Secluded as well as cosmopolitan choices, easily accessed and not, promise unforgettable holidays in amazing waters
Boat holidays, especially when cruising about on a dinghy, offer a premium experience, especially in a country like Greece, offering countless kilometres of magical coastline and approximately 12,000 islands and rock islets.
Greece is a blessed place for boat holidays, enabling access to superb bays and beaches, and swimming in blue, indigo and turquoise-coloured waters, all transparent and pristine.
Such unique destinations can be found from one end of the country to the other. Some of these spots are secluded, others cosmopolitan. Access can be easy and not, but, whatever the case, all these coastal areas are truly rewarding.
Dinghies with motors are a great way to get around. They are flexible, eco-friendly, rank highly in terms of safety, and can be brought out to the beach. We present a list of destinations worth discovering.
Argo-Saronic Gulf, close to Athens
Beginning with destinations close to Athens, the Argo-Saronic Gulf offers dozens of boat ramps offering getaways from the capital’s highly frequented beaches. Fleves, south of the seaside resort Vouliagmeni, offers clean turquoise waters, as well as an anchorage for protection from northern winds. A nearby shipwreck, Panagis, also offers diving interest to the area.
Located close to Fleves, Patroklos, also known as Gaidouronisi, is on the route towards Sounio, opposite Legrena. A lighthouse on Patroklos also marks two beaches to either side. The islet’s indigo waters are considered good for fishing.
Located between Hydra and the mainland, Dokos, a rock islet, is uninhabited with ruins of a Venetian castle. It is usually overlooked by travellers, who consider the islet to be rugged territory with nothing to offer. However, Dokos is blessed with crystal-clear waters, bays, as well as a tiny beach at the base of a gigantic rock, all of which makes the islet quite special.
Nearby, Spetsopoula, a private island purchased by late Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos in the early 1960s, cannot be visited, but you can sail around and dip into its clear waters.
Euboean Gulf
The Petalioi island complex, resembling miniature tropical islands, is a small paradise close to Athens. The location’s turquoise, shallow waters, windless bay, and fine white sand all create an extraordinary setting. The beaches with sand dunes are a temptation. One of the islets of this complex hosts the Embirikos villa, a construction of architectural beauty.
Pagasetic Gulf
Situated at the edge of the Pagasitikos Gulf, where the magical Pelion mountain range ends, the islet Palaio Trikeri offers everything one could wish for when on a boat holiday: emerald waters, natural shade all the way to the sea, closed bays, as well as beaches suitable for mooring. It is shaped like a fjord, while the village of the same name features small tavernas as well as accommodation.
Corinthian Gulf
Passing through the Corinth Canal, beginning from the wider Athens area towards the Corinthian Gulf, is one of the most rewarding boat experiences for any skipper and his guests on board. This historic sea route, a narrow passage between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese, requires plenty of care on the wheel, but passing through the canal’s flat and towering walls is a life experience.
Passing through the canal into the Ionian Sea leads to Trizonia, a cluster of 3 islands, of which only the central island is inhabited. Boat service from Fokida is also offered. Cars are not permitted on this island. It features a marina and all the holiday essentials – tavernas, rooms for rent, as well as two beaches, Pounta and Aspra Halikia. Use of a dinghy in the area will enable you to discover many other bays and tiny beaches around the island.
Reaching the Ionian Sea
Though fans of the Aegean Sea are generally not drawn to the islands of the Ionian Sea, its enthusiasts would not change the Ionian Sea for anything. Gorgeous, lush islands with greenery often reaching the water, their waters are often calm, in stark contrast to the Aegean Sea’s treacherous, often unmanageable waters. The Ionian Sea’s calmer conditions make for smooth and relaxed sailing.
The Ionian Sea’s many small islands include Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Atoko, Arkoudi, the Kythros islets, Thilia, Formikoula, Prasonisi, Provati, Alafonisi, Petalou, as well as the Prigiponisia group of islands (Skorpios, Skorpidi, Sparti, Madouri, Heloni and Tsokari). Boat service is offered to some of these, including Meganisi, while others, such as Skorpios, are out of bounds.
Meganisi, just off Lefkada, to the southeast, can be reached by ferry boat but, keep in mind, one part of the island, its southernmost edge, can only be reached and explored on a private boat. This section is endowed with one of the country’s most impressive inlets, filled with a succession of amazing little bays. The waters in the area are transparent, milky blue and surrounded by wild rocks, making it difficult to spot beaches. But they are not really needed. Moor your boat at any inlet and just dip straight into the water.
Neighbouring Skorpios, the world-famous island bought by the late Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis and now controlled by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, is not open to the public, but swimming in its waters is permitted, as is reaching one specific beach, where yachts gather. Madouri, an islet opposite Lefkada port town Nydri, hosts the house of 19th century poet Aristotelis Valaoritis. Visitors may sail to the waters before the poet’s house. Further out, the islets Atokos and Arkoudi, featuring lush tops, are alone at sea. Both offer great little spots for mooring.
Atokos, a rocky islet with wild beauty and unadulterated nature, features one large beach with sand and pebbles. It is an attraction for travellers visiting on boats. The islet also has three smaller beaches, all offering transparent, crystal-clear waters. Arkoudi is an islet of rare beauty with exotic waters and two little harbours, side by side.
Kalamos and Kastos, both inhabited small islands, are close to western Greece’s mainland Etoloakarnania region and are serviced by boat connections. However, reaching these islands on your own boat opens the realm of possibilities here. The small ports are picturesque. The scent of thyme, basil and pines fills the air. Pine forests here often stretch all the way to the water.
The waters are turquoise and the beaches pebble-covered and shady on both islands. Despite being inhabited, Kalamos and Kastos are regulated by tough vehicle restrictions. Farming vans and certain vehicles used for municipal activities are exempted from the restrictions.
Acheron river mouth
If you are located a little further north, close to the picturesque village Ammoudia, it is worth entering the mouth of the Acheron river and reaching as deep as the river permits.
The river route, usually covered by kayak, was, according to ancient Greek mythology, one of the rivers of the underworld. It is blessed with rare vegetation, superb emerald waters, pristine nature and amazing ravines.
Amazing Antipaxos
Heading further north in the Ionian Sea leads to Antipaxos, a paradise island with exotic beaches and turquoise waters, reflecting a combination of the seabed’s pure-white sand and the island’s greenery. Visitors to this small island will find amazing small beaches, some of these at caves within rock formations, which can be reached by boat.
Further north, the Diapontian Islands Mathraki, Othonoi and Ereikoussa, represent the last group of islands within Greek territory. All three islands are inhabited, have harbours and small tavernas as well as limited accommodation. Holidaying here is like going back in time.
Aegean Sea sailing
Moving away from the Ionian Sea, to the Aegean Sea, a group of islands south of Patmos, dubbed the “Polynesia of the Aegean”, is one of Greece’s most impressive areas. A boat is needed to enjoy this area to its fullest.
Leipsoi, Arkoi, Marathi, Agathonisi, Aspronisi, Tiganakia and dozens more surrounding rock islets create a marvellous whole of crystal-clear waters, magical bays and relaxed mooring. The sea, fascinating, is also ideal for spearfishing and diving. Numerous small and hospitable tavernas serving delicious local culinary delights may be found on these islands.
South of Agathonisi, Tiganakia promises an unforgettable experience, but keep in mind, this island attracts many boats. Makronisi, next to Leipsoi, features a cave, easily found. A long dive through an underwater hole hear leads to a lagoon, a unique setting.
Read also:
