Cruising the Greek Islands on a private chartered yacht is, for most of us, just a dream, but as Dermott discovered, gather a group of friends and it could be a reality. With long, hot summers and the stunning natural beauty of its waters, Greece has long been known as a yachting paradise.
Dermott rented a 12.8 metre yacht out of Athens and sailed through the Aegean Sea. No one in the group was a sailing expert, so they went the extra drachma and hired skipper Akis Papadopolous who guided them safely around the islands on Oceanis 411. It has four cabins and sleeps up to eight.
The idea is that you tell the captain what your wishes are and he plans an itinerary around that.
Poros
Part of the Saronic Islands, Poros ticked a few boxes and everyone delighted in the three-hour sail to reach it. On approach you will see the island's historic clock standing on the top of a hill amongst prickly pears and pine trees. It was built in 1927 and is the jewel of Poros.
It has rugged shores and sandy beaches and houses by the sea are large and neo-classical. There are many small taverns, cafes, bars and discos, so there's plenty to do ashore. There's an archaeological museum and library in the centre of town and an open-air cinema on the beach.
Half-an-hour's bike ride will take you to Palatia and the sixth century Temple of Posidonas. Entry is free and the scenery is rewarding.
There are plenty of beaches to enjoy — Kanali, Askeli, Monastiri, Vagionia, Russian Dockyard Bay, Neorio, Love Little Port and Lemon Forest. Each offers something different — fishing, swimming, tavernas, cafes — but all share typical Mediterranean beauty.
Hydra
Hydra is said to be one of the prettiest Aegean islands. Brilliant white houses with red-tiled roofs and brightly coloured woodwork are sprinkled over two rugged hills, separated by paved streets and alleys. Lying between Poros and Spetses, near the coast of the eastern foot of the Peloponnese, Hydra has many 19th century mansions built by wealthy ship owners and merchants. It was a popular artist destination in the 1960s and has kept its cosmopolitan character.
It's all highly protected and laws prohibit new construction which is not according to traditional and authentic colour and style. Motorised vehicles are forbidden and where transport is needed, donkeys and mules are used.
Not known for sandy beaches, Hydra does offer great swimming off its rocky coast.
Spetses
This small island is very popular and if you are heading to it on a weekend, get in early. Dermott reckons be there by midday on Friday! People flock there for its wonderful beaches, secluded bays and rich vegetation. Villages are beautiful and authentic and the capital is architecturally charming with two-storey neo-classical houses with wooden balconies and coloured walls, and narrow, stone-paved alleys.
Renting your own yacht is more fun than staying in a hotel, and you will probably get to see more of the islands and linger longer at the ones you really love.
Location
Cruising around Greece's Saronic Islands.
Cost
Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre has seven-day yacht hire from Athens starting at $2999 or $375 per person, based on a group of eight. A skipper costs $220 a day. They also depart from Lavrion, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Corfu, Lefcas, Skiathos and Syros. VAT, petrol, linen, dinghy and outboard engine are all included. They operate year round.
Prices correct at July 29, 2010.
For more information
Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre Suite 2
644 Botany Road
Alexandria 2015
Ph: (02) 93134633
Fax: (02) 93134475
www.greecemedtravel.com
info@greecemedtravel.com.au
Visas: Australian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Greece.
Electricity: 220v 50hz electricity. Two- and three-point plugs are used.
Time zone: Athens time is GMT +3.
Currency: The euro.
Telephone code: +30.
Greece
Travellers should be 'in date' for the standard Australia and New Zealand immunisation schedules. Depending on the time of year of travel and exact destination, other health precautions and preventions may be recommended and are best discussed with your doctor. For further information visit
www.smartraveller.gov.au.
