4 Greek Islands Known for Their Food and Crafts

The islands of Greece are known for many things: incredible beaches, fresh food by the sea, and nightlife that goes on until dawn.

However, did you know that certain Greek islands are particularly well known for specific crafts their residents have perfected? Below are five islands and the crafts they are known for – so if you’re visiting any of these paradise destinations this summer, you know exactly what souvenir to pick up!

Tinos – Basket Weaving 

There is a town in Tinos called Volax, which is famous throughout Greece for two things: its surreal, boulder-laden landscape, and its basket-weaving residents. Though the town only has around 50 permanent inhabitants, many of them are basket-weavers with workshops adjacent to their houses. So stop by Volax to marvel at its alien landscape, historic churches, and gorgeous baskets!

Chios – Masticha

It is still an unsolved mystery why the mastiha tree produces mastiha (mastic) only on the island of Chios and nowhere else in Greece. Mastiha is a resin used for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. The 24 villages in Chios that produce it are the picturesque and aptly nicknamed “Mastihohoria” – definitely worth a visit both for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

Crete – Paximadi

Paximadia are a common staple of Greek breakfasts and snack food. This crunchy bread-like food is closest to barley rusk, and is used in plenty of Greek recipes, including the traditional “dakos”, where it is mixed with feta, tomato, oregano, and cappari. The best paximadi is made in Crete, so if you are visiting the island for its glorious hiking and beaches, be sure to bring plenty of paximadia for snacks after your afternoon swim or walk!

Syros – Loukoumia

 Aside from the fresh, healthy foods that make up the local Mediterranean diet, Greece is also known for its delectable sweets. The island of Syros especially is famous throughout the country for its loukoumia. These gummy sweets come in a variety of flavors, though the most traditional kind have hints of roses and pistachios. Sit at one of the many portside cafes or restaurants on Miaouli Square and enjoy this famous Syros sweet!

 

Charter one of our Sail in Greece fleet and explore the Greek islands on your own pace. Our friendly and welcoming guest will make sure your cruise around the Greek islands will be the one to remember!

See you soon on board

Drinks Menu Onboard

It’s important to work out a budget for your travels – it’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of your main expenses before you leave home, but it’s also vital to know the extra costs you can expect along the way too.

When booking your Sail in Greece cruise, you’ll need to account for extra expenses such as flights and travel insurance for example – and then there will be optional extras and drinks on board the ships. Extra expenses will vary depending on your requirements and therefore it is difficult to specify the exact amount of money that you can spend per day; however as a general rule, we suggest that you budget between €25 – €30 per day (£25 – £30 per day). This amount will adequately provide you with additional meals, drinks and optional’s.

All of our ships offer fully-stocked bars and have a wide range of refreshing cocktails for those hot summer days lazing about on the topdeck. Unless you have specific dietary requirements, you cannot bring food or drink onboard the boat and you will need to purchase drinks from the ship’s bar.

Below is an example of Sail in Greece drinks you can expect on our range of ships & cruises.

Please note: Prices are an estimate only. Each ship will have varying price lists and menu options. Up to date prices and menu items will be available onboard and can be checked with your crew once you join your Sail in Greece cruise.

Drink Type	Size	Cost ( € )
Quality White Wine	200ml	3 €
Quality White Wine	1.5 Litres	10 €
Sparkling Wine	750ml	20 €
Cider	330ml	4 €
Beer	500ml	4 €
Energy Drink	250ml	4 €
Cocktails	Standard	7 €
Vodka	30ml	3 €
Rum	30ml	3 €
Gin	30ml	3 €
Mineral Water	500ml	2 €
Mineral Water	1.5 litres	3 €
Soft Drinks	330ml	2 €
Tea	Cup	2 €
Coffee	Cup	2 €
OUZO	Shot	1 €

Sail & Hike Cruises in Greece

The Greek islands are known for many things: beaches, sailing, great food, and water sports. However, did you know there are incredible hiking opportunities in the Aegean islands as well?

If you’re visiting in the springtime or fall, and it’s a bit too chilly for the beaches, try these great trails instead. During the summer, you can also access these trails to get some great sunset views.

The Caldera in Nisyros

One of the most mind-blowing hikes in the Aegean is the caldera hike on the tiny island of Nisyros. Wear good footwear, as the terrain can be a little difficult (and hot). Follow the track to the craters of Stefanos and Polyvotis, and take in this otherwordly volcanic landscape.

 

Explore the Villages of Andros on Foot

The quite large island of Andros has hiking trails connecting most of its charming villages, which can easily be crossed on foot. Explore the island’s valleys and ancient water mills while making your way from one scenic small town to another.

