DOCSLIB.ORG

Things to Do on Naxos

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Nestled in the South Aegean Sea, beautiful Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands. It is famous for its lush and fertile lands along with its picturesque, whitewashed villages and towns. Its mountainous landscape is also famous for its marble, which has been used to make statues for centuries. You can even visit a marble quarry! A guided walking tour is a great way to get a feel for the Chora (town) and a full day bus tour of the island is a great way to spend a day. There are numerous day trips you can do and the stunning Small Cyclades islands are just offshore including the lovely island of Donousa. Although it has a modest permanent population, Naxos’ beauty makes it a popular place for tourists. Its a big island, there’s some fantastic accommodation and there are a lot of great things to do on Naxos. Beaches in Naxos Naxos is famous for its long, sandy beaches, in fact some of the longest beaches anywhere on the Greek Islands can be found here. If you’re looking for something to do in Naxos, visiting one of the beautiful beaches is a great choice. Plaka One of the longest beaches of all is Plaka, which extends a dazzling four kilometres in length. For decades, it was a nudists’ beach, and they can still be found on the beach in low season. In high season, however, the popularity of the beach means that only a small section is clothing-optional. The rest is popular with visitors of all types, from families enjoying the crystal clear water to young revellers drinking at the nearby bars and cafes. With so much sand to go around, there is plenty of room to enjoy its beauty. Agios Prokopios Although it’s not the longest beach on Naxos, it is widely considered the most beautiful. In fact, Agios Prokopios is often called one of the most beautiful beaches on all of the Greek Islands, with its swathes of soft sand and glistening clear water. As it is located just five kilometres away from Naxos Town, it is also one of the most popular beaches on the island. As a result, there is a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops to enjoy not far from the water. You can also rent snorkels and banana boats from the shore. Agios Anna Also within close proximity of Naxos Town is Agia Anna, a picturesque cove and sandy beach. While it’s technically a continuation of Agios Prokopios, it has a quieter and more traditional feel, mostly thanks to the small wooden fishing boats dotted along the shore. That said, it is still a busy beach that is well organised, with plenty of sun umbrellas and amenities nearby. In addition, as the cove is quite secluded, it is generally quite calm, making it suitable for swimmers of all ages. Paralia Mikri Viglia Located on the west coast of Naxos, Paralia Mikri Viglia is often lashed by strong winds. While this means it is not ideal for weak swimmers, it is very popular with water sports enthusiasts and those looking for adventurous things to do on Naxos. In particular, the beach is well-known for its excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s also popular amongst divers and snorkellers, thanks to the many fish that can be spotted just off the shore. There are a couple of buses per day from Naxos Town in high season, although it is easiest to reach with your own car. Abram With dozens of beaches on Naxos, there are plenty of hidden gems to enjoy away from the crowds. One of the most beautiful is Abram on the northwest coast. Although it is only 20 kilometres from Naxos Town, it is much quieter than the closer beaches – although it still has a fair bit going on in peak season. The beach itself is picturesque, with sparkling blue sea and views of Mykonos way off in the distance. If you’re looking for a quiet beach in Naxos not too far from town, this is a great option. St George beach St George Beach, also known as Agios Georgios is the main beach of Naxos as is right near the town or Chora. It is a calm, shallow beach which is usually protected from any wind and therefore is very popular with families. It is well serviced with many sunbeds, cafes and tavernas and at night it transforms into a quiet beachfront resort with some excellent toes-in-the-and dining venues. Its easy to walk to St George from the town and there are several small hotels right on the beachfront as well. Further reading: The best beaches on Naxos more outdoor things to do on Naxos Naxos is blessed with a rich natural environment complete with