The Yacht

There are plenty of companies out there that Yacht yachts to hire. So set sail and explore the wonders of the Greek islands. The number of people in your party will determine the size of the boat you will need to hire. Sailing isn’t a solo activity, unless you really want to, of course. You normally see groups of 2 or more people in the yachts when you pull up into a harbour/ marina. The boat sizes are measured in feet and typically the smallest rentals are 25ft and the largest being around 60 feet. A 50ft or larger boat tend to be able to sleep 6-10 people on board.

Yacht, Greece / Photo by Oliver

Greece

What can be said about the Greek islands that hasn’t been said before! You have the beautiful islands and the amazing history. Well, have you ever sailed into the islands harbours? Seen the dolphins lapping up the boats waves, or smelt the sulphuric acid around some of the Greece’s active volcanoes from a few miles away (honestly it’s not pretty smell, imagine the smell of rotten eggs.) But it’s unique and a talking point for years to come, I first experienced it at the age of 8 and I can still remember it today. It is also a great way of finding some of the Greeks hidden beaches and bays that you wouldn’t see if you just stayed in the islands towns.

Yacht, Greece / Photo by Oliver

Nightlife

As you will be mooring your yacht in the marina or docks of the island you are fantastically located in the heart of the town. You are spitting distance from some of the most amazing restaurants with fresh fish caught in the neighbouring waters. Always a good choice in the restaurants is the catch of the day on the menu. Then after dinner you can retire back to your boat if you want or go to one of the local bars and have a couple of Ouzo’s. For family’s it is very easy to keep your children entertain, if they are like me when I was a child then they will be fascinated by all the fish in the marina. So get them a fishing rod/crab line/ or net and let them go crazy. Make sure they don’t go in the water as it is often very dirty in the docks. Also you can always prepare and cook your own meals on the boat to make it a cheaper holiday.

Greece / Photo by Oliver

Social Side

It is very easy to make friends with other people while sailing around the islands. Other sailors tend to be very friendly and more than willing to lend a helping hand if you need advice on what islands to visit next. Additionally you can always join up with a flotilla at the start of the holiday. A flotilla is a fleet of sailing yachts that sail from one island to another together, you can go by any route you want to get there by as long as you end up at the same port. Flotillas are great fun and you have a great time eating with the other members of the flotilla. Flotilla are great for children and adults, there tends to be children of all ages in a flotilla so it is easy for them to become friends, and for adults it’s a great way to lessen the burden of trying to keep the children occupied and enjoy some social life as well.

About Author: Oliver Smith lives in Beijing, China and is an active travel advisor writing for Cover-More, a Sydney, Australia headquartered travel insurance company operating in Australasia and the UK. Oliver is a keen sailor that has sailed extensively around the world.

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Some can be pretty obvious, but there are also those gems that not many people think or know about and are just waiting for you to discover. The likes of Spain and France can offer busy, vibrant locations, but others such as Corsica and the Greek Islands can allow for a slightly more laid back approach to holidaying. Just remember to look for great currency exchange rates when you buy currency, as it will make the trip much more enjoyable knowing that you’ve got the best rates of foreign exchange.

On the Island of Crete, Greece by Wolfgang Staudt

Spain

Mainland Spain is possibly the most popular tourist destination in Europe and the main reason is very likely because the country offers so much versatility in terms what you can do as a family, a couple or as a group of friends.

Thanks to the country being so vast, there are numerous options of where to go, whether it be out in the countryside or a city break in Madrid or Barcelona and there’s always the endless amount of beach resorts. As if that wasn’t enough, Spain’s Balearic Islands consisting of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, as well as the Canary Islands, offer so much more and can offer great coastline environments, but that little bit quieter than the mainland.

The coast of Mallorca, Spain by Andrés Nieto Porras

The UK

Although it may not be known for its stunning summers, the UK still offers some superb locations to visit. The British Isles has a wonderful array of destinations on its coastlines that include Cornwall, Devon and North Yorkshire towns such as Whitby and Scarborough.

The Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight also make a visit worthwhile, whilst the likes of Wales and Scotland can offer a completely different feel to mainland England. Other notable locations include the Lake District, The Cotswolds and Norfolk.

