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Thesprotia
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 Páxi,
Kefalloniá 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
water’s 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 cafés 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. |