Alexandroupoli, May 1, 2024 🇬🇷
Enjoying Turkey one last time, because today we’re heading across the border to Greece. It’s been 3,350 km since we crossed the border into Turkey on April 1; a wonderful time is coming to an end, but we’re looking forward to Greece. After yesterday’s delicious, traditional dinner (köfte) and a peaceful night’s sleep, we set off for the border quite early. It’s May 1, and you never know what conditions will be like at the border on a holiday! We pass through the Turkish border without any problems, and the Greek border officials don’t seem particularly interested in our vehicle today either. After about 45 minutes, we’re through! Now we’re back in Europe without any border formalities—just drive through and wave. Our first destination is Alexandroupoli, a beautiful little town by the sea. Our parking spot is outdoors, behind a hotel and right by the sea. After we arrive, we head straight into town, because there’s always something to take care of. Today we still need a SIM card for our router and a few other little things. And we need something to eat, too. Not yet fully fluent in the local language, we grab a burger, which provides enough energy even for dinner… In the evening, we have a coffee around the corner and watch the sunset from the Joey.
Nea Karvali, May 2, 2024
Our destination for today is Camping Alexandros in Nea Karvali. About halfway through today’s route, we visit the Agios Nikolaos Monastery near Lagos. Right in the middle of Nestos National Park, there’s a monastery built in the middle of a lake. Another footbridge leads from the first island to the second, where there’s a small chapel. We spend some time on both islands exploring and simply enjoying the amazing setting. We’re not quite the only ones here, but this spot is definitely not overcrowded and is still more of an insider’s tip for tourists. Afterward, we continue on to Nea Karvali, where we stop briefly at the local café before heading to the campground. It’s been a long time since we’ve stayed at a campground, which is pretty rare for us. Of course, all the amenities make things a lot easier. Still, we prefer campsites or spots out in nature.
Nea Karvali, May 3, 2024 🇬🇷
Greece hasn’t exactly treated us to the best weather yet, but it can only get better! Today is a “rest day”! But really, the weather is forcing us to just sit around… Sunbeams and rain showers alternate regularly, and it won’t start to clear up until later in the afternoon. But now it’s time to head outside and enjoy the last rays of sunshine. In the evening, we’ll take part in a local Easter ceremony, since Easter is being celebrated in Greece this weekend. At the same time, it marks the end of Lent, which apparently is still observed quite strictly in Greece. On Sunday—or rather, on Easter—there’s a sweet, braided bread with a red egg in the middle. We already ate this bread today and were wondering why it’s sold vacuum-sealed. We’re learning a lot about customs and traditions in other countries on this trip… mostly after the fact.
Thessaloniki, May 4, 2024 🇬🇷
Today we’re heading to Thessaloniki, and our destination is the same campsite we visited on our way here. Beautifully situated on a lagoon with lots of flamingos and even more… mosquitoes, this spot offers a truly wonderful atmosphere. Especially in the evening, with a dreamlike sunset on one side and the sea of lights from Thessaloniki on the other, it’s worth staying a while—not just for a quick stop. But before we get to the campsite, we’re heading to the Camping Megastore. There, Meanwhile, one of us is almost impossible to drag away, and it takes a special look to finally wrap things up after nearly two hours. Still, we end up with a full bag and a slightly lighter wallet….
In the evening, we take a walk along the sea to enjoy the sunset.
Thessaloniki, May 6, 2024 🇬🇷
Before we leave Thessaloniki, we naturally want to see the city at night as well. And what better day for that than Orthodox Easter? Pretty much everyone seems to be gathering in Thessaloniki today under the bright sunshine. The city surprises us in a very positive way, and we enjoy our walk by the sea. In the early afternoon, however, we feel the urge to move on and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Our destination is a campsite in the countryside, about halfway to the Meteora monasteries. And what a fantastic spot we’ve picked out! The view is absolutely one-of-a-kind, and we’re all alone here, too! Dinner is outdoors, of course—it’s a must. After sunset, though, it gets quite chilly, so we retreat to our warm home. In moments like these, we’re constantly reminded of why we travel!
Meteora May 6, 2024 🇬🇷
Today we’re heading on to the Meteora monasteries. Our destination is the Vrachos campground in Kastraki—not exactly small or romantic… but convenient for our trip to the monasteries. In the afternoon, we take a tour to explore the town and go on our first short hike. However, a longer hike is out of the question today, since a pair of Birkenstock sandals without tread are, at best, suitable only for a visit to the local café. And that’s exactly how it turns out—the hike will have to wait until tomorrow. Still, here are a few nice photos to start with.
Meteora May 8, 2024 🇬🇷
Today things really get going, and we set out on our hike in perfect weather. The trail is a good 12 km long and takes us past most of the monasteries. The first part is pretty steep, but the view is breathtaking. Once we reach the top, we have a unique panoramic view of the monasteries—and also of the incredible number of tourists. We’re just glad we’re on foot and don’t have to look for a parking spot… The way back is pretty steep, and in some parts, it’s definitely better if you don’t get dizzy. But we manage this part as well and arrive back at our starting point safe and sound. This hike has definitely been the highlight of our trip to Greece so far! All these new experiences have made us hungry, so we both treat ourselves to a souvlaki (meat skewer). Time flies, and by the time we leave the restaurant, it’s already 4:00 p.m. So we decide to stay another night at the campground.
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