mountains, fertile plains and lush valleys. As a result, many of the best things to do in Naxos are outdoors. Rina Cave Located on the island’s southern coast, Rina Cave is one of the most beautiful places on Naxos. The cave is nestled near the right side of the beach, with its entrance surrounded by beautiful green-blue waters. The postcard-perfect look of the cave makes visiting it one of the most popular things to do in Naxos. In order to reach it, you’ll need to take a water taxi to the secluded beach, where you can then swim in the beautiful blue waters. The beach nearby is also lovely for relaxing upon. Aliko Juniper Forest There are only eight cedar forests in all of Greece, and one of the most beautiful is the Aliko Juniper Forest in southwest Naxos. In the 80s, there were plans to build a mega resort here, however luckily it never came to fruition and it remains largely unspoiled. Today, the trees come nearly up to the water’s edge, just leaving behind a slither of soft sand to enjoy. As well as relaxing on the beach in the shade of the forest, you can also take a walk along the many walking paths. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy one of the most unique landscapes in Greece. Historical sites on Naxos For the Ancient Greeks, Naxos was one of the most important part of the Cyclades. As a result, there are many remnants of the past left behind, making it a paradise for history lovers. Hora Naxos boasts one of the most charming capitals of any of the Greek Islands – Hora, or Naxos Town. While it may not be quite as developed as some of the other cities on larger islands like Mykonos, many visitors fall in love with its undeniable charm. It is well-known for its hodge podge of narrow laneways and its white-washed cube houses and buildings. Simply walking around it is a delight, while there are many great cafes and tavernas to enjoy. Portara Perhaps the most iconic sight of Naxos is that of Portara, the ruins of an ancient temple that occupies an impressive hilltop location on its own small isle. While much of the ancient temple has been reclaimed by the earth, an impressive door-like rectangle remains, faced towards Dellos, Apollo’s birthplace. This impressive sight also frames the incredible views over the island, making it a particular favourite for photographers at sunrise and sunset. (free entry, always open). Chora Castle Naxos’ most impressive fortified structure is the impressive Chora Castle standing atop a large hill. This dramatic location in Kythira gave the castle the nickname “the Eye of Crete” as it allowed for watchmen to keep an eye on the Aegean, Ionian and Cretan seas all at once. No doubt this is why it was built by the Venetians in the 13th century. Today, the castle is almost completely ruined, but hints of its former grandeur still remain. It is undoubtedly romantic, perched on the hilltop overlooking the island. free entry, open from 8am to 8pm in summer, 8:30am to 3:30pm in winter Temple of Demeter Located near the village of Sangri in central Naxos, the Temple of Demeter is one of the most fascinating things to do in Naxos. The impressive ruins are thought to date back more than 2,500 years to around the 6th Century BC. Although there are still many mysteries surrounding the temple, we do know that it was built in honour of Demeter, the Goddess of grain. The temple was likely built near fertile farmlands, in the hope that she’d bless the crops. Today, it is one of the most interesting sights on the island. Entrance to the temple is free, €4 for the museum. Open 8:30am to 3pm Explore the small villages of Melanes, Halki and Filoti Naxos has many beautiful and charming small villages which are much like open-air museums, looking as if they have been frozen in time. Some of the most beautiful include Melanes, with the white-washed stone houses clinging to the cliff-face, the former capital of Halki with remnants of its former fame and fortune, and picturesque Filoti. While these places are fairly small and can be explored easily, it is best to soak in their unique and charming atmosphere. There’s no need to rush! Day trips from Naxos There are many things to do and see on Naxos island, but it’s also well located for day trips to other nearby sights. In fact, Naxos has one of the best varieties of day trips and activities of all the islands in Greece. Just south of Naxos are a group of little islands called The Small Cyclades which are very quaint and very beautiful.
Recommended publications
  • Panasea Villa Naxos

