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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Right through the center of the city leads the line which divided Cyprus into two Republics. It is still the capital and largest city of both Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Even today, the Turks called the city Lefkoşa and the Greeks as Lefkosia. However at present, the situation is not so difficult as before.

What to see in Nicosia?

• Huge city walls that have been built in 16th century by Venetians to protect the city against Turks. The 4,5 metres thick wall used to have three gates. The Famagusta gate is now used as a cultural centre.
• The Archbishop’s Palace with a Byzantine museum
• Eleftheria (Freedom) Square – the centre of the city
• Mosques, e.g. the Selimiye Mosque – ancient church in the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia

View Nicosia – the capital of Cyprus in a larger map

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Piazza di Ferrari, Genoa, Liguria, Italy by Hpschaefer

In the Roman Era, Genoa was one of the most powerful states in the Empire. Their power continued on for centuries and it is even said that the flag of England was adopted from Genoa back in 1190. They were considered to be a super power back in the 10th century. Their power would finally come to an end in 1381 when the Venetians conquered the city.

While the city went through countless busts in development, much of the more historically significant buildings were left standing and were well maintained over the centuries. In the old city center, you will find most of the city’s most notable monuments and structures. Here you will find the Piazza de Ferrari, the Via Garibaldi as well as Doge’s Palace. There is also the 16th century Musei di Strada Nuova and the 5th century St. Lorence Cathedral. The largest sea aquarium in Europe can be found in the old port area which has recently been converted into a shopping center.

Duomo di Genoa, Liguria, Italy by Idéfix

Along the edges of the Piazza de Ferrari, is where you will find the home of Christopher Columbus. While it is unclear as to whether or not Columbus was born in Genoa, what is known is that he spent most of his childhood in the city before becoming the navigator touted as having discovered America. There is also a monument nearby that has been dedicated to the world famous navigator.

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