This year, our family went to Greece for our holidays (once again). I just feel at home there. After all, it's the Balkans, so I guess that's true. The nature is amazing, and so are the people, culture, and food. This time, we visited Kanali, near the town of Preveza. This is the view that greeted us.
Ionian Sea at its finest.
We flew from Denmark over Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Sarajevo, Montenegro, and Tirana, before finally arriving at Aktion International Airport. A taxi driver was waiting for us with a sign bearing my name, and less than 20 minutes later, we arrived at our hotel in Kanali. This is the view from our apartment – a five-star panorama of the Ionian Sea and its mesmerizing waves. This is how transportation should be; easy and fast.
Our terrace at the hotel.
The morning from our apartment in Kanali look like this; sunny and already pretty warm. The next thing that will refresh us is the fine water at the beach across the small road.
The view when we wake up.
I read a lot of books during this summer, and one of them is Murakami's The Elephant Vanishes (but in Bosnian: I slon iščeznu). The other ones are Šta ptice znaju by Ermin Lagumdžija (in Bosnian), Kofer by Dovlatov (in Serbian), Den sorte munk og andre fortællinger by Chekhov (in Danish), Igra by Scott Kershaw (in Serbian). I almost finished Cross my Heart by James Patterson.
A few books I managed to read while in Kanali.
One thing that we ate a lot, and I mean every single day, is the Greek salad. Tomatoes, onion, cucumber, feta cheese, peppers, salt, origano and olive oil is just a perfect combination for hot Balkan summer days.
Greek Salad. You need this in your life.
We visited Preveza, a charming and tranquil town about 20 km from Kanali. It features a picturesque harbor and lovely, quaint Greek streets like this one. Just a few kilometers away lies the ancient city of Nikopolis. Founded in 29 BC by Augustus (Octavian), Nikopolis commemorates his victory over Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.
Preveza.
I haven't mentioned sunsets in Kanali, and frankly, I don't want to spoil it. I will let this picture tell that story.
Sunset in Kanali.
We've never experienced such hospitality and service as we did with Kostas and his team during our stay. Over the past 25 years of travel, nothing compares. The food was fantastic, particularly the delightful fish dishes. On our last night, Kosta's father treated us to a refreshing white wine, Moschofilero, which is an aromatic white grape from the Peloponnese. I now know one thing for sure: I will seek out boutique hotels like this one and steer clear of mass-tourism places where you feel like just another number in line. This summer, although very hot, was a pure relaxation and de-stressing. The girls really enjoyed every minute in this tranquil little place. I would like to revisit Epirus and explore at some point again, that's for sure.
Lovely time in Kanali.
Some very nice fish on the plate.
Comments: 0