Day Two
Morning sail to Marathi— a truly tiny little island with a real sandy beach, beautiful water to swim and snorkel in; a totally tranquil and peaceful spot. There's a grand total of just two families living here - and guess what - yes, they both own tavernas ! If you could paint a picture of the perfect, idyllic island retreat, Marathi would be it. Our adopted family here are so wonderful and hospitable too - and the food is incredible!! This tiny spot has hit top of the Favourite Spot list with our groups for several years now - so much so that it's been hard to persuade people that, really, we should leave, there are other islands to visit ! Sail time, approx 3hrs.
Day Three
Sail to Patmos— a short hop of around 2hrs. This is the famous monastery island - in fact is supposedly the second most important religious centre for Greek Orthodoxy in the world! This is where St John (as of Apostle fame) was inspired by visions to write the Book of Revelations. The the 10th century monastery, built by Crusader Knights reigns over the island, still an active training centre for novice monks. The village that lies at the foot of the monastery is everyone's romantic image of a Greek village; incredibly narrow, winding alleyways, cats sunning themselves on whitewashed streets, old ladies in black collecting fresh bread from the bakery in the morning. Despite all the visitors they now get, these villagers have remained wonderfully friendly; particularly if you go up there in the early morning hours; the old ladies will look at you in faint amazement that a foreigner should find their way up there at such an hour; if you can remember enough of our Greek lessons to say "kalimera!" (good morning), they'll give you a huge smile and a "kalimera-sas" back (good morning to you too) !
Day Four
Mostly in Patmos...with an option to sail off to Arki late afternoon, if the group so decides. Patmos is usually a "two day island" on our all-Greece trips—there's so much to do and see here, we could spend a week and still not be bored! It's great place to hire little 50cc scooters and explore; or mountain bikes for the more energetic - or join us for a hike to a really cool, sandy "clothing-optional" beach which even has surf at times! For those who love the energetic Greek nightlife, the more modern port of Skala offers plenty of choices; tavernas, bars and chance to dance the night away for those so inclined !
Another tiny, traditional island, Arki boasts a permanent population of just 27 people ! (The population expands considerably if you count the goats, however). There is just one little port, a few houses scattered down the hillside - and most of all, Manoli's place ! Mr Cool Dude Manoli runs a wonderful little oasis of a taverna; cushions scattered around the shady patio, speakers hidden away in the trees, from which a constant, beautiful stream of music emanates. Manoli has the most incredible music collection you could ever imagine on such an isolated little island, and is quite the musical expert too. Get him in the right mood, and he's also a hot dancer - as are all his nieces and nephews !
Day Five
Morning sail for Pandeli, a beautiful little bay on the east side of Leros. Usually a lovely downwind sail, around 3-4hrs.
Pandeli Bay is one of the prettiest anchorages to sail into on this planet. The traditional blue-and-white houses scattered down the hillside; the horseshoe-shaped bay, a couple of little beach tavernas just 2 mins swim from the boat. Try sitting and watching the moon rise from one of these tavernas, boat in the foreground, the lapping of waves almost at your feet - it's a total "Shirley Valentine" scene! For those with more energy to burn off later, there is the infamous Savana Bar; a very idiosyncratic little local hangout, where we often end up dancing the night away! Then as a recovery process in the morning, they serve the best fruit smoothies and homemade banana bread...
Leros is also another island where it's wonderful fun to rent those little scooters and go explore the dozens of bays & backroads, other little villages - and most of all, the 11th century fortress which towers over the bay (both sunrise and sunset are totally spectacular from up here).
Day Six
Leave Pandeli around midday, giving us the morning to make the most of our time on Leros. Then we'll sail for Vathi on the island of Kalymnos —another 3 hr sail—and spend the late afternoon/evening here.
Vathi is a dramatic little spot; a well-hidden and very narrow fjord-like entrance, opening up into a tiny fishing village at the head of the bay. It boasts one main street and a collection of houses scattered into the valley; an unexpected patch of lush vegetation on an otherwise very dry and arid-looking island. Vathi is the only place on the entire island that is lucky enough to have it's own spring water supply, and they use it carefully to cultivate citrus fruits, figs, grapes and anything else that can be persuaded to grow!
It's also the home of Poppy's—, where momma makes the best homemade dolmades (stuffed grapeleaves) you'll ever taste in your life, and the swordfish steaks are out of this world!!
Day Seven
OK, so here is the "adventure" part of the trip—we'll be sailing early for
Kos—yes, we're talking
sunrise here!! It's amazingly beautiful on the water - if you've never experienced this
before, it's well worth getting dragging yourself out of bed for. There will be time in Kos
to go see the castle and the famous plane tree where
Hippocrates supposedly taught ... before waving farewell to the yachts as they
sail over to Bodrum, for the Turkey week of the trip!