My Favourite Cruising Highlights of the West Aegean
Author: Rob Buttress
My Favourite Cruising Highlights of the West Aegean
My wife and I love this area and keep returning, because it has something for everyone – whether you are looking for urban chic, Greek style, or total solitude, the West Aegean delivers. Those cruising their own boats will find this guide invaluable as it provides detailed information on places only lightly covered in other publications. Charterers will appreciate the superb approach photographs and harbour plans as well as the extensive “what to do when you get there” information. Below are five of our firm favourites:
1. Linariá, Skiros
Midway along Skiros’ South Western coast, this sheltered harbour is the island’s ferryport, connecting it with the Greek mainland. As such, it bustles with life and offers a good choice of eateries and shore attractions. Leave your yacht here and take a bus to look around island’s main town (Chóra), or hire a car or scooter and visit the extremely well preserved Palamári Neolithic site, or the sunlight-dappled grave of the great British romantic poet Rupert Brooke, in an ancient olive grove.
2. Planítis “Harbour”, Kirá Panayiá
For those who like getting away from it all, Planítis represents paradise. Not only is it on a remote island inhabited only by a solitary monk and a few seasonal fishermen and goatherds, but its narrow entrance channel completely shuts out the prevailing weather, providing a total and somewhat eerie stillness. A few days here completely recharge the batteries; take plenty of food and drink though, because the nearest shop is four hours away!
3. Panormos Bay, Skopelos
Skopelos has an enormous amount to offer the yachting visitor. Its main town on the North coast has as much of the real Greek holiday experience as you could want, with charming cafés and souvenir shops galore. But tranquil Panormos Bay, on the more sheltered South West coast, offers secure and comfortable berthing, anchored stern-to the densely wooded foreshore. It’s just a short walk away from a fantastic pebbled beach, with a great choice of tavernas and cafés. Enjoy a Skopelos cheese pie at your peril!
4. Koukounaries Bay, Skiáthos
If you have children on board (and even if you don’t), Koukounaries is a must. Just a short sail from the charter base at Skiathos Town, your family could be swimming off the back of the yacht or sunning themselves on this perfect beach (famously voted “best in the world”), within an hour or so of arriving in Greece. Skiáthos is well-served by an international airport and is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the beautiful Sporades island group.
5. Palió Tríkeri Island, Gulf of Volós
Close to the entrance of the delightful but not oft-visited gulf, Palió Tríkeri is home to not one, but two Orthodox monasteries and is full of authentic Greek character. There are no vehicles on the island and this lively little village, full of character, surrounds its sheltered harbour. Just a short sail from the Sunsail base at Milína, Palió Tríkeri makes a perfect first or last night stop of your charter holiday.
To discover more about cruising in this delightful area, read West Aegean Cruising Companion by Rob Buttress. It covers the Sporádes islands, Evia and the Gulf of Volós, including the Greek mainland from Cape Sounio to Volós.
Available now. Published by Wiley Nautical. RRP £24.99
