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Final Up to date on September 6, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Dreaming of crusing in Greece? Right here’s our Greece island hopping itinerary that can assist you plan your epic summer time!
We’ve simply returned from spending all summer time in Europe — and the spotlight of our summer time was island-hopping round Greece with Yacht Getaways. It was the dreamiest journey we’ve taken in years, with an ideal steadiness of exercise and rest.
Our days onboard the catamaran had been spent swimming in turquoise waters, napping beneath the sail with the wind in our face, mountaineering as much as spectacular viewpoints, wandering round stunning little villages consuming the freshest seafood and sipping essentially the most scrumptious wine.
In my earlier put up, I confirmed you what to anticipate from a Greece crusing vacation. Now I’m sharing our 1-week Greece island-hopping itinerary and the idyllic islands, cities and sights we visited every day.
Greece Island-Hopping Itinerary
Why Sail on a Chartered Yacht?
Unquestionably, crusing on a yacht is one of the best ways to go island-hopping round Greece. Greece has hundreds of islands, a lot of that are small and fewer frequented by vacationers. Crusing permits you to attain these distant and fewer crowded locations. You get to flee the group and have a extra genuine expertise, visiting smaller fishing villages, eating at native taverns and experiencing Greek island life up shut.
Apart from, there are numerous secret coves and seashores which are solely accessible by boat. If you sail on a yacht, you’ll be able to anchor in secluded coves, swim in personal bays, and luxuriate in intimate moments away from crowded seashores. And whenever you go on a chartered yacht, you’ll have a skipper and host caring for all the pieces and all you could do is chill and luxuriate in stunning Greece.
About Our Greece Crusing Journey
We sailed across the Ionian Islands of Greece with Yacht Getaways onboard a Lagoon 42 catamaran. Our catamaran had 4 double cabins (with capability for 8 passengers), all with en suite showers and bogs, plus there have been two single cabins for the crew. It was the proper measurement; something greater could be much less private and intimate.
There was loads of area to lounge round, together with the cushioned seating space on the again, the lounger on the highest deck, and the trampoline within the entrance. The boat had two paddle boards and we had been free to make use of them at swim stops. Snorkels had been additionally offered. We additionally had a young boat that brings us into city if we’re not docked to the marina. Click on to see images of the inside.
The Ionian Explorer Route
Yacht Getaways runs just a few routes in Greece (in addition to Montenegro, Turkey, Italy and Croatia), and we selected the Corfu Explorer route as we needed to discover Greece, off the overwhelmed path. Now we have been to standard islands like Santorini and Crete, and we had been curious to see how the Ionian Islands had been like.
The Ionian Explorer route turned out to be precisely what we had been in search of — it took us away from the group to less-visited islands like Paxos and Antipaxos. Each city we stopped at has its distinctive persona and tradition. Lakka was ridiculously cute with its white alleys and stone homes clad with bougainvillea; Longos had an enthralling fishing village really feel; Parga felt like a flamboyant, enjoyable seaside city whereas Sivota was its refined and low-key cousin.
Right here’s an in depth day-to-day breakdown of our Greece island-hopping itinerary.
Greece Island Hopping Itinerary
Itinerary Day 1: Set off from Corfu
Our crusing journey began on the Gouvia Marina, one of many greatest marinas in Greece. It was a fast 15-minute drive from Previous City Corfu the place we’d spent the day. There have been tons of of yachts anchored there, so it wasn’t significantly simple to seek out our yacht. However I dropped a fast message to our skipper, and he was fast to reply and assist us discover our approach.
At 4pm, Alberto and I boarded our Lagoon 42 catamaran, aptly named ‘Fantasea’ and had been warmly welcomed with a bottle of Prosecco. We acquired to fulfill our host Lauren, our skipper Levi, and different journey mates. Our group of vacationers had been from all around the world; there was a younger Kiwi and Czech couple, an older Australian couple and a solo feminine traveler from the UK. Everybody was very pleasant and excited to embark on this journey collectively.
Lauren and Levi gave us a fast briefing to tell us what to anticipate over the week after which they confirmed us to our rooms and gave us directions on tips on how to function the bathroom, home windows and cupboards. Our cabin was fairly snug and decent-sized. We had a double mattress with numerous compartments on either side of the mattress and storage beneath. The lavatory was spacious and there was really a correct bathe with a glass sliding door.
