Pefki beach
Pefki lies on the north coast of the island of Evia, 120 air kms from Athens. The shore is graveled, the water is clear, still we were a bit disappointed after our holiday in Polichrono the year before, for the sea was not so translucent because of the darker seabed. But the ten days we spent here gave us truly unforgettable memories.
The day after our arrival we immediately went on a boat-trip, the target of which was the island of Skiathos, which is considered as one of the "most Greek" islands. First we called at the capital of the island with the same name, where we could freely wander around in the romantic, narrow streets with a lot of steps.
Skiathos
Skiathos
We were compensated for climbing those stairs in the heat of the day by the wonderful view over the town and some of the surrounding smaller islands, which we could see from the terrace of a nice church. I've always been envious of Greek people that they can live their everyday lives in such unspeakable beauty!
Nevertheless, the highlight of the day for us was the beach of Koukounaries, where we could spend a few hours in the afternoon. We liked it much more than Pefki, for here we could swim in crystal clear water again while enjoying the sight of the green forest right on the beach!
Koukounaries
Koukounaries Beach
Koukounaries was awarded as the third most beautiful beach in the world by National Geographic. The sea is really unique here as the sand seems to glitter like gold! The forest is part of a landscape-protection area, behind it there is a nice lake. Someday we might as well spend our holiday just here!

We didn't particularly plan to visit Athens that year but fortunately we did it in the end because missing that would have truly been a sin! Not only for the city but also the amazing landscapes throughout Evia that we were lucky to see while traveling through the island. On our way to Athens we went along the winding roads inside the island, seeing wonderful mountains, from the top of which you could sometimes even see the sea. Coming back we made our way right along the east coast, seemingly above the sea, through wild cliffs and rocks. Previously we just had no idea how beautiful this island was!

Athens
Parthenon
This is the Parthenon at the moment we could see it! The restoration just going on spoiled the sight a bit, still we were happy to see it "alive". From the Acropolis we had an amazing view of the whole city. We also saw the changing of the guards of the Parliament, then we walked in the old town: the Plaka and the nice botanical garden beside the Parliament.
We spent the remaining few days on Pefki's beach. Our apartment was about 100 meters away from the port, the beach a bit farther. We couldn't see the sea from our balcony, but whenever we wanted to have a nice view, we just went upstairs to the top of the building from where we could even see the rocky coast opposite the island. Probably that's why the building was named Panorama. If you click on the picture or the name, you can view the website of the studios.
Panorama Studios
Sunset at Pefki
The sunset was wonderful, the sun retired just behind the rocks on the opposite coast, giving a golden glamour to the promenade edged by palm trees. We often walked there but I don't think we will ever return exactly here. In Greece there are a lot more things to see!

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