    Panasea Villa Naxos

    P ANASEA V ILLA N AXOS 5 Bedroom villa in Naxos island PANASEA is a haven of peace and serenity, in perfect dialogue with the natural beauty of Kalados, the protected Southwestern coast of Naxos. Wisely nested in a seascape that offers freedom, inspiration and healing that combine to restore a sense of what is truly important in life; panasea villa embodies the values of its playful name, that recalls Panakeia, the ancient Greek goddess of healing. Surrounded by a coastline of wild Cycladic purity with the Aegean Sea lapping on the villa’s shores, a profound experience of solitude and rejuvenation, joyfully awakens the residence’s guests. IDEAL FOR: Couples | Family | Honeymoon | Gay Friendly VILLA FEATURES AT EXTRA COST Digital Cable TV DISTANCES Small beach at villa: 100 m (110 yards) Capacity: 10 / Max adults 8 Personal chef to cook for you Washing Machine - Clothes Dryer Dishwasher Kalados Beach: 1 km (0.62 miles) Villa’s Square Meters incl. Breakfast, daily delivery Air Conditioning Naxos Town: 45 km (28 miles) Transfer Outdoors areas: 5195 m² Heating Naxos port: 48 km (30 miles) Villa’s Square Meters: 220 m² Car hire- Motorcycle hire- Hair Dryer Naxos airport: 33 km (20 miles) Total Bedrooms: 5 Bicycle rental- Fridge Freezer Filoti village: 24 km (15 miles) Total Bathrooms: 5 Laundry / Dry clean services Microwave LOCATION Kitchen: fully equipped Excursions / Guided Tours Kettle Personal trainer (yoga / Pilates) Electric Kitchen Stove Panasea villa is located on Kalados, the protected Free Wi-Fi Southwestern coast of Naxos, and boasts Personal doctor on call Kitchen Utensils Filter Coffee Machine breathtaking sea-views towards the small Cycladic Massage islands to the south.
  • Godsheroes Childrens Lettersize

    Godsheroes Childrens Lettersize

    Dear Friends, In the 17th century, the notion began to develop in England and other European countries that knowledge of classical antiquity was essential to a child’s education in order to understand the roots of Western civilization. The need to travel to the lands that gave rise to Western traditions is as strong today as it was 300 years ago. We are pleased to inform you of this program offered by Thalassa Journeys for families to explore the most important ancient centers of Greece, places that have contributed so much to the formation of our civilization. Thalassa Journeys has hosted similar programs for members and friends of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and other prestigious organizations. The tour, solely sponsored and operated by Thalassa Journeys, will provide a joyful learning experience for the entire family – children, parents, and grandparents. Please note: children must be age 5 and above to participate in the programs. The itinerary is designed to enlighten the senses and inflame the imagination of people of all ages and to awaken their minds to the wonders of classical antiquity including the Acropolis and its glorious past. Young explorers and adults will delve into the Bronze Age Mycenaean civilization and the world of Homer. They will discover the citadel of Mycenae, home of Agamemnon. At the magnificent 4th century BC Theater of Epidaurus, families will learn about ancient Greek drama and consider the connections between theatrical performances and healing; in Nemea, one of the four places where in antiquity athletic contests were held, children will compete in mock races in the original ancient stadium.
  • The Latins in Greece: a Brief Introduction

    The Latins in Greece: a Brief Introduction

    chapter 1 The Latins in Greece: A Brief Introduction Nickiphoros I. Tsougarakis The Fourth Crusade and the sack of Constantinople by the crusaders cast a long shadow on Greece’s subsequent history and on relations between Greeks and western Europeans down to the present day. Pope John Paul ii’s apology to the Orthodox for the events of the crusade, in 2001, and the satisfaction with which it was received by certain sections of the clergy and of wider Greek soci- ety serves to illustrate, if not the actual impact of the events themselves, at least popular perceptions of the events in Greece and the West as well as the use made of these events in 20th-century historiography. Today, the relations of the medieval western world with the Greek/Byzantine East may be more relevant than ever. The Eurozone crisis of the early 2010s has been accompa- nied by the re-emergence in segments of the press and society (both Greek and western European) of negative national stereotypes emphasising the differ- ences between Greek and western-European culture and questioning whether a union between the two is viable or indeed desirable. The terms ‘Latin Greece’, which features in the title of this volume, and ‘medieval Greece’, which also features in the book, may require some explana- tion. Here, they are used as shorthand to refer to the Latin polities that were founded on Byzantine lands in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade. They can be taken therefore as rough synonyms for the political entity known as the Latin Empire of Constantinople or Romania, as it was more commonly called by Latin contemporaries.
  • And Macedonia (Pp

