Athens – Kos (2 weeks)

a sailing cruise that will lead you through the whole Aegean Sea. The wind might be your companion, but always towards the good direction for you.

1^st day : Embarkation 17h PM

Departure 18h PM towards Sounion cape

Anchorage at  21h PM

Delicious fish taverns on the beach.

Although Sounion is located within 3 h from Athens, the area is wild and quiet. One of the most beautiful sunset in Greece at the foot of the temple of Poseidon.

2d day : Kea

The main port of the island is one of the most protected in Greece. Also called Livadhi it is built on the ruins of ancient Korissia. With Ioulis, Karthaia and Poiessa were three independent cities in the island. A massive archaic wall stands on the hills around and on the south heights, close to a small chapel; an ancient temple to Apollo can be hardly seen. The scenery is worth the effort anyway. The red roofs, white houses. The port was always a good shelter for these rejected by the choppy straits of Cavo D'oro. Kea was inhabited by refugees from minor Asia during the Turkish occupation. 

3d day : Serifos

Chora is a surprising village on a steep piton above the wonderful bay of Livadi. Located at the foot of a Kastro, an old Venetian fortress, and two chapels, Chora is an impressive eagle nest that can be seen from the sea.
Built vertically, the village is a labyrinth of narrow streets and impressive views. A few squares show neo classical architecture as the okra town hall and the cathedral Aghios Athanassios. The windmills quarter at the entrance of the village surrounded by cafes is the meeting point of the islanders. 
A small path following the slope, and followed by steps, leads to Livadi; a terrific one hour walk, better than the bus or a taxi.

4th day Sifnos

Sifnos is one of the most beautiful island in the western Cyclades. She is greener than the others and its shapes are very smooth. It is advised to drive through the whole island, see hundreds of chapels, churches, white houses and terraces. A good walk: towards Prophet Ilias the summit of the island. 1 hour walk. 

The totally protected bay of Vathi is the best anchorage. Taverns and wonderful beaches ashore.

5th day : Paros

You will sail from the west of Despothiko and Antiparos or through the narrow passage between Paros and Antiparos. There are many possibilities of anchorages in wonderful turquoise waters.

At night, in Paroikia the main village, it is so good to walk in the narrow streets.

6th day : Ios

The harbor at the foot of the steep village is totally protected. The village on top has a tremendous night life.

For these who prefer nature, the white sanded beach of Manganari is well protected from the Meltemi and there are taverns ashore.

7th day : Santorini

Everybody heard about Santorini but the magic is still there when you sail into the crater. Santorini is not a very easy islands for the sailing yachts. There are several buoys at Thirasia and Oia You can leave the board at the foot of Oia and walk up to the village. Taxis to Thira and the whole island.

8th day : Skinoussa

In the heart of the small Cyclades, Skinoussa is a concentrate of the other islands.

A small harbor at the bottom a a protected bay, small taverns on the seaside, and a little village on top of the hill. The island being small you are able to reach all the sights easily; a combination of sea and land.

9th day : Amorgos

Amorgos is a big, rough and steep island. Being well known worldwide with the movie ‘the Big Blue’ Amorgos doesn’t have many tourists. Take some time to see the monastery perched in the cliffs south of the village.

10th day : Astypalea

Astypalea belongs to the Dodecanese, but it is still similar to the Cyclades. The small port below a Venetian fortress is very attractive. The village is quiet calm for a Mediterranean place.

If the wind is a bit strong, you can get totally protected at Maltezana in the center of the island.

After dinner at the tavern below the Tamaris, you will sleep well to be ready for a long sail the day after (6 hours)

11th day : Nisyros

Nisyros is still an active volcano. Don’t miss the slopes of the volcano and its sights on the near by islands.

On the edge of the crater and above the sea, Nikia village is yours.

Drive also to Mandraki, the main town of the island, and pay a visit to the monastery, the castle of the knights and the impressive Ancient Greek fortress.

You will dock at Paloi on the north coast, more quiet and protected than Mandraki.

;

Rent a motorcycle or a car and discover this very special place.

12^th day : Tilos

After the whole morning at Nysiros you sail down to Tilos in a 3 hours leg.

You can anchor free in the big protected bay or enter the small harbour. A very wild anchorage on a wide beach is in the south for these who like barbecue on the beach.

13^th day : Cnide (Turkey)

You might dock at Cnidos, in the antique harbour of Cnidos, at the foot of the amphitheatre. Tavern on shore.

You will be docked in Turkey but till now theTurkish authorities tolerate that.

14^th day : Kos

Leave early to avoid strong meltemi at the point of Cnide and choose a bay in Kos or Turkey for lunch. You will reach Kos marina on late afternoon. The last night can be spent in the ancient town of Kos.

15 th day : Disembarkation at 09h AM.

If you have time, leave your luggage at the marina office and visit the Asklepeion, the ancient hospital of Hippocrates.

.