Igoumenitsa:
is Greece's third passenger port after Pireaus and Patra, with
almost hourly ferries to Corfu, several daily to Italy, and
more sporadic connections to the Ionian islands of Paxi, Kefallonia
and Ithaki.
Levelled
during the last war and rebuilt in a sprawling, functional style,
it's a place most travelers aim to pass through, but since the
majority of ferries leave early in the morning, an overnight
stay is often necessary.
Sivota:
is a mountainous region of the north west. This is one of the
loveliest areas of Greece green, scenic and traditional
with little organized tourism. Sivota enjoys a setting of remarkable
beauty. All around are hills blanketed by pine, cypress and olive,
the trees in many places reaching the waters edge. The twisting
coastline is indented with rocky coves, sandy bays, and stretches
of almost white coarse-sand fine shingle beach such as Mega Ammos
a mile outside the village. Just off-shore are three wooded islets
with beaches of their own, great fun to explore by boat, maybe
taking a picnic.
The
hire of a small motorboat is recommended and is the only way to
reach not only the islets in the bay but also nearby hidden beaches.
The village itself has plenty of Greek charm.
Only in August is Sivota very busy, largely with holidaying Italians
and Greeks themselves; and during this short period the village,
harbor and beaches bustle with life. The harbor is pretty as a
picture, with an array of cafes and restaurants (some quite smart),
a handful of shops, and often a flotilla or two moored at the
quay.
A ten minute walk brings you to the greater part of the village,
with church, stores and more taverns. Over the headland is the
town beach sand/shingle with canoes and pedaloes usually
available for rent and a little further are two white shingle
bays.
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