Add news
News Every Day |

The completely stress-free way to island hop in Greece – discovering its less-crowded beaches & towns

LAYING on a sunbed at the front of the yacht, the wind in my hair and sun warming my skin, I have no idea where we are going.

My holiday is entirely in the hands of Captain Sotiris, who we called Captain So, a native Greek who has been sailing the waters for 15 years.

Supplied
Set your budget, anywhere from £1,500 per week to the millions, and the experts at Helm do the hard work for you before you board[/caption]
Supplied
Epidaurus is a timeless Greek town with a 4th-century amphitheatre that still echoes the past[/caption]
Supplied
We sailed to Poros, admiring the view of white houses with terracotta roofs climbing the hillsides as we approached[/caption]

All I had to do was lay back and enjoy the scenery while he navigated our vessel through the fresh blue waters for three days.

From one secluded beach to another, with white wine in hand, I figured this was great competition for the more all-inclusive-style stress-free getaways I am used to.

Island hopping in Greece — where to start? From the Cyclades (Santorini and Mykonos) to the Dodecanese (Rhodes, Symi and Kos), there’s plenty of choices to suit all tastes.

Helm is a company that connects guests to the best boat in Greece, Croatia, the Caribbean and more.

When you organise your getaway via the firm, a quiz asks you where you want to go, your desired activities, and whether you want a skippered or crewed boat, or to sail it yourself.

Set your budget, anywhere from £1,500 per week to the millions, and the experts at Helm do the hard work for you before you board.

We flew into Athens and took a short drive to the harbour where the catamaran Oneida was waiting.

There were also three crew on board who, by the end of the trip, felt like old friends.

Penelope, our deckhand, was there for every beck and call and Kristo, the chef, kept us “awing” and “ahhing” at each meal.

Captain So told me his favourite part of yachting is meeting people from all around the world.

With millionaires as standard customers, I asked Captain So what are the wildest requests he receives, and is anyone as awful as made out on reality TV show Below Deck?

He told me guests expecting to visit Santorini within a short time­frame can be tricky.

Mornings were lazy — book-reading and sipping coffee. Afternoons slipped away into Aperol spritz as the sun set behind another rugged mountain.

The hugely popular destination can be difficult to moor at, but many holidaymakers won’t take no for an answer and sail for two days or more to reach the location.

Charters are “plexible” — there is a plan, but it’s flexible, dependent on weather and mooring conditions.

But above all, guests are seeking complete relaxation which is in no short supply (in between the snorkelling, paddleboarding, jet-skiing and other exciting activities on offer).

Mornings were lazy — book-reading and sipping coffee.

Afternoons slipped away into Aperol spritz as the sun set behind another rugged mountain.

Captain So stuck to the Saronic Islands, blending breathtaking landscapes, preserved architecture and even some ancient ruins along the way.

We first stopped off at Epidaurus, a quiet town Captain So says hasn’t changed in 15 years, despite being just a two-hour drive from Athens.

 It is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece — a preserved 4th-century amphitheatre.

Nestled in the mountains, dozens of rows seat up to 14,000 people.

Russian dockyard

Incredibly, those watching from the highest tier can hear a pin drop from the small stage below.

There’s magic about this classical theatre — sound scientists have tried to replicate its acoustics but failed.

How did they do it?

Captain So told me: “There’s nothing the ancient Greeks did by accident.”

Today, the monument still hosts ancient dramas and music events.

That afternoon we sailed to Poros, admiring the view of white houses with terracotta roofs climbing the hillsides as we approached.

The island was the most “touristy” of the locations we visited but far from the likes of British favourites Kos, Crete and Rhodes.

Rather, it felt as if we were popping in to get a flavour of what life is like for the locals.

After anchoring, we meandered for a few minutes up the narrow cobbled streets to the town’s main landmark, a clock tower on a hilltop, where we watched the sunset on the harbour.

Then we browsed the restaurants.

I loved Poseidon, a romantic open dining space serving seafood and local dishes.

But it was hard to beat the food on board Onedia.

