With the help of Aeolos, the ancient Greek god of wind, we enjoyed an amazing sail in the morning on our way to Sifnos, one of the westernmost Cycladic Islands. We arrived later in the afternoon, and from the main port, Kamares, we started our drive to Kastro. Kastro is the oldest inhabited and fortified settlement in the region. It is definitely one of the island’s major highlights if not its most fascinating attraction. It was chosen for its strategic importance on top of a steep, rocky promontory, which is where they built the first acropolis in the ancient times. It was the island’s fortified citadel throughout the times as well as the capital until 1836.
Our visit to the Kastro was an experience where time seemed to stand still as we walked on very narrow walkways along which people have always walked. We enjoyed the simplicity and charm of the small cubic, whitewashed Cycladic houses, the elegant neoclassical monastery, and above all, the magnificent view of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Some of us walked down to the small chapel of The Seven Martyrs, one of the most photogenic churches of the island, 200 feet below on a rocky promontory.
After our visit to Kastro, we drove back to Kamares where we enjoyed the atmosphere of the not-at-all touristy part of town which had cute little stores, local pottery workshops, and a number of cafes and traditional tavernas near the water.
Continuing back to the ship, everything was ready for our Greek buffet dinner that we all enjoyed. We honored the Greek flavors and with the god of the wind, we hoped to sail safely to Delos, the birthplace of a fellow god, glorious Apollo!
