Nísos Síros

Leaving Loutrá

When we left Loutrá under blue skies and sunshine on the morning of Sunday 16 August it was significantly brighter than when we had arrived 2 days before. We quickly discovered that we had another stowaway on board but this one was much less harmful than our previous unwelcome visitor: a praying mantis clinging to the toerail.

We also quickly discovered that it would not be a good sailing day as it was totally flat calm, and remained that way all the way to Síros. Ahead the island of was hidden in the haze so we motored towards a clear, if rather close, horizon.

Approaching Nísos Síros

With nothing in the way of wind we put the sail cover back on and did the whole passage under power. Approachig Nísos Síros the stark burnt nature of the Cyclades islands stood out; very different to the green of the islands in the Northern Sporades we had become used to.

Approaching Órmos Grámmata

So it was a nice surprise when we turned into Órmos Grámmata, our destination, to find that it did have an oasis of green amongst the predominantly brown surroundings.

Órmos Grámmata

We anchored off the beach matching the other yacht in the bay, a Dutch one, by laying a kedge anchor to stop us swinging. The water was very clear and there was nothing for it but to go swimming to cool off. Later, Nicky was very industrious and serviced both heads, changing the rubber valves in them, but that was the extent of our industry for the day and we spent a relaxed evening watching people from the campsite at the head of the bay fishing and kayaking and generally enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Órmos Grámmata on Nísos Síros, Greece