Destinations
Ionian Islands
Argosaronikos
Cyclades
Sporades
Dodecanese
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands, also knows as the Eptánisos (Seven Islands), are strung out along the west coast of Greece from the Albanian frontier to the Peloponnese. In this westerly situation, with more rain than most other parts of Greece, the islands have a mild climate and lush growth of vegetation. Due to less severe winds than in other regions these islands form the perfect ground for a yacht charter holiday with kids or less experienced crew. Charter bases can be found in Preveza, Corfu and Lefkas.
There are traces of settlements on the Ionian Islands dating back to the Paleolithic period. Scientific opinion has concluded that the first inhabitants who appeared here came from the Peloponese. Homer's epics provide valuable evidence regarding their first years of history. It appears that during the 8th century BC, for example, Greeks came to the Ionian from Euboia (Evia) and the Peloponese. Lefkada flourished especially during the archaic period (700-478 BC), while Kefalonia blossomed in the classical period (478-323 BC) when Corfu rose to being a strong naval power.
After the end of the Peloponnesian War, the leadership of Alexander the Great and Hellenistic period, came the Roman conquest. During the 9th-11th centuries AD, in the middle of the Byzantine Empire, the Ionian Islands took on an active role in combating pirates and the development of commerce between East and West. From the 14th century AD onwards the Ionian Islands came under the control of the Venetians. The Venetian domination of the islands left its strong mark both in terms of a strongly class differentiated society and through its development of commerce, the arts and crafts.
By the end of the 18th century, with the breakdown of the Venetian democracy, the islands successively passed under French domination, then to the Russo-Turkish alliance, when the Ionian state was created, and finally to the British. On the 21st of May 1864 the Ionian Islands become incorporated within the modern Greek state.
Today the 7 Islands are cosmopolitan and popular with tourists and welcome a large number of them each year, thanks to the unequaled natural beauty and the friendly and hospitable locals. From Corfu till Zante, the Ionian Islands have kept their traditional colors and their character that can be seen even through the speech and pronunciation of the local people. These islands are known to be the birthplace of art and literature, and songs and serenades can be heard from every corner, and for those who have had a chance to visit them, they are sure to remain unforgettable.
There are traces of settlements on the Ionian Islands dating back to the Paleolithic period. Scientific opinion has concluded that the first inhabitants who appeared here came from the Peloponese. Homer's epics provide valuable evidence regarding their first years of history. It appears that during the 8th century BC, for example, Greeks came to the Ionian from Euboia (Evia) and the Peloponese. Lefkada flourished especially during the archaic period (700-478 BC), while Kefalonia blossomed in the classical period (478-323 BC) when Corfu rose to being a strong naval power.
After the end of the Peloponnesian War, the leadership of Alexander the Great and Hellenistic period, came the Roman conquest. During the 9th-11th centuries AD, in the middle of the Byzantine Empire, the Ionian Islands took on an active role in combating pirates and the development of commerce between East and West. From the 14th century AD onwards the Ionian Islands came under the control of the Venetians. The Venetian domination of the islands left its strong mark both in terms of a strongly class differentiated society and through its development of commerce, the arts and crafts.
By the end of the 18th century, with the breakdown of the Venetian democracy, the islands successively passed under French domination, then to the Russo-Turkish alliance, when the Ionian state was created, and finally to the British. On the 21st of May 1864 the Ionian Islands become incorporated within the modern Greek state.
Today the 7 Islands are cosmopolitan and popular with tourists and welcome a large number of them each year, thanks to the unequaled natural beauty and the friendly and hospitable locals. From Corfu till Zante, the Ionian Islands have kept their traditional colors and their character that can be seen even through the speech and pronunciation of the local people. These islands are known to be the birthplace of art and literature, and songs and serenades can be heard from every corner, and for those who have had a chance to visit them, they are sure to remain unforgettable.
1. Corfu
Corfu is one of the most beautiful and green destinations which combines a populous east coast with many beaches and a wild west coast with cliff-faced inlets and coastlines. Opposite Corfu lies the Sivota islands with the village of Mourtos on the mainland in a pleasant wooded setting. On the coastline to the south lies Parga a delightful place built down the steep slopes to the waters edge.
