European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 30, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse Sample delights of Greece a sardonic islands. By j. King Cruger Northern Italy Bureau to Sample the delights of the greek islands its Only necessary to sail a Short distance from Piraeus the port of Athens to the islands of the sardonic Gulf. Island hop or base yourself on one and explore the Creek capital or the other islands on Day trips. Although they share some things in common a the scent of Oleander and mint compact Bays with Shingle beaches intimate resorts Pine Woods a each of the five has its o own distinct character. While there Are five islands salamis the closest to Piraeus is so blighted by heavy Industry that it should be Given the skip. Instead head for Aegina if time presses. Pronounced egging and famed for its Pistachios and ceramics the Island is Only a 90-minute ferry ride from Piraeus and about half that time on the More expensive flying Dolphin hydrofoils. Aegina with inner Island ferries arriving almost every 15 minutes in summer makes a Good base for exploring both the Mainland and the surrounding islands. Aegina has Long been More of a Retreat for smog fleeing Allien ians than for foreign tourists although it does have some Fine beaches and the Graceful Temple of aphasia one of the country s Best preserved doric structures. A Cannon stands guard Over the Entrance to Hydra s Harbor Poros another 90 minutes beyond Aegina is the other Good base within the group. The Southern Mainland the peloponnese is almost within reach across an extremely narrow Channel from Poros. Dozens of Little boats constantly shuttle folks Back and Forth Many visiting nearby Lemon Dados a huge wonderfully scented passengers take a ferry from Santorini to Piraeus. Lemon Grove beside a Nice Sandy Beach 1 the quayside at four life Long Poros is a bustling place lined with shops tavernas and open air cafes. Fishermen sell catches directly from their boats transiting yachts pause to take on supplies or More Likely Tarry for Days or weeks. From the port rises a Jumble of steeply climbing streets etched with tiny squares and charmingly painted houses of Turquoise and Blue. Poros is an Island that does t offer a great Deal to do but it s a great place to simply chill out and enjoy its translucent Waters and Friendly natives Hydra an hour s ferry ride to the South Springs to file whenever a ferry or cruise ship slips into its snug Cliff hidden Harbor. A great Clatter rises us up on pricey shops surveying jewelry and up Market items for the tourist Trade. Waiters bet Kon customers into tavernas. Day trippers leap with Gleeful shouts onto thu backs of Burros and mules to explore mount ruinous and car free Hydra. Once the Day trippers have sailed away the shutters come Down with a bang and fashionable i Lydra a True Mediterranean Gem returns to its tranquil Best. The entire Island has been declared a National Monument because of its grand Stone mansions old monasteries and secluded coves. Even though Hydra has the costliest accommodations Cunti nut d on Page 12 june 30, to r 4 stripes Magazine 7 7
