T Minus Seven Days

Goodness gracious, that's gone quickly! I can't believe how it has snuck up! It is so exciting that some people have already arrived and are exploring different corners of Europe. So, if you are still looking for ways to get on or off Milos check out: www.openseas.gr. It's the best ferry website we've found so far.

Also, while there are busses that can take you around the island, it is a great idea to explore Milos' 78 beaches by car - team up with others to cut down the cost. Top of my list is is

Sarakiniko and Paleohori - lovely!

There's loads of places that hire cars, but Sophia in Adamas is very helpful.

http://www.milostravel.com/sophia_en.asp

Other brilliant things to do in Milos include taking a boat trip around the island. It's a full day (9am to about 5) but for EUR20ish it is a great way to see the island - especially as one of Milos' most beautiful areas - Kleftiko (pictured) - where the coast becomes a series of rocky outcrops, where - so legend has it - thieves, smugglers and pirates hid out. There's also one that includes lunch and ouzo for about EUR50 by a company called Andromeda. Any of the tourist agencies in the port can help you out with this trip.

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, climb the Kastro in Plaka - the island's highest point - for a great view. Built by the Venetians in the 13th Century, its the only thing remaining of their rule. '

There is also a great museum in Plaka with many great archaelogical finds from the area.

You can also head to the anicent amphitheatre between Plaka and Klima - great views over Klima, a lovely little fishing town also worth a visit . Apparently, it was right near here that the famous Venus de Milos statue was found that now resides in the Louvre.

There are also the earliest some of the earliest found Christian catacombs on Milos - but these have been closed recently and I am not sure if they are open yet.

The villages of Pollonia and Palehori are great stops for lunch... as well... so much to do

Chris and I hope you enjoy exploring! It is a great island and we really hope you like it as much as we do.

We're not sure at this point how much we'll be running around like headless chooks in the days before the wedding, but do give us a call when you've settled and we'll let you know where we are at.

We hear there maybe "activities" on Thursday night, and do join us for a pre-wedding sunset cocktail at the Utopia Bar in Plaka on Friday - (follow a narrow lane to the right at Archondoula's Taverna.) It's lovely!

Other bars we may want to hit include:

• Akri, on the port - cute, outdoors vibe.
• Faros Cafe Club - inbetween Adamas and the airport - late night, on the water, squint and its Eurotrash meets Sydney Harbour

Anyway, lets all have fun exploring together,

See you in Milos.

xx

The Mysterious Ferries of Greece

Travelling by ferry in Greece is a romantic and lovely thing to do if you have the time.

Piraeus, the main port in Athens, is a bustling, fun place to visit. And there are a number of ferry companies that offer travel from Piraeus to Milos and onwards to other islands like Santorini and Crete.

A trip from Piraeus, in Athens, to Milos costs around 50 Euro for the fast ferry and takes around three to four hours.

But it can be very tricky to book online too far in advance! If you search for travel in September, and find that you get no sailings it does not mean there will be no ferries. It is because the ferry companies do not "open up" ticketing until a couple of weeks before the actual travel date ...

And they fail to explain this on their websites.

So how do know if you can take a ferry to and from Milos and different island or Athens? The schedule, it's all about the ferry schedule.

Most will have a timetable listing their arrivals and departures for specific periods, so you can select which ferry you would like to travel on, but might have to wait until, say, August, to book.

You can alwasys call a ferry company representative for the latest information, but make sure they've had their coffee first : )

Ferry companies include:

Hellenic Seaways
Aegean Speedlines
Ventouris Sealines - (the slow one!)
Lane Sea Lines

Hope this helps!

Where to stay on Milos...

Accommodation on Milos is a relatively simple affair – mostly, in the form of guestrooms, studios and apartments on top of or near islander’s homes. But there are some traditional hotels too.
You might like to do some village or beach hopping while you're on Milos. Here are some options to consider along with some descriptions of the villages on the island.

Plaka
As mentioned above, Plaka is a beyond cute little village nestled into the side of the hill, with great views. There are some great little bars, a handful of tavernas, a lovely cake/dessert shop as well as some nice little boutiques. It is a quiet and special place. It is not on a beach, but we love exploring all of Milos’ 78 beaches, so it would feel too rude to choose just one as a base!

Accommodation Options:
Taylor's House - Cute, traditional Cydladic house in central Plaka. Sleeps a maximum of three.

Anoi House - Gorgeous, traditional Cycladic house in Plaka. Sleeps a maximum of three.

Kastro Milos - For those who love a view, and don’t mind a walk, here is some beautiful, traditional accommodation on one of the highest points on the island.

Museum Apartments - Traditionally-styled apartments in central Plaka. Could be good for two couples etc.

