This summer season we sailed by way of the Cyclades islands of Greece. We employed a ship with a pleasant captain, Martin, and a heat hostess, Roxanne, by way of Yacht Getaways. Our immaculate and well-maintained four-bedroom, four-bath catamaran (plus workers quarters) was the final word approach to summer season. Actually, we will not think about ever vacationing through the summer season than on the ocean. A typical day started with a tasty ready breakfast, adopted by a sail to a secluded space to swim, snorkel, and SUP in essentially the most aqua of waters. A bountiful lunch served with wine awaited our return to the boat after which commenced a spectacular sail to the subsequent island on the itinerary. On every island, we had loads of time to discover, store, eat, and embrace the vibe of the Chora (city). All of us slept higher than we had in months being soothed to sleep by the refined actions of the bay understanding that the subsequent day would carry us one other fantastic journey at sea. The worst a part of the journey was understanding that it will come to an finish.
Day One Paros and Sail to Naoussa:
We had been because of meet our boat at 4:00 p.m. on the dock in Paros. We purposefully took an early ferry on Blue Star Ferries from Athens to have loads of time to discover Paros earlier than our late afternoon embarkment.
Discovering a taxi in Paros when the ferry docked was nearly not possible. We went to a few automotive rental locations and so they had been all bought out (so make sure that to ebook forward!). Fortunately, we met Vasli, an enthralling, chipper, and overly energetic native who drove us to the place we had been headed, and by the top of our journey grew to become our private driver and new buddy in Paros. His firm title is Diego (named after his beloved canine who handed away). His cellphone quantity is 0030-6944580232. Name him when you end up on the island. Unexpectedly, he grew to become a particular a part of our journey.
First on our agenda was lunch at Tsitsanis Restaurant, all the best way up the mountain. Out of our nearly two weeks in Greece, this was essentially the most genuine Greek eating expertise we had. Nestled in the course of a tiny sq., with older locals sitting on the patio smoking their cigarettes, this lesser-known restaurant serves extremely scrumptious meals at actually cheap costs.
To stroll off the a great deal of meals we ingested, we determined to take the two-mile historic Byzantine Path to the colourful city of Lefkes. Looking back, this will have been bold, particularly within the sweltering warmth. Nonetheless, if you’re extra ready than we had been (i.e. do not put on flip-flops and produce alongside extra water than you assume you may want), you will not remorse the trek. It takes you thru the pleasant countryside with beautiful landscapes.
After assembly our skipper and captain who settled us into our cabins, we sipped on native wine as we sailed to Naoussa, a vibrant, in style island with limitless alleys and shoreline eateries.
We had a good dinner by the marina at Notos Aegean Restaurant which serves typical Greek delicacies in a reasonably setting with unforgettable sundown views.
After dinner, we strolled some extra within the Chora, and when our children bought drained, we dropped them off on the catamaran – one other bonus to chartering a ship: free babysitting! We grabbed some cocktails after which headed to our heavenly quarters for an evening of peaceable slumber on Monastiri Bay.
Day Two, Sail to Naxos:
Waking up every morning felt like a dream. That is an instance of a typical view that can greet you every day…
adopted by a tasty breakfast and a leisurely sail to the subsequent vacation spot…
One of many perks of being on a ship is which you can discover areas that only a few individuals can entry. And these locations are extraordinary. Our newly skilled daughter anchored us in Filizi Bay the place we SUP’d endlessly and snorkeled by way of the crystal clear waters.
After a swim in Paradise, and a relaxed lunch, we headed to the island of Naxos with the wind in our hair, sunkissed and pleased, nodding off underneath the bluest of skies.
The Portara, or metropolis gate, is a well-known website on the island. We determined to skip the hike to it and take an image of the landmark from afar (see backside left photograph). As a substitute, we walked into the guts of the Chora to get misplaced in its alleyways and soak within the views as we ascended towards the highest of the mountain. There may be additionally a Citadel on the island which was enjoyable to stroll by way of.
