​A long way round the houses

We had a quick poke around Thessaloniki but nothing really got us excited. We took a look at the White Tower and the seafront development, which is very smart but could do with a better maintenance contract. We did a little more shopping (GoPro accessories that had broken) and had a lovely coffee and a relax before setting off. Eventually we had to make a move though. ​

The outskirts of many cities are a little tawdry and our route out of Thessaloniki took us through some very untidy industrial neighbourhoods. Soon enough we were out in the countryside again. Olive groves, wheat fields and rice paddies this time. ​

We had to go a fair way in the wrong direction today, which was annoying. We could see the bridge that took the motorway over the river, but bicycles were not allowed, so it was a long 30km loop before we could get to the other side of this bridge. Two hours of riding instead of ten minutes across the bridge. Oh well, it’s the journey we’re here for, not any shortcuts, and we’re actually heading away from the UK at the moment to go and see Athens. ​

​We were all pretty tired at the end of today - more feet up time required. We’re in a lovely sleepy little village by the water which seems to be 90% tavernas, so dinner shouldn’t be an issue.