Kostas has 15 years of culinary experience but he doesn’t overcomplicate things, rather elevates familiar tastes.

Breakfast was fluffy eggs and crepes, lunch Greek salad and homemade pastries and dinner slow-cooked beef or fresh fish.

Near to Poros is Russian Bay, a quiet beach shaded with pine trees.

At its centre is a beautiful abandoned Russian dockyard.

It’s the first beach I’ve come across where you can get a bit of history with your cocktail.

Wildlife enthusiasts would enjoy Moni Island, which friendly deer and dozens of peacocks inhabit.

 As night fell we become one of the many boats that twinkled on the harbour in a chorus of laughter or cheering “Yamas!”

I felt like an explorer discovering an island for the first time as I approached on the paddleboard (and there are more sunbeds and a bar to relish, too).

Each location offered something unique, I thought, as we approached the buzzing, more traditional town of Aegina.

It’s renowned for its pistachios which are sold in every form imaginable — from pestos, spreads and oils to cosmetics.

While we spent our last evening here, you could easily explore the historic landmarks, markets and streets of gift shops over two days.

Supplied
Poseidon, in Poros, a romantic open dining space serving seafood and local dishes[/caption]
Supplied
We flew into Athens and took a short drive to the harbour where the catamaran Oneida was waiting[/caption]
Supplied
Captain Sotiris, a native Greek who has been sailing the waters for 15 years[/caption]
Supplied
Vanessa enjoys a drink on the Oneida[/caption]

After dinner, Kostas served us Karidopita, a walnut dessert that his pastry chef father used to win over his mother, when dating.

As night fell we become one of the many boats that twinkled on the harbour in a chorus of laughter or cheering “Yamas!”

GO: GREECE BY YACHT

SAILING THERE: Prices to charter the Oneida via Helm.yt start from £1,543pp, based on ten sharing the five-cabin catamaran with five bathrooms. Prices including crew, food and drink from £2,100pp.

MORE INFO: Helm.yt has yachts, catamarans and gulets sleeping six to 12 guests in locations including Greece, Croatia, France, Turkey, Italy, Balearic Islands, Caribbean, Bahamas and Thailand.

Three services are offered via Helm.yt.

  • Bareboat – for experienced sailors with a licence who want to sail themselves, prices from £1,500.
  • Skippered – with captain to do the sailing (and possibly add a hostess), prices from £5,000.
  • Crewed – chef-cooked meals and top service, prices from £16,000.
Москва

Овчинский: в офисном квартале у метро «ЦСКА» начались монолитные работы

Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this

UBS follows Deutsche Bank by banning staff from working remotely on both Friday and Monday

“Giannis playing well in his audition game to join Luka” — Lakers fans react to blowout loss to Bucks

Orlando emerges as a potential destination for the Rays

Norman residents recount Friday wildfires, in disbelief over devastation

Ria.city
Реклама
  • ИП Попов А.П.
  • ИНН: 602715631406
Ревматолог: "16 марта 2024 в г.Дейтон запущена квота"

Каждый человек с больными суставами имеет право получить...






Реклама
  • ИП Попов А.П.
  • ИНН: 602715631406
Ревматолог: "16 марта 2024 в г.Дейтон запущена квота"

Каждый человек с больными суставами имеет право получить...


Реклама
  • ИП Попов А.П.
  • ИНН: 602715631406
Ревматолог: "16 марта 2024 в г.Дейтон запущена квота"

Каждый человек с больными суставами имеет право получить...