    And Macedonia (Pp

    Summer 2018 - Greece (pp. 1-9) and Macedonia (pp. 9 -16) - Elly’s notes I traveled to Greece for a second summerschool (see here for the first). I left Arizona on a Monday morning and arrived in Thessaloniki on Tuesday afternoon before traveling on to Naxos on Wednesday. Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the Greek province of Macedonia. After Naxos, I would be traveling to the Republic of Macedonia which, under Greek pressure, may be changing its name to the Republic of Northern Macedonia (more below). Of course, some Greek nationalists don’t want the name Macedonia mentioned at all and some Macedonians don’t like the change either. When I was here, a scandal erupted of meddling by the Russians who don’t want this `deal’ either since it will pave the way for Macedonia to join NATO. Thessaloniki was built and rebuilt many times: it went from a pre-historic settlement to Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Its fire in 1917 made it possible to plan a new city (see picture below). It was on the Via Egnatia (as is Ohrid) which connected Rome to Istanbul and is now a footpath. Old city walls are still around. Thessaloniki’s grid Typical building 1 More varied building styles Thessaloniki citywalls From Thessaloniki, I went to Naxos for the summer school (with some 35 participants some of whom are shown below). Naxos continues to be a wonderful place: lots of history, swimming, and hiking. Some highlights follow below. Summer school (these two pictures are by Kristel Fischer) 2 Moni Chrisostomou overlooks the chora of Naxos; two nuns remain in the monastery, which has a most beautiful church.
  • Your Itinerary Includes Hellenic Float 5 Days, 4 Nights – Mykonos, Naxos

    Your Itinerary Includes Hellenic Float 5 Days, 4 Nights – Mykonos, Naxos

    Hellenic Float 5 days, 4 nights – Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Sikinos, Santorini Your Itinerary Includes 4 Nights Accommodations on a catamaran All Round Trip Vehicle Transfers from port / hotel Breakfast and One Meal Daily prepared by the staff All Port Taxes, Fuel and Fuel Taxes and Local Service Charges Oia, Santorini Hellenic Float – 5 Days, 4 Nights – Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Sikinos, Santorini Day 1 – Mykonos (L or D) After breakfast, your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative, will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the port of Mykonos for the start of your Cycladic sailing adventure. During your sail, you will experience some of the less visited islands for an authentic experience. be greeted and driven to your hotel. Overnight is on the vessel. Day 2 – Naxos (B and L or D) Welcome to Naxos! Naxos is and always has been a crossroad, where archaeologists, historians and scholars of all kinds can meet, drawn by the importance of the culture which has flourished on the island down the centuries. Naxos is also known for its sandy beaches and spectacular cuisine. Overnight is on the vessel. Day 3 – Paros (B and L or D) Welcome to Paros! Paros is most famous in antiquity for its fine marble. Spend the day enjoying the crystal blue waters of some of the island’s finest beaches as well as some of the traditional villages. Overnight is on the vessel. Day 4 – Sikinos (B and L or D) Welcome to Sikinos! Enjoy the day enjoying this off the beaten path island and its sandy beaches.
  • Tourism Development in Greek Insular and Coastal Areas: Sociocultural Changes and Crucial Policy Issues

    Tourism Development in Greek Insular and Coastal Areas: Sociocultural Changes and Crucial Policy Issues

