Do Something Different This Year with a Greek Sailing Holiday
Although it has had its share of publicized troubles in recent years, Greece is still a top choice for a holiday trip. The sheer range and volume of things to do there make it popular with tourists from around the world.
That is fine of course, but what if you want something different from the mainstream? Well Greece can cater to those needs too and the island setting makes it ideal for travel by boat.
Here we are going to look at some of the best sailing holiday options that Greece has to offer adventurous trippers.
1. Visit the island of Skiathos
Skiathos is an island that can be found in the Aegean Sea and it will make for a perfect sailing getaway should you long for something fresh. It has more than 50 different beaches which, combined with the ocean views, will make it ideal if you want a destination to spark some romance.
It is worth paying a visit to as many of these as you can; because the beaches of Skiathos are considered to be some of Greece's most attractive. The first port of call for sunbathing should definitely be either Little Banana or Big Banana though.
Skiathos is not lacking in cultural interest either. It is home to a monastery called Evangelistrias that was built during the 18th century and features glorious architecture. You will also be able to find ruins from the medieval era on this island.
Finally, Skiathos is among the most open-minded, cosmopolitan spots in Greece. A few years ago it played host to the debut International Gay Culture Festival.
2.Take a Boat Trip
Perhaps the best way to truly experience something unique in Greece is to move around. In turn, one of the top ways to do that is to hire a boat and take a leisurely cruise.
All of the various parts of the country have something to offer a traveler seeking a non-mainstream experience. Being able to sail on from one place when you are ready to explore again will ensure excitement never flags.
The boats that can be chartered at BorrowABoat vary from motorboats to yachts and sailboats. It doesn't matter if you have no real experience on the water, as you can also hire people to help you with the actual sailing.
Greece is set amid sea and sky so blue that it can feel like you have landed in paradise. When you are out on the water, you might just want to keep sailing, which is also an option.
3.Explore the Hidden Nightlife of Athens
Of course Athens is one of the first places that tourists head to. There is a world within the Greek capital that they are totally unaware of though.
That makes it an interesting spot to sail to and the place to start when you get off the boat is Gazi. This is the heart of the alternative Athens night scene.
Among the must-visit places here is the friendly and lively Rostor café, which is a meeting spot for both Greek and expatriate LGBTQ people. You will find it on Agias Innis Square.
When it comes time to move on to a bar, Sodade2 is one where you will find fun themed nights and entertainment. All of Athens is laid back and liberal though, so you will have a good time wherever you decide to go.
4.Sail to Santorini
This is another Greek island haven and one that many consider the best for romance. That is down to its villages populated by old-fashioned whitewashed stone buildings and stunning sunsets. It is the Greek island you see in your imagination.
To get there you will sail along the Aegean Sea and you can hardly fail to spot Santorini from onboard. A volcano erupted there more than 3,000 years ago and left its beaches colored a vivid black and red, making for a unique sight.
The Vlychada beach is one that is very welcoming, while the al fresco Cine Kamari cinema will make a fine place to unwind in the evenings. Santorini may not boast a specific 'scene' the way that other places in Greece do, but it is still a really friendly place to stop off on a sailing holiday.
5.Find Zakynthos Before the Tourists Do
If you decide to take your sailing trip on the Ionian Sea instead of the Aegean you can pay a visit to the island of Zakynthos. This remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, but that is changing, so the time to go is now.
It is a small island but Navagio Beach — often referred to as Shipwreck Beach — is the equal of any of its rivals. You can also climb the rocky coastline to appreciate its beauty from a distance.
Should you stop off at this spot you may also get to see the sea turtles found in this area laying their eggs on the beach. Your sunbathing will be sound-tracked by the cantatas of the island residents too, making for an idyllic experience.
If you are not someone who suffers from shyness, Zakynthos also has Vrontonero Beach, which is a place for nudists!
With glorious islands and exciting nightlife to be found off the beaten track, a sailing holiday is the best way to appreciate Greece if you are searching for something new.