Scilly Isles, UK by Tom Corser www.tomcorser.com

Corsica

Some may think that it is impossible to both avoid mass tourism and have a wonderfully beautiful location to holiday in Europe, but the tranquil island of Corsica can offer just that.

All 600 square miles of the island are unspoilt and delightful to behold and doesn’t suffer from being overcrowded like other Mediterranean islands. As well as beautiful coastlines, Corsica is also adorned with massive mountain ranges that can often take your breath away, as well as numerous lush forests and glacial mountain lakes.

Beach in Corsica, France by Luciano

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If you’re considering sailing holidays, then you need to plan carefully and make sure you choose the right experience for your skills and family group. There’s no point becoming too adventurous and the holiday turning into a disaster. If you’re all new to sailing then why not look at combining a few days on board with a traditional beach holiday.

Port in Baska, Krk, Croatia / Photo by admin

Settle down with a crewed yacht

Family holidays abroad are the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to the world of boating. If you’ve never sailed before, or you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, then consider a crewed yacht. On this type of holiday you have the opportunity of simply sitting back and enjoying some quality family time as you cruise from place to place. Alternatively, if you want to try your hand at steering or rigging, then there are experienced hands on board to show you the ropes. The Greek Islands, including the Ionian and Saronic, offer excellent conditions for inexperienced sailors, with light winds and short distances between them. Once you’ve moored up there are plenty of quaint villages and towns to visit, offering excellent local cuisines.

Meet new friends on a flotilla holiday

Flotilla holidays are great for all levels of sailing experience. If you’re relatively new to the sport then there are enough people around to help you get to grips with it. However, even if you know exactly what you’re doing having other families around will provide both you and your children with an instant social circle. At the start of the holiday you set off at a leisurely pace, allowing everyone the opportunity to become familiar with their surroundings. You might find that you want to explore further and there will be chances for you to separate from the rest of the flotilla if you’re happy to do so. Sailing around the coast of Turkey is perfect for more confident sailors, with excellent locations to stop and swim or snorkel, or simply moor up at a secluded beach and enjoy the peace.

Go it alone with a chartered yacht

If you want to set your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, then chartering a yacht is an excellent family holiday. The whole family can become involved and if you fancy a rest day to visit the local town, pick up some souvenirs or take advantage of a great snorkelling spot then you can. Why not take in the cosmopolitan marinas, traditional ports and great food, with a cruise around the Italian islands of Sardinia, Elba or Sicily. Or head for the family friendly island of Mallorca, with excellent beaches, clear blue seas and great restaurants.

Whatever type of sailing holiday you choose and wherever you decide to visit, it really will be an experience to remember for the whole family. Make sure you pick a trip that suits your sailing experience and the needs of your children. Once you’ve set sail there’ll be no turning back.

AUTHOR BIO

Andrew Long writes regularly on holidays for a range of lifestyle and family websites and blogs. He regularly enjoys taking family holidays abroad and has a particular interest in sailing holidays.

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The Minoan Palace at Knossos, Crete, Greece by Sonja Pieper

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and it is set within the Mediterranean Sea, just south of the Peloponnese. It is arguably one of the most beautiful Greek islands and it is well known for its beautiful beaches and seascapes. The geography here offers everything from coastal plains to busy cities to rugged mountains. The island is bathed in sunshine all year round and you are sure to enjoy great weather during your visit.

Whether you are visit on your honeymoon, anniversary, or just for fun, there are plenty of romantic things for you and your partner to enjoy on the island of Crete. Here are some ideas of fun activities to get you started:

The Minoan Palace at Knossos

This beautiful ancient palace is one of the most popular attractions on the island of Crete and you and your sweetheart will want to spend at least a full day exploring it. The palace was originally built in 2000BC but was destroyed in an earthquake 300 years later. It was built even larger, then destroyed again in 1450BC, likely by an eruption of a volcano on Santorini which caused a huge tidal wave. The palace once had over 1,200 rooms and many of them have been recreated to depict how grand and beautiful they would have looked. It is a truly stunning place to walk around with your special someone.

Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece by Ben Ellis

Samaria Gorge

Taking a long walk with your partner can be a great opportunity to enjoy some time together and engage in deep conversation to get to know each other even better. It’s even nicer when you are surrounded by gorgeous scenery!

Walking along the Samaria Gorge is one of the best hiking routes in Crete, as it is the longest gorge in all of Europe. The scenery is spectacular along the 11 mile path and it can be managed by any reasonably fit hiker. You will have a great sense of achievement at the end when you reach the Libyan Sea after hiking all the way from the White Mountains.

The Beaches

Lying in the sun, feeling your toes sink into the soft sand and gazing into your partner’s eyes… what could be more relaxing? There are miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches on the island of Crete and the weather is sure to be warm and sunny.

At the beach, Rethymnon Beach, Crete, Greece by jechstra

If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful beach, head to Rethymnon Beach, Aghios, or Nikolaos Beach. These spots offer a laid back atmosphere with a few cute shops and restaurants along the pretty harbour. In the harbour at Rethymnon, you will be able to enjoy live music while you relax in the warm sea breezes. If you are looking for more of a party beach, head to Malia Beach which is a popular hotspot for young tourists and has plenty of exciting bars.

These are just a few of the romantic activities that you can enjoy on the island of Crete. Of course, simply being on this island is romantic, as you soak up the warm sunshine and the laid back pace of Greek life. Taking the time to spend a holiday together can be a great way to rekindle your romance and put the spark back into your relationship.

An all inclusive holiday in Crete can be a great way to spend quality time with your special someone in a beautiful sunny setting.

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Mykonos is quickly developing into one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world, not just Europe. Its beautiful location to the south of the Greek mainland makes it a perfect balance of linked yet secluded from the busy areas of the country itself.

Mykonos / Charlie Dave

One of the most appealing aspects of the island is how there is something for everyone. Whether it is a lively night-time scene, a cultural experience or a wander around historical landmarks, Mykonos offers activities that anyone can enjoy.

Island Features

As one of the smallest of the Greek islands, Mykonos has a raw and savage feel to it, which, aggressive as the description sounds, merely serves to add to its beauty and charm. While being a land covered in rocky terrain, there is also miles of amazing sandy beaches which makes for a breath-taking landscape given the location of the island.

One other redeeming feature of Mykonos is that, although in recent years tourism has exploded, the island has retained most, if not all, of its authenticity and cultural roots, which made it such an attractive holiday destination in the first place.

Mykonos windmills / Allan Henderson

What to Do

As we alluded to earlier, Mykonos presents an array of activities both for individual holidaymakers as well as for family groups who have taken a trip to the island. During the day time, in addition to the gorgeous beaches there are a number of historical museums around the island, displaying archaeological treasures and details from the islands rich past. By night, the island comes alive and is home to some of the very best cuisine on offer throughout this part of the world. There are dozens of great value restaurants on Mykonos, many of which are situated on the sea front offering stunning views while you eat.

Whether you are looking for a quiet, romantic evening with a partner or a wild party to end your holiday in style, there is something for all tastes on the island of Mykonos. This variety is in stark contrast to many famous holiday destinations in the area, which are well known for their wild party scene however are somewhat one dimensional in that they offer very little else.

In addition, there are options for travellers to the island to go cycling or camping round the island, and given Mykonos is so small, this is arguably the best way to experience the true beauty of what the island has to offer, and have the opportunities to make some amazing discoveries for yourself.

Touristorama is a travel directory designed exclusively for people travelling to Greece and the Greek Islands, such as Mykonos.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marjolein Knuit

Experiencing tours of Greek islands means priceless memories of sightseeing galore and beach relaxation. In these wonderful islands, one can get hold of the past and the present as they blend in a wonderful array of picturesque landscapes, historical fortresses and landmarks, and awesome beaches.

Here are the top destinations you can go when you are on a Greece island tour. Discover the many riches and glory of the ancient Greece. Add up the natural beauty of its nature and surroundings and you will never regret why you chose to tour Greek islands.

Go Around the Rhodes Town. No one would miss Greece’s capital as well as the financial and cultural centre of the islands, the Rhodes Town. It is interesting to stroll in this town because Greece is seen both from the past and the present. Many will learn a lot from historical landmarks in the Old Town and bask in the modern leisure activities in the New Town.