Crusing North to Kalami Bay
Shortly after, it was time to set sail! The sail flapped within the wind as we cruised north alongside the jap coast of Corfu in the direction of Kalami Bay. With beers in hand, all of us sat out on the entrance finish of the boat to look at the view as we left the busy marina behind and head out into the indigo sea.
Inside a few hours, we arrived at Kalami Bay, a perfectly-shaped cove with a beautiful seaside and hilltop homes overlooking the bay. A couple of of us plunged into the water and had a refreshing dip whereas others lay round studying a ebook. That night, our host Lauren had booked a desk at her favourite restaurant on the town, Dimitri’s Restaurant.
Perched on a hilltop, the normal tavern had wonderful views of the bay, particularly at sundown. The menu was traditional Greek, that includes recent seafood and grilled meat. Alberto and I ordered a blended grill for 2, but it surely was so big we may barely end it. The proprietor Dimitri even graced us along with his look and made certain we had been all pleased with our meals. We clinked glasses, gulped down superb selfmade wine, and tucked into the hearty dinner with our new mates, because the final rays of the solar disappeared over the horizon.
Itinerary Day 2: Wander round Lakka, Paxos
The subsequent morning, we rose vibrant and early after being lulled to sleep by the mild waves. There was no set get up time, we merely acquired up each time we needed and loved a cup of espresso whereas staring out to sea. There was an enormous plate of nicely-cut recent fruit laid out for us, in addition to yogurt and oats.
By 9am, Lauren had ready a selection of sizzling breakfast: scrambled eggs, toasts, and bacon. Quickly sufficient, it was time to start out crusing. Our group of vacationers unfold out, some lounged on the higher deck to get a tan, some napped on the trampoline, and others learn within the shade.
Crusing to Paxos Island
It was fairly an extended crusing day as we needed to cowl numerous distance at this time, crossing the size of Corfu down south to Paxos island. After 2 hours of crusing, we had our first swim cease in Skala Potamou, a quiet cove with crystal clear, spearmint waters. A couple of of us took the paddle-board out whereas the remainder of us plunged in and simply had enjoyable leaping into the massive outside “pool”.
By 2pm, we reached our vacation spot for the day, Lakka, and dropped anchor on the far finish of the bay. Lunch was served onboard — we had recent oven-baked sea bass with grilled potatoes and pita bread, together with white wine. This was simply the primary of many superb meals we’d have on the boat, due to our superb prepare dinner, Lauren.
Exploring Lakka’s Secret Seaside
It was approach too sizzling within the day to go off and discover, so we took a nap (as you’ll on a Greece crusing vacation!) earlier than heading out. Levi took us out on the tender and dropped us off on the “Secret Seaside” the place we went on a brief hike to a quiet, empty seaside. Then we walked over to the lighthouse and wandered into Lakka city. Lakka is a small, however extremely charming fishing village with stoned walkways and little homes lined in vines and bougainvilleas.
A Conventional Greek Dinner
That night time, we met up with our group for dinner at Nio Nio’s Taverna, a family-run tavern identified for his or her healthful environment and luxury meals. The proprietor and chef, Nio Nio, even invited us in what the kitchen had for the day and it was an enormous and welcoming unfold. We ended up selecting the beef pastisada (a wealthy beef stew) and shrimps cooked in ouzo (a Greek liquor). It was such an genuine expertise eating on this conventional tavern in slightly village!
Itinerary Day 3: A Gradual Day in Longos, Paxos
It was a lazy morning on the catamaran, as we’d all gotten into the sluggish rhythm and tempo of life out at sea. We had a hearty breakfast of French toasts with maple syrup, earlier than setting sail solely round 10+am. It was going to be a really brief crusing day, so we had been in no rush.
At our first cease, Alberto and I swam over to Orkos seaside, strewn with white pebbles and the occasional sea urchins (that’s why you want water sneakers!). The seaside was empty, so we just about had all of it to ourselves. We walked to the far finish of the seaside and climbed just a few steps to succeed in a viewpoint. It was the proper option to begin our morning.
Wandering round Longos
Our vacation spot for the day, Longos, was only a 30-minute sail away. By 12pm, we’d dropped our anchor on the small harbor, simply steps from the waterfront eating places and cafes. All of us headed off for a wander on the town and stocked up on snacks and wine (we had completed the six bottles of wine that had been on the boat!).
Longos is just like Lakka, a tiny fishing village with small boutiques, cute cafes, taverns and slim stoned alleys. As with different cities, it solely will get vigorous within the night when the solar units and temperatures drop.
Embracing the Greek Expertise
By the point we acquired again to the boat, Lauren had whipped up a colourful and welcoming meal of baked peppers filled with orzo together with freshly-baked olive bread and salad. We love the Mediterranean delicacies (we lived in Spain for over 7 years!) and the meals on this crusing journey was good for our tastebuds.
After lunch, just a few of us walked over to the seaside simply subsequent to the harbor, Paralia Levrechio, for a swim. There was a bar proper subsequent to the seaside, and we ended up having a good time there chatting and consuming beers with our journey mates.
A Pretty Night with Seafood and Cocktails
Within the night, we had an impressive dinner at Restaurant Kohili proper by the water. The grilled octopus, steamed mussels and squid ink risotto had been a few of the finest I’ve had on this journey. Like most cities, Longos solely really comes alive at night time. Tables are laid out by the harbor, locals are consuming wine and having seafood outdoor, and waterfront bars are lit up in candlelight.
Itinerary Day 4: A Day of Journey at Gaios, Paxos
This was the busiest day on this Greece island-hopping itinerary! We began the day with breakfast and a swim cease at Paralia Kipadi or James Bond Bay, aptly named for the few million-dollar beachfront villas that dot the shoreline. The water after all was glowing and a chic shade of turquoise.
It didn’t take lengthy to sail to Gaios, the capital and largest city on Paxos island. Lauren and Levi had shared some suggestions on what to do and we had been pumped to move out and discover! After a fast and yummy lunch of grilled sausages and shakshuka (Center jap poached eggs in tomato sauce), Alberto and I dashed off for our day of journey on Paxos.
Exploring the Island on a Scooter
Our first cease was the automotive rental store. We employed a scooter from Fougaros Journey for €35/day, with the plan of driving a complete loop across the loop in at some point. Alberto used to personal a scooter so he had no issues driving across the island. Heading south, we first made a cease at Mongonissi Seaside and did a brief hike to see the view of Antipaxos within the distance. The stone ridges within the space resembled basalt columns, jutting out like stone fingers.
Mountaineering to Tripito Arch
Then we rounded the southern reaches of the island and continued onto Tripito Arch, the icon of Paxos. It wasn’t simple to seek out the beginning of the mountaineering path amidst the maze of farmlands, however we did finally discover ourselves on the cliff’s edge, with ferocious azure waters tumbling towards the rocky shore beneath us.
Whereas I hung onto the security of the cliff, Alberto traipsed ahead, onto the pure stone arch that hung precariously onto the cliff. It appeared scary from my finish, however Alberto got here again reporting that it wasn’t fairly as hair-raising because it seemed.
Discovering the Finest Seaside on Paxos
Hopping again onto our scooter, we continued cruising alongside the western coast of Paxos seeking what we’d heard was the most effective seaside on the island. Navigating the winding street that zigzagged its approach down the steep slopes, we may see Erimitis Seaside from the space: chalky child blue water lapping up towards sheer white cliffs that appeared to simply plunge vertiginously right down to the water edge.
It was as wonderful as I’d imagined. And there was only a handful of individuals on the seaside! We spent the subsequent few hours frolicking within the seaside right here, absorbing paradise.
A Enjoyable Night in Full of life Gaios
After doing a loop across the island, we returned the scooter and headed again to the yacht for a enjoyable night with the group. Lauren and Levi had ready a scrumptious spherical of Aperol Spritz for us together with some dips and breadsticks. We then headed to the upscale Taka Taka restaurant for dinner; as soon as once more the seafood right here was to-die-for — the shrimp saganaki was drenched in an insanely wealthy sauce and the seafood linguine was dripping with flavors. We ended the night time enjoying pool and sipping cocktails on the vigorous Faros Cafe/Bar, only a few steps from our floating residence.