Tripiti
Tripiti is a five minute walk down from the village of Plaka and is where the reception will be. It is an area with a rich history – being where they found the Venus de Milo statue which is now in the Louvre. Nearby also, is the ancient amphitheatre and the oldest Christian burial catacombs that have ever been found.

The village stands on a hill sloping down the sea and owes its name to the soft volcanic rock it stands on which gives the impression of having being perforated (= tripiti).

Picturesque white windmills stand on the highest point of the village, some of which have been transformed into rooms for rent.

Thalia House - A suite with a big veranda with sea views

Armenis House – A traditional two bedroom house which sleeps up to four. Adjoining apartment also sleeps four.

I also like the look of these apartments, but we might have to negotiate with owner to keep them open through September!

There are also some rooms right near the reception venue. They’re not on the web, but if you’re
interested we can give you the contact phone number.


Adamas

The seaside village of Adamas is Milos’ hub. It’s the largest town on the island, serves as its port and is also the nearest village to the airport. Here’s where you’ll find the majority of the island’s banks, the post-office, doctors, tourist agencies, port police, hotels and.... bars!

Some options include:
Hotel Ostria - relatively new, nice hotel with a large balcony that is across the street from Adamas's skinny Papakinou beach.

Zac Marie - A four minute walk from the centre of town, and 300 metres from the beach, these rooms are cute and comfy.

Villa Notos Over the road from Lagada Beach, this is swanky Milos!

Santa Maria A ten minute walk from town via a little path, this hotel as a pretty view and a pimping pool.

Lagada Hotel This is one of Milos' biggest hotels. It's right on little Lagada Beach and while the rooms are quite basic, it has a pool and a tennis court and is very central to the port.

Villa Zampeta - Right on Papakinou Beach, nicely done accommodation.

Studios Helios - Nicely decked out rooms in Central Adamas.

We've also been in contact with one of the many travel operators on Milos.. Leonidas of Braukat Travel.

Leonidas has offered to help our guests find accommodation on the island and has quoted some prices below for certain rooms in Adamas of which is an area of speciality for him. The rooms are simple and centrally located with a/c, tv, fridge, balcony/veranda

1-2 persons 1 night 35.oo euro
1-2 persons 2 nights 32.5o euro
1-2 persons 3 nights 30.oo euro
1-2 persons 4+nights 28.5o euro

Feel free to contact Leonidas here:

Leonidas Foteinos
Reservations Manager
Brau Kat Travel, Co.
PO Box 7311
Milos, GR 84800
0030.22870.23000
0030.22870.23860 Line 5
0030.22870.28028 Fax
leo@braukat.gr

Paleohori



This is an amazing, long beach with colourful red and yellow cliffs. There are a couple of nice restaurants overlooking the beach and some bungalows. Paleohori is a 15 minute drive from Adamas, and would be a pretty quiet, but beautiful place to stay.




Pollonia

This is a gorgeous little fishing village, set on a bay, at the top of the island, 15 minutes drive from Adamas. There is a string of tavernas and bars, and some lovely rooms. There are some rocks here that look like they might be good to fish from *cough, Gough*.


Del Mar Studios
Kalimera
Flora's Rooms
Pergola Rooms
Zepos Studios

The Plan Stan

We’re so excited that we've already had so many RSVPs for the wedding!

We can't wait to see you all...

So, finally, after visiting Milos and settling into Berlin life, we can give you some more information about what we're doing and what you might like to do!

We’ll be arriving in Milos on the evening on Monday September 7th and leaving on Tuesday, the 15th.

We’re staying in Plaka, the capital of the island. Plaka is a little village on the side of a mountain that overlooks the port town, Adamas, and has many little, winding, white-washed streets typical of the Cycladic Islands.

While it is not on one of Milos’ 78 beaches, we love it for its charm and great views! The wedding itself will take place in Plaka at Panagia Korfiatissa, and the reception will be in a taverna, a five-minute walk away, in the village of Tripiti.

We'll post more information about accommodation options shortly. xx

Where's the party and where should I stay?

shhhhh... all is quiet in low season land. As the cold weather breaks and Milos wipes the sleep from its eyes, Ria and I will grace its shores and finalise plans for the reception...

For those of you who can't wait till May to lock in your dream retreat, can we suggest the towns of Adamas, Plaka and Tripiti. They are all central and each offers their own unique charm ...

Feel free to browse the ( Milos ) travel websites for further info… There are some fantastic photos and great stories from passionate travellers who can offer an insight into what you’re looking for.

love

Getting it together...

Ria Voorhaar and Christos Kollias are getting married! ... on the beautiful island of Milos, in Greece!

We realise the Aegean is a distant shore... worthy of a distant date... so here's one for next years diary,

September 12, 2009

Formal invitations will follow, but in the meantime keep an eye on this site for updates and info on travel etc.