PORTS OF CALL

This charming resort town is known primarily for its proximity to Elounda, Spinalonga and Eastern & Central Crete’s rich archaeological offering.

Located close to the Turkish border, Alexandroupolis attracts a special interest visitor. This commercial city has a large port and the highlights of the area are the Evros Delta and the nearby Thracian villages and towns.

A surprisingly verdant island on its east coast, Andros is better known for its charming capital, Hora, and the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art.

Athens, (Piraeus), Attica

Frequently referred to as the Cradle of Western Civilization, Athens today is a monument to its historic past and a busy metropolis. The imposing Acropolis with its architectural gem the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora and the Panatheniac Stadium of Olympic fame and the city’s many museums are just a few of this historic city’s sights.

This rich island is home to the mastic tree and is famous for its many seafarers. Chios Town is filled with reminders of its long history and its Genoese past. Of major importance are the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Nea Moni Monastery in the nearby foothills and fascinating medieval villages throughout the island.

This Ionian island is a legendary stopover dating from the days of Odysseus. Corfu’s Old Town, boasting Venetian and British influences, is truly a gem recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Considered one of the most picturesque villages of the Cyclades, Hora sits on a cliff overlooking the Aegean. The medieval Castle, the shady squares and the many houses donning the explosive colours of bougainvillea blooms greet visitors to this off-the-beaten track island.

This small town is gateway to Sparta, Byzantine Mystras, with its palaces, churches, monasteries and impressive fortifications, as well as to the rugged Mani peninsula with its charming tower villages.

Picture-perfect Hydra with its many historic mansions, is amphitheatrically built around its yacht-filled harbour. No cars are allowed on the island and the town’s narrow streets are a pedestrian’s paradise with many hidden shops, cafés and restaurants to discover.

A busy port on the northwest corner of Greece, Igoumenitsa is at the start of the east-west Egnantia Highway that gives quick access to historic Ioannina, rural Metsovo and the amazing Monasteries of Meteora.

Located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Corinth, Itea is a sleepy seaside town. A few kilometres beyond, is the impressive archaeological site of Delphi, with its amazing views over the sloped dense olive groves and down to the sea.

Home of the legendary Odysseus, today Ithaki is still a sailor’s haven with many yachts visiting throughout the year. Slow paced and ideal for a leisurely stroll through Vathy’s narrow streets and alleys.

This small island marks Greece’s furthermost south-eastern boundary and is named after the historic Castello Rosso that once protected the entrance of the island’s large harbour. Its busy waterfront is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and catching up with the day’s news from the locals.

A tiny fishing village, Katakolon quickly gained fame for its port and its proximity to Olympia, one of Greece’s most famous ancient sites. The many waterfront taverns offer truly delicious fresh seafood.

The largest of the Ionian group of islands, Kefalonia is famous for its pristine beaches, its charming villages and its quirky inhabitants. Argostoli features many neoclassical buildings and wide palm lined avenues.

Kos Town was once an important outpost of the Knights of St. John, who built its still surviving massive harbour castle to protect the island and surrounding sea routes. Nearby and in an imposing location, the amazing 4th C site of Asklipeion was a healing centre practising the teachings of Hippocrates, father of modern medicine.

On the southeast coast of the Attica Peninsula and once famous for its silver mines, today’s Lavrion has a pleasant waterfront with a busy marina and fishing harbour and is a stone’s throw away from Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

Connected to the mainland by causeway, Lefkada is a busy yachting hub surrounded by many smaller islands and islets, ideal for leisure sailing. The beaches of Lefkada and the village of Nydri are worth a visit.

The volcanic nature of the island has created unique rock formations, a moon-like landscape and dramatic beaches. The famous Venus de Milo, now housed at the Louvre in Paris, was unearthed here in 1820. Also notable are the catacombs in the village of Trypiti.

The origins of this small fortified town go back to the 8th C Byzantine rule. Past the modern-day village is the road to the single-entry gate leading through the town walls and into a medieval labyrinth of cobbled streets, hidden treasures and glorious sea views.

Famous for its superb olive oil, ouzo and delicious sardines, Mytiline offers visitors a bustling town experience with many mansions of a bygone era. The island of Lesvos is astounding, with its endless olive groves, varied landscapes, hot springs, medieval castles and traditional villages. Also, of note is the island’s unique cuisine.

Justifiably one of the mainland’s most beautiful cities, Nauplion is crowned by Acronauplia and the Venetian Palamdi Fortress, whilst its bay features the fortified islet of Bourtzi. Nearby significant sites are Mycenae, Tiryns and Epidaurus.

The 4th C Panagia Ekatontapyliani Church (Our Lady of the One Hundred Gates) in Parikia is arguably one of the most famous churches in all of the Aegean. Other Paros’ highlights are the colourful fishing village of Naoussa and the hill top village of Lefkes.

The Cave of the Apocalypse and the impressive Monastery of St John that dominates Hora are the major attractions of Patmos, along with the rare architectural beauty of its hilltop capital. The island appeals to many special interest travellers and offers excellent seafood at the local tavernas.

Piraeus has been the port of Athens since the 5th C BC. A historic city in its own right, Piraeus is often bypassed on the way to the capital. Today, it is one of the busiest Mediterranean passenger ports, and its city has a plethora of cafés, restaurants and nightlife options. Piraeus also has a series of smaller yacht-filled harbours along the coastline to Faliron.

Located next to the Peloponnesian coast, Poros is actually two islands connected by road. A popular stopover for yachts of all types departing from Athens, the most noticeable landmark in the town is the Clock Tower and, on the pine-clad “twin” island, an 18th C Monastery with beautiful views.

Built around the 16th C Venetian Fortezza, Rethymnon has a charm of its own. The city’s history and successive occupations are reflected in the Old Quarter’s architecture with its many landmarks.

One of the Aegean’s greenest islands, Samos is known primarily as the birthplace of Pythagoras. The island has many important archaeological sites, its excellent wine, picturesque villages and many superb beaches.

The spectacular view of the cliff perched Fira as one sails into Santorini’s sunken caldera is truly unforgettable. The island’s famed produce, fruits of its volcanic soil, are unique quality fava beans, tomatoes and wine. From the black sanded beaches, to the excavations at Akrotiri, to the island’s famous terraced architecture, a short visit will not suffice.

This pine covered island and its town reflect the architecture of the mainland’s Mt Pelion. Skiathos has an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches and resort villages.

A fertile island with vineyards, olive groves and orchards, Skopelos is also known for its many monasteries and pebbled beaches.

The multicoloured houses and the harbour of Symi make this pretty island a photographer’s and sailor’s paradise. Also, noteworthy is the Monastery of Taxiarhis.

The affluence Syros once enjoyed is evidenced by the many neoclassical buildings and homes in its capital, Ermoupolis. The impressive Town Hall, the magnificent replica of Milan’s La Scala, the marbled-lined streets make for an interesting contrast to the medieval quarter of Ano Syros.

Another city of Greece with a busy waterfront, Volos is the eastern gateway to Kalambaka and the Meteora Monasteries. The villages of Mt Pelion on the city’s outskirts have a unique architectural style, with many stone-built houses with grey slate roofs. Volos is also famous for delicious seafood.

The island’s most photographed beach Navagio, meaning shipwreck, brings visitors from around the world to this verdant island. The beautiful beaches and the mild climate make Zakynthos a popular holiday destination.