    Tourism Development in Greek Insular and Coastal Areas: Sociocultural Changes and Crucial Policy Issues Paris Tsartas University of the Aegean, Michalon 8, 82100 Chios, Greece The paperanalyses two issuesthat have characterised tourism development inGreek insularand coastalareas in theperiod 1970–2000. The firstissue concerns the socioeco- nomic and culturalchanges that have taken place in theseareas and ledto rapid– and usuallyunplanned –tourismdevelopment. The secondissue consists of thepolicies for tourismand tourismdevelopment atlocal,regional and nationallevel. The analysis focuseson therole of thefamily, social mobility issues,the social role of specific groups, and consequencesfor the manners, customs and traditionsof thelocal popula- tion.It also examines the views and reactionsof localcommunities regarding tourism and tourists.There is consideration of thenew productive structuresin theseareas, including thedowngrading of agriculture,the dependence of many economicsectors on tourism,and thelarge increase in multi-activityand theblack economy. Another focusis on thecharacteristics of masstourism, and on therelated problems and criti- cismsof currenttourism policies. These issues contributed to amodel of tourism development thatintegrates the productive, environmental and culturalcharacteristics of eachregion. Finally, the procedures and problemsencountered in sustainabledevel- opment programmes aiming at protecting the environment are considered. Social and Cultural Changes Brought About by Tourism Development in the Period 1970–2000 The analysishere focuseson three mainareas where these changesare observed:sociocultural life, productionand communication. It should be noted thata large proportionof all empirical studies of changesbrought aboutby tourism development in Greece have been of coastal and insular areas. Social and cultural changes in the social structure The mostsignificant of these changesconcern the family andits role in the new ‘urbanised’social structure, social mobility and the choicesof important groups, such as young people and women.
  • The Primal Greece : Between Dream and Archaeology

    The Primal Greece : Between Dream and Archaeology

    The primal Greece : between dream and archaeology Introduction The Aegean civilisations in the French National Archaeological Museum « This unusual form […] reveals an unknown Greece within Greece […] as solemn, profound and colossal as the other is radiant, light and considered; […] all here meets the reputation of the Atrids and brings back the horror of the Achaean fables », wrote on 1830 in front of the walls of Mycenae, the traveller Edgard Quinet, who was passionate about Greek tragedies. Like other travellers before him, he was aware of approaching the memory of an unknown past, of a primal Greece, but he would never have believed that this Greece dated from prehistoric times. It will be the end of the 19th century before the pioneers of archaeology reveal to the world the first civilisations of the Aegean. The « Museum of National Antiquities» played then a key role, spreading the knowledge about these fabulous finds. Here, as well as in the Louvre, the public has been able to meet the Aegean civilisations. The Comparative Archaeology department had a big display case entirely dedicated to them. The exhibition invites visitors back to this era of endless possibilities in order to experience this great archaeological adventure. Birth of a state, birth of an archaeology As soon as it becomes independent (1832), Greece is concerned with preserving its antiquities and creates an Archaeological Service (1834). Shortly afterwards, Ephemeris Archaiologike, the first Greek archaeological review, is founded, at the same time as the Archaeological Society at Athens. The French School at Athens is founded in 1846 in order to promote the study of antiquities, and is followed by a German study Institute in 1874; many other countries will follow the example of France and Germany.
  • Cyclades - Greece 7 Days Charter Itinerary Cyclades - Greece 2

