SAILING ITINERARIES IN ARGO SARONIC GULF, CYCLADES AND IONIO PELAGOS ARGOLIC GULF AND PELOPONNESE COAST

ATHENS: The city of the Olympic idea, the crossroad of west and east cultural & fashion events. Filled with contrasts, ancient & Byzantine, neoclassical & modern, crowed & solitary, is a “must” for visitors of Greece. Sights: Acropolis, Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysus communicated with the Herod Atticus Odium where festivals are hosted every summer, the National Museum among 18 museums. Plaka, the oldest & most picturesque and attractive corner with narrow alleys flanked by single storey houses set next to elegant mansions, Lykabettus, clad in pinewoods & crowned by the white chapel of St.George offering a panoramic view over the entire city, Keramikos with tavernas & cafes for tranquillity and numerous other highlights.

AEGINA: A favorite yachtsmen’ island near by Athens, with a busy all year town. The fish and the fruit market close to the port remind of a bazaar. Sights: The remains of the Temple of Aphrodite.

POROS: A small islet separated to Peloponese by a narrow channel. Picturesque and attractive, the town is built on rocky slopes covered with pine trees and attracts yachting friends all year. Sights: Temple of Poseidon, Lemon Forest.

ANCIENT EPIDAVROS: From whichever direction one wishes to approach the area of Epidavros, either from the north following the captivating coastline from Corinth, or from Nafplio via Lygourio, you will be utterly impressed by the natural beauty that has brought both men and gods to this place. On the ridges of Mount Akra with pine trees descending from its sides all the way down to the waters of Epidavros bay, the city of Ancient Epidavros is built where the actual ancient civilization of Epidavros flourished, not far away from the Sanctuary of Asklipios and the well-known ancient theatre. The Small theatre of Epidavros with its 6,000 seats, hosts high quality cultural and artistic events and celebrations and was discovered in the same area of the peninsula in a well-preserved condition.

HYDRA: A mountainous island close to Athens attracts visitors all year round. Popular worldwide for the historical town, which is built amphitheatrically around the picturesque port, is a favourite resort of rich & famous. Absence of vehicles makes Hydra peaceful during the day, when the night becomes crowded due to the intense nightlife.

SPETSES: A green island with pine trees and a beautiful old harbour with neo-classic   mansions.

NAFPLIO:  The ex capitol of Greece, divided in new and old town, marked by Roman, Byzantine & Venetian civilization. Sights: Three castles from each civilization.

KIPARISSIA: A beautiful town divided in the new and old one, expanding to green valleys and fertile land. Sights: Castles.

MONEMVASSIA: A Byzantine place in Greece connected to Peloponese through a strip of land, with remains of a fortress wall and numerous Byzantine churches, is a must for visitors who love history and past.

ELAFONISSOS:  A small islet close to Kithira well known for white sandy beaches, turquoise crystal waters and fresh fish.

KITHIRA: The island south of Peloponese well known for white pebbled beaches and clear blue waters. Sights: Remains of Venetian towers.

CYCLADES

SOUNION: A cape well known world wide because of the Temple of Poseidon with Doric columns, built in 5^th century B.C. A usual passage and stop for swimming in clear waters during itineraries to Cyclades islands.

ANDROS: The most northerly island and the second largest in Cyclades and also among the most beautiful ones. Successive ranges of mountains with steep sides, rivers and mineral springs with famous medicinal sparkling water, large valleys planted with olive trees, figs, oranges, lemons and vines, Andros is a blend of rocky and green landscape with superb beaches. Sights: Archaeological museum with finds from the Geometric, Classical, Roman & Byzantine periods, Museum of modern Art, Nautical Museum, Monasteries, and Geometric & Byzantine temples, Andros town with neo-classical mansions. Delicacies: Almond pastries.

TINOS: The Holy Island of Virgin Mary, where pilgrims come to pray or to fulfil a vow. There are beautiful villages on the slopes of a line of mountains whose highest peak was the home of wind-god Aeolus in Greek mythology and numerous coves with sandy or pebbly beaches along the coast. Sights: Church of Virgin Mary with the miracle icon, Archaeological Museum, Gallery of Greek painters, ruins of medieval castles. Delicacies: Local wine.

SYROS: The capital and main harbour Hermoupoli stands on a naturally amphitheatre site, with neo-classic buildings, old mansions and white houses cascading down to the harbour. The variety of landscape in Syros makes hinterland outstanding, while coastline is indented with beautiful inlets of all sizes between capes. Sights: Archaeological finds, Town Hall built by Ziller in 1876, Apollo Municipal Theatre which is a copy in miniature of La Scala in Milan, monasteries, unique architecture, casino. Delicacies: “Loukoumi” & “chalvadopita” delights from white egg, sugar and almonds.