Itinerary Day 5: Exploring Antipaxos and Parga
The subsequent day, I woke as much as discover we’d already began crusing. After a fast breakfast, I took a dip at Blue Lagoon and frolicked across the indigo waters, wishing this was one thing I may do each morning!
With our sails up, we made our approach south to Antipaxos, Paxos’ sister island. Measuring simply 5 sq. kilometers, Antipaxos is a wild and pristine island largely lined in vineyards. The tiny, unspoiled island has no scarcity of secret seashores and tiny coves to discover.
We cruised towards the western bay of Antipaxos, the place we dropped anchor and spent just a few hours paddling into the tiny caves and lagoons. It was insanely cool to swim by the caves and snorkel within the water — this was positively certainly one of my favourite spots on this crusing journey. We felt so privileged to have the ability to discover an space so pristine and unvisited that solely those that sail right here will get to see.
Crusing throughout to Mainland Greece
Lunch was served proper at this beautiful spot, surrounded by the turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. We tucked right into a wholesome meal of hen souvlaki (skewers), caesar salad and my favourite tzatziki (yogurt dip) earlier than getting ready to set sail. It took shut to three hours to cross the Ionian Sea and attain the mainland the place we’d drop anchor for the night time.
Within the late afternoon, we arrived on the picturesque seaside city of Parga the place a big fleet of sailboats had docked. It was clear we had been on mainland Greece — highways weaved throughout the shoreline, colourful homes stacked up on hilltops and tall mountains loomed behind them.
Sundown Views in Parga
As our yacht couldn’t park within the marina, we caught a water taxi into city and boy had been we stunned by how busy it was within the night! We jostled the group to move up the steep slim walkway that weave its approach by the city. The walkway was flanked by memento outlets, gelato stalls and cafes — it was much more touristy than the islands we’d docked at on our earlier nights. However the minute we veered away from the primary walkway, we discovered quiet little cafes, cute pink homes lined in bougainvillea and charming little blue-and-white taverns that serve surprisingly low cost meals.
Ultimately, we made it to the Avocado Cocktail Bar to catch sundown views. Unfold over three ranges, the bar ignored the Parga Bay and past. Drinks had been fairly dear right here however the view was value it! Dinner was a easy affair of streetside filo pastry and gyros (wrap) and we ended the night time with some beers on the Antico Rock Bar.
Itinerary Day 6: Crusing to Sivota
That morning, I lastly rose early sufficient to catch dawn. Sitting out on the highest deck, I watched the solar slowly poke its head above the clouds earlier than splashing its rays throughout the horizon, washing all the pieces in a blinding shade of gold. It was really spectacular and positively value setting an alarm for!
Mountaineering to Parga Fortress
As we had the morning to discover extra of Parga, Alberto and I took off after breakfast to hike as much as Parga Fortress. Perched on high of a hill overlooking the city, the Venetian fort has been an necessary landmark of Parga because the fifteenth century. It types a part of the sturdy fortifications used to guard the city from invasions from land and sea. The stroll up there was steep, but it surely solely took round quarter-hour to succeed in the fort and drink within the panorama from there.
On our approach right down to the seaside, we stopped by Mike’s Bar for a juice and drank within the views. From right here, you possibly can see the brand new city of Parga in its full glory.
Crusing to Sivota
Round midday, we set sail northwards alongside the coast of mainland Greece. We made just a few swim stops alongside the best way. All of us took turns taking the SUP (stand-up paddleboard) out and we had nice enjoyable leaping off the deck and snorkeling within the clear sea. There have been a number of fish at this spot.
Our lunch that day was significantly spectacular — Lauren ready a lovely charcuterie board with every kind of cheese, ham, fruit, dips and pita bread. It seemed so photogenic I didn’t bear to eat something. It positively felt like we had been having a classy lunch celebration!
Sundowners and Fireworks
It was nearly night time once we dropped anchor in Sivota. We headed out for a wander and located the beautiful marina city to be a lot calmer than Parga. As I discovered from Lauren, Sivota is usually standard with Greeks quite than European vacationers. Regardless of being much less touristy, Sivota is extra trendy with out a lot of a historic heart to it.
Because the solar set, we went for a leisure stroll alongside the pedestrianized purchasing road, popping into indie boutiques with gelato in hand. We then met up with the group for jumbo cocktails at Acanthus Cocktail Bar and watched the final ebb of the solar disappear past the horizon. The celebration continued at Mama Mia, the place we tucked into large pizzas with wine, as fireworks exploded within the night time skies.
