 | Destinations | Greece |
Greece the cradle of western civilization is an historic maritime nation made up of five different pristine cruising areas: the Ionian Sea, the Saronic/Argolic Gulfs, the Cyclades, the Sporades and the Dodecanese.
Ionian Sea… an area famous for calmer sailing conditions, miles of beaches and forested shaded coves. Islands include: Paxi, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Zakinthos and other smaller islands.
Saronic/Argolic Gulf… south of Athens this region offers quintessentially beautiful Greek islands, with terracotta tiled roofs and bougainvillea cascading down the sides of buildings. Known for some major historical sites, this area offers calm protected waters surrounded by the majestic Peleponnese Mountains. Islands include: Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and a multitude of quaint fishing harbors set along the sloping green mainland.
Cyclades… the Cyclades is the largest cruising area in Greece and is made up of 220 islands. Home to sacred historic sites, cosmopolitan towns, miles of beaches and the clearest waters on earth; this volcanic archipelago is truly the pride of Greece. Islands include: Amorgos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kythnos, Mykonos, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Syros and breathtaking Santorini.
Dodecanese… the Dodecanese islands are a blend of tiny fishing harbors, small coves as well as more well-known island destinations. Visible from the coast of Turkey and steeped in history, religion and more contemporary Greek commerce the Dodecanese forms the boundary between east and west. Islands include: Kalymnos, Kos, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos and Symi.
Sporades… what sets this lesser known group of islands apart is the striking contrast between the emerald sea, the sun bleached stone and the thick green pine forest. For their sheer beauty two of the Sporades were used for the shooting location of the film Mamma Mia. This chain of islands is also known for its endangered seals and unique marine life. Islands include: Alonissos, Skiathos and Skopelos.
Average air temperatures
Temperatures in the spring months of April, May and June, range from 21-30°C. In the summer months of July, August and September you can expect temperatures to rise to 26-38°C.
Average water temperatures
Water temperatures are cooler in the spring months of April, May and June ranging from 15-22°C. In the hotter summer months of July, August and September the surface water reaches perfect swimming temperatures of 22-27°C.
Best time to visit
May through November are the warmer, drier months. May, June, July and September are the best months to visit with nice weather conditions while avoiding the crowded hot month of August.
Not to miss while you are in Greece
Athens… the largest city in Greece and fourth largest in the European Union, is credited with being the birthplace of democracy and of western civilization. Looming over the city skyline, you can't miss the majestic columns of the Parthenon up on the Acropolis hill. Built in 438BC this 320ft long Doric temple is one the most important architectural monuments in the world. The Acropolis area also has numerous museums and open-air theaters that still have live performances. Below the Acropolis is the Agora or ancient marketplace, the Olympic Stadium, the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museums among many other attractions.
Surrounding the Acropolis hill is the Plaka area, a charming pedestrian tourist district in the heart of the city where you will find traditional Greek restaurants, unique souvenir and clothing shops and friendly Athenians. Athens is also the access point for touring the interior sites of Greece such as Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Sparta, Meteora and others. Athens and the surrounding area features some of the most important historical sites in the world, which makes the region rank among the top global tourism destinations worldwide.
Santorini… as a result of its unique geology, Santorini is the most breathtaking of all the Greek islands. The island one sees today is what remains of a huge volcanic cataclysm in 1500BC that left a collapsed six-mile round crater. Must see historic sites are the entombed Minoan town of Akrotiri, thought to be the lost civilization of Atlantis and the hilltop settlement of ancient Thira that dates from 900BC. A great place for lunch and a swim is the black sand beach of Perissa and another interesting location is the original town of Pyrgos. In the north of the island, the UNESCO heritage town of Oia is the most beautiful place to stay and is famous for the sunsets. Santorini gastronomy is typically Greek but features delicious Santorini cherry tomatoes and deep fried tomato balls or tomato keftedes. Santorini is also well known for its fine wine and wine tasting is enjoyed at over a dozen of vineyards.
Milos... the island of Milos is the furthest southwest in the Cycladic chain and is truly off the beaten course. The reward for traveling this far south is that the island offers some of the most exceptional geology in Greece. On the north coast you can visit the spectacular volcanic creek of Sarakiniko and the deep grotto of Papafraga. A short drive along the north coast is the charming fishing villages of Madrakia and Pollonia. Up at the island's chora or hilltop town, is the Hellenistic amphitheatre where the statue of the Venus de Milos was unearthed. On the south coast lies the fabulous deserted beach of Firiplaka and the maze of caves, creeks and cliffs which is Kelftiko - one of the marvels of the Aegean. If you join the Aegean Adventure either by flotilla or cabin charter you will enjoy a night under the stars anchored at uninhabited Kleftiko bay. Swimming, snorkeling or kayaking through the caves and translucent waters is a surreal experience.
Miloan gastronomy features exquisite cheese pies known as pitarakia and barley bread rolls served with goat's cheese which probably comes from the island's rural roots. An exquisite restaurant choice in Milos is Ergina's Ouzeri in Tripiti, or Glaros taverna at beautiful Pollonia Bay.
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