MYKONOS: World famous, attracts visitors from all over the globe, including well-known artists and intellectuals. It is due to the over twenty sandy beaches with clear waters, the high night-life and sounds that never end during day and night, the cosmopolitan elements married to quiet private corners all around the island. It is the whitewashed narrow streets, the brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on and bright coloured doors & balconies, the windmills on top of the port, the numerous bars and discos. Undoubtedly one of the few places where ordinary holidaymakers nestle happily side-by-side with the jet set and yacht setters. Events, beach parties, happenings, fashion shows take place every summer in Myconos when visitors still can find quiet places for total tranquillity. Sights: Aegean Nautical museum, over hundred small churches, Agricultural Museum housed in a converted windmill. Delicacies: “Kopanisti” a pepper flavour white cheese, “Amygdalota” almond delights and “soumada” fermented almond cordial.

DELOS: Uninhabited, is the sacred island birthplace of God Apollo & Goddess Artemis in the Greek Mythology. This vast archaeological site whose superb monuments cover almost the entire island and reflex the wealth and beauty of its ancient way of life. Sights: Archaeological Museum, Hermes House, Sacred Way of Lions, Sanctuary of Artemis, Sanctuary of Apollo, Agora of the Italians, Sacred lake with the Terrace of the Lions, Theatre Houses, Stadium, Gymnasium, among other archaeological sites.

PAROS: A popular and attractive island not only for the range of excellent sandy beaches and blue clear waters, but for the wild rocky landscape with white box-shaped houses on, the yards with basil, jasmine, honeysuckle and bougainvillea’s and nightlife. Paros is ideal for those in search of cosmopolitan bustle and for lovers of solitude alike. Sights: Picturesque Venetian castles, the famous church of Ekatondapiliani which is a Byzantine monument, monasteries, exhibition of traditional crafts, Ornamental pottery & fine silver jewellery exhibitions. Delicacies: Wine & olive oil.

NAXOS:  The largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands where meadows run down to vast white long beaches, cliffs sink suddenly into the sea, rocky mountains side-by-side with valleys crossed by streams and full of springs. Clear waters and secluded bays known to the yacht set. Sights: Venetian castles, Archaeological Museum, “kouros” statues dating from the 6^th century BC. Items to buy are embroideries and woollens. Delicacies: Honey, various cheeses, citrus drink, woven goods.

AMORGOS: The oblong shape of this mountainous island with the steep and rocky coastline contrasts the forms of quiet shady bays with clear waters. Whitewashed houses, traces of ancient architecture, superb beaches make Amorgos very picturesque and unique. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries, and castles.

IOS: A magnet to visit Ios, the island of ancient poets with a range of mountains with vineyards and olive trees ending to the crystal clear sea with superb sandy beaches. The beautiful capitol with the white cubic shaped houses and a row of windmills, which top the town, offer nightlife. Sights: Archaeological & Folkloric Museum, museum of Modern Art, numerous churches.

ANAFI: From a distance the island looks like an isolated rock in the ocean. Green valleys with white churches to single out on, beautiful sandy secluded beaches and monasteries make her a jewel of Cyclades. Sights: Monasteries, churches.

SANTORINI: The unique worldwide and best-known island in Greece is the home to a huge volcano that erupted leaving the town perched high on cliffs. The white houses and tavernas dotting the skyline make towns beautiful and outstanding, offering a panoramic view of Aegean Sea. No words describe this breathtaking island that moves all visitors from the first sight. Black sandy beaches, extremely high-situated towns with bright white houses make Santorini the island of contrast and undoubtedly a must for travellers.

THIRASSIA: Inhabited, formed by volcanic activity, with a sole village built on top and “tavernas” to offer local wine and traditional hospitality to the visitors of the day.

FOLEGANDROS: A wild beauty of a barren landscape, where huge rocks alternate with sandy beaches. Charming villages where handmade pasta and local wine will amaze visitors. Sights: Castles, monasteries.

SIKINOS: Inhabited since ancient times it has retained all of its island character and offers tranquillity and peace of mind. Sights: Monasteries, stone mansions, churches.

KIMOLOS: Blinding white as the chalk it produces, was used by pirates in the Middle Age due to well-concealed caves among the superb beaches with clear waters. Sights: Remains of castles, churches.

