One of my favourite things to do when I travel is to get to know the locals. Find out where they hang out, where they eat and get a little window into what it’s like to actually live in the place I’m visiting. I basically try to avoid the tourists.
So if, like me, you like to explore a little off the beaten track. Places you can get a little dose of culture as well as sunshine, then today you’re in for a treat as last week I spent a few hours at Agios Georgios Harbour.
Agios Georgios is actually a place of pilgrimage and there are tour busses that come to the top of the hill, overlooking the harbour, to visit the small church and museum but they don’t seem to make the walk down the hill to the harbour. This makes it relatively easy to get to which is great. The church itself is beautiful and definitely worth having a look around.
Should you venture down the hill (which I recommend you do), you will discover a little beach and a rustic restaurant where you can rent sun lounges and umbrella’s. It’s worth mentioning that as there are small fishing boats coming in and out of the harbour, this is not a beach for swimming. It’s more for a quick dip in the shallows and a quiet relax while getting a tan. So take a book along with you and get ready to unwind.
The harbour itself is small, playing home to about 10-15 boats, and if you go at the right time of day, the fishermen are very friendly. I started chatting to one of them who got really excited about the fact that I was South African, telling me I was very far from home. He happily showed me the fish he had caught and was very quick to show off the lobster and squid he had also managed to net too.
So put on a smile and some walking shoes. Take a book and some sunblock (never forget to look after you skin!) and enjoy a day in a beautiful spot away from the crowds.