Visit the Glorious Past of the Old Town. Take pictures on the mighty medieval fortresses built from old centuries as well as discover the legacy of the Crusader Knights of St John in defending the islands. These are just a few of the things you can do while visiting the Old Town.

Be Mesmerized with Mandraki Harbor. This is the place where once stood an ancient wonder of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes. Today, two deer made of pure bronze can be seen on the tall columns overlooking the marina filled with boats, yachts and excursion boats. Tourists are attracted with its beautiful views as well as the remains of the historical landmarks such as century-old fortresses, palaces, and Turkish minarets.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Fiore Silvestro Barbato

Send a Postcard From The Historic Lindos. Medieval and architecture enthusiasts will definitely get hooked with the famous antiquity. Lindos is actually built around the foot of a steep rock rising more than a hundred meters. On top, tourists are offered with amazing landscape views of the town, bays and the best of coastline overlooking Aegean Sea from the ancient Acropolis.

Get a true beach experience in Skiathos. With the long strip of crystalline beaches, clearly transparent waters, green vegetation, sumptuous food, Skiathos is nevertheless the perfect choice to relax in a short period of time. The island is also an excellent haven for night-outs. With bars, restaurants and other activity centres operating at night, your time will surely not be wasted during your stay at Skiathos.

These are just a few of the sumptuous treats that you will experience while on Greece island tour. If you wish to be a part of them all, arrange a day tour upon your arrival. Visit the sights and landmarks, take a dip on their blue waters, choose a water sport to enjoy, enjoy the green scenery, give way to your gastronomic pleasures and discover the rich culture the whole day, but do not miss out the night scene after those activities. Your Greece experience would surely be a lifetime memory you wanted to remember.

Post supplied by Sally at Explore-Earth Travel Blog – recommended for quirky and different destinations for your next vacation!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Arian Zwegers

Santorini is probably the most well known island in Greece. With beautiful blue roofed cottages gracing the jagged cliffs that tower over the clear waters of the sea, Santorini is a delightfully beautiful holiday destination. The historic city of Thira is located on this beautiful island offering a peek into Greek history. A museum filled with well-preserved artifacts from this site is located here and is hosted by a very knowledgeable staff. There are also several tours of the island featuring the sampling of local Santorini wines – which are said to be very good!

Corfu offers a very different backdrop from Santorini. This small island in the Ionian sea is a great escape for nature lovers. The best thing to do on this island is to take a cycling tour. Tours can be guided or not guided and offer a multiday panoramic view of the entire island allowing the visitor to enjoy the silence of nature, the beauty of the sea, and the hidden treasures of this lovely gem of the Ionian sea.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Gleave

Beach goers should find their holiday destination on the island of Mykonos. Known for its pristine beaches, excitement, and party type atmosphere, this holiday destination is guaranteed to please. Platys Gialos is the most popular beach on the island. Packed with beach resorts, restaurants, and many people, this beach is where the biggest and best parties are found. Slightly less crowded and a little quieter are the beaches of Kalo Livadi and Kakafatis. Still filled with fun, these two beaches are frequented by a more subdued crowd and tend to be more family friendly.

Travelers interested in the history of Greece and the Greek islands will enjoy the solitude and offerings of Delos, Patmos, and Rhodes. Delos was once a temple dedicated to Apollo and the entire island was dedicated to the worship of this god. Patmos finds its history in Christianity as well as in the Greek traditions. The monastery of St. John the Theologian is located here and John the Apostle spent time here as a prisoner of the Roman Empire. Rhodes is filled with Knights Templar history. Visit the remains of the walled city once ruled by the the Knights of St. John.

The Greek Islands have much to offer holiday travelers. Finding the perfect place for the perfect Greece holiday is easy and fun.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

The Greek Isles are a hotspot for the most interesting and picturesque holidays for everything from recreation to relaxation. Go island hopping from Santorini, to Crete, Mykonos and Karpathos, to name just a few of the jewels of this amazing region. Do not worry, no matter if you choose to take a leisurely stroll through the quaint villas or find a seaside adventure, there are countless things to see and do.