Itinerary Day 7: Again to Corfu
Our final day on the sailboat got here too quickly! We spent the morning crusing in the direction of Corfu and making a number of swim stops alongside the best way. By midday we had been cruising close to Previous City Corfu — the previous fortress seemed much more regal from the water. That afternoon, we docked at Gouvia Marina and had our final dinner collectively as a gaggle earlier than leaving the yacht the subsequent morning.
Greece Island Hopping Information
Finest Time for Island Hopping in Greece
The crusing season in Greece usually spans from April to October. July and August are the busiest months, providing heat climate however crowded ports. Might, June, September, and October are perfect for quieter seas and nice climate. We sailed within the first week of August and the climate was good! Our route took us to less-visited locations that weren’t crowded even within the peak of summer time.
In case you are crusing within the Aegean, verify the wind situations earlier than your journey. The meltemi is a robust, dry wind that may have an effect on crusing situations, particularly within the Aegean Sea.
How Lengthy for a Greece Island Hopping Journey?
Greece has hundreds of islands, it can take a lifetime (or extra!) to see all of them. Most chartered Greece crusing holidays final for every week and do a round-trip loop beginning/ending on the identical island. One week is an effective quantity to spend on a yacht. On this journey we spent 5 days in Corfu earlier than crusing for every week with Yacht Getaways.
If it’s your first time in Greece, I’d suggest setting apart not less than 2 weeks so you’ll be able to mix every week on land and every week island-hopping round Greece.
What to Pack for this Greece Island Hopping Itinerary
Packing gentle is vital for those who’re planning on crusing in Greece, as yachts don’t often have a number of space for storing. You’ll be spending most of your time within the water, so positively get numerous sun-proof gear. Additionally pack leisure like a ebook or iPad as you’ll have a number of downtime whereas crusing.
I like to recommend bringing sun-proof rashguards that may defend your pores and skin whereas snorkeling. KEEN footwear or regular sandals are actually helpful for water actions. Snorkel masks and fins are often offered by the yacht.
Packing Record for a Greece Crusing Journey
Greece Island-Hopping Ideas
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The Ionian Sea may be very calm and barely windy, however the Aegean Sea can get tough generally. In the event you do undergo from sea illness, remember to convey sea-sickness bracelets or drugs. Keep above deck and hold your eye on the horizon line.
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You don’t want any crusing expertise to go on a chartered crusing journey. The skipper and host care for all the pieces. However you’ll be able to assist with getting the fenders overboard, holding the ropes or decreasing the anchor. Typically, you’ll be able to participate within the crusing of the yacht as a lot or as little as you want.
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There was no WiFi on our boat (it is determined by which vessel you’re crusing with), so we purchased eSIMs from Airalo beforehand. I like to recommend shopping for an eSIM so you’ll be able to have 5G web in your cellphone.
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Attempt to pack gentle (carry-on provided that you’ll be able to) as a result of a huge suitcase gained’t slot in a yacht cabin.
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Use solely biodegradable sunscreen (or reef-friendly sunscreen) when crusing in Greece.
General View of the Crusing Journey
Alberto and I had a blast and truthfully liked each minute of our Greece crusing vacation with Yacht Getaways. We significantly preferred this Greece island-hopping itinerary; It confirmed us a aspect of Greece we didn’t know existed — secret coves, empty seashores and ridiculously charming fishing villages that solely Greeks go to. [Read my full review.]
It was additionally the correct amount of exercise and rest — I hadn’t felt this relaxed in years! I’m not somebody who can sit by the pool or lie on the seaside all day, however I simply spent hours gazing out to the ocean whereas we had been crusing. It was completely hypnotizing. I additionally liked our itinerary, taking us away from the crowded spots and into the less-visited areas.
The catamaran was very snug, our crew was improbable and meals had been superb. This journey made me wish to do extra crusing holidays; possibly even study to sail and constitution our personal boat subsequent time! Maybe to Montenegro or Croatia subsequent 12 months? Who is aware of!
Disclaimer: Our journey was hosted by Yacht Getaways, however as all the time, all opinions expressed above are our personal.
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