This three week trip takes you from Orei in the Sporades through the scenic Corinth Canal and finishing in Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island! Three week deliveries are very popular and book up early.
Keener sailors really enjoy these flotillas because they cover longer distances each day and the weather has not quite settled into the summer predictability, so good wind is more common. These trips are not for beginners and it is normally our more practical and experienced flotilla sailors who take part. Quite apart from all that, these are also some of the most affordable holidays of the year.
During the winter, most of our yachts are wintered in Gouvia Marina, Corfu, where they receive comprehensive maintenance and cosmetic attention. At the beginning of May all the yachts are sailed to their summer bases and these trips are known as ‘delivery’, or ‘shakedown’ cruises. These trips certainly show up anything that isn’t shipshape.
From Athens we transfer you to Arkitsa in the North Evia Gulf where the coach will drive onto the ferry for a delightful 45 minute crossing to Evia Island and on to our base in Orei Town. Your yacht and our team await you there, as does a drop of cold refreshment! Orei has a supermarket and bakery near the quay which is perfect for provisioning before heading off the following morning. Once stocked up and fully briefed, you'll head west into the North Gulf of Evia.
You might stop in Vathikielon Bay on the Mainland just down the coast from Glyfa which is well sheltered with good holding, ideal for a night at anchor. Another possible stop on the west side of Evia called Loutra is a great place to visit, it is a large town with plenty to offer in the form of amenities for stocking up. Loutra is also world-famous for its nearby thermal springs!
Making your way south through the North Gulf of Evia you can visit a number of ports, Limni is a brilliant choice offering great shelter with a nearby sandy beach to enjoy. You will also stop in at Chalkis which is Evia's largest town that's ideal for the explorers of the group with streets laden with shops, bars and restaurants. There are two harbours, the north main harbour and the south harbour named Voukari. Khalkis bridge only opens at night to minimise the local traffic, usually just after midnight. So in one evening you can enjoy two ports! Your skipper will give you a full briefing on bridge timings and costs.
As you head further south you might call into ports such as Malakonta, Eretria or Marmari before your passage across to Lavrion and into the Saronic Islands.
Orei, Evia Island
Loutra, Evia Island
Limni, Evia Island
Chalkis, Evia Island
Malakonta, Evia Island
Eretria, Evia Island
Marmari, Evia Island
As you enter into Saronic waters you may stop in at Lavrion harbour which has lots to offer. Plenty of waterfront restaurants and bars to choose from with supermarkets to stock up on the essentials.
From there you'll likely head across to Aegina. There are lots of archaeological sites to visit on the island, including the Ancient temple of Athena Aphaia and the ghost village of Paleochora. The island is also famous for its large production of pistachios.The main town on the island is lovely and you can enjoy a nice stroll along the port promenade and the narrow streets. This is a great place to stop for an evening or even just to anchor off for a spot of lunch and swim by the beach.
Aegina
Lavrion
The next few days can be spent exploring the exciting Saronic Islands. There is a great mix here between very busy touristy islands and traditional Greek untouched islands.
Vathi is a beautiful small fishing harbour on the west coast of the Methana peninsula. It is a very peaceful hamlet set in spectacular surroundings at the bottom of a volcano - which for the energetic types can be climbed!
Dhokos is a beautiful island west of Hydra. The large bay on Dhokos is a very popular lunch stop and place to spend the night in good weather. There are several nice anchorages within the bay. There is also a small cove on the west entrance to the bay, with beautiful pristine waters.
Vathi
Hydra Island
Dhokos Island
Next on the agenda will be heading north to the Corinth Canal, through the Canal and across to Galaxidhi.
At Galaxidhi it is sometimes possible to stop for a day and take a day trip to the Oracle at Delphi. Time is zooming by, so our next run is across to the island of Trizonia where a peaceful night and an idyllic dinner await. Eventually you will pass underneath the incredible Anti Rion suspension bridge and the next few days will be spent meandering around the South Ionian. Other possible stops in the Gulf of Corinth include Patras and Mesolonghi.
Depending on the weather, there should be a few days set aside to enjoy the wonders of the South Ionian. Usually a busy area for yachts in July and August, this late summer cruise offers you a unique chance to experience the beauty of the area after the majority of tourists have headed home.
The Islands from Ithaka, Lefkas and Meganisi are likely to be overnight stops with plenty of time for swim stops along the way!
Frikes
Kioni
Fiskardo
Sivota
After passing through the Lefkas Bridge you will have chance to explore some of the northern Ionians most stunning ports. A likely stop is Parga on the Greek Mainland which offers a stunning beach, which you are likely to have to yourselves at this time of year. Other possible stops include Lakka and Gaios on Paxos Island and Mourtos on the Greek Mainland where the sunsets are unmissable.
On Saturday, you will return to Gouvia where the crew will host a final night meal at one of the tavernas in the Marina. Simply spend your final night relaxing and regaling tales of the flotilla’s events with your fellow sailors over delicious Greek food and wine.
Sivota Mourtos
Parga
Paxos
Gouvia Marina
Below is an indication of the yachts that will sail on this flotilla. Please call us on 020 8459 8787 to check live availability.
Our Shore to Sail holidays are a combination of a one or two week flotilla sailing holiday with another relaxing week or two ashore.
These holidays will appeal to those who enjoy sailing but have family or friends who are not quite so enthusiastic about sailing - a compromise can now be made!
Most people opt for a week of sailing followed by a week of winding down on shore. However it is entirely up to you to do what you want to do (and when!)
The Iris Hotel has been a popular choice for flotilla sailors for many years. This accommodation option will fit in with any of our flotillas starting and finishing on Lefkas Island. The hotel itself is a small family run hotel located close to Nidri Town. It has a combination of studio rooms for two or three people and apartments that can sleep up to 4.
The Salvator Spa Hotel is perched in the hills above Parga town and is a slightly more luxurious offering. The rooms on offer range from the Deluxe Room for two people, up to the Superior 2 Room Villa for up to 6 people. The hotel itself has an excellent restaurant, pool and spa facilities and all villas come with their own private pool.
Our brand new villa in Sivota on Lefkas is exclusive to Sailing Holidays Ltd. Built with families and groups in mind, the 3 double bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms. Built into the hill the ground floor level comprises of the master bedroom, a large kitchen and living space. On the same level you will find a huge outdoor seating area and a private pool.
