Tips for Sailing the Saronic Islands in Greece

When sailing around Greece, you’ll find secluded coves, chic bars and restaurants, and all the tzatziki you could possibly imagine. I sailed the Saronic Islands with The Yacht Week Greece and fell in love.

With so many islands to explore, sailing is the best way to make the most of your trip. Here are my tips for sailing the Saronic Islands in Greece!

Day 1: Alimos

Alimos Marina is the largest of the marinas in Greece. Located about 9 miles southwest of downtown Athens, this is where you are most likely to board any sailing boat or yacht that you are going to take around the islands of Greece!

Day 2: Erimioni

Erimioni is a small own of Peloponnese. Its tourism has seen a boom in recent years due to many summer houses being built in the area.

If you feel like a little R&R, take a walk around the cobblestone alleys and the whitewashed homes. You’ll also find plenty of traditional coffeehouses (kafeneia) and little taverns to enjoy a glass of wine.

Day 3: Spetses

Spetses is known for its old harbor and Dapia, a commercial center where all the entertainment happens. Here you can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage around the island or visit some of the historical naval spots like the House of Bouboulina or the House of Hatzigiannis Mexis.

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, rent an ATV and see the island on wheels.

Day 4: Porto Heli

Out of all the destinations, Porto Heli is known as one the most famous and most luxurious. We’re talking luxury brands alongside white sand beaches and world class food.

It’s very similar to the Amalfi Coast without the flocks of tourists. If you’re looking to see some of the hottest beach parties in Greece, look no further.

Nikki Beach in Porto Heli is world famous for its beach party scene. In fact “Niki” in Greece means “victory.” The resorts have infinity pools and DJs that play music that will draw you in.

Day 5: Natural Bay on Dokos

Dokos is one of the most isolated islands in the Saronic Gulf. In fact, the island has a population of about only 50 people.

The best way to see the island is to hop on a bicycle and explore. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop the Old Olive Press Taverna for local produce and drinks.

Day 6: Hydra

Hydra is one of the more the laid-back Greek islands. The island is only 50 kilometers square and you won’t find any cars or motor vehicles.

In fact, the only way to get around is by donkeys and water taxis.

Spend your day soaking in the architecture and colorful bougainvillea that line the alleyways. The port itself has crystal clear water and many of the nearby beaches are often undisturbed.

Day 7: Athens

Did you know that Athens is the historical capital of Europe? In fact, it dates back to the 5th century BC.

Because it’s long history, there are so many incredible archeological sites to visit. Some of the most famous include Acropolis, a site you’ve most likely seen in all of your history books, and the Parthenon.

I always recommend checking to see if there is a free walking tour of any new city you visit, and Athens has a great one. The tour I took lasted over 3 hours and took us to all of the archeological sites in Athens. 

You can also walk the Athens Flea market for cheap souvenir shopping and some fresh fruit to snack on. There are little fruit stands all over selling inexpensive cherries, nectarines and pretty much everything you could imagine!

There is so much delicious and authentic Greek food to try in the city so be sure to ask some locals for their recommendations. And don’t leave without trying Greek yogurt with spoon sweets!

Read More: What to Do in Athens, Greece in Three Days

With over 6,000 different islands, sailing is the best way to see and experience the most of Greece in the shortest amount of time!

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Top Sailing Destinations in Croatia

With its turquoise waters, stone castles and streets, party boats, and 200-year-old forts, there’s something for everyone in Croatia. It’s no wonder it has become the “it” travel spot in Europe. I visited Croatia with the Yacht Week Croatia, where we sailed to 6 unbelievable spots to see what Croatia has to offer.

Here is my itinerary and the top sailing destinations in Croatia!

Day 1: Trogir

Medieval walls, built between the 13th and 14th century, surround this tiny island. We’re talking very tiny.

You could walk from one end to the other in five minutes. However, it’s packed with charm as you explore the historical monuments.

Two yacht marinas cater to those who love boating while the seafront nightclubs and bars accommodate for the younger crowd. It’s also been known as the perfect spot for Instagram lovers.

To get your history fill, hit up spots like Kamerlengo fortress or the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, both of which give you incredible views of the city.

Day 2: Vis

Have you seen Mamma Mia 2? If so, they shot it on the island of Vis in Croatia which happens to be the second stop along this route.

While there, stop by Kit, a series of courtyards and alleys built by the Venetians in the 17th century. Here you’ll find mini-marts and restaurants with incredibly delicious Italian food along with seafood.

Plus you will find some of the clearest water you have ever seen.

Because the island is so small, one of the best ways to get around is by scooter. After riding around all day, stop for a sunset dinner at Fort George.

Days 3 & 4: Hvar

With 2724 sunny hours each year, Hvar Island offers swanky hotels, chic boutiques, and posh bars and restaurants. It’s the ideal spot to rub shoulders with yachties and party-goers while sipping on a cocktail. In fact, it’s been named as the best Croatian island for nightlife.

