|
|
|
![]() ![]() | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Greek islands
THE CYCLADES…
are a group of 34 islands in the Aegean lying south east of Attica, with a long history since prehistoric times. Its beautiful scenery of simple white houses surrounded by treeless landscapes & vivid blue seas. A typical itinerary starts from the picturesque island of Kea just 40 miles from Piraeus, where the "Lion of Kea" is well worth a visit. Andros, the next island, is only 24 miles distant. It has beautiful scenery with medieval towers, ruins of Venetian castles, monasteries & lovely villages next to the beach. The Modern Art Museum of Andros is a pleasant surprise for art fans. The sacred island of Tinos, with its church that houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin, is an easy run of some 30 miles. The capital of Syros (12 miles from Tinos) impresses the visitor with its old mansions & its traditional architecture. Cosmopolitan Myconos, after a 20 mile cruise, is famous for the intense nightlife, superb sandy beaches, charming windmills & fine shopping. The adjacent island of Delos is an archaeological site in itself with sacred monuments from the 2nd century BC. Don't miss the golden beaches of Paros that are only 28 miles away! Mountainous Naxos is 15 miles distant makes a cool contrast with her fertile green valleys. The Venetian castle, the remains of ancient temples & the alluring beaches invite guests to explore the island. A 30 miles cruise brings you to Ios, an ideal stopover for bathing & watersports. One of the most dramatic islands, Santorini (or Thira) follows after 22 miles. Its volcanic landscape, breathtaking views from Fire (the capital), the excavations of Akrotiri in the south part & the attractive settlement of Ia make this island spectacularly beautiful. On the way back, a 70 miles cruise will bring the yacht to the volcanic island of Milos with its Christian catacombs, the Emerald Grotto, crystal clear waters & the impressive rocky islets of Glaronisia. One mile distant, the unspoilt island of Kimolos will offer an unforgettable anchorage. Sifnos is known for its charming villages, fine beaches, excavation finds & pottery shops (28 miles from Milos). The island of Kithnos is the last one: 35 miles from Sifnos & 45 miles from Piraeus, Kithnos offers sandy beaches & fish tavernas. The last dive should be at Sounion, under the Temple of Poseidon… THE SARONIC ISLANDS Aegina & the nearby islet of Angistri lie south of Athens only 18 miles distant & offers fine anchorages, splendid beaches & charming fishing villages like Perdika with hospitable tavernas offering fresh fish. At the church of St. Theodori you can admire the excellent frescoes. Move 15 miles south to Poros island with its pine forests & lovely bays. Cars are forbidden on Hydra (14 miles from Poros) and you will see only donkeys or horse drawn carriages. The capital is built like an ancient theatre with beautiful old 18th century mansions, pastel colored houses & narrow flagstoned streets. There's an intellectual atmosphere on the island due to the School of Fine Arts that makes it a favorite spot of artists. Hydra offers elegant shopping, very good restaurants & spirited night life. The Monasteries of St. Triada & St. Nicholaos are worth a visit. The island that played a decisive role in the War of Independence is Spetses, only 15 miles from Hydra. If you can visit Spetses in September you can watch the re-enactment of the sea battle between Greek & Turkish fleet that ends with the victory of the Greeks & the burning of "Armata", a wooden small ship that represents the Turkish fleet. Cafes & pastry shops in the harbor named Dappia offer a vivid social life. Beautiful bays & coves (St. Georgios, St. Marina, St. Anargiri and Bekiri cave) surround the island offering ideal settings for swimming & watersports. Visit the traditional arts & crafts' museum in Hatziyianni Mexi mansion. The Saronic islands can be combined with the Peloponnese itinerary or at the end of The Cyclades itinerary. THE SPORADES ISLANDS A cruise at Sporades starts at the island of Skiathos with fragrant pine forests reaching the golden beaches. Dive in Lalaria beaches Blue Grotto, watching the fascinating reflections of the sun in its clear waters. Visit the monasteries with their fine carved icon screens, the wonderful frescoes & valuable icons. Don't miss Bourtzi, the islet-site of a fortress constructed in 1270. Skiathos is the only island of Sporades that offers a night scene. Skopelos is only 16 miles distant & its picturesque capital is built on the slopes of a hill right over the sea. Visit the ceramics workshop & the famous ovens where plums are dried into prunes. Move on only 6 miles to Alonissos island with its exquisite beaches that offer a scenic setting for water-activities. Have dinner of freshly caught fish at the local tavernas. At the southern part of the island lies the tiny islet of Peristera with its secluded bays. A 40 miles cruise brings you to Skyros island with its rich folkloric tradition, distinctive architecture & famous mini ponies that live in the southern part of the island. Visit Hora's Castle, the church of St. George, and the Faltaits mansion with its exhibition of traditional Skyrian arts & crafts. THE IONIAN ISLANDS Leave Piraeus and cruise via the 75' foot wide Corinthian Canal built in 1983, to beautiful Galaxidi (a 75 mile distance) were a walk is well worthwhile. On the next morning, the Captain will organize a visit to the magnificent ancient Oracle at Delfi (almost one hours drive). Next day stop at the medieval harbor of Nafpaktos before leaving for Zakinthos or Zante (50 miles): an island of rich tradition & authentically Ionian atmosphere with its massive Venetian fortress & its charming villages. At 40 miles distance, north of Zante is Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands with splendid scenery & countless lovely beaches. Visit lake Milissani, the fishing village of Fiskardo, the Venetian castle of St. George & the Drogarati cave with such superb acoustics that concerts take place there. Ithaki, the traditional homeland of Odysseus, is only 17 miles from Kefalonia, with tiny bays & magnificent beaches. Visit the Nymphs' cave & the delightful capital of the island. Next embark for the green & charming island of Lefkas (28 miles) with plenty of historical monuments (Kalligoni), churches (Ag. Nikitas, Vassiliki & enclosed bay of Syvota). In the southern part of Lefkas lies a group of islets: Nidri, Skorpios owned by Greek tycoon Onassis & Meganissi with the famous Papanikolis grotto & turquoise sea. 30 miles south of Corfu & 35 miles of Lefkas are Paxoi & Antipaxoi, two tiny islands, unspoiled from tourism. They are covered with olive trees & surrounded by wonderful beaches. Explore by tender the sea caves at the west side of Paxos. Later leave the peace of Antipaxos for the cosmopolitan life of Corfu. Restaurants with delicious local dishes like "sofrito" & "pastitsada", nightclubs for dancing & the Casino that operates in the Achillion villa, built for the Empress Sissy of Austria. Visit the Old & New Fort, walk through its narrow streets called "candounia" between the beautiful tall buildings influenced by the Venetian domination. Drink your "ouzo" at Spianada square. Interesting churches (Ag. Kerkira built in 5th c.) & museums (Arcgeological & Byzantine). You could even fly back home from Corfu's International airport…
![]() M.T.Y. Ships & Yachts Brokerage
![]() |