MILOS: Notable for the volcanic soil and the rich deposits of the mineral beneath is famous thanks to the masterpiece of the “Venus de Milo” a statue exposed now in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Milos is fascinating with its monuments, her white charming villages and the extraordinary beaches with crystal waters and rocky strange formations. Sights: Catacombs, Historical & Folklore Museum, Archaeological finds.

SIFNOS: A grey landscape of rock that surprises with the beautiful spots discovered inland, which together with the island’s superb architecture, rank it among the jewels of the Aegean. Famous in ancient times for its wealth, which came from its gold & silver, enjoyed great prosperity in Classic times as well. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries, over 365 churches, castle area, windmills. Shopping: Pottery, folklore souvenirs. Delicacies: Baked chickpeas, “Myzithra” cheese.

SERIFOS: Bare, undulating hills interspersed with small fertile valleys cover this charming island with colourful churches. The rocky coastline is deeply indented with a succession of coves and bays. The curious rock formations resemble human figures, which call to mind the myth of Medusa, Danae & Perseus, as if these prehistoric inhabitants of the island had been turned to stone. Sights: Venetian castle, Monastery & fortress of the Archangels of the 18^th century, churches of the 10^th century. Delicacies: “Baklava” and other pastries.

KYTHNOS: Famous in antiquity for “Constitution” as per Aristotle, is as typically Cycladic island. The terrain is mainly mountainous, with vineyards, fig trees & fruit-trees relieving the harshness of the landscape above beautiful small bays with clear waters. Sights: Monasteries, churches. Visit: Loutra village with radioactive thermal springs, beneficial to sufferers from arthritis, dermatitis and other diseases.

KEA (TZIA): Exceptionally picturesque with mountain masses broken up by small valleys, sparsely planted with vines and fruit-trees, opening out into pretty little bays. Beautiful villages built on top of the hills offer a breathtaking view and interior of the island, which is dotted with miniature chapels, windmills, monasteries and flowered slopes. Sights: Archaeological Museum, monasteries. Delicacies: Fresh fish.

 IONIO PELAGOS

CORFU: Odysseus’ last stop on his long journey home to Ithaca, owes its sophistication and charm to the meshing of the different civilizations that have occupied the island and natural beauty with which it is so abundantly endowed. Green and fertile Corfu has numerous sandy beaches among other natural beauties and historical monuments. Sights: Fortresses, Museums, Churches, Monasteries, Pontikonisi, and bazaars in villages when they celebrate religious dates. Delicacies: Numerous dishes with Roman names, Ginger beer.

PAXI & ANTIPAXI: An exquisite miniature world. Fertile and green with pines, olive and fruit-trees, vineyards, big gardens, all ending to amazing beaches with crystal waters, sandy or rocky with spectacular white cliffs, punctuated with delightful coves and intriguing grottoes. Sights: 19^th century villages, Venetian castle, windmills, monasteries, unspoiled beaches.

PARGA: A picturesque town with house of a full range of colours, built on remains of a Venetian castle, overlooking the small harbour. A real jewel of mainland affected from all possessing civilizations.

LEFKADA: Mountainous and totally green, with coast slopes gently down to the sea, which is sheltered from the wind and dotted with thickly wooded islets. Breathtaking green bays with crystal clear waters among other natural beauties attract visitors. Sights: Ancient sites, Venetian castle, monasteries, museum.

KEFALONIA: The land of contrasts. Breathtaking gold or white beaches and deep coves, rugged rocky shores, green and fertile parts with cedar-like fir trees that grow nowhere else in the world, olive & fruit-trees, caves with unusual stalagmites and pale blue waters, shattering into a myriad phantasmagorical colours. Sights: Katavothres (a rare geological phenomenon, where sea enters through an opening in the rock and “disappears”), Churches, ancient & Roman ruins, monasteries. Delicacies: “Mandola” & other flavoured almond sweets, local pastries.

ITHACA: Home of Odysseus, Homer’s hero, an earthly paradise with green mountains and captivating coves, with caves for exploring, lovely beaches for bathing, un-crowded hamlets, a lot of strong nightlife. Sights: Cave of the Nymphs, monasteries, and museums. Delicacies: “Ravani” A semolina syrup sweet.

ZAKYNTHOS: The flower of Orient as per Venetians, with the emerald green sea, the pine-studded mountains, slopes with flowers of every kind, the musical people and their famous hospitality. Sights: Venetian towers, churches of the 12^th & 14^th century, springs, caves. Delicacies: “Mandolato” a nougat pastry.