On this windy day, Sea Cloud threw anchor in the protected port of Katapola, where we boarded the coaches and started the scenic drive up the switchbacks to the eastern shores of the island. There we climbed more than 300 stairs to the thousand years old Monastery of Hozoviotissa, which is carved inside cliffs right above the Aegean Sea. The Virgin Mary’s icon is considered holy by the islanders. After this “pilgrimage,” our next stop was the island’s biggest chora (town) with a population of about 400. We took a short tour and had some independent exploration time to enjoy little cafes, shops, and mazelike alleys. We greeted locals: humans and cats. Some of the explorers went back to Katapola a little early for a swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of this Cyclades gem of an island.
9/13/2024
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Sea Cloud
Poros, Greece
Like the first day of our voyage, some improvisation occurred on our last, and the strong winds of the Aegean led us to the charming island of Poros. There, we enjoyed an unhurried morning in a typical Greek port town of shaded cafes, lively shops, and photogenic pathways draped in fragrant jasmine and bright bougainvillea. After a guided walk up to the clock tower which offered splendid views of the surrounding landscape, some of us opted for one final swim in the Saronic Gulf, while others browsed the town’s enticing shops. Back on the ship, our afternoon was once more spent sailing the lovely waters of Greece. This evening, we gathered on the lido deck for a cocktail hour hosted by Captain Sergei, followed by a sumptuous farewell dinner in Sea Cloud’ s elegant dining room. We concluded our memorable week aboard this beautiful ship sharing enlightening conversation with our fellow travelers.
