There is something magical about being at sea, on a boat, under stiff breeze with whitewater curling off the bow, the sound of wind in the rigging and a feeling of being one with the boat and with nature...
Sailing is a unique way to discover the splendors of an area, while exploring hidden coves, remote islands, pristine beaches and turquoise blue waters. You can drop anchor to a secluded bay, sunbathe or lay on untouched beaches that can only be reached by sea.
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The sea air, that sound of the water, the yacht’s gentle plunges as she’s pushed by the wind... There is something euphoric and elemental about being out at sea that makes us feel more alive than almost anything else on earth. Away from land you are reminded that there’s a big wide world out there... And suddenly the clutter of your daily life sweeps away and problems become smaller.
If you could name a better way to relax and recharge your batteries after a stressful year than a sailing holiday, then we’re all ears.
Don’t you believe us?
A great reason for curious travellers to come and spend some days sailing around the beautiful islands of the Ionian is to relive a part of Homer’s Odyssey! While opinion amongst academics is divided, any local will tell you unequivocally that Homer is describing their island in The Odyssey, the epic tale of Odysseus!..
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The festive season might not be completely over yet but as a keen traveller, we know you're probably already planning your 2019 adventures - and we don't blame you!
Here we give you the low down on all our active sailing adventures… from the classic, well-travelled islands to the off-the-beaten track Small Cyclades to the remote islands in the Dodecanese… from relaxing on deck with a cold drink, to holding the helm, trimming the sails... from scuba diving to hiking, sea kayaking and spotting wildlife… the 2019 promises to be an exciting year!
The Cyclades offer a one-of-a-kind experience for those looking to experience the magic of sailing. This serene haven appeals to nature lovers and sailing enthusiasts alike, boasting a vast network of islands and islets of varied sizes. Beyond its scenic beauty, the Aegean Sea and its islands provide a thriving habitat for a variety of wildlife, making it a picturesque and ecologically rich sailing destination...
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A pair of walking boots might not feature in many sailing holiday brochures, but you will often find them listed on our sailing holiday kit list. We offer you see a wide range of island hopping adventures where a good walk ashore is a key part of the experience...
And there is nothing more natural after a good day sailing to want to go ashore and stretch your legs. It is the best way to explore the islands you visit!
Here are our 19 Reasons to sail & hike the Cyclades Islands!
Greece is undoubtedly one of the best sailing destinations in Europe, as it thrives with crystal clear waters, picturesque islands and breathtaking bays to moor and swim.
However, most people visit during the summer, experiencing only a glance of what the or country has to offer...
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Just finished going through all the photos collected during our sailing & diving adventures last summer around the islands of the Aegean sea. It really reminded me of how lucky we are.
The Aegean sea offers miles of stunning blue coastline, hundreds of isles where you can sail to, unique diving sites, a strong island culture as well as millennia of ancient history underwater and onshore.
Islands have always intrigued travellers with the promise of adventure. Whether you've dreamed about island-hopping around Greek archipelagos, invigorating walks along windswept headlands and clifftop trails, spending the night at deserted islands, the sound of waves breaking against the beach, cruising in search of marine wildlife such as dolphins and whales, tracking down remote seaside restaurants where the fish goes straight from boat to grill to plate…
“In nature”, explained Sotiris the Skipper, “there are three types of relationship. Parasitic – where one creature benefits and the other one suffers. Mutual – where both creatures benefit. And commensal – where one creature gives, but gets nothing in return.”
He gave a wry smile. “You see, they are very much like human relationships…”
Here is an article written by one of our guests onboard our sailing yacht Tahita describing her sailing & diving experience... enjoy!
Tourism can be a great force for good, a significant driver of economic and social development, protecting our natural envrionment and bringing income and jobs into rural communities, ultimately, improving the quality of life for locals. But we need to do it right. If you are a traveller you need to consider the folloiwng:
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Many of us are looking at the natural environment for enjoyment, inspiration and pleasure. Most of us know that we depend on the planet for food, energy, raw materials, water and air - the elements that make life possible as we know it and are the driving forces of our economies. But we often take nature for granted.
This week's World Environment Day as well as the United States’ recent decision to withdraw from the international climate agreement known as the Paris accord, it made us think again what we can do in order to protect our planet and the variety of life on earth.
Imagine a place, where shimmering turquoise waters skim lush forested mountains and landscapes beside you as you pad coastal paths... You stumble upon solitary coves and rural fishing villages where you’re served seafood caught the same day.
You journey into the heart of the Ionian archipelago has begun...
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Picture yourself feeling the wind and trimming the sails... relaxing on deck with a cold drink… walking the island's ancient paths and getting into the unspoilt lifestyle of the islanders… exploring the underwater life or spotting dolphins and sea birds…
There’s nothing like getting in the holiday mood; picturing yourself in your chosen destination and dreaming about the sights and sounds that await you.
Have you dreamt of sailing in Greece, its magical turquoise waters, the enchanting landscapes and picturesque villages lining the Aegean or Ionian sea? We know how you feel because that was us, too. Greece has some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe, maybe even the world; its archipelagos are so stunning, you need to see them to believe they’re real.
The absolute best way to enjoy Greece is to go on a sailing trip. There are, however, a few things to consider before setting sail on your adventure on the shimmering Aegean or Ionian sea.