Aside from its party reputation, Hvar is famed for its lavender fields and olive trees that were laid out by Greek colonists. The trees have been preserved for over two and a half thousand years.

Day 5: Natural Bay on Stari Grad

Despite being located on Hvar’s north coast, Stari Grad is a far more quiet affair. Stari Grad means “old town,” fitting for the fact that it was founded in 384 BC by the ancient Greeks.

This makes it one of the oldest towns on the European continent.

Be sure to visit Petar Hektorović Castle, the most famous building in Stari Grad. The Renaissance poet built it throughout his life. In fact, he carved more than 20 inscriptions in both Latin and Italian into the building.

Day 6: Bol

Bol is situated on the Southern part of the island Brac and is the oldest town. It’s quickly become a tourist destination because of its sandy beaches that expand over 10 km.

In fact, it’s home to Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat. It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves the outdoors and you can spend your time playing volleyball, football, swimming, or windsurfing in the warm air.

Day 7: Split

Split is a blend of ancient and modern. Split (Spalato in Italian) is Croatia’s second largest city and it’s always buzzing.

Roman ruins and museums sit alongside cafes and trendy shops. It’s no surprise that it became a film location for “Game of Thrones.”

Some of the highlights include Diocletian’s Palace, built in 305 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the Bell Tower of St. Dominus Cathedral, and Old Town. Can’t forget the beaches!

Additional Destinations

A few additional destinations to sail to in Croatia include Dubrovnik, Sipan, Mljet, Korcula, and Brac!

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Top Sailing Destinations in the British Virgin Islands

With so many islands in the Caribbean, it’s hard to choose just one to visit. I sailed them with the Yacht Week British Virgin Islands and was amazed by the jaw-dropping destinations.

So ready to get sailing? Here are my picks for the top sailing destinations in the British Virgin Islands.

Day 1: Tortola

Tortola is the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands. It’s where you will most likely board any ship that you’re sailing on.

If you have some time to spend here before embarking on your boat, be sure to check out the different beaches! Cane Garden Beach and Elizabeth Beach and Long Bay Beach West are perfect for a relaxing day on the white sand. You can also walk around Road Town for a little shopping or for a quick bite.

If you’re into historical sights, check out Fort Burt. Fort Burt was built by the Dutch in the early 17th century to safeguard Road Harbour. 

Day 2: Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke checks off all your tropical boxes. With sugar mill ruins, a natural sea-formed jacuzzi, and dolphins and whales swimming in the sea, it’s the perfect place to start your route.

With fewer than 300 inhabitants, this small island packs a big punch. It’s most famous for its food with things like barbeques, West Indian rotifs, and plenty of grilled fish.

Be sure to check out the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and order an original painkiller cocktail (it’s been around since the 70s)!

Day 3: Cane Garden Bay

Located on the island of Tortola, Cane Garden Bay is the best spot for water sports. Kayaking, snorkeling, renting a boat, you name it. When that sun goes down, the bay turns up.

You’ll find endless happy hours and live music. Just be sure to stop by Myett’s to enjoy a mahi-mahi burger and tropical punch while you enjoy the live music.

Day 4: Anegada

Anegada is meant for relaxing and exploring all that nature has to offer. With the only coral island in the Virgin Islands’ volcanic chain, turpentine trees, sea lavender, and wild orchids, it’s unlike any of the stops you’ll be making.

Snorkeling will have you face to face with bonefish, stingrays, parrot fish, and more. Though if you’re looking for something more upbeat, give windsurfing a go.

Either way, the secluded sandy beaches will have you relaxed in no time.

Day 5: Virgin Gorda

BVI’s third largest island received its name from Christopher Columbus who thought the island resembled a reclining woman (or “Fat Virgin.”). If you enjoy swimming, The Baths are a must.

A collection of boulders created by volcanic eruptions formed multiple little coves that you can swim in.

If you’d rather stay on land, hiking to Gorda Peak offers a panoramic view of the other islands. There are also Spanish ruins at Little Fort National Park that are worth exploring.

Day 6: Norman Island

Norman Island, one of the islands reputed to be the inspiration for the pirate novel Treasure Island, has a documented history of pirates booty being stowed on the island. We’re talking pirate gold dating back to 1750. It’s rumored that there is more pirate gold to be found.

Maybe you’ll be the one to find it.

The island has many caves, natural pools, and wrecks that you can scuba dive or snorkel. You will see plenty of sea life in the crystal clear waters. Once you’ve tired yourself out in the water, head to Willy T, a floating bar on a 30-meter schooner.

Day 7: Spanish Town

Spanish Town, located on southern Virgin Gorda, is the second largest town on the British Virgin Islands. It’s the ideal spot to end a week of sailing the sea.

