The facts about this unique walking and sailing holiday

We asked our experts on the ground (and sea) to explain a few key points about this exciting new one week walking and sailing holiday around the islands of the Cyclades; Greek Island Odyssey.

Find out what they say...

What makes this itinerary and these Greek islands so special?

From starting in Lavrio port (40miles from Athens), the first island you visit is Kea which is just 2 hours sail away. This short crossing gives the perfect introduction to the boat, sailing and the surrounding area. All four islands; Kea, Kythnos, Syros and Serifos which you visit during the week have been chosen because they are perfect for day walks.

• All have well marked trails
• Each island is rich in history
• You will see the remains of ancient cities, temples, cisterns and chapels
• The islands have minimal tourists and are very unspoilt
• They feature beautiful and rarely visited beaches
• You'll find great quality food in traditional tavernas at reasonable prices.

What are the advantages of sailing between the islands?

There is truly no better feeling than arriving at a new harbour or dropping anchor and feeling the anticipation of exploring a new island. The route from island to island has been meticulously chosen to make the most of the prevailing northerly wind on the Aegean Sea. The angles of our route towards the direction of the wind means each time we are sailing we can point straight in the direction we need to go, and we only spend 2 - 4 hours sailing each day - meaning plenty of time to explore each island on foot.

Whilst on board, the friendly skippers will be happy to impart to you their vast knowledge of sailing but any hands on participation is purely optional. You could ask them about route plotting, take a look at chart work and the navigational instruments, spot other yachts from the bow and lend a hand when it’s time to drop the anchor, or you could decide to simply lay back on a deck cushion, listen to water and read your book. The yacht is our home for week, which means this is effectively a centre based holiday so no packing up and moving hotels each morning.

Something you wouldn't know about one of our walking routes

After waking up on day 2 and enjoying a hearty breakfast watching the morning sunrise on the Aegean Sea, you hop onto the island of Kea and say goodbye to your skipper and yacht. Your walking guide will then transfer you to the island's capital Ioulida which sits at 420m. You'll explore the cobbled alleys to reach the high point of the town where you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of Kea island and even spot the dock where your yacht is moored. You'll then follow your guide and begin walking the trail which leads to the western side of the island. In the meantime your captain will start the engine and sail your yacht south....

As you continue walking, the path brings you to old windmills, small villages, farmers on donkey back will likely pass you and you'll see pig farms and lots of Kea's diverse flora which is especially colourful during springtime. Your walk will then take you toward the ancient city of Karthea which means you have crossed the island from west to east! Very few tourists walk to the ruins of the ancient city of Karthea as it means a long walk back to Ioulida. However, there's a trick up our sleeve. You can descend to Poles Bay and find your boat is anchored just offshore and waiting for you! This afternoon you'll have plenty of time to swim, relax, enjoy lunch on board and then set sail for your next destination.

A profile on one of the Skippers

Born and raised close to the sea, Alex has been in and around water since birth, and has always been inspired and motivated by the natural world. His 15 years of experience sailing means he has gained his RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, has sailed hundreds of trans Mediterranean miles, participated in sailing regatta competitions in Greece and completed thousands of miles sailing in his own custom 28ft sailboat. Alex also has a BSc in Maritime Studies from Cardiff University Business School and is a avid windsurfer, surfer and free driver. Alex is just one of the qualified skippers that you may be sailing with.

An interesting fact about one of the islands

The largest town in the Cyclades, Ermoupolis, can be found on the Island of Syros. The town is dominated by an air of neoclassical romance, harmoniously combining architectural elements from ancient Greece and Western Europe.

After the Greek Revolution of 1821 the refugees from Chios, Psara, Samos and Kasos consolidated in Syros and slowly began developing shipping, trade and building a cosmopolitan new town, Ermoupolis, which was dedicated to the god of commerce, Hermes.

Today, Ermoupolis is not only a beautiful capital town, but also as open-air museum that is worth exploring thoroughly! The impressive town hall in Miaouli Square, designed by famous architect, Ernst Ziller was inspired by the Palace of Troy. The Apollo Theatre (a miniature of ‘Scala di Milano’), the many mansions that dominate the aristocratic district of ‘Vaporia’, the Municipal Library, the remarkable museums of the island, the church of the Resurrection and many other beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches are also all well worth a visit!

A Greek myth from the island

An important legend related to the island of Serifos, is that of the Greek hero, Perseus.

According to the legend, Acrisius, the king of Argos, visited the oracle at Delphi wishing to know whether he would have a male heir. The oracle warned him that not only would he not have a male child himself, he would in time die by the hand of his grandson, who would be borne to his daughter Danae. In order to protect himself, Acrisius locked Danae away in a cellar. However, he did not anticipate that Zeus would fall in love with her. Zeus entered the cellar through the roof, disguised as golden rain and gave to Danae a son, Perseus.

Acrisius, now terrified that the oracle's warning would come true, but still unwilling to kill his daughter and her son, shut Danae and Perseus in a wooden box and dropped it into the Aegean Sea. The box floated all the way to the coast of Serifos, where a fisherman named Dictys found it and took it to Polydectes, the king of Serifos. Polydectes also fell in love with beautiful Danae and wanting to be rid of Perseus, sent him on a quest to kill and bring back the head of the gorgon, Medusa. Just one look from this fearsome creature could turn any mortal to stone! Perseus knew that if he were to fail in his quest Polydectes would marry Danae against her will.

So Perseus set off on his epic journey to the Gorgon’s Island, accompanied by Athena and Hermes, who bestowed to him two precious weapons: a bronze shield and a sword. After a heroic battle, Perseus succeeded in beheading Medusa by cleverly using his new shield to view only her reflection and thus avoiding her deadly gaze. It is said that Pegasus, the winged horse, was born from the drops of blood that were shed to the ground.

Returning to Serifos, Perseus showed the head of Medusa to Polydectes, who was immediately turned into stone! Following the death of Polydectes, Dictys the fisherman became the king of the island and Perseus took his new wife, Andromeda, and his mother, Danae, and returned to Argos.

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