Hydra is mountainous, arid and devoid of vegetation. In 1821 it was the first island to pledge its sizeable fleet to the Greek cause. It has been said that but for the Hydriot fleet and sailors, the War of Independence against the Turks would not have been won. Hydra is a fashionable resort for the rich and famous. The town remains architecturally very much of the 18th and 19th centuries with large stately houses built around the natural amphitheatre above the harbor. The total lack of vehicles adds to the atmosphere.
Spetses is mostly coveted by pine trees. The attractive town is popular with tourists and Athenians alike. The old harbor and environs with many grand old houses is a wonderful place to wander around. The local yards build the Spetses caique which is considered to be among the best in Greece. John Fowles' novel "The Magus" is set on the island. In September a small caique rigged out as an old trader is set on fire to commemorate the revolt against the Turks. This is accompanied by a noisy fireworks display and much merriment. Kypairissi is a large bay along the coast of the Eastern Peloponnese. The village itself is quite unspoilt and the bay surrounded by mountains, a spectacular spot. Gerakas is a small hamlet surrounded by the hostile mountains, of the Parnon, hardly touched by outside influences. The entrance is almost invisible hidden between the high cliffs. On the summit of the entrance is an extensive ruined acropolis, probably of Mycenacan origin. In the hot afternoon sun, our of the cooling touch of the meltemi, the whole hamlet snoozes until the cool of evening when things come to life again. Monemvasia island was called Minoa in ancient times suggesting a Cretan influence. The humpbacked island, likened to a little Gibraltar, is connected to the Peloponnese by a causeway. The old fortified village is of Byzantine origin although the Venerians rebuilt much of it. There are a number of interesting churches in the village, but to get to the best of them, Agia Sofia, you have to climb up the zig-zag path behind the village to the summit. The fortified path and tunnel into the fort with its iron gates still intact, is as impressive as the fortification at the top. Your Itinerary: Day 1 - Athens - Hydra (38 miles) Day 2 - Hydra - Spetses (l7miles) Day 3 - Spetses - Kyparissi - Gerakas (28 miles) Day 4 - Gerakas - Monemvasia - Elafonisos (35 ml) Day 5 - Elafonisos - Porto Kayio - Gerolimenas (44) Day 6 - Gerolimenas - Methoni - Pylos (40 miles) Day 7 - Pylos - Kiparissia - Katakolo (48 miles) Day 8 - Katakolo Kilini (25 miles). Member discount: Notes: A. Skippered charters aboard Sailing Yachts & Catamarans
Also see tour packages in: Europe Greece Outdoor: Water Drifter Boating and Sailing Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend
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