Sunday 11 June: Giolova Lagoon

 The sea is so calm and clear for our swim this morning. We manage quite a way and there are so many fish. We cycle off soon after breakfast and buy provisions from our favourite fruit shop and bakery before the gentle ascent up and over out of Pylos. We go round Navarone Bay and follow the dirt track to the far end at Giolova Lagoon. We’re one of the first to arrive and find a good spot where we can keep an eye on the bikes. The waiter at our hotel had warned us about the risk of theft! Many swims and chapters later we decide to do a circular walk to Paleokastro and Voidokilia and back. Stunning scenery. I’m becoming quite the mountaineer in my bikini and sandals! We eat our spinach pie and fruit but then begin to feel rather frazzled. We have no shade and it’s 31 degrees today. We decide to cycle back and relax on the sun loungers by our hotel and are pleased to rinse off the sand!

An Aperol Spritz in the square watching the world go by before supper right on the water’s edge at 4 Seasons. Very authentic and friendly Greek family. Back into the square for ice cream. There’s a Greek wedding celebration with live music, dancing and plate throwing of course!