Remember when I said some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece are on the Ionian islands? Today’s BOTD was Porto Katsiki and it was absolutely stunning. Sheer cliffs, turquoise water, white pebbles leading to the water and some patches of sand.

After parking for 10 Euro, we descended 86 stairs to the beach and found a spot for the day. There’s no sun beds here but we were prepared: borrowed a beach umbrella from the hotel, had our European style beach towels that we brought with us from the last trip, peaches and plenty of sunscreen.

The water was calm, cool and refreshing. The occasional wave (if you could even call it a wave) caused by one of the many tour boats going around the island.

All day there was a man walking up and down the beach with a tray piled high with donuts for sale.

Lunch was pork gyros and mythos beer, delivered to us on the beach by the people who ran the small parking lot.

After 5 hours at the beach we made our way to Cafe Panorama which Paul had read about ahead of time. A small place for a cold drink or snack with barstools perched over the sea and a beautiful view.

Late afternoon we enjoyed a swim and aperol spritzes by the pool.

For dinner we started with a cooked tomato, feta and spicy pepper dish. I had a Greek salad, Paul had octopus and calamari, and D had chicken souvlaki.

For dessert the boys had gelato and I had portokalopita (orange cake) which was so good.

We’re one week into our three week trip and the boys are already nice and dark. D is evenly tan all over only using sunblock on his face. Paul’s athletic trainer tan has evened out and I’m still pale but getting there!