A LOOK BETWEEN THE ISLANDS
The ideal itinerary winds clockwise, touching the most suggestive and interesting points of the two archipelagos and passing, if possible, also from the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese. Of course, this is a purely indicative list, subject to marine weather conditions and to specific needs of the flotilla, which will be assessed by the skippers during the cruise.
CAPE SUNION
At Cape Sounion, famous for its suggestive sunsets, the temple of Poseidon stands majestically, one of the most important temples in Attica, mentioned in the Odyssey as a stopover for Menelaus during his return from the Trojan War. The excavations, which began in
1825, have brought to light the remains of streets and houses, a minor temple and the sanctuary of Athena
KYTHNOS
Kythnos, the second largest island of the western Cyclades, is typical, full of natural beauty and adorned with low hills, golden beaches and traditional villages. Fikiada, where a spit of beach separates two bays, is the most famous bay. The Chora and the villages of the interior are delightful and the thermal site of Loutra is worth a stop.
SERIFOS
Famous in ancient times for its iron and copper mines, Serifos is the ideal place for those who love
the simple and peaceful island life, excursions and sunbathing and sea in its
wonderful bays. Perched on a rocky hill, the immaculate Chora,
capital of the island, is a typical Cycladic village with very white houses,
windmills and orthodox churches with blue domes.
MILOS
After Santorini, Milos is the most original for seascapes
and rock among the Cycladic islands: the jagged and irregular shape is
the result of powerful forces of nature: volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes, constant action of wind and sea.
Life is concentrated on the northeastern side, between the small port of Adamas, the capital Plaka and Apolonia, while the rest is part of Hidden Greece and its lunar landscapes.
MONEMVASIA
Also known as Malavasìa, a name linked to the wine "Malvasia", which in ancient times spread all over the world starting from this segment of the Peloponnese. A small peninsula that partly overlooks the Mediterranean and acquires its mild climate and sweet appearance. A corner of paradise, where the crystal clear sea and nature reign supreme.
ELAFONISOS
Elafonissos is a complex of seven islets detached from the mainland by a sea strait of just 350 meters and no more than 2.5 meters deep. Since a powerful earthquake in the 2nd century AD transformed the central part of the promontory of Neapolis into an atoll, sand has gradually invaded the island, favoring the formation of dunes reminiscent of desert landscapes and creating its extraordinary beaches, known as the "Caribbean of Greece".
SPETZES
The black and sweet coffee, the small taverns, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, the crystalline blue sea, the rolling hills that lead to the white monasteries surrounded by tall cypresses, the blue-striped tin bins in which it thrives basil and,
on the horizon, in an almost endless array, the mountains of the Peloponnese. Here is a postcard of Spetzes, an island where time seems to have stopped.
DOKOS
A semi-deserted island, reported as an archaeological site and nature reserve. It is a perfect stop to experience unspoiled nature, albeit close to a highly touristic coast. Furthermore, Dokos is a perfect shelter from any wind and allows you to spend one or more nights in total tranquillity.
HYDRA
Barren, gray, almost black, it is an exception among the green islands that surround it. In addition to its beautiful bays, Hydra has the charm of a place that has experienced alternating fortunes and frequentations: from rich Greek shipowners to artists of different eras. For a time it was also called the Portofino of the Aegean. Today it is full of shops, typical restaurants and tourist activities of all kinds, but walking through the narrow streets of the village or on the ridges of the hills, you can still breathe the air of authentic Greece.
POROS
Island-not island. Separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow and suggestive canal just 200m wide which leads to the main port. Although several hotels have sprung up and famous Athenians continue to build their summer residences there, the island has never been as glamorous as Hydra or Spetses. In addition to its natural beauty, Poros is the ideal place for shore excursions, perhaps for a visit to the remains of the 19th century Russian military fortification on the west coast.