If you want to soak in the ocean one more time, stop by Devil’s Bay. This horseshoe-shaped bay is said to be the most beautiful in Virgin Gorda.

If you’re sunburnt and want to take it easy, you will find numerous shopping possibilities and plenty of bars and restaurants with entertainment. 

The British Virgin Islands are the perfect place to sail if you just want to kick back and relax, search for sea turtles, snorkel the sea, and sprawl out on white sand beaches!

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10 Mistakes Every Couple Makes While Traveling

This post was written by Michael and Alexandra from Couple’s Coordinates!

Traveling as a couple presents a myriad of challenges—some of which arise as a direct result of mistakes made by the couple. If you’re planning to travel with your partner for the first time or have only traveled together on a few vacations, you’re sure to make a plethora of mistakes as you figure out how to best work together and support one another.

When we first started traveling together extensively almost four years ago, we made mistakes left and right. Four years later, and we have visited over 30 countries together and we have developed a sound travel strategy to be incredible travel partners. Now, we are less susceptible to mistakes and fights, and instead, have incredible travel experiences.

So we are sharing what we think are ten mistakes every couple makes while traveling (and how to overcome them)!

Not Spending Time Apart

One of the most important things we tell every couple when they head out on their first trip together is to spend time apart. Make time for yourselves as individuals whether you’re at home, on holiday together, at a family reunion, or hell, even on your honeymoon.

It is imperative that you maintain your identity, hobbies, and private time in a relationship. We make a point to spend a bit of time apart every day, whether it is simply for a workout, a coffee, or a nice walk around the city.

Trying To Do Everything

There is no reason in the world you have to do everything you see on Instagram, blogs, etc. Frommers is a guide, not a checklist.

When you visit a new destination, you might feel a pull to do, try, and see everything. Sure, you should be adventurous, but don’t let that compromise your sanity.

Be sure to schedule downtime and don’t overextend yourselves. After all, couples are more susceptible to fights while tired and stressed.

Not Assigning Duties

Many relationships are one-sided. If this is the case at home, well, you can bet it is going to be the same case on the road.

Early in a relationship, it is natural to want to impress your partner. But be sure to assign duties while you travel so that you don’t overload yourself with responsibilities, and you give your partner the opportunity to help create the trip he or she wants.

Alex and I separate duties in such a way that I invariably cover logistics and organizational tasks, and she plans activities during the trip, looks for great restaurants, etc.

Not Planning

One fatal mistake that you’ll likely make while traveling as a couple is not planning. Sure, spontaneity can be fun, but failure to plan can lead to disappointments and fights.

We have found the right balance between planning and spontaneity and think our middle-ground is quite successful. Be sure to plan the grand details and perhaps leave some room during the trip for impulse decisions.

You don’t need an itinerary, but you certainly need to do some research and planning.

Focusing on Unimportant Details

Who takes the aisle and who takes the middle? What time is dinner? What direction should you walk to reach your destination? Where will you eat dinner?

If these aren’t easily decided, don’t let them mess with your mojo. There’s no need to get caught up in the trivial details of travel. There will be incredibly insignificant items that arise daily… so be sure to be patient.

Worrying About Life at Home

There is a reason you go on vacation. To escape your life at home. Put your phone down, neglect social media, don’t check your email, and simply forget about your life at home for a week or two.

When you get home, NOTHING will have changed. If your family and friends can’t understand that you’re on holiday and trying to spend quality time with your partner, they aren’t really your friends.

Focus on the time alone with your significant other and enjoy!

Obsessing Over Social Media

Every couple wants to be #CouplesGoals but is it truly worth the stress? We would 1000% rather have an incredible experience and no photos to show for it than a bad experience and loads of pictures depicting us having the time of our lives.

Yes, we take loads of photos for blogs and document our travels on IG stories. That doesn’t mean we let pictures and social media come first. There are loads of experiences we have that are completely held off social media and our blog.

Don’t do it for the Vine, do it for the experience.

Not Fighting

Fighting in relationships is imperative and often ok. Important discussions that are neglected can often become toxic, causing larger issues.

So disagree while you’re traveling and don’t feel like you can’t fight. Don’t be the couple having a huge meltdown in a crowded piazza, but walk away and have an adult conversation with one another to work out your issues.

Not Compromising

Compromise is highly tied to the point of not being affected by unimportant details. Try to see things through your partner’s eyes and be sure to compromise where needed.

It is hard when you have particular expectations, so try to rid yourselves of expectations and enjoy your trip with one another. If there are conflicting ideas and neither of you are willing to budge, spend some time apart.

Getting Lost

You’ll 1000% get lost at some point while you’re traveling with your partner. Even with data plans, the prevalence of Wi-Fi and Google Maps, you’re bound to get lost at some point. But, hey, getting lost can be a fun adventure in and of itself.

So go get lost with your best friend and have an incredible experience.

If you and your partner are thinking of tying the knot soon, check out our