Go Back in History on the Trails of Ithaki

Ithaki, well-known to fans of Greek history and mythology as the Ionian home island of Odysseus, has plenty of hiking trails on its lush landscape. Walk between historic sites related to Trojan War hero Odysseus, and step back in time as you also admire the green landscape and clear turquoise waters below.

Enjoy the Tranquility of Tilos

As a smaller island overlooked by many foreign and Greek tourists, Tilos is the perfect place for travelers seeking some peace and quiet in a great natural setting. The island has dramatic cliff tops jutting out over the sea, and isolated beaches where you can have the beautiful Aegean scenery all to yourself.

Charter one of our Sail in Greece vessels private for your group and our team will design a tailor made itinerary ideal for hiking adventures!

See you on board.

 

 

5 Greek Beaches accessible only by sailboat

In a country full of beautiful, scenic, unspoilt beaches, it’s hard to pick the best, but the part of Greece’s coastline accessible only by sailboat tends to be the most beautiful of all. With a couple of exceptions, these beaches have less tourist crowds and less human pollution thanks to their hard-to-access locations, making them prime spots for swimming and sunbathing.

When you hop around the Greek islands on a boat, these five breathtaking beaches are yours to enjoy!

• Kleftiko Beach, Milos

The turquoise water and stunning white rock formations that dot Kleftiko Beach make it an impressive destination for travelers. Thanks to the fact that Kleftiko is only accessible by boat, the water tends to be cleaner and clearer than on the rest of the popular island of Milos. Lie out on the rocks and soak in the dazzling Mediterranean sun, then jump into the water for one of the best swimming experiences of your life.

• Lalaria Beach, Skiathos

Lalaria is the beach that put Skiathos on the map for many Greek and international tourists alike. The white pebble beach, limestone cliffs, and crystal clear blue waters make this particular spot on the island appear almost surreal in its beauty. Local legends state that swimming through the natural rock arch will give you eternal youth – even though it’s a myth, it doesn’t hurt to try!

• Agiofulli Beach, Lefkada

Lefkada is famous all over Greece for its incredible beaches, as well as its prime spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Though it’s hard to pick just one beach from the island, Agiofulli is especially beloved thanks to its inaccessible by car, tranquil location. Pull in on a sailboat and swim to shore, or hop a charter from the main town of Lefkada and take the 45-minute ride to experience Agiofulli Beach yourself.

• Navagio Beach, Zakynthos

One of the most popular destinations in all of Greece, Navagio Beach is truly a unique sight to behold. Almost everyone has seen famous pictures of the beach, which has an old shipwreck on the sand and is surrounded by towering cliff faces. The reason most of these photos of Navagio are taken from above is that the beach itself is only accessible by sailboat. It is definitely worth it to sail out here, take a swim, and explore the beautiful old shipwreck yourself.

• Koufonissi Island, Crete

If you’re looking for more than just a secluded beach, how about a whole uninhabited island accessible only by boat?! Koufonissi Island, right off the coast of Crete, doesn’t even have a regular service from the mainland anymore, meaning that only those who have rented sailboats can go there. Koufonissi doesn’t offer developed beaches with sun beds and cocktail service, but it’s a favorite destination for those looking to get back to nature and simply enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the sea and sand.

Charter one of our gulets and explore the Greek islands at your own pace. You can browse our gulet fleet here.

The Sail in Greece Team

Athena…..Our Largest MEGA yacht

The motor sailer Athena was built in 2008 . After a renovation in 2017 It took its final form that you can all enjoy today. This boat that is 42 m long and 10 m large is providing Small Ship Cruise services to our dear guests with its 7 crew members.

Our yacht that holds 4 Double Cabins, 4 Triple Cabins, 8 Twin Cabins , more elegant and comfy than each other with their own WC and air conditioning, with a total of 16 cabins. İt possess a 2 x 460 HP Cummins horsepower and a 115 Kw, 35 Kw, 10.5 Kw generator.

A dedicated living space fort the crew, a fully furnished kitchen, indoor and outdoor spaces for eating and relaxing, and an American bar are available.

There are enough sun bath cushions, chairs and services for every single guest. This yacht that is built to make our guests live the comfort, the luxury and the serenity at the same time, can reach a speed up to 12 nautical mile.

Athena motor sailer, fully furnished with navigational devices Wireless, GSM Phone you will feel in security during all of our preferred destinations like Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Athens and all the Greek islands.

Beside that, a LCD TV, a DVD player and a stereo music player are available for our dear guests in the living room.

