Just touching base looking over a sunkissed almost waveless bay with the scent of the Gardenia heavy in the air and birds singing all around. Yes, its Agios Stefanos on a cloudless and virtually windless day in May. The village is fairly quiet and walkers are prominent rather than filling the beach. There are a few sunbeds below Delphin Blu and Havana but nothing else. The council have done a good job clearing up the beach and it all looks ready for the season. There is about the same area of beach compared to last year but the bank of flora by Athena has been eroded a little - it has meant that the exit from Athina to the beach has been brought a few metres to the west.
The Mango sign has been taken down and the area intended for lunching the residents of Delphin Blu. It is very smart and finished to a high standard. Of course non residents can eat and drink there but I just get the feeling that the area right to the beach beds will be a bit exclusive. There is an extension to Mango that has not been finished right up to the Havana border. We did have a cocktail at Delpin Blu last night and saw a spectacular sunset. It really is a great view and worth the €7 for the drink!
Prices remain around the same a last year but some are saying they are going to raise the prices a little in mid June. They are obviously well aware that the hike cannot be too much.
Perdita has done a good job to her new shop that used to be Magnet bar/Simple. Noula has, as reported earlier, moved to her premises opposite Perdita.
Most of the shops are open. The Olive Press looks to be opening soon. Bar 38 is running but sadly without Hilary, who is said to be in Sidari.
We had a meal at Nafsike and chatted to Speros. He has started a blog which has a recipe and another go at the calling of the village San Stefanos
http://thehotelnafsika.wordpress.com/ . We eat at Fantasea tonight. Costas has really tried hard to get the place going and the menu looks inviting.
Have not tried the water this year. Just about to bare my body. It will mean the beach edge will be a littlel nearer the Waves!. Oh yes, the footpath to Arillas is passible, just. There is a small area that has a 12 inch ledge but just needs a bit of care! Will have to see ifits still OK when we return in July!
Just off to Waves for a spot of lunch. Somehow get the feeling we dont want to return to the UK on Monday!