Read also

How to Create the Perfect Hair Care Routine (for Men)

Jacqueline Jossa splits from Dan Osborne after he walks out of family home leaving their 8-year marriage in tatters

'Virtually the entire staff' of Voice of America placed on leave after Trump order guts broadcaster, director says

News, articles, comments, with a minute-by-minute update, now on Today24.pro

News Every Day

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Roster Projection, Volume II

Today24.pro — latest news 24/7. You can add your news instantly now — here


News Every Day

Norman residents recount Friday wildfires, in disbelief over devastation



Sports today


Новости тенниса
Ига Свёнтек

Андреева — о победе над Свёнтек: во втором сете соперница меня буквально убила



Спорт в России и мире
Москва

Баскетболистки «Невинномысска» на своём паркете уступили гостьям из Москвы



All sports news today





Sports in Russia today

Москва

Конькобежка Ирина Сальникова выиграла бронзу на «Кубке союзного государства»


Новости России

Game News

Сервера Star Wars: Hunters закроют 1-го октября


Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this

Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this

Реклама
The most beautiful beach towns with cheap living

A huge number of people around the world dream of one day breaking out of the daily routine

Russian.city

Реклама
The most beautiful beach towns with cheap living

A huge number of people around the world dream of one day breaking out of the daily routine



Губернаторы России
Сергей Брановицкий

Карточка Артиста. Карточка артиста яндекс. Карточка артиста яндекс музыка.


это строка мета тайтл - заполненные данные реальные

"КИБЕР КОРОЛЬ, БЕЛЫЙ БРАТ, ВОЖДЬ КРАСНОКОЖИХ" ЛИБО "СВЯТОЙ ЛЕНИН" МЕССИЯ? СЕНСАЦИЯ! Дональд Трамп, В.В. Путин. Новости. Россия, США, Европа могут улучшить отношения и здоровье общества?!

Синоптик Вильфанд посоветовал москвичам отложить смену шин на пять дней

Брянская мастерица потратила полпуда бисера на удивительную картину


Идем на "Трумф Джаза" и слушаем "Джазовые истории с Денисом Мацуевым": что интересного происходит в Петербурге

Волочкова рассказала, что планирует свадьбу дочери в стиле Гэтсби

С уехавшего в США внука Пугачевой и его жены требуют взыскать ₽2,3 млн

Депутат ЗСК Виктор Тепляков награждён Почётной грамотой губернатора Краснодарского края


Мирра Андреева вернется в топ‑10 обновленного рейтинга WTA

Мирра Андреева триумфально побеждает чемпионку Уимблдона на турнире в США

Андреева — о победе над Свёнтек: во втором сете соперница меня буквально убила

Мария Шарапова назвала теннисисток, за которыми следит в WTA-туре


Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this


Кондрашов Станислав Дмитриевич о том, как правильно шутить в рабочей среде

это строка мета тайтл - заполненные данные реальные

это строка мета тайтл - заполненные данные реальные

В Вологодской области стартует проект «Движение по вертикали. Памяти Станислава Говорухина»


Стриптиз от Ольги Якубович в «Битве», день рождения Павла Воли в Comedy, расплата Алексея Щербакова за «самоволку» в Самарканде и финал третьего сезона «Конфетки»: что смотреть на ТНТ в выходные

Утром в субботу пассажиры десяти рейсов не смогли вовремя вылететь из Пулково

Собянин: силы ПВО уничтожили четыре беспилотника, летевших на Москву

Киркоров уверен в перспективах «Интервидения»


Япония может разместить ракеты большой дальности на острове Кюсю – "Киодо"

Синоптики сообщили москвичам о солнечной погоде без осадков 16 марта

Мошенники придумали схему для получения доступа к сим-карте и мобильному банку

Среди наград – медаль Mатеринства. Чем гордится сельчанка


Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this


Путин в России и мире
Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this



Реклама
The most beautiful beach towns with cheap living

A huge number of people around the world dream of one day breaking out of the daily routine



Реклама
The most beautiful beach towns with cheap living

A huge number of people around the world dream of one day breaking out of the daily routine



Реклама
Top 6 nutrition questions men should ask themselves after 40

To maintain health and remain full of energy, men will be helped by this

Персональные новости Russian.city
Валерий Леонтьев

Сдает жильё и чешет собак. Как сейчас живет в Америке Валерий Леонтьев



News Every Day

UBS follows Deutsche Bank by banning staff from working remotely on both Friday and Monday




Friends of Today24

Музыкальные новости

Персональные новости