Antiparos, by Bike

Today’s adventure took me on a ferry ride to Antiparos, a tiny island southwest of Paros. 

I began the day with a quick breakfast and coffee at Anchorage Cafe Bar. Minus the phallic umbrellas, the view of the sea was lovely. Interestingly, when I ordered the salmon and avocado toast I received a salmon and avocado grilled cheese concoction. Not what I was hoping for, but tasty, nonetheless. Paying for items in Greece is different from anything I’ve experienced. As you know, in America we hand out card to the server, they take it away, and return with our card. In Greece, the server comes to you with the credit card machine and you pay on the spot. When I handed my bill and card to the server she indicated that I wait, and returned with the machine. 

“Never let a server take your card away.” 

“Oh, I’m so used to hiving my card to servers in America.”

“This is Greece. Not America.”

Noted 😬

I finished my meal just in time to catch the bus to Parikia, the port I needed to get me to Antiparos. Again, time was on my side when I arrived. A small ferry was just wrapping up boarding passengers. For five Euro I got to the island. 

Upon arrival I stopped for more coffee and sustenance. I knew I wanted to bike most of the day, and needed plenty of energy and hydration.

Unfortunately, the first bike rental company I visited was sold out of bikes for the day. I decided to walk around town for a bit before deciding how I would get around for the day. I passed by a massage and yoga studio and popped in to see when they offered a yoga class. No Monday classes 😞 Oh well, it was a good idea.

I walked back to the port area and resigned to take the bus to the Cave. As luck would have it, there was another bike rental place and they had a bike available! It’s so different renting a bike here. In the U.S. not only does it cost double, and sometimes triple the amount it cost me in Antiparos, but I didn’t have to sign a ton of paperwork! I paid 10 Euros and was on my way. Oh, and I absolutely wore a helmet.

On my way to the cave I rode! Riding a bike here was similar to what I experience in Colorado, which in my experience has always been pleasant. Cars gave me plenty of room. There were some challenging hills, but nothing I hadn’t ridden before. Honestly, I would’ve preferred a road bike. 

My cousin told me about his and Ang’s bike ride up to the cave. He mentioned the challenge of the road leading up to the cave, but said I could handle it. Let me tell you, I’m in good shape and I ride hills regularly. I got about 200 yards up that hill, stopped, told myself I was crazy, and turned around. Then I talked myself right back into riding up the road. It was hard. Mountain bikes are not meant for the road. It was hot, too. I saw a couple of females riding down the hill on their bikes which solidified my determination to get up the damn hill. Oh, and I cut my leg, per usual.

By the time I got up to the cave I was soaked. But it was worth it. The cave was beautiful and the temperature cool and welcome. There were inscriptions on the cave from centuries ago. It’s been several years since I explored a cave and goodness, they are magica!

You’d think I’d had enough of riding, but no. I went for more. Three miles more, to be exact, just so I could visit the restaurant Shotiris, the man from Corinth, recommended I visit. Captain Pipinos was the name, and it was located on Agios Georgios. More. Damn. Hills. By the time I arrived the line for the restaurant was lengthy, and I was so hungry, so I ate at the restaurant next store, Mpakas. I ordered a Fix, and soutzoukakia, which are a Turkish/Greek meatball. Excellent flavor. Hi highly recommend trying some next time you done on Greek cuisine.

I was really dreading the bike ride back to the port. Not because I was tired of riding, but because I was fighting off a dehydration headache. Those typically turn into migraines. Thankfully, most of the journey back was downhill. I stopped often and drank plenty of water. I made it back to Antiparos port in time to catch the boat back to Paros. I bought more water, some juice, and…a sponge!!! Yay, sponges! I attempted to locate some headache medicine, but more on that revelation later.

On the way back I snapped a photo of what must have been 2 dozen wind surfers. 

It was pretty late by the time I made it back got the room. I stopped by the front desk to buy more water and talk to the front desk friend I made. I asked her, when it dawned on me, if Greece only sells medications at the Pharmacy. She confirmed, and told me Greece is pretty strict about medicine. Vitamins are about all you can get at a regular store. 

Paros was amazing! I didn’t get to see Noussa, but I won’t mind coming back. I do recommend Arkas Inn to you all if you’re ever in Piso Livadi.

It’s off to Santorini tomorrow!
Cheers,Audra