Dear friend
Sailing in Greece is a unique way to discover the splendors of Greece and its marvelous islands, while exploring hidden coves, remote islands, pristine beaches and turquoise blue waters. You can drop anchor to a secluded bay, sunbathe or lay on untouched – by tourism – beaches that can only be reached by sea.
Sailing in Greece gives you the chance to actually experience what you have been picturing; diving off your sailing yacht into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, unwinding on deck enjoying a cold drink, hearing the waves splashing against the yacht's keel.
The Cyclades leave their mark on their visitors. Known for their picturesque coves, rustic villages, crystal clear waters, sea culture, passionate characters; the Cyclades are steeped in all of these things and so much more. The islanders focus on living well, appreciating the beauty around, and they are fiercely proud of their local traditions (music, food and wine!). There is no singular Cycladic experience, each corner has something special for you…
Although we have been sailing around the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea, for more than 26 years, we keep discovering and gaining new experiences every week! Experiences we share with our guests and we’d like to share them with you too!
Dear friend
As sailors and divers, we spend a lot of time sailing and exploring the islands of the Aegean Sea; the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Although some of us have been working in the area for more than 20 years we still learn and discover new places almost on a weekly basis.
I believe that many of you have dreamt or wish to travel to the islands soon or in the future. With that in mind, I’ve gathered the following 15 facts about the Cyclades that I'd like to share with you!
When it comes to holidays, we all love the idea of discovering the next big thing just ahead of the crowd. Whether it's tracking down a beach that's not in the guidebook, discovering a new place to eat after talking to a local, or deliberately choosing a holiday in a place you barely know anything about, the road less travelled often leads to authentic experiences.
Every week we try to experience something new with our crew… follow a different sailing route, sail to a bay where we’ve never been before, dive at a new site, walk a part of the island we’ve never been before, spot a wild flower we’ve never seen before, try a new activity in order to explore the islands we visit, talk to local fishermen and shepherds to hear exhilarating stories and gain insights into the traditional way of life of the islanders...
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Back when I started diving I didn't know that much about the environment and sustainability. I just liked to go diving. I was very lucky to meet through 'Mystic Blue' a couple of marine biologists who introduced us to the unique biodiversity of our waters.
As divers, we’re blessed with the chance to see what few others see; an entire world underwater with unique geology, biology, and a life cycle all of its own. But we've also got a front row seat to the negative impact humans have on that world; underwater debris and garbage, coral bleaching and declining populations of marine animals.
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Happy new year! Goodbye 2020! We all know a magic wand isn't going to be waved on the 1st of January that makes everything all okay again, but here's hoping 2021 is the year that we'll get to make up for 2020; the year we re-purpose our lives, our bucket lists are resumed and where we all get to give ourselves a much-needed reward to compensate for last few months.
In Greek mythology, Icarus is the son of the master craftsman Daedalus, the creator of the Labyrinth. Icarus and his father attempted to escape from Crete by means of wings that his father constructed from feathers and wax. According to legend despite his father's warnings...
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New Year's Resolutions are sooo difficult to stick to - no more drink, no sugar, more exercise… Only way to succeed is to ensure they are something to look forward to. We've some suggestions for adventure holidays that will allow you to experience new skills and activities this year on your own or with your friends and family. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out about our remarkable offers…
I'd like to share with you some thoughts on traveling...
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Escaping the crowds can be easier than you think, especially now. The Greek islands have been empty in comparison to previous years and even within the middle of August, you thought you were travelling out of season.
Sailing itself allows you to keep your distances from the crowd. Being on a sailing yacht, with your family and loved ones or a couple of like minded travellers who share the same interests is all you need to have an amazing holiday, whilst staying safe.
Dear friend
The Aegean - the island world of the Greeks - brings to mind sun and sea, natural environment and culture, entertainment and Greek hospitality.
Spring is one of our favourite times of the year to visit the Greek islands. Although in every season the Aegean islands offer a particular quality of light, wonderful scents and superb walks, the conventional picture of the Aegean
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Amidst the current global situation, we first and foremost wish you good health, and hope you are staying safe and positive. In stressful times like these, it’s easy to get caught up in fear, confusion, and the never-ending news cycle. But perhaps the best way to escape it all is to mentally dive into a great holiday. Researching your dream trip of choice is a helpful reminder that the world will go back to normal again – and when it does, you’ll have a decisive plan of action for a trip you’re excited to take.
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Two weeks dedicated to endangered species and rare representatives of the animal kingdom is what the next Mystic Blue project is all about.
Starting on the 16th of September, Tahita will set course for an area of depths up to 2,000m in the west Ionian Sea, at a place where sperm whales Physeter macrocephalusgather to forage the giant squid.
The biologist in our team, Dr Panayiotis Pafilis, has chosen the islands where we'll be anchoring in between our whale spotting in accordance to the uniqueness of their wildlife...
Dear friend
Amidst the current global situation, we first and foremost wish you good health, and hope you are staying safe and positive. In stressful times like these, it’s easy to get caught up in fear, confusion, and the never-ending news cycle. But perhaps the best way to escape it all is to mentally dive into a great holiday. Researching your dream trip of choice is a helpful reminder that the world will go back to normal again – and when it does, you’ll have a decisive plan of action for a trip you’re excited to take.
Now that we can dream of Greek holidays again (please look for an update on travelling to and around Greece below), here's a little inspiration and tips about sailing around Greece’s far-flung islands...