2. Paxi
Paxi is a beautiful destination with fine beaches at the east cost covered by endless olive trees. At the west coast there are wild cliffs with impressive caves. The channel formation of the harbour of Paxi is worth seeing. Antipaxi a smaller island south of Paxi is famous for the turquoise water and the sandy beaches.
3. Lefkas
Lefkas is situated in the middle of the Ionian. To the south lies Onasis island Scorpios and the island of Meganisi. The strait between Meganisi and Lefkas is one of the loveliest channels in the Ionian. The area has a lot of wooded bays and nice fishing villages.
4. Ithaka
Ithaka is the famous island of Ulysses the hero of Homer. The west coast of the island is steep and almost barren in contrast to the green, gentle shoreline on the east. Ithaka has many interesting bays and villages like the main harbour Vathi, Frikes and the amphitheatric Kioni.
5. Cephalonia
Cephalonia is the largest and most mountainous island in the Ionian. There are bare rocky slopes alternating with valleys of pine forests. The Fiskardo town in the north entrance of the channel between Ithaka and Cephalonia is a popular spot for yachts. The many small bays of this green wooded stretch of coastline are suitable for an overnight stay.
6. Zakynthos
Zakynthos is the southernmost of the Ionian islands. It is a beautiful island distinguished by the emerald green of its sea, the pine-studded mountains and by beaches as far as the eye can see. The Venetians called Zakynthos "the flower of the Levant". It is famous as the main Careta-caretaloggerhead turtle nesting ground at Laganas beach.
Sailing routes in Ionian
One week sailing starting from Corfu
1. Marina Gouvia - Sivota (Mourtos)
2. Sivota - Paxi
3. Paxi - Antipaxi
4. Antipaxi - Parga
5. Parga - Corfu town
6. Corfu town - Marina Gouvia
Two weeks sailing starting from Corfu
1. Marina Gouvia - Parga
2. Parga - Lefkas
3. Lefkas - Nidri
4. Nidri - Meganisi
5. Meganisi - Ithaka
6. Ithaka - Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
7. Fiskardo - Kalamos
8. Kalamos - Lefkas
9. Lefkas - Antipaxi
10. Antipaxi - Paxi
11. Paxi - Sivota (Mourtos)
12. Sivota - Corfu town
13. Corfu town - Marina Gouvia
Argosaronikos
The Saronic Gulf islands are among the Athenians favorite resorts as they are located close to the capital. Each one of the five islands has its own character and color. The varied landscape and ancient archeological sites are a magnet for both Greeks and visitors from abroad. The Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros, Angistri, Hydra, Dokos, Spetses and the Peloponnesian coast offer smooth sailing sheltered from strong winds. Here, the Meltemi (winds from the North, usually strong especially in July and August) does not blow as regularly as it does in the Cyclades or the Dodecanese, if it does blow from North to North East, its strength is usually about force 4-5, it is normally less around the Methana peninsula and Poros.
If the Meltemi does not blow, the wind is generally from the South, force 2-3. In the Hydra Gulf and Argolic Gulf, the wind is mostly from the South East, blowing force 3-5 dying down at night.
1. Aegina
According to legend, Aegina was named after the daughter of Asopos. She was kidnapped by Zeus who brought her to the then, uninhabited island. There, they bore a son named Aiakos, who later became king of the island. The archeological record shows the island to have been inhabited since the Neolithic period and is thought to be the birthplace of the poet, Aristophanis.
The works of Pausanios state that the temples of Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionisos and Asklipios were located near the harbor. A pillar has been recovered from the temple of Apollo (Doric period - 6th century B.C.). It can be seen on the small picturesque hill named Kolonas. The most important archeological site is located on the east of the island near Agia Marina where the temple of Aphaia is to be found. Aphaia is an ancient goddess and protector of the island.
2. Poros
Poros is a volcanic island which was created from the joining of Kalavria and Sveria. It is located very close to Argolida in the Peloponnese, separated only by a very narrow channel. The ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon are to found 5 km from the main town, on the road to the monastery of Zoodochos Pighis. The temple was built in the 6th century B.C. According to legend, this is where Dimosthenis drank the "konio" poison and died.
