Leaving my lakeside campsite I headed east and into the mountains for an hour to see the impressive and surprisingly small Holy Kipinas Monastery. This 13th-century monastery was built into the side of a mountain and was equipped with a draw-bridge that can be lifted to protect against raids. It was used by monks for hundreds of years, and during the Turkish Occupation of Greece, from the 14th to 19th century, the cave was a shelter for Greek people. It really is spectacular, and when you see the early paintings on the walls you feel in awe of something so beautiful and enchanting.
After that I headed around and over an adjacent mountain to ride the Mparos Pass, which circumnavigates a mountain. Riding the pass and coming down from it took most of the afternoon, and it was well worth it for the riding experience and the stunning views. During the afternoon I hardly saw another vehicle or another person. Its like the land that time forgot.
It was about 25 degrees in the mountains but when I eventually came down, the temperature soon rose to about 35, but thankfully I didn’t have far to ride. I am at a campsite (Camping Burano) which is at Kanali, and near to the town of Preveza. The campsite is mostly for the on-site chalets and permanent caravans. It’s quite basic but it has its own beach, cooking facilities, lots of shade and plenty of space, so for 15eu a night I’m quite happy with this. I am about 6km north of Nicopolis, and I’m here because there’s an Amphitheatre, a Museum and a Fort which I want to see.
It’s been a long day today, but an enjoyable one. I was riding for around six hours today and covered just under 200kms. But most of all, my tyres are working well and I am surprised how good they are on the mountain roads and bends.
