ROUTE 10
Marmaris-Rodos-Symi-Nisyros-Astypalia-Anafi-Santorini-Marmaris
Two week route, suitable for experienced sailors. A combination of overnight passages, rugged scenery, picturesque coves and historical sites. Perfect choice for people who want to build mileage and enjoy sailing on the open sea. According to weather conditions, we drop anchor in:
nsyros
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- Category: ROUTE 10
Nysiros is a volcanic Greek Island; roughly circular in shape, it boasts unique black sand beaches and an active volcano! According to Greek mythology, the island was formed when Poseidon cut off a part of Kos and threw it onto the giant Polybotes to stop him from escaping. The island used to be self-sufficient, and many crops were grown on its terraced slopes. Today, though, they are cultivated on a smaller scale. Many Orthodox Christian churches are found on the island, as well as four monasteries (which are not inhabited, although various celebrations take place in them). The largest monastery is the one of Panagia Spiliani (Blessed Virgin Mary of the cave) at Mandraki. It is built beside the medieval castle erected by the Knights Hospitaller who conquered the island in 1315. Mandraki, the main village, is also worth a visit, with its white-washed, blue-trimmed houses and alluring narrow streets. Observe a romantic sunset in a seaside café as you sip a glass of soumada, the traditional almond-flavored drink, and afterwards dine on freshly caught seafood. The yacht harbor, Pali, is a cozy place with local tavernas and car/scooter rentals situated within a few feet of your yacht. Renting a vehicle to visit the islands’ volcano is definitely recommended, the 3 km wide caldera is easily accessible and the views are spectacular!
Symi
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- Category: ROUTE 10
Part of the Dodecanese Island chain, Symi is located north of Rhodes and close to the coast of south-west Turkey. Its main town, commonly referred to by the same name as the island itself, is divided in two parts: the harbor-side one, called Gialós, and the adjacent one on the slopes of the hills, called Chorió. On arrival to Symi, we usually berth at the main harbor, a perfect base from which to explore this little romantic paradise.
Gialós is a galore of two and three-story traditional stone houses, painted in a wide range of colors but mostly in indigo, ochre and terracotta, with red tiled roofs and miniature balconies. The two sides of the port are joined together by a gorgeous stone-block bridge. The Town Hall, the cathedral, the square and the Naval Museum of Symi are the main attractions on this side. The latter lends an insight to the naval tradition of the island and boasts, amongst else, exhibits representing the evolution of sponge fishing through the years.
There is a stony stairway of 500 steps leading to Chorió, the upper part of the town. The locals call it Kalí Stráta, which means “good way”; what else would you name such a wonderful walkway under the trees with satisfying views over Gialos? Some awesome churches fill the streets of Chorió with beauty. Icon screens, post-byzantine icons and grave yards are worth seeing here. Overlooking Chorió, are the remnants of a castle built by the knights of St John in the 14th century as an expansion to an old byzantine castle on the same site.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early 18th century, it overlooks the bay bearing its name, in an spectacular setting, combining mountains and sea. During the summer months, the monks accommodate visitors in the cells of the monastery for a token charge.
There is no lack of beautiful beaches on the island. Many of them are off the beaten track and reachable only by boat. Some of them are sandy, some of them are pebbly, some of them are situated on small islets around Symi but all of them are bathed by crystal clear water. Picturesque tavernas by the sea, fine restaurants and traditional ouzo and meze tavernas will cater for you with delicious tastes.
Tilos
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- Category: ROUTE 10
Tilos is blessed with a rough and mountainous structure, home to over 400 species of flora and fauna! Located to the North West of Rhodes, between Nisyros and Khalki, this unspoilt island is not visited by many tourists. The whole island constitutes as a vast ecological park and is protected by international treaties. In ancient times, Tilos was famous for its herbs and became particularly prosperous during the classic period.
