Greece. Itineraies, routes, information

Sea cruise from Lefkada to Ithaka, Kefalonia, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos and Atokos. 7-day-route-to-the-ionian-islands1

The most colorful places of the Ionian Sea in two weeks. Beaches of Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Ithaki and Lefkada, Greek cities on the coast and other sights of the archipelago. ionian-islands-in-two-weeks

Route from the island of Santorini to the Cycladic Islands 7-day-route-from-santorini-to-the-cycladic-islands

The most amazing islands of the Saronic Gulf and the Peloponnesian coast in seven days. 7-day-route-to-the-saronic-islands1

Situated in the south-eastern part of the Aegean Sea, Kos is the third-largest island in the Southern Sporades after Rhodes and Karpathos. The two main descriptors commonly used in referring to Kos are “garden of the Aegean Sea” and “birthplace of Hippocrates.” Both are true. The island’s natural terrain is highly varied with cliffs, ravines, coniferous forests and beaches to suit any taste. Kos is filled with the springtime scent of blossoming lilies swirling into summer where it then gives way to the aroma of ripe citrus fruit. The main attraction on Kos is its large temple complex, built in honour of Asclepius the Healer. Its three stories used to house a medical school, a museum of anatomy, thermal-water baths, and a shrine. Today, the ruins of the Asclepion serve as a theater stage. Kos’ other attractions include its Joanite fortress, Hippocrates museum, ancient Agora, and the old mosques in the capital city of Kos. The entire island is also sprinkled with numerous monuments, fortresses, and basilicas. The island’s main cities are concentrated along the northern and southern coasts. Yachts most commonly enter the Kos marina from the north and maintain course towards the south. You can even sail around the whole island if you wish, stopping in the port of Kardamaina, the Kefalos bay, and in the northern villages of Marmari, Mastichari, and Tigaki with its 10-kilometer-long beach.

Athens is consistently ranked as one of the top must-see cities of the world. Capital of Greece, birthplace of democracy, open-air museum, cradle of ancient culture – the city has no shortage of titles and admiring epithets. Thousands of years of history have made their mark on the architectural look of the city, making it a place of truly unique beauty. While all of Athens’ districts are inviting, visitors head straight for the Acropolis to see with their own eyes the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatid sculptures, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Theater of Dionysus. An exhaustive exposition is offered by the city’s many museums: the National Archeological, the Byzantine, the Theatrical, the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Cycladic Art, and others. The second-most popular tourist draw is the colourful district of Plaka. Its ancient buildings have been transformed into souvenir stalls, cafes, bars and restaurants. Getting lost in the maze of Plaka’s streets is easy to do, so it’s best to regain your bearings by looking at the Wind Tower, and to stop by the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate. Arriving in Athens, yachtsmen can’t help but visit Piraeus – the third-largest city in Greece and the country’s biggest port. Although the locals don’t consider themselves Athenians, Piraeus is actually part of the capital, since it’s impossible to precisely delineate the boundary separating the two cities. Here, the bustle of harbour life blends seamlessly with official museums, archaeological landmarks, and even international film festivals.

The main island in the Ionians is Lefkada. There are several theories regarding the origin of its name. According to one, it derives from the name of Odysseus’ friend, Lefko. However, the more likely and widespread theory is that it is associated with the white cliffs of Cape Lefkatas, since “lefkos” is Greek for “white.” Its wide-open spaces, varied terrain, and land link to mainland Greece have made Lefkada one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole country. It draws all types-- affluent yacht-owners, families with kids, young people, and water-sports enthusiasts. The island’s main resort towns are located in the east: Nikiana, Lygia, Pergiali, and Nidri. In the south you’ll find the local windsurfing center of Vasiliki, and the west side of Lefkada is known for its unbelievably-beautiful – and therefore most popular – local beach, Porto Katsiki. It is that natural beauty that serves as the island’s main attraction. Cultural heritage sites include several churches, the archaeological museum and picture gallery in the capital of Lefkada, the Apollo Temple in Lefkatas, and the four ancient grinding mills on Gyra beach.

Warmed by the rays of the Mediterranean sun and the gentle Ionian Sea, this island on Greece’s west coast boasts two names at once – the Greek Kerkyra and the Italian Corfu. The first derives from the mythical Kerkyra, Poseidon’s beloved, and the second from the Byzantine “Corifo”, meaning “city of the mountains.” The entire island is covered in orange gardens, vineyards and olive groves, and its shoreline is dotted with cozy little towns and soft beaches. Kerkyra,the capital of Corfu, is located in Cape Sideros. The city’s historic center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its stunning fusion of architectural styles from Ancient Rome to modern-day Great Britain. The Venetians made the greatest contribution to Kerkyra’s aesthetic, ruling here for more than 400 years. Today, Kerkyra overflows with fabulous landmarks: the forts of Paleo-Frurio and Neo-Frurio, the neoclassical St. George Cathedral, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and various museums, galleries, and churches located both in Kerkyra itself, and beyond.