The Greek Islands are truly paradise on earth, with quaint villages that dot the landscape and seem untouched by time. Explore an amazing culture filled with wine, dance and song, mixed with exquisite culinary delights to soothe every palate. The locals are friendly and more than happy to introduce you to the island and make everything seem like a home away from home. From jeep safaris in the mountains to archaeological museums and even caves, there is so much to explore, allowing you to reconnect with your beloved companion in ways that neither of you could have ever imagined possible. 

Whether you are a young couple full of the party spirit or established partners looking for a new destination there are exciting bars and night clubs in towns like Malia on Crete while breathtaking volcanic views can be found on the tranquil isle of Santorini. One of the many great things about the islands is that they are filled with so many romantic enclaves in which to be alone together. Go on a leisurely stroll through cobble-stone streets and take in some shopping at the centre of the world, finding perfect gifts for each other.

Take a chance by making the Greek Isles your next romantic getaway and make memories for a lifetime.

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Poros is, like the most Greek islands, of volcanic origin. It consists of two parts – a small rocky island Sphairia and much bigger and busier Kalaureia, where is also a vast majority of hotel complexes and beaches. Both sites are connected by a bridge. The first building, which you see when you arrive on Poros, is the white clock tower overlooking the island Sphairia. From its summit, where you can get after overcoming incredible amount of stairs you have a wonderful view over the harbor and the picturesque local countryside.

On the Kalaureia you can then do a little trip to the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. This was built five hundred years before Christ in honor of the ruler of the seas, made of the granite stone, which was imported from the neighboring island of Aegina. In the fourth century, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake, so that today you can see mostly the foundations of that massive structures. Among them is also located Bust of Demosthenes, who was a prominent Greek orator, killed at Poros with a poison. If you are passionate lover of the ancient monuments, visit the small archaeological museum with the exhibition related to the Temple of Poseidon.

But to the Greek islands you mainly travel because of the sea and beautiful beaches, right? They can be found on the southern part of Poros, while the north is dominated by olive and citrus groves. The beaches here are rocky as well as sandy and you can rent a lounger with a parasol on all of them. To achieve perfection, do a short stay in a nice local tavern to taste a delicious moussaka and souvlaki.

Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. The journey from Piraeus port takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €18.

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Beaches
On the island you will find beautiful pebble and sandy beaches. The best beaches for swimming are mostly in the eastern part of the island. The beaches are gentle with a calm sea (the waves are nearly absent, since the eastern side is not open to the sea), while at the western part you can find rocks.

Climate
Corfu has the coldest climate of all Greek islands (in summer daytime temperatures are around 28 °C), which is pleasant in summer and suitable also for hiking and exploring the island. rare here in the summer of weak collisions occur.

Kerkyra Town
Kerkyra is the capital of Corfu. The town has over 35 000 inhabitants. You shouldn’t miss Vlacheraina monastery, which lies on the own little island.

Corfu is very attractive for its beauty, charm, freshness and distinctive villages with magical ports. In them you can find fishing boats and tavernas. Throughout the island you will see a huge amount of cypresses, olive trees, pines and citruses.

Northern coast of Corfu has long been a popular destination for air tours. The tourists are in this beautiful island totally excited. Many famous people have joined their life or name with this favorite destinations – for example, Johan Wolfgang Goethe, Oscar Wilde or the wife of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. – Elisabeth, called Sissi.

Corfu has also a rich history and interesting architecture. If you plan on sightseeing tour, you will certainly be happy that the island is dotted with plenty of sights worth visiting. You can visit Achillion – Classicist mansion, where the Empress Sissi spent much of her life. Another beautiful experience of your vacation could also be a walk to the ruins of a Byzantine castle Angelokastro from the 13th century or to the southernmost point of the island, which is Cape Asprokavos. There is an abandoned monastery, above which you can enjoy the view of 130m high rocky cliffs.

The Corfu has several interesting places that we strongly recommend you to visit: the capital of Corfu, Vlacherna monastery, Empress Sissi villa in the village of Gastouri, Pantokrator mountain, tourist town Paleokastritsa with nearby caves by the sea, village Lakoness, view Bela Vista or resort of Sidari with bizarre rocky reefs.

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