Socrates on the Sea

 Socrates, ancient Greek Philosopher, Teacher and Scholar

Poros water taxi

Son-in-law Kyriakos 

 Captain of the taxi boat

Socrates

Socrates

Greek blue and white

Ship shape and Bristol fashion

This month he is doing the Aliki route

A trip  down the harbour and across to the mainland beaches of Plaka and Aliki

Pulling out from the harbour

Passing the red 'submarine'

the Church of the Holy Cross

and

the old slaughterhouse

Onwards into open sea

First stop Plaka Beach

Crowded today 

A dip in the sea is the perfect way to cool off

Beside the beach is a typical greek seaside taverna

Traditional Greek summer dishes, jugs of wine, cold Greek beer and good prices

The first rocky outcrop around which Kyriakos manoeuvres safely with years of practice

Past the small island of Bourtzi

with the remains of ancient fortifications 

The first fort is believed to be Byzantium built in the 7th century

Rebuilt by the Venetians in 1687

The remains you see today were built in 1826

During WW11 it was used as an ammunition depot by both the Greeks and the Germans

Within swimming distance of Aliki beach

And here is Aliki (aliki is the greek name for a salt marsh)

The beach has hardly changed since I brought my daughters here 40 years ago.  Umbrellas and sunbeds are  rented out now, cheek to jowl. 

Back then we brought our own umbrella and a towel to spread on the sand.

The beach is ideal for families with small children.  It's sand all the way and the water is very shallow.  You need to wade out quite a way before the water gets deep.

There is a taverna at one end

And another taverna on the other side

Fotini's taverna where we were headed

More of that tomorrow