    Cyclades - Greece 7 Days Charter Itinerary Cyclades - Greece 2

    Cyclades - Greece 7 days Charter Itinerary Cyclades - Greece 2 Tessaly Evia GREECE TURKEY North Aegean Attica Andros Piraeus Aegina Kea Tinos Poros Mykonos Kythnos Syros Delos Peloponnese Hydra Spetses Seriphos Aegean Sea Paros Naxos Sifnos Milos Schinoussa Kos Ios Santorini Cyclades - Greece 3 Ports and distances Day Ports Distance in n.m. 1 Athens-Kea 49 2 Kea-Tinos-Mykonos 63 3 Mykonos-Delos-Paros 32 4 Paros-Ios-Santorini 73 5 Santorini-Milos 51 6 Milos-Sifnos 29 7 Sifnos-Seriphos-Kythnos 45 8 Kythnos-Piraeus 53 Total distance - 395 n.m. Cyclades - Greece 4 Athens Te Capital of Greece. Within the sprawling city of Athens it is easy to imagine the golden age of Greece when Pericles had the Parthenon (the most eminent monument of the ancient Greek architecture) built. Athens is built around the Acropolis and the pinnacled crag of Mt. Lycabettus, which the goddess Athena was said to have dropped from the heavens as a bulwark to defend the city. Te suburbs have covered the barren plain in all directions and the city is packed with lively taverns and bustling shops. Cyclades - Greece 5 Kea An exceptionally picturesque island. On the south side of Nikolaos Bay - which was a pirate stronghold in the 13th c. - is the little port of Korissia, built on the side of ancient Korissia. Tere are remains of the ancient town walls and a Sanctuary of Apollo. Te famous lion - carved from the native rock in the 6th c. BCE - can be seen just north-east of Kea town. Another highlight is the beautiful anchorage of Poleis.
  • CYCLADES 1 WEEK Dazzling White Villages, Golden Beaches and Clear Azure Water Are Just the Start of What These Islands Have to Offer

    CYCLADES 1 WEEK Dazzling White Villages, Golden Beaches and Clear Azure Water Are Just the Start of What These Islands Have to Offer

    Hermes Yachting P.C. 92-94 Kolokotroni str., 18535 Piraeus, Greece Tax No. EL801434127 Tel. +30 210 4110094 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.hermesyachting.com CYCLADES 1 WEEK Dazzling white villages, golden beaches and clear azure water are just the start of what these islands have to offer. Within easy reach of Athens, these are the Aegean’s most precious gems. Ancient Greek geographers gave this unique cluster of islands the name Cyclades because they saw that they formed a circle (kyklos) of sorts around the sacred island of Delos. According to myth, the islands were the debris that remained after a battle between giants. In reality, they resulted from colossal geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Their colours are blue and white like the Greek flag. The islands come in all sizes and, though the ingredients are the same – incomparable light, translucent water, heavenly beaches, lustrous white buildings and bare rock, each one has its own distinct character. The group’s stars, Mykonos and Santorini, need no introduction but the lesser-known islands, big and small, are just as rewarding. For starters, try aristocratic Syros, cosmopolitan Paros, the sculptors’ paradise of Tinos, bountiful Naxos, exotic Milos and historic Delos, not to mention the ‘hidden gems’ that adorn the Aegean, such as Tzia/Kea, Kythnos, Sifnos, Serifos, Amorgos, Sikinos, Anafi and Folegandros. Whether you’re travelling with your family, friends or sweetheart, you’re bound to find your summer paradise in the sun in the Cyclades. Beaches of indescribable beauty in the Cyclades What’s your idea of the perfect beach? Green-blue water and white sand? Beach bars and water sports? Framed by rocks for snorkelling and scuba diving? Is a secret Aegean cove accessible only on foot or by boat? No matter what your ideal is, you’ll find it in the Cyclades.
  • THE DONOUSA MIRACLE a Scientist Bio-Interview with Prof

    THE DONOUSA MIRACLE a Scientist Bio-Interview with Prof

    THE DONOUSA MIRACLE A Scientist Bio-Interview with Prof. Leonidas A. Papakonstantinidis. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leonidas_Papakonstantinidis https://researchleap.com/wp- content/uploads/2018/02/04_A_Social_Welfare_Economics_Proposal.edited.pdf Interviewer: Stephen I. Ternyik, Techno-Logos, Inc. (-1985) https://www.sociostudies.org/authors/ternyik_stephen_i/ Sudden mind changes seem to happen by a rapid transformation of the heart beat frequency. Such a deep psychological moment happened to you, when you visited Donousa island in 1979. You came as developmental and academic bureaucrat from the capital (Athens) and you were a bit over 30 years. What did strike you, the young careerist, so much, in that geo-meta-physical location? Yes, I came as a developmental and academic bureaucrat (Agricultural Bank of Greece, Direction of Studies and Planning) from the capital Athens to report on the small Cyclades-Aegean islands, and I started from Donousa. My turning point in the mind was a scene with the mute coachman driving the mule, as opposed to the limousine, which took us from Brussels airport to the building of the European Commission, called the Berlaymont. This was the period (1976-1979) of Greece’s accession to the EEC (now EU). The population of Donousa was fully isolated from what is called ‘quality of life’ or standard of living. I had no idea on how these people faced their day-to- day problems, especially those related to health. No electricity, no water, no infrastructure, no roads, no official port; it was a boat that brought guests to the island. It then literally clicked in me, and I refused my predetermined career, while all other bank direction members (27) became high profile academics or politicians.
  • Iraklia – Original Homeland of Water

