Greece - Korina Miller [568]
The small harbour of Syvota, 15km south of Nydri, has a relaxed airy appeal. It’s popular with yachts and the local fishing fleet is still active. There’s no beach to speak of and you need your own transport to get the best of it.
Sleeping & Eating
Poros Beach Camping & Bungalows ( 26450 95452; www.porosbeach.com.gr; Poros Beach; camp sites per adult/car/tent €9/5/5, studio €60-90; ) Twelve kilometres south of Nydri is this unpretentious complex overlooking pretty Poros Beach. It has studio apartments and a shaded camping area, plus restaurant, minimarket, bar and swimming pool.
Ionian Paradise ( 26450 92268; www.ionianparadise.gr, Nydri; r €75; ) Nicely located off the main drag, the recently refurbished Ionian still has an old-fashioned welcome and its rooms are pleasantly functional. Breakfast is €5. It’s down a side street diagonally opposite the Avis car-hire office.
Apartments Sivota ( 26450 31347, fax 26450 31151; Syvota; r €45, 2-person studio €100, 3-person apt €110; ) In Syvota, these very pleasant apartments are set slightly back from the waterfront, but have balconies and good views. Steps lead up from the waterfront road.
Spiridoula ( 26450 31989; Syvota; mains €5.50-15) The first of the harbourside tavernas in Syvota has ice storage drawers from which you can choose fish from local landings. Meat dishes feature also, but the fish soup is a rewarding choice.
Pinewood ( 26450 92075; Nydri; mains €6-16.50) Popular with locals and offering some subtle classics such as lamb in a red wine and herb sauce, this well-run place is at the quiet northern end of Nydri’s main street.
Return to beginning of chapter
VASILIKI ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΗ
Vasiliki has a stony beach, but is a hot spot for the tanned and toned, mainly because it’s one of the best water-sports venues in the Mediterranean. This is due to the configuration of the resort’s square-cut bay where soft breezes in the morning make it ideal for instructing beginners. In the afternoon, winds whip down the flanking mountains for some serious action by aficionados. It’s not all fast sailing though; the winding waterfront, with eucalyptus and canopy-covered eateries is a pleasant place in which to relax. Caïques take visitors to the island’s better beaches and coves including Agiofylli Beach, south of Vasiliki.
Along the beach, water-sports outfits have staked their claims with flags, equipment and with their own hotels for their guests. Wildwind (www.wildwind.co.uk) is a main operator of all-inclusive one- and two-week action holidays ranging from €563 to €921 depending on season. Healthy Options (www.healthy-option.co.uk) is a linked program offering a swath of activities including yoga and Pilates, dance and fitness as well as water sports and eco-walking trips. Contact both of the above for possible short-term options.
Club Vassiliki Windsurfing ( 26450 31588; www.clubvass.com) organises windsurfing sessions for €25. For diving try Nautilus Diving Club ( 69361 81775; www.underwater.gr), which has a range of options, including a snorkelling safari for €30, a discover scuba diving course for €50 and an open-water course for €360. It also has sea kayaking half days for €30.
All the activities have beach stations.
Helpful Samba Tours ( 26450 31520; www.sambatours.gr) in the main street can organise car and bike hire, and answer most queries regarding the region. Other car-hire places are Christo’s Alex’s ( 26450 31580) near the bus stop.
Sleeping, Eating & Drinking
Vassiliki Beach Camping (26450 31308; campkingk@otenet.gr; camp sites per person/tent/car €8/5/6) A well-run and compact camping option with easy access to the beach.
Pension Holidays ( 26450 31426; nicol60@windowslive.com; s/d €60/65; year-round; ) Friendly Spiros and family offer Greek hospitality, breakfast (€5) on the balcony with views of the bay and harbour, and simply furnished but well-equipped rooms. Above the ferry dock;