Agia Nicholas beach Symi

The next beach we visited was Agia Nicholas beach or St Nicks as it is sometimes called.

As we were staying in Horio we took a leisurely stroll down to Pedi to get the boat round to Agia Nicholas beach. We were the first customers for the boat and were told to jump in and off we went. the beach was deserted and we had the choice of all the sun loungers

Did not note what the boat cost was but it was not great. The beach is full of trees and has lots of shade.

We sat at the east side away from where the boats come in on the west.

There is a taverna at the west end near to the jetty. which serves a good lunch and at  similar price to the rest of the island.

There is a path round from Pedi which is about a half hour walk, its over very sharp rocks so best for good shoes. No road access so it's either walk or boat.

The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles with some rocky bits in the middle. There is also a small church at the east side near where we were sitting

Marathounda Beach Symi

While on Symi in the summer we visited several beaches. Each was different, all were great for swimming with water clear as a good gin.

Marathounda Beach was the first beach we visited, as part of a trip across the island.

The beach is stoney with a small patch of sand at the north end near the path down to the beach from the road. The beach is one of the few on the island that can be driven too and is served by the taxi boats.

There is a small taverna and sun loungers with sun shades. We sat on one for a while and were not asked to pay. The taverna is small but good by all reports.

The only downside are the goats that run wild in the area. They will eat anything so it is prudent to keep a close eye on your bag, its not unusual see a goat nibbling on a hat or a towel.

Chatham Dockyard

We had a second visit to Chatham Maritime museum. The site is so large that It is more than a days visit. This trip was spent around the RNLI lifeboat museum. Then a short walk to the docks.

Thames Barrier

For the first time in many years I found myself down by the Thames Barrier.
It was a warm day and the fog was still hanging around. As the light was low the metal cladding on the bastions had a wonderful warm sheen.