The town of Poros is built in keeping with Greek island tradition with blue and white colors. On the road to Neorio there are numerous small inlets with sandy beaches and pine trees which almost reach the sea. Approaching the island from the sea provides an unforgettable view. On the other side of the town, small boats take visitors to Argolida, where there is a large lemon orchard.
3.Spetses
Spetses is located at the entrance of the Argolikos bay. The island has been inhabited since 2,000 B.C. and ancient ruins have been found at Agia Marina along with clay utensils and idols. In ancient times the island was called "Pytiousa" since it was covered with pine trees. Today, the island is famous its unique architecture, picturesque mansions and varied landscape. Also of note is the landscape with a beautiful combination of pine trees, rocks, sand and sea. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the island and the most popular means of transport are by horse and cart or bicycle.
The most famous sites are the mansion of Bouboulina, the heroine of the 1821 revolution along with the mansion of Mexis which has now been turned into a museum. Also of note is the church of Agia Marina. Among the beaches on the island, the most well known are Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi.
Sailing routes in Argosaronic
1.Nea Peramos -Salamina Port - Aegina (main port)
2.Poros - Hydra
3.Hydra - Porto Heli
4.Nafplio (Nafplion) - Leonidion
5.Leonidion - Monemvasia
6.Monemvasia - Kyparissi
7.Kyparissi - Spetses
8.Spetses - Hermioni
9.Hermioni - Aegina (Perdika)
10.Perdika - Cape Sounion (Sounio)
11.Cape Sounion (Sounio) - Nea Peramos
Cyclades
Sail in aegean sea bareboat or flotilla sailboats with newly built Bavaria, Dufour, Gibsea, Benetau yachts, Greece sailing yachts, bare boat charter with a yacht in greece, sailing a sail boat chartering yacht in greece is the best way to enjoy your holidays and vacation even if you are not a perfect sailor we are going to give you a skipper.
This is the central group of islands in the Aegean, so called because they surround the rocky Delos, (cyclo means ring inGreek), the ancient trade, political and religious centre of the world. This group of islands consists of 21 bigger islands and 20 smaller ones' Sailing charters in greece Greek islands ' , all of them a delight, each has its own special character and charm. TheCyclades are considered by most to be the typical part of Greece, with its charming white washed houses and windmills, its beautiful sunny beaches, the ancient ruins, small tavernas with good food and wine are found everywhere. You can enjoy the lively nightlife of Mykonos, the tourist heart of Greece, the cosmopolitan flavour of Paros, Naxos and Ios, the natural beauty and architectural style of Santorini and of course Tinos, the centre of the orthodox faith' Greek islands charter sailling in greece '.
As a contrast to these islands, you will enjoy the simpler but no less important pleasures of the other islands, such as Kea, Sikinos, Kithnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Amorgos and Andros etc.Do not miss a chance to sail down to the small islands such as Dhonoussa, Skhinoussa, Iraklia and Koufonisia, where you can explore unspoiled small hamlets, fully protected small ports and anchorages, attractive places which are a delight to visit, you could not imagine that they still exist! The prevailing wind in the summer is the Meltemi blowing from the North, it begins to blow in June, blows strongest in July/August and subsides from the middle of September. In July and August the wind blows at force 5-6 and may reach force 7-8. It may blow for 1-3 days or sometimes blow for 1 week continuously. In the other months the wind strength is less, around force 3-4. In the Northern Cyclades it blows from North East, in the middle Cyclades from the North, in the Southern Cyclades it blows from the North West.In the South West islands it is less strong. During spring and autumn, you may be faced with winds coming from the South. In general, the sailing conditions are much more demanding that in other areas of Greece, therefore we advise the Cyclades route be taken for a minimum of at least two weeks holiday
1. Myconos
Mykonos is the most popular and sophisticated holiday resort of the Aegean, and some travelers consider it the ultimate, cosmopolitan retreat in the entire Mediterranean. Mykonos has more bars and restaurants than most Greek islands and the quality of the beaches, food, music, precious jewelry, and nightlife is second to none ...
