Stavros may not be a seaside village, but it is the hub of the northern island none the less. With Polis Beach just below, it's the ideal stopping place after a swim to one of the Cafe Bars or restaurants for refreshments. Sunset Cafe has a view over Polis, while Margarita Cafe offers up one of the best spinach pies on the island. Below Left - Makis from Margarita Cafe in Stavros behind the counter. Below Right - This is the time of the year for Ithaki children to return back to their roots. The Sikiotis family from Newcastle (and Stavros) enjoy the experience.

Wherever there was a tv, you can bet there was someone watching it last night. Above & Left - At Fiorendino Bar in Frikes, the viewers spilled out into the street.

Tuesday 13th - It's beach weather from now on in. Blue skies and warming up seas, sitting under a shady tree on one of Ithaki's beaches.

Above Left - Spavento Bar in Kioni serves up the best at cocktail hour. Left & Above Right - Piso Aetos in the afternoon. Ready for ferry number 1 to Astakos everyone?

Thursday 15th - Below - Climbing up to the Mill in Frikes affords expansive views across the bay.

Left - Exoghi has decided that bright orange luminescent rubber poles, drilled deep into the concrete, are the best way to keep tourists from going over the edge. It's a shame that this beautiful traditional village couldn't have thought of a barrier that would be in line with its surroundings. I personally would have mortared a stone wall for no money if it meant that these 'eyesores' wouldn't have been put up. By the way, the gaps inbetween the poles are plenty wide enough to fit a rental car through.

Friday 16th - A very warm day yesterday with the hot temperatures continuing today. At times it was quite oppressive with the warm southerly breeze that barely did anything to refresh. The hottest spots were of course Vathi and Kioni, but even Frikes struggled with the heat yesterday.

Seems like the luminescent orange thingies are turning up all over the island. Does someone here have the distribution rights maybe?

Only one more day until the Exoghi Panighiri. The village community has been busy getting the church square ready for business. There was talk that the bar may be moved to another position this year, but with the increasing traffic, it may be that the bar will need to stay where it has always been. Below Left - Vathi Bay views.

Saturday 17th - Ag. Marina Panighiri in Exoghi tonight. With the heatwave temperatures over the past few days, it will be a hot one again this year in this traditional mountain village in the north of the island. Below - Gypsies come down to Polis Beach to shower off their day, clothes, platform shoes and all.

Left - This lovely looking vessel ferries people from Polis bay to Fiscardo, among other small ports around the area. It's a great way to travel, but with the hot temperatures yesterday, it's a wonder anyone could stay out of the water. Including me. ShOCK Horror. Yes, I went for a swim. Those who know me will be noting this day in their diaries.

Tuesday 20th - The heatwave temperatures continue. It will be good for the Kioni Panighiri, but not so good to sleep without air-con. One of the worst jobs in this weather must be the grillmen at restaurants.

Above - Some creative parking for the Exoghi Panighiri yesterday.

More and more people are now coming to Ithaca for their summer holidays, still on the weekends, the north of the island at least, still feels quieter than other years. Yachts and Day Trippers seem to bringing in the most holiday traffic.

Wednesday 21st - Another scorching hot day today, very still, very sticky. Below - Kioni Bayside.

As summer heads into August, parts of the island are drying up and turning brown.

Left - Taxiarchis Church in Platrithia. Above - Ferry to Lefkada from Frikes. Below Left - Margarita Cafe in Stavros. Below - Afales

Left - Passengers from a bus tour take turns in posing for a quick pic infront of Odysseas Bust in Stavros. Above - Sunset Cafe in Stavros with a view to Polis Beach below.