We drove from Turkey to Greece on impeccable, empty roads. It really was effortless, particularly for me, lounging in the passenger seat giving the odd bit of driving advice. We were heading for the Halkidiki Peninsula. En-route, we stopped overnight in a municipal campsite in Alexandroupoli. It was very municipally campsite-ish- there was a gruff Greek woman on reception, the loos were a bit grim and they don’t turn on the water supply until June! It was, however, in a pretty beachside location and it was a good place to rest and recharge before heading on. Back on the road, we wound our way along the stunning coastline, past Greece’s second city Thessaloniki, and through rolling hills and olive groves to Ouzouni beach. 

Ouzouni Camping ticked every requirement on my list. The sun was shining, the sea was turquoise, the beach was deserted and our pitch was right on the seaside. We’ve had barbecues around a fire pit looking at the sunset. Heaven. 

We were a few kilometres down the coast from the pretty fishing village of Potidea with a  marina, a clutch of tavernas and more dolphins frolicking in the sea. My mum messaged me with her condolences about having to put up with Greek food. On sailing holidays 35 years ago, I remember the food being a little dodgy- but things have definitely changed. We had excellent seafood and Greek rose at a very reasonable price. 

We’ve planned three nights here, but Mr G suggested that we just stay for four weeks then hammer it home over a few days! But that would be a cop out. So, tomorrow we’re heading to Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Because it’s out of the EU, we have to buy car insurance on the border. It all worked perfectly in Turkey but we’re staying paranoid and planning detours if we can’t get through.