Livadia is the island’s port and the largest settlement, bearing hotels and shops. We make landfall at this picturesque little harbor; the village of Lividia itself is a peaceful sort of place with friendly locals and a captivating atmosphere. For those wanting to swim, you should head to Erystos, which boasts a sand beach almost 2km long! It’s also worth visiting Mikro Chorio [Small Village], which was deserted by its inhabitants in 1970. A classic rock bar/club has been built among the ruins, making for a very unusual and entertaining nightly visit. There are also remnants of a castle, deserted stone-made houses, paved streets and Byzantine churches. Megalo Chorio is the capital of the island and it is located a few miles from the port. It stands out due to the simple, island architecture used to construct the stone-made houses. You can enjoy a walk through the narrow alleyways. On the top of the hill, there is a medieval fortress, built on the location of the ancient Tilos.
        
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Astypalia
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- Category: ROUTE 10
Astypalea is the bridge that connects the Cyclades to the Dodecanese. Due to the abundance of fragrant flowers and fruit, the Ancient Greeks called this island the "Paradise of the Gods". In Greek mythology, Astypalea was a woman abducted by Poseidon in the form of a winged fish-tailed leopard. Today, the island is famous for exceptional honey and high quality fish. The island was developed in Hellenistic times due to the fishing activity of its inhabitants. In Roman times, the island was used by the pirates as a regular base of operations. Afterwards, the island was conquered by many different races, such as the Venetians, the Turks, and the Italians, until finally united with the Greek State in 1948.
The island of Astypalea has four miniscule but picturesque villages: Chora, Analipsi (or Maltezana), Vathi and Livadia. The most unique aspect of Astypalea are the numerous churches that are spread all over the island. The most famous is the church of Panagia Portaitissa, painted all white, with a beautiful wooden iconostasis and a large bell tower. Life on Astypalea is rather quiet and peaceful. There is certainly some nightlife in Chora, but you will mostly find seaside coffee shops and traditional taverns.
The beaches of Astypalea are small and sandy. Some are a bit challenging to get to but offer an unmatched level of peace and privacy. After all, the whole island radiates a vibe of peace and tranquility. One of the best beaches is found at Sterno, a thin strip of land that divides the island in two. A few more sumptuous beaches can be found at Agios Konstantinos, Livadi, Schinontas, Maltezana, Marmaria and Plakes.
Chora, which also happens to be the main harbor, is one of the most picturesque villages in the Aegean Sea; defined by a multitude of capes, thickets and tranquil sandy bays. A Venetian Castle stands proudly on the hill above the town. Other inhabited settlements that exist today are Livadi, Analypsi, and Maltezana; but for the most part, island life is concentrated in Chora.
   
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Anafi
- Details
- Category: ROUTE 10
Anafi is a small island, located to the east of Santorini. Largely triangular in shape, the rugged terrain is mostly rocky. The island, because of its size and location, hasn't been developed as a tourist destination, so it is the perfect place for those seeking peace and quiet. According to Greek mythology, Anafi rose from the sea to provide shelter for the Argonauts from the wild sea. Anafi consists of a semi-mountainous structure with Vigla, Kalamos and Agios Ioannis Theologos being the highest peaks.
Anafi is also blessed by a number of lovely beaches, some carpeted with fine soft sand, some pebbled. The port of Agios Nikolaos, where we drop anchor, is the busiest part of Anafi. It provides the basic facilities a tourist would need, such as tavernas and rooms to rent. From there, you can take a small boat around the island and visit secluded beaches. Otherwise, the island can be crossed on foot or via mule. There is one local bus available but the itineraries are rather limited. The village of Chora, capital of Anafi, is built on a natural amphitheatrical site in the center of the island. It is located 2 km from the port.
Chora is characterized by a number of small churches, its white houses and paved roads. The 18th century Monastery of Panagia Kalamiotissa is an important religious center for the island. Anafi is a great for sightseeing and getting a taste of unspoiled Greek culture.
ROTALAR
Sailing in Aegean
The alluring mixture of waves, wind and inner peace created by sailing is something very special. The feeling of being one with nature, whether alone or with friends, reaches a peak on the sea which nothing can compare to.
There are many places with plenty of sun, fresh winds, and sparkling waters, but what happens after the anchor is dropped in a desolated bay along the Aegean coast is magical. The warmness of locals and the spectacular historical sites...
all this makes sailing around Turkey and the Aegean sea an experience never to be forgotten. The area has an ideal climate, inviting waters and the unique beauty of each bay, the coast line and the many unique treasures you'll find along the way, makes this paradise cruise a journey not to be missed: the Turquoise coast.