All that strolling made us hungry early so we stopped at Meltemi for appetizers. The proprietor is so jovial and welcoming, particularly pleased to see prospects throughout off-peak hours. We ordered extra variations of croquettes than we might rely and left feeling victorious for locating this gem.
The day was getting hotter and the children wanted a reprieve on the boat whereas we would have liked one with chilly cocktails. Drinks at Honey & Cinnamon Cocktail Bar had been completely crafted and introduced superbly of their boho-chic, well-shaded patio.
Once I consider our dinner at Flamingo, I am inclined to shout “Opa!”. Plate breaking, and dancing to the dwell music come together with epic views and a very enjoyable dinner.
Day Three, Sail to Koufonisia:
After one other terrific night time’s sleep and one other superb breakfast, we headed to Rhina Cave Bay for cave explorations and cliff jumps. We spent hours discovering different sides of the island and little nooks with the clearest waters. Heaven.
Associates ask me on a regular basis which island was my favourite and Koufonisia wins the prize. It is not the biggest or essentially the most visited, which contributes to its successful components. But it has essentially the most hanging waters and coastlines of any island I have been to.
Upon docking, we took the native water taxi to Pori Seashore, on the opposite finish of the island. The surroundings at Pori took our breath away.
After a swim in some of the memorable seashores we walked alongside the three.5-mile coastal path stopping alongside the best way for fast dips in crystal waters and luxurious views. Probably the most adventurous a part of the path was a plunge in Satan’s Eye (center image beneath). Whereas three of us determined to slowly crawl in, the 2 daredevils in our group selected to leap into the naturally made pool fashioned by rocks.
That is an untouched, pristine path that can lead you to an infinite variety of grand seashores (make sure that to have loads of water with you as there are not any distributors promoting water alongside the best way). As we entered Paralia Italida Seashore, we walked by way of a nude seaside, heads as much as those that could also be uncomfortable! On the opposite finish of the sand is an space for individuals who favor to be clothed whereas swimming in an unreal panorama.
The Chora of Koufonisia is charming, unpretentious, and filled with colour. I am keen on this little city.
Following our stroll we discovered ourselves again by the water and stopped for pre-dinner drinks at Bar Sorokos . They’re recognized to have the most effective views of the sundown on the island.
Mikres Cyclades is an upscale, fine-dining restaurant that requires reservations. It was filled with well-dressed patrons able to have a meal that strays from the standard Greek menu. We liked each chew.
Day 4, Sail to Schouinoussa (pronounced ski-know-oosa):
I hoped to get stranded on Leonidas Bay. Being with simply my household, in the course of
nowhere, in a surreal setting with an arresting magnificence that was onerous to understand, I by no means needed to depart. We spent hours right here paddling, snorkeling, operating the white sand by way of our palms, and counting our fortunate stars.
Schouinoussa is a very small island and the Chora has only a few cafes and retailers in comparison with the opposite islands. We had been shocked to study that the bars keep open till 3:00 a.m.
Cafe Stou Peri is a cute spot to take pleasure in a glass of afternoon wine and conceal from the solar for some time.
We had been skeptical to eat at Deli Restaurant and Cafe Bar as a result of their critiques aren’t that nice however our skipper insisted we dine right here (one other large plus for having a skipper – they make glorious recommendations!). Not solely was the ambiance phenomenal, however we additionally loved one among our greatest meals on the journey right here.
Myrsini Bay was our dwelling for the night time.
Day 5, Sail to Ios:
It was fairly the change coming from a teeny island to a slightly huge one. Ios is enormous with tons to see and do. I recommend you lease a automotive for the day, which solely prices sixty euros for twenty-four hours, from Street Runner Leases, and contains parking spots all through the island.
Homer’s Tomb
Sure, Homer who wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey was buried within the northernmost a part of Ios. The drive to get there may be picturesque with breathtaking views and excessive climbs. As soon as on-site, you may have to stroll roughly 1,000 ft to get to his tomb which overlooks the huge, blue seas.
