YOUR CRUISE DESTINATIONS IN DETAIL

The Pelion – The 1st stop on our itinerary is at the beautiful beach of Ag. Ioannis, Pelion. This cosmopolitan holiday resort is probably the best known beach on the Eastern side of the Pelion. From here, high above the sea is the mountain village of Tsagarada. This peaceful resort where the houses are scattered among the trees, the village boasts one of the oldest and larges plane trees (15m/49ft circumference) in Greece. Even more villages can be discovered such as Agios Dimitrios, Kissos, Anilio and Makriahi on the road back up towards Hania. In general, the Pelion villages are full of characteristic traditional settlements, with mansions and houses that look like hanging ornaments on green mountain sides. Many of the villages have their main square surrounding ancient plane trees. Hours can be spent strolling through the steep and narrow streets of these villages, finding splendid old houses built in the famous wooden and stone architecture of the area. Most of the picturesque cobbled paths of the villages are scattered with water fountains where water flows endlessly. Hiking or driving back down the mountain you find the splendid white sandy beach at Milopotamos with its crystal blue waters and giant rocks.

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Skiathos Island - Our next stop is at Kastro bay, Skiathos. History tells the story that around the middle of the 14th century the people of Skiathos were forced to settle here due to the continuous pirate raids. Kastro is a peninsula on the northern part of the island which had a natural fortress in the rock formations. Embrasures were made into the natural stone and cannons were turned toward the land. The people of the island were then able to protect themselves against the dangers of the time. Those who would like to go ashore will be able to hike up and see the remains of the Kastro.

Those in the mood for swimming, just around the corner from Kastro lies one of the finest and most picturesque beaches in all of Greece at Lalaria. It is situated on the northeastern tip of the island. It is famous for its beautifully round, sea-formed rocks and can only be reached from the sea. There, for millions of years, the winds have been creating the white pebbles called ‘larlaria’ which cover the entire beach. An optional tour can also take you into Skiathos Town for a walking tour around the old village. The town is built on the southeastern tip of the island in a windless bay which separates the island of Bourtzi in two. It is a relatively new settlement, built in 1829 - 1830 on the site of the ancient city, on two hills situated at the edge of the sea. The ancient settlement was built in 800 BC. The large natural port of the modern town is ideal in shape and in location. The houses are small, with two floors and architecturally, in the Venetian style like most of the Sporades islands. Built in a cascading fashion and one next to the other, the buildings create small and winding cobbled streets which make a wonderful place for exploring in this picture postcard town.

Skopelos Island - Our 1st stop on Skopelos Island is at the bay of Stafilos. This picturesque bay with pine trees cascading straight down to the beach is a particularly beautiful one. The swimming and snorkeling is wonderful here and the waters are usually warm and crystal clear. After a swim and some sun, those who would like an easy hike (approx 50min) through the olive groves, passing small churches and springs to Skopelos Town may meet the boat there. Once in Skopelos Town, an evening town walk will be offered to take you on a stroll through one of the most picturesque villages in the Sporades. Climbing up the cobbled stairs away from the perfect amphitheatrical harbour, the views are stunning and the neighbourhoods, which consist of clean, white washed houses and painted balconies, are Venetian in their architectural style. Once at the top of town, you will find the remains of the Venetian fortress dating from around 1200. From here you will enjoy the breath taking views across the Agean to Alonissos and down the red tiled and grey slate roofs of town to the splendid harbour. Wandering back down to the seafront, in the midst of the colourful, flower-filled backstreets of town, you will be enchanted by the numerous small churches and chapels around nearly every bend. In all, Skopelos town has more than 120 churches, the island, over 360 churches chapels and monasteries.

