Our Top Anchorages

Our London team, have been reminiscing about their favourite sailing destinations in Greece this week so we thought we would share them with you.

Greece has the longest coastline in the mediterranean, with endless coves, bays and gulfs to explore - many of which can only be reached by boat!   

For many, dropping the anchor for a lunch stop and arriving at a small bay for the evening brings back many fond memories, for a variety of reasons. For some, a special anchorage will be because of its beauty and crystal clear waters, or the solitude and silence of being the only boat anchored. For others it is memories of great hospitality and foods from a family run taverna, or the lack of light polution from a small inhabited fishing village making it a star-gazers dream. Whichever flotilla route you take, you will enjoy a life experience creating wonderful memories for years to come. 

Ivan:

Previous flotilla Skipper, Ivan who now works in the London office specialising in bareboat charter, speaks fondly of Frikes on Ithaka island in the Ionian. He reminisces of a lovely walk up to a disused windmill which is set up on the hill and overlooks the beautiful bay below. The main attraction is then a dinner at what, is in his opinion, is the best restaurant in the Ionian - Myrita. It is above Stavos village and is run by Poppy and Nek.  It is worth calling the morning before, so that they can prepare ahead for you. All the food is locally sourced from Ithaka and is cooked by a chef who used to work in a Michelin Star restaurant in London. There is always a good opportunity to dance in Fiorendino's bar down in Frikes bay, to round off the night.

Ellen:

Varko (Goat Bay) situated on the mainland in the Southern Ionian, is a large, south-facing bay with a long beach and the bluest water you have ever seen (a strong contender with Emerald Bay, in her opinion!). You will often spot the goats trundling down the track on the hill, making their way down to the beach, where there is a lovely beach bar "Vathiavali". The beach is pebbly and flat making it the perfect spot for punch parties and beach Olympics! Not only is Varko an incredible star-gazing spot; you can also witness mesmerising bioluminescence in the evening.

Joe: 

Skipper and RYA instructor Joe gives a big thumbs up to Lakka on Paxos and we can see why. Lakka is situated on Paxos island in the Ionian and is surrounded by olive trees and cypresses. This quaint little village by the water's edge has stunning turquoise water to swim in. Joe's favourite anchorage: Dhokos (in the Saronics) is an amazing bay with beautiful clear waters. Only a few inhabitants and the lack of light pollution means the waters come alive with bioluminescence at night. Many of us have witnessed some of the best sunsets imaginable from this bay.

Charlie:

Two Rock Bay is situated on the mainland in the North Ionian and is one of Charlie's favourite spots to anchor. This beautiful south-facing bay is protected from the prevailing NW wind and is one of the few places with a gently shelving sandy bay, with cystal-clear water and good anchorage. With virtually no light pollution, Charlie has fond memories of star-gazing in this bay. The bay is bare and attuned to Mother Nature - a great choice for those looking for tranquillity.

Mark:

Mark's favourite spot is Kassiopi in the North of Corfu in the Ionian. This is a beautiful small bay with a lively atmosphere and overlooked by a castle on the hill. His favourite taverna is 'To Kyma' offering fabulous foods and great views. He remembers sipping cocktails at sundown overlooking the distant lights of the Albanian town of Sarande. This small harbour has a great mix of natural beauty, historical importance, cultural diversity and plenty to do.

Margaret:

Pere Pighadi anchorage to the south of Ithaka. Margaret recalls free-swinging off this gorgeous little island. Not only can you enjoy gin clear water, but it's also a great spot for the youngsters to go snorkelling. Since there are no inhabitants on the island, she describes her time here as truly idyllic. This place provided the tranquillity and quietude to get away from all the pressures of modern life and embrace the elements in their glory. She remembers preparing a picnic for the beach, a delicious rum punch and socialising with other sailors who have become life-long friends.  Whilst every bay and stop holds fond memories, this was a particularly special one for Margaret. Other favourites include George's, Little Vathi and Mongonisi Bay, Paxos.

Francis:

Although, it has been a while, Francis has very fond memories of Spartahori on Meganisi Island. He recalls the pretty winding backstreets, making his way up to the village on the top of the hill with a couple of roof top bars, to enjoy sundowners. There are beautiful beaches with crystal clear water's and a selection of tavernas down by the waters edge. Nowadays, Francis spends time in Corfu, catching up with our shore-based teams who are busy preparing the boats. 

Barrie and Heidi:

Barrie and Heidi on the other hand, do not have a favourite spot. Every place holds special memories for them and they describe their experiences as "another day, another bay" since the essence of the flotilla holidays, is to be able to sail from one amazing place to another. Each of the areas including the Ionian, Sporades, Argolic Gulf and Saronic have beautiful islands and hidden bays with coastal villages - each with their own identity and history. 

Where will you venture next?

To find out more, just give us a ring - we are happy to chat about our own experiences with you  020 8459 8787