From Homer’s Tomb, you may proceed alongside on roads with unbelievable vistas; a part of the climb felt a bit treacherous however actually added to the thrill. After a twenty-five-minute drive, you may arrive on the family-owned cheese manufacturing unit and be greeted of their well-shaded out of doors patio. A beautiful number of honey and cheeses are displayed in fairly pottery and wood boards. A workers member will stroll you thru the tasting, which can be served with selfmade wine. Advance reservations are required.
Lunch at Salt Restaurant
Salt is on the entire different aspect of the island and is well worth the effort. The meals was improbable, the drive was fulfilling, and swimming within the calm, clear waters of Salt Bay was serene. We particularly loved the upscale, but informal, ambiance and well-balanced, artistic cocktails. This one is a should. Be certain that to make a reservation.
Submit-lunch swim at Salt Bay
After all of the sightseeing, consuming, and swimming we took a drive to the Chora, one of many greatest cities out of all of the islands we now have visited. Like a lot of the islands on our itinerary, the Chora in Ios pops with colour, filled with windy alleys which can be lined with cafes and shops, and plenty of individuals meandering round.
Pathos Membership & Restaurant
This nightclub additionally serves as a day membership with a DJ sales space, an infinity pool, and an outrageous seascape. We made 7:00 p.m. reservations at a VIP desk to observe the sundown, as Pathos is thought to have the very best sundown views on the island. The group, scene, and DJ had been so attractive, that we determined to cancel our dinner reservations and spend the night time dancing to the beats that blended with the breeze. Because the solar was setting, an homage, like no different, proceeded with blaring opera music and a fireplace present as soon as it bought misplaced within the horizon.
Day Six, Sail to Antiparos:
After breakfast, we sailed to the Blue Lagoon (its official title is Turquoise Bay). Phrases nor images can describe this magical place. We stayed within the wondrous waters for so long as we might, in awe of the pure magnificence round us.
After fairly a while within the Blue Lagoon, adopted by one other mouthwatering lunch whipped up by Roxanne, we docked in Antiparos – a glamorous, glitzy, miniature island. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson personal a summer season dwelling right here and are mentioned to go to regularly. I can see why. Though it is rather small, the island may be very ritzy with luxurious retail retailers and very well-dressed guests. As they are saying, “good issues are available in small packages”
Dinner at Kalokeri was loved on their fairly patio, with nice people-watching entry. The meals we ordered was exceptionally good; the menu is an upscale model of conventional Greek meals. Gosh, we ate properly in Greece.
Day Seven, Sail Again to Paros:
On our final morning, we sadly packed our suitcases after breakfast, reminisced with Martin and Roxanne about our journey, and lazily lounged within the entrance of the boat greedy onto each final second earlier than we needed to debark.
All through our journey, the meals ready for us had been contemporary and favorable, and the workers taught the children how you can tie knots, drive the boat, and even anchor it. In addition they made nice restaurant reservations, and as I discussed earlier, fortunately watched the children every night time in order that my husband and I might take pleasure in some alone time collectively. I actually cannot think about a greater approach to spend my summer season than to sail by way of the seas.
As soon as we arrived in Paros, we spent two extra nights on the island at The Summer season Senses Luxurious Resort. Keep in mind our buddy Vasli? He was there to select us up and drive us across the island at any time when we would have liked him. What a man!
The dotting workers, beautiful grounds, impeccable rooms, entry to a scene-y seaside membership, an expansive breakfast buffet displayed so proudly with magnificence, and its nice location, make staying at this resort a no brainer. This was the proper place to softly push us towards the truth that our summer season trip was ending.
One of many property’s greatest facets is Galazia Hytra, a sister restaurant to the
Michelin- star Hytra in Athens. Consuming right here was one of many highlights of our total journey and the proper ending to an ideal summer season trip.