National Marine Park- The next stop on our journey takes us to the National Marine Park of Alonissos. The Marine Park is a pristine area of the Agean sea, dotted with white sandy beaches only accessible by boat and is home to many endangered species of plants and birds as well as the Mediterranean Monk seal. Imagine sunning swimming and snorkeling in secluded bays and beaches that are rarely visited by man. This is the time when you can really enjoy lounging onboard our exquisite sailing ship and soaking up the sun in true relaxation. You can choose to spend your days quietly soaking up the sun on deck or explore the deserted island of Kyra Panagia on our next stop. An optional guided hike is available taking you up to the Byzantine Monastery for an interesting talk about the history of the monastery and the surrounding islands. We stop for a pic-nic lunch on the way back to meet the ship and take in the breath taking views around us. Then on to Planitis, one of the most protected coves in the park. Here, the calm sea will lull you and capture the tranquility of this bay of unparalleled beauty. An evening swim, maybe some fishing and a night spent under a star filled sky that won’t be believed.

Skyros Island - Skyros lies in the Northern Aegean, the largest and most isolated of the Northern Sporades. The island is sparsely populated, and its small communities - who mostly live in its capital - are closely-knit. Despite the variety and beauty of its terrain, it lies well off most tourist itineraries. Skyros is more or less divided into two halves. The Northwest half, where the village is located, is agricultural and has a fair amount of pine forest. The Southeastern part, where the high mountains are, is just barren rock with low scrubby bushes which only goats can survive on. An optional guided tour of Skyros Town is available. The town is a lovely settlement full of whitewashed cubist houses, decorated with plates. Wander the backstreets on our optional guided tour and learn the history of the island and about their special festivals which are famous throughout Greece.

Alonissos Island – Returning from Skyros we stop at one of the loveliest beaches in all of the Sporades islands, Ag. Dimitrios. Here the white sand forms a huge boomerang-shaped beach which creates a dramatic scenic headland. After a swim and some sunning, we head to the picturesque fishing village for lunch and a tour of the Monk seal headquarters. Leaving the relaxing afternoon behind, we make our way to the main port town of Alonissos, Patitiri. Patatiri (‘wine press’ in Greek) is named for the wine presses which were once housed at the harbour. You have the evening free to wander around this small port village to peek in the shops and have a seaside meal. Next morning, an optional guided tour will take you up to the Chora or ‘Old Alonissos’, which is perched on the hilltop high up above Patitiri. This used to be the island capital until the 1965 earthquake when the houses were destroyed beyond living conditions and the villagers were re-housed in Patitiri below. The old town is filled with narrow streets and fortified stone houses which were built to withstand attack from pirates in the days of old. Now about 50% of the village has been restored to its original beauty and many of the buildings boast some outstanding architectural features. At Choras highest point is a series of small squares with cafe bars and tavernas open for the summer season. From here the views are breathtaking of the neighbouring islands and sea. Those who wish to walk the 50 minutes back to the harbour on the old donkey path are encouraged to do so to take advantage of seeing some of the islands exquisite countryside.

Panormos Bay, Skopelos - Our last stop on your itinerary takes you to the azure waters of Panormos bay. Its perfect crescent shape with the small inlet of ‘Blo’ in cobalt blue, is an excellent choice for your farewell to the Sporades. Here you will have the option of kayaking, hiring motor boats to cruise up the coastline or even get on the local bus to the small village of Glossa. Whilst there, maybe have a lingering lunch at a rooftop taverna and enjoy the expansive views of dotted islands and Agean sea. Back in the evening to Panormos beach for a sumptuous meal of traditional Greek fare and live music from a local bouzouki band. Sway to the music and get in the mood for a last dance with Zorba as the sun sinks slowly into the sea….

Join us on this adventure in a unique and casual atmosphere created by the warm hospitality of your Greek crew and captain. They excel in personal service and are committed to giving you the quality expected on such an intimate cruise as this. The tasty Greek meals served onboard will acquaint you with traditional Greek cooking and the lounge and deck areas are spacious and comfortable. Each cabin is elegantly appointed and fitted with individual CD players and has its own port hole. Completely equipped, the boat has all amenities such as water skis, windsurf, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, stereo, television and DVD player. Don’t miss this rare opportunity - to explore and relax under the warmth of the Greek sunshine and be enchanted by the extreme beauty of these magical islands called the Sporades.