros and Antiparos. I thought I had best check this out.

Traveling from Kastraki to Paros was a FULL DAY trip and did not reach the port of Parikia until nearly mid-night. When you get off the ferry people are gathered at the end of the docks with signs for rooms to rent. Running the gauntlet, I picked a woman and we negotiated terms. I was happy to have a place to rest!

The next morning on my way to the bus stop, I stopped at a bakery and bought a "spinach pie" which was still warm.......oh my gosh, was that delicious! Then, I found a gentleman at the dock who was selling fresh fruit; I bought some local grapes. While waiting for my bus, I was approached by a young man about a place to stay in Antiparos......word spreads quickly amongst the locals!

A bus ride and a short ferry between Paros and Antiparos, I left my backpack at this cute little place in Antiparos, and headed to the beach.

After swimming in the crystal clear turquoise blue waters, I pulled out the paints and sketchbook. What I learn was in the hot climate of Greece it is impossible to do a watercolor wash as the paint dries instantly! I painted quickly and then back into the water to cool off. What a life!


And you ask, did I go windsurfing? To be continued......