    Iraklia – Original Homeland of Water

    IRAKLIA – ORIGINAL HOMELAND OF WATER Iraklia, a small Cyclades island, is a place of peace and energy for Austrian Johanna Klinar. The Underwater Photographer pictures the world below sea level with great passion. She visits the island since 1990 and initiated the social project „Elpida for Iraklia“ supporting the community members during tense times. ©Johanna Klinar Even with my eyes shut I’d probably recognize its smell, a while before the ferryboat is tied up: this familiar mixture of a bitter, salty, slight breeze from the sea, blended with those indefinable fishy odours that rise on very hot afternoons from the nets that are being prepared for the night catch. Along with a gentle touch of diesel from a small boat tuckering by. Today the wind sleeps. It’s one of those summer days that holds this obvious conspiracy of melting heat and complete dryness. You can smell the dust in the motionless air and above all the gorgeous scent of wild thyme… I’m back and feel like a dry sponge filling up with impressions. Well known faces, hugs, laughter, tears of joy. About a dozen others arrive, a couple on a motorbike, one family with a car. Besides that there’s a big hustle unloading boxes of beer and wine, a barrel of raki , water in those inevitable plastic bottles, huge sacks with shining eggplant, giant potatoes and onions, boxes with bright green peppers and thick red tomatoes. Everyone gives a hand, shouting, running, laughing, sweating. The air fills with a long hoot, the ropes are loosened and pulled back up.
  • SAILING the GREEK ISLES the Fabled Aegean Sea and Peloponnese Peninsula Aboard the Spectacular Sea Cloud II July 11—20, 2022 (10 Days)

    SAILING the GREEK ISLES the Fabled Aegean Sea and Peloponnese Peninsula Aboard the Spectacular Sea Cloud II July 11—20, 2022 (10 Days)

    SAILING THE GREEK ISLES The Fabled Aegean Sea and Peloponnese Peninsula Aboard the Spectacular Sea Cloud II July 11—20, 2022 (10 days) Criterion Travel has chartered the iconic Sea Cloud II for this unique 7-night voyage to some of the smaller, lesser-known islands of the Aegean Sea as well as Delos and iconic sites on the Peloponnese Peninsula. There is no better way to visit this part of the world than aboard the Sea Cloud II, with an itinerary designed to allow ample time for sailing and a robust lecture program. Known as the “Cradle of Western Civilization,” Athens, the Peloponnese, and small islands of the Aegean deliver an enticing blend of history, diverse cultural influences, stunning natural beauty, and archaeological gems. Spend a night in Athens at the venerable Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square before embarking the Sea Cloud II in Piraeus for a seven-night private charter. We will of course visit Delos, mythological birthplace of Apollo and a major religious center. The isles of Naxos, Milos, Hydra and Kythera offer long sunny days, brilliant cerulean waters, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus, the legendary site of Mycenae, the rock of Monemvasia and the beautiful and historic town of Nafplio on the Peloponnese Peninsula to round out the program. An optional pre-trip extension in Athens is offered to give first-time visitors the opportunity to explore the Acropolis, the Agora and the National Archaeological Museum. HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy unparalleled luxury and world-class food and service while relaxing aboard the 47- cabin Sea Cloud II.