THREE ISLANDS ODYSSEY
Three Islands: Aegina and its smaller islands, Agistri and Moni. When you talk to enough Athenians, you come to discover that many have a weekend home in Aegina, or a favorite regular retreat on the island. In large part this is because Aegina lies so close to Athens — only one hour by ferry, two hours by sailing yacht. What you won’t see on Aegina is tons of foreign tourists. So even though Aegina is easily accessible from the mainland, it has the feel of a rural island far from the capital city. That makes Aegina an inviting locale for a 3 day getaway.
Description
THREE ISLANDS ODYSSEY
Aegina is a popular weekend getaway island for Athenians because it is so close to the mainland. Aegina is only a two hour excursion away from Athens on our traditional wooden sailing yachts. If you join the sailing tour in September, you are likely to join the celebrations at the annual Aegina Pistachio Festival. Pistachio trees dominate the terrain and visitors always leave with a souvenir bag of red and green nuts.
Aegina’s premier ancient site is the 5th century BC Temple of Aphaia located thirteen kilometers from the port at an elevation of 160 meters (525 feet). Of the Temple’s 34 pillars, 24 remain standing, making it one of the best preserved temples in Greece.
Within thirty minutes of sailing from Aegina are two more delightful islands. Tiny Moni island is uninhabited by humans but when you swim ashore you can have a delightful close-up encounter with the deer and peacocks that live there along with other little critters. Agistri island is only 14 square kilometers making it the smallest inhabited island in the Argo Saronic region. Besides ten beaches, Agistri has many secluded coves where the yacht docks for guests to swim and snorkel.
Itinerary
TOUR TIMING
- 08:00 Transfer from central Athens by vehicle to the yacht’s home port, Alimos Marina, 20 minutes drive.
- Boarding upon arrival and mandatory safety lesson.
- 09:00 Departure. Sailing to Agistri takes two hours.
- 12.00 Sail to Moni island
- 14.00 Sail to Aegina island
- 16:00 Sail to Alimos Marina.
- 18:00 Arrive Alimos, vehicle transfer to central Athens
Inclusions
Inclusions depend on the yacht that is chartered and its capabilities. Below are indicative inclusions for this tour.
- Vehicle transfers from central Athens to/from Alimos Marina
- Captain and 3 crew.
- Cruise Director handling all logistics.
- All required safety equipment such as life rafts, life jackets, motorized tenders, satellite beacon devices, emergency communication devices, fire prevention/extinguishing equipment, emergency pumps and other essential sea faring devices.
- Entry fees to Temple of Aphaia
- Vehicle transport to Temple of Aphaia (leisure group)
- Presentation and complimentary bar of soap at Cool Soap workshop (leisure group)
- Hybrid bicycles, helmets, water bottles (active group)
- Traditional Greek lunch aboard yacht
- Snorkeling gear, fishing gear
Activities
- Sail to a secluded cove at Agistri island for one hour of uncrowded swimming, snorkeling or fishing,
- Active guests can sea kayak, bike, hike and visit the Temple of Aphaia.
- Shop in Aegina’s artisanal stores, sip a Greek coffee in a harbor side cafe and definitely try the famous, local pistachios.
- Sail to Moni island and swim ashore to observe the island’s deer and peacocks.
- At Moni guests are served a buffet lunch of Greek fare on board the yacht and may either eat outdoors in the front and rear decks or inside in the salon.
- Sail to Aegina. The yacht docks for two hours during which there are organized activities for both a leisure group and an active group.
- Leisure: visit the Temple of Aphaia and then the Cool Soap workshop where Marina shows you how organic olive oil soap is artisanally made.
- Active: bike a loop to the Temple of Aphaia, 26 km round trip.
Notes
Bring swim wear, hat, sun glasses and sun screen For bikers, wear appropriate shoes.
On the yacht rubber soled footwear only, or barefoot.
Map