Athens operates on our Sail in Greece cruises and is also available for private charter. Check here our entire gulet fleet

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5 Best Restaurants in the Greek Islands

Kalita, Mykonos

Mykonos has so many world-class restaurants that it can be hard to pick just one to visit, but Kalita has distinguished itself enough to international foodies to easily nab one of the top spots on the island’s best. Known as much for its mouthwatering desserts as its Greek menu with a twist, Kalita also has a long list of incredible cocktails to keep patrons in this restaurant and bar long after the dishes have been cleared away. Best of all, since Kalita is in an enclosed outdoor space, you can take a small, quiet break from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos’ Chora while you dine.

Sigi Ikthios (Silence of the Fish), Paros

Tucked away in the scenic port of Naousa, right next to the water, the traditionally white and blue designed Sigi Ikthios is one of the premier restaurants in Paros. Chef Yiannis Zoumis specializes in Greek cuisine, especially incredible seafood dishes, and always uses fresh and organically grown ingredients in his dishes. Look out over an array of small Greek fishing boats while enjoying some of the best seafood the Greeks islands have to offer.

Ampelos Greek Restaurant & Wine Bar, Santorini

If you’re looking for a restaurant with a breathtaking view, look no further than Ampelos Restaurant & Wine Bar in Santorini. Located high atop the peak of the island, next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Ampelos boasts beautiful views of the volcanic caldera as well as the sea, and the lower parts of the island. Enjoy delicious Greek cuisine as well as local wines (in addition to an extensive list of foreign wines) while gazing out over one of the island’s famous sunsets.

Bratsera Restaurant, Hydra

Bratsera Restaurant is located in the Bratsera Hotel on the beautiful pedestrianized island of Hydra. Choose to dine in the cozy indoor dining room, or by the beautiful outdoor pool. Bratsera prides itself on fresh ingredients that make up the menu of its Greek cuisine. Best of all, the restaurant is located in Hydra’s central town, but is also just a four minute walk away from the beach.

Ousyra Restaurant, Syros

This relatively new dining destination has made quite a splash in classy Syros, the “Lady of the Cyclades”. Located in the heart of Hermoupolis, Syros’ central town, Ousyra serves fresh and delicious Italian Mediterranean cuisine. In a simple, clean dining room design. The menu encourage friends and family to share dishes – taste, enjoy, and have a great evening together.

Join our 8 day gulet cruises in Greece and experience the best local restaurants that our team will suggest you. Check here our Sail in Greece cruises

Private charter requests are also available. Check our gulet fleet here

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Life On board

Looking for a special lineup of dishes or drinks? Sail in Greece has got you covered, whether you feel like having a snack or a beverage!

“Meals”

• Grilled chicken with potatoes in the oven. Cost: 5 euros
• Moussaka. Cost: 6.5 euros
• Penne Primavera. Cost: 5 euros
• Pizza margarita. Cost: 6 euros
• Arabic wrap ( turkey, cheese, magionese). Cost: 3 euros
• Caesars salad. Cost: 5 euros
• Veggie Salad ( Rocket, spinach, parmesan). Cost: 5 euros
• Summer cocktail ( variety of fresh fruit). Cost: 2 euros
• Carrots to GO. Cost: 1.5 euros

 

“Beverages“

• Water 1.5L.
• Coca cola. 330ml.
• Beer ALFA (Greek Beer) 0.5L.
• White/Red Wine 0.75L.
• Apple Cider.
• Cranberry Cider.
• Prosceco.
• Sangria 1L.

“Working Hours”

 

Our Crew will be able to serve any Meal or Drink requests from 9:00am to 10:00pm.

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Water Sports in the Greek Islands

You might think summer in the Greek islands is all about lounging on beaches and sipping cocktails until dawn, but warm days by the beach may be the perfect time to get active as well.

Below, we cover some of the adrenaline-packed activities you can learn or practice on the islands we visit with Sail in Greece Adventures!

Windsurfing

Windsurfing is very popular in Greece, thanks to the country’s plentiful beaches and strong island winds. We even have an Olympic champion from our shores – Nikos Kaklamanakis, a Gold Medal winner in Atlanta and Silver Medal winner in Athens.

The Aegean islands are perfect for windsurfing, thanks to their frequently breezy conditions. Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos particularly are known all over Greece for their windsurfing spots. Try Mikri Vigla and Laguna in Naxos, Chrysi Akti (Golden Beach) in Paros, and Kalafatis and Ornos beaches in Mykonos.

Many great windsurfing beaches in Greece have surf schools with qualified instructors as well as windsurf rentals, so even if you’ve never tried this sport before, you can start learning in some of the best spots in the world!

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing has become very popular in the past few years in Greece, and you will often find kitesurfers and windsurfers vying for spots in the same beaches. However, advanced windsurfers usually need stronger winds than kitesurfers, so the crowd in the water will change as the wind strengthens throughout the day.

Pounda beach in Paros is a world-renowned spot for experienced kitesurfers. Mikri Vigla and Agios Georgios (Saint George) beaches in Naxos also attract plenty of windsurfers, while Korfos in Mykonos has a great kitesurfing school for beginners to learn the sport.

Wakeboarding

For those who prefer snowboarding to surfing, wakeboarding may be the water sport for you. The good thing about wakeboarding is that you don’t have to wait for ideally windy conditions, you just need a calm day with little air.

Many of the same beaches and schools that cater to kitesurfers and windsurfers on windy days are also set up for wakeboarding when the water is calm. Check out Golden Beach and Tsoukalia in Paros, Mikri Vigla and Saint George Beach in Naxos, and Ftelia and Kalafati beaches in Mykonos.

Scuba Diving

As you can imagine in a country renowned for its incredible summer, ancient (sometimes underwater) ruins, and crystal clear waters, Greece boasts a fair number of scuba divers and PADI schools throughout its islands.

Naxos and Mykonos have some incredible dive sites. Visit Prasonisia (which has excellent marine life and antiquities) and Dragonisi Island Caverns in Mykonos, as well as a large cavern called The Dome and a downed German seaplane in Naxos.

The possibilities for an active, fun-filled summer in Greece are endless, and the good news is, you don’t even have to leave the water to enjoy these sports.

Try something new this summer on the sunny Greek islands!

Join our Sail in Greece cruises and enjoy Greece, Sea, Party, Mega gulets and Water sports!

Harmonia… 3rd Greek Goddess joined our fleet!

Join us on board our new gulet Harmonia, this traditional sailing gulet, enable you to experience the best of Greek islands  in comfortable surroundings.

What makes a gulet cruising very different from all other cruising, is a fact that our guests have really comfortable accommodation, best service possible and privacy.

Harmonia in ancient Greek religion, is the immortal goddess of harmony and concord.

When you book a motor yacht it is all about going form point A to point B in the fastest possible way and then enjoying it there.

When you book  Harmonia and go sailing it is all about  going to point A to point B in a trilling fun way.

Harmonia that holds 7 Cabins ( 5 triples & 2 doubles) , more elegant and comfy than each other with their own WC and air conditioning, with a total of 8 cabins is able to accommodate 16 people

This astonishing yacht offers a spacious outdoor dining area surrounded by comfortable and cozy cushions for you and your friends to enjoy group meals, lazy laid back nights or happy summer moments.

This jaw-dropping mega yacht operates exclusively on our Sail in Greece cruises or is available for private hire based on tailor made cruises in the Greek islands.

See you on Board!

The Sail in Greece Team

4 Best Party Beaches in the Greek Islands

Summer in Greece is pretty much a party no matter where you go. However, there are some Greek island beaches that outdo themselves when it comes to drinks and dancing all night long, and even luckier for you, many of those beaches happen to be on the islands we visit with Sail in Greece Adventures!

Sure, you can just hit the bars and clubs in town if you want, but if you really want to party like a Greek this summer, you have to check out some of these beach bars and clubs! Below are the top 4 party beaches you will find along the way on Sail in Greece’s journey.

Far Out Beach Club, Mylopotas, Ios

Right next to the water and with a beautiful swimming pool in the club itself, Far Out Beach Club practically screams summer. The party here always goes until dawn, and it doesn’t even get going until around midnight, so if you’re going to party here, you better get ready for a long night!

Nammos, Psarou Beach, Mykonos

This party beach is famous to both Greeks and tourists, as it brings some of the best DJs in the world to play tunes all night long. The restaurant and club is located right on the beach, so you can start with dinner and then join the dancers on the sand as the night wears on. Drinks may be a little pricier than on the rest of the island beaches, but the fun atmosphere is worth it!

Pounda Beach Bar, Pounda Beach, Paros

Pounda Beach Bar is meant only for travelers who can handle a good amount of crowds and noise. The party here starts at noon and keeps going throughout the day, as the beach bar operates during sunlight hours as well. Since this club is a tourist favorite, you will meet people from all over the world at Pounda Beach Bar.

 

Cavo Paradiso, Paradise Beach, Mykonos

This club is meant for house music aficionados and intense partiers only. On the crazy party island of Mykonos, Cavo Paradiso is usually the place where people end their night, because the party here keeps going until well after the sun comes up. Cavo Paradiso is a must stop destination for any house DJ worth his salt, which is why names as famous as Tiesto, Laidback Luke, Axwell, Erick Prydz, Benny Benassi, and Alesso, just to name a few, have all played sets here.

 

Join our Mykonos or Harmony Cruises and party hard on the best places in Greece!