La Grotta

Rain was predicted, but we didn’t see it. The forecast was cloudy, but at the very end of the day, the sun showed itself.

Heading down to breakfast, and later lunch, we could tell the hotel is now in end-of-season wind-down mode as the buffet selection, while ample, was reduced. I was still able to get an omelette.

We spent much of the morning in the room. I finished the Bryant and May book and started Nick Grimshaw’s autobiography, Soft Lad. We confirmed the pick-up time for tomorrow and checked in for the flight.

After lunch, a walk down to Paleokastritsa beach, where we confirmed the rain would hold off. A vanilla milkshake and an iced coffee in a bar with a view of the waves. It might have been nice to do one of the boat tours of the bay, but the weather’s been too choppy for the small boats to get into the caves for the last two days. It didn’t matter; the views were still great.

We walked back and took the 100-plus steps down to La Grotta bar, which is set in the rocks below the road that leads to the hotel. The views are impressive. If the sea were calmer, people would be diving in or jumping from the cliffs, but today was not that day. Two beers were €13 and served without a smile. So the “can’t you pay in cash” and the subtle way there was no €1 coin to tip with meant the resulting €2 tip was given very begrudgingly.

Back to the hotel where we got a gin and tonic from the bar to watch the sunset. The clouds meant it was not quite as spectacular as other nights, but still a lovely view from the room’s balcony.