Paros

Parikia - Antiparos - Parikia
Overcast

As nothing seems to happen before 9am it was a later breakfast before we wandered the alleyways discovering some more of Parikia’s ancient past.

Our breakfast view....sitting under the most beautifully coloured bougainvillea. 

We spied the Venetian Frankish Castle (built in 1260) up an alleyway and discovered it’s building materials were largely used from the archaic temple of Athena, and other ionic and Hellenistic structures over the old Paros town.

Recycling using ancient materials.

A little way further with commanding views of the water sits the old 6thC BC Archaic Temple of Athena which has been incorporated into the church of St Constantine.
Just before lunch we caught the local bus to Purda then a ferry to island of Antiparos which is much smaller than Paros but with the numerous shops and restaurants it will surely be as busy as It’s larger neighbour once the full tourist season hits.

Wandering the alleyways through the village to the beach.

There are lots of restaurants and shops however it was quiet as we wandered through to the other side of the village to the beach.  It had come alive by the time we strolled back to the ferry.

 

Spied this field of wonderful poppies...

Freezing water but David still went for a swim!

We wandered through the many alleys to the very quiet beach on the far side. David took another dip in the freezing Mediterranean and then it was time for an ice-cream.

Antiparos if famous for its windmills.  This one sits above where the ferry comes in.  

Once back from our lovely day of exploring we dined at the same restaurant we went to on our first night...the Mussells Saganaki were calling our name. The sun set as we sipped on our rosé and we reflected on how lucky we were to enjoy all this.