2. IOS
Ios Island, lies on the southern side of the Cyclades , between Naxos and Santorini. Ios Island is 107 nautical miles from Piraeus, that is, a trip of 7 hours by ordinary ferry. Ios island is mountainous with Pirgos (717 metres), Profitis Ilias (500 metres) and Megalo Vouno (388 metres) as its highest peaks. Among the mountains there are lovely and fertile valleys. The 1,600 inhabitants of Ios are mainly engaged in agriculture and stock-breeding. The island produces cereal, oil, vegetables, and figs. The climate is dry and very healthy all through the year and favours cultivation.
Ios has a strong traditional Cycladic colour. Its houses, descending the hill, have their sparkling whiteness interrupted only by belfries and blue domes. Ios is decorated with small scenic bays, countless chapels, vineyards, and olive trees, all set under the clear bright Cycladic sky. A significant number of tourists visit each the island every summer to enjoy the day-long, night-long parties on the beach, and in the bars, clubs and cafes. Ios said to be also the burial place of Homer ( his supposed grave is the north of the island).
Ios, the "Queen of Young Tourists", has a vivid night life. The locals are hospitable people who like visitors, especially young ones, and try to make their stay as nice as possible. There are special tourist units which have developed in recent years, employing a great number of the inhabitants and accommodating visitors who come to Ios in the summer months
3. Santorini
Santorini is the last of the Cyclades islands to the South. The closests islands are Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos to the North, Anafi and Amorgos to the East and Crete to the South.
We refer to it as one, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.
It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).
Many reasons made this island famous worldwide and more or less we all have seen a picture of it (it was that picture the travel agency used for Greece). There is a talk about the connection between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is realy the mysterious island, the volcano rules, the caldera view is the most breathtaking one on the planet!
We refer to it as one, but actually it is a complex of five islands. Santorini (Thira) is the main island and around it Thirasia and Aspronisi (parts of the ancient Stroggili) and the two volcanic islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni.
It was one island named Stroggili (circle in Greek) until about 1645 BC, when the volcano in the middle of the island erupted and Caldera was created. The two volcanic islands appeared much later from various eruptions starting from 157 BC until the last one in the 20th century (1950).
Many reasons made this island famous worldwide and more or less we all have seen a picture of it (it was that picture the travel agency used for Greece). There is a talk about the connection between Thira and mythical Atlantis. Also Jules Verne made Santorini famous with its books "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The mysterious island" where captain Nemo and his crew watch the volcano eruption. He was one of the visitors and scientists that came to Thira during the eruptions of 1866 - 1870 and wrote the well known book just after it. It is realy the mysterious island, the volcano rules, the caldera view is the most breathtaking one on the planet!
Sailing routes in Cyclades
1. Paros - Sifnos
2. Sifnos - Serifos
3. Serifos - Syros
4. Syros - (Rinia - Delos) - Myconos
5. Myconos - (Rinia - Delos) - Naxos
Sporades
The Sporades islands group lies off the eastern shore of mainland Greece and consists of 11 islands of which only 4 are inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros. These Greek islands are characterized by dense vegetation and mountainous terrain and are world known as some of the bluest and cleanest seas one will ever come across and experience. Each of these has its own beauty and charm and has something unique to offer the visitor.
1. ALONISSOS
Alonissos is one of the most beautiful and authentic islands of the Sporades and is the ideal destination for those who are searching for peace and relaxation.
The island is covered by dense vegetation and is mostly known for the incredible beaches in clean crystal emerald waters it offers. The waters are considered as the cleanliness of the Aegean.
The island is covered by dense vegetation and is mostly known for the incredible beaches in clean crystal emerald waters it offers. The waters are considered as the cleanliness of the Aegean.
The island is known in Greece for its amazing beaches with the turquoise crystal waters, surrounded by pines and marble formations. Many consider that the island of Alonissos has the cleanest waters of the Greece Aegean Sea. The island has a marine park that houses a rare species of Seal, the Monachus Monachus. Most of the beaches are preserved in their natural aspect and only a few of them are organised.
2. SKIATHOS
Skiathos is considered to be an ideal destination for your holidays as it is a much-frequented resort, atraditional island and a naturally beautiful site at the same time. The organized tourist substructure, the insular mentality and the natural beauty of the island compose an irresistible icon of attraction that shall definitely impress you.
The island of Skiathos belongs to the Sporades Islands cluster, which is situated opposite the coastline of the island of Evia and opposite the geographical district of Thessalia. Furthermore, Skiathos covers an area of 48 sq. km., it has a coastline of 44 km and it also has approximately 5.150 inhabitants.
Skiathos throbs with revitalizing lush verdure, extended sandy beaches, piney refreshing regions andcrystal clear waters, while numerous magnificent settlements that are outspread all over the impressive landscape embellish the island in a unique manner. In addition, interesting historical monuments and amazing human creations integrated the unparalleled beautifulness of Skiathos.
The homonymous capital of Skiathos, despite its broad tourist development, maintains its unique picturesqueness. The piney peninsula at the entrance of the port, the important lake - hydro biotope, the ruins of the Venetian castle, the historical monuments, the neoclassical buildings, the sacred churches and the monasteries, the museum e.t.c. are the main sightseeing of the capital.
The island of Skiathos belongs to the Sporades Islands cluster, which is situated opposite the coastline of the island of Evia and opposite the geographical district of Thessalia. Furthermore, Skiathos covers an area of 48 sq. km., it has a coastline of 44 km and it also has approximately 5.150 inhabitants.
Skiathos throbs with revitalizing lush verdure, extended sandy beaches, piney refreshing regions andcrystal clear waters, while numerous magnificent settlements that are outspread all over the impressive landscape embellish the island in a unique manner. In addition, interesting historical monuments and amazing human creations integrated the unparalleled beautifulness of Skiathos.
The homonymous capital of Skiathos, despite its broad tourist development, maintains its unique picturesqueness. The piney peninsula at the entrance of the port, the important lake - hydro biotope, the ruins of the Venetian castle, the historical monuments, the neoclassical buildings, the sacred churches and the monasteries, the museum e.t.c. are the main sightseeing of the capital.
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Dodecanese
The Dodecanese Islands are composed of twelve major islands: Astypalea, Leros, Lipsi, Nisyros, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Patmos, Rhodes, Tilos … They are the most oriental area of Greece, in the southeast part of the Aegean Sea, and is located just a couple of kilometers from Turkey. These islands have everything to offer to the visitors: whitewashed houses, beautiful beaches with crystal waters, charming villages, exciting nightlife and more…
1.Kos
Kos town is the capital of the island. It combines historic monuments with a modern planning of broad streets bordered with trees, big squares, and houses with gardens. Throughout the town you will find an abundance of trees, bushes and flowers: fir, pine tree, cypress, eucalyptus, oak, jar mine, lilac, acacia and hibiscus. Take a stroll on the rock paved streets of the old town where you will find numerous tourist shops or maybe lie on the sandy beaches under the sun. When it gets dark, there is a rich variety of restaurants and taverns with Greek and international cousine. At night there are a number of places to go to, depending how quiet or ... wild you want to spend you night: Greek bouzoukia, dance bars, discos.
The villages of Kos are accessed through the main road of the island. The nearer ones can be reached by bicycle while the farther ones by motorcycle or car.
The villages of Kos are accessed through the main road of the island. The nearer ones can be reached by bicycle while the farther ones by motorcycle or car.
2. Rhodes
The city of Rhodes is one of the biggest municipalities of all the Greek islands.It is the financial and cultural center of the south eastern Aegean ,and successfully combines a lively present with a rich historical past. There are many reasons why Rhodes island is the most popular resort of the Mediterranean : The natural surroundings include crystal clear beaches, many parks , (in Rhodes town) the bright sun, add to the warm hospitality of the islanders themselves
The city of Rhodes town has an excellent tourist infrastructure and offers a wide variety of entertainment such as night life, sports, cultural events ,and day trips to wonderful Lindos and neighboring islands. Highly recommend to visit Simi island for a day trip. Finally, visitors have the opportunity to learn something of the colourfull history of the city of Rhodes ,visit the museums ,or go sightseeing.
Sailing routes in Dodecanese
1.Kos - Kalymnos
2.Kalymnos - Leros
3.Leros - Patmos
4.Astypalea - Nissiros
5.Nissiros - Tilos
6.Tilos - Halki
7.Halki - Rhodes (Rodos)
8.Rhodes (Rodos) - Symi
9.Symi - Kos