Poros lies very eiose or the Peloponnese separated from it by a narrow channel. The island is extensively wooded with pine trees reaching to the shore. In ancient times Poseidon was the patron and a few remains of a temple to Poseidon can be found on a picturesque side on the east coast. Poros town, built on rocky slopes, is attractive and the approach by sea one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Hydra is mountainous, arid and devoid of vegetation. In 1821 it was the first island to pledge its sizable 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 harbour. The total lack of vehicles adds to the atmosphere. Spetses is mostly covered by pine trees. The attractive town is popular with tourists and Athenians alike. The old harbour 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. Tolon was a small fishing village that has developed into a tourist resort on the strength of its sandy beach. Nafplion is a large town of mostly 18th and 19th century buildings, is a gem. The stone houses seem to be engulfed in vegetation and the narrow cobbled streets wind in and out of modest mansions many of them built in golden sandstone that seem to absorb color from the sun. Shops and taverns are tucked away in streets everywhere. The Venetian citadel, Palamidi is the most finely preserved piece of Venetian military architecture in existence. The interesting exhibits of the local museum include a suit of Mycenaean armor, a reminder that this whole area was the heartland of the Mycenaeans. Your Itinerary: Day 1 - Athens - Poros (31 miles); Day 2 - Poros - Hydra (14 miles); Day 3 - Hydra - Spetses (17 miles); Day 4 - Spetses - Nafplion (27 miles); Day 5 - Nafplion - Porto Heli (26 miles); Day 6 - Porto Heli - Hermioni (15 miles); Day 7 - Hermioni - Moni- Aegina (25 miles); Day 8 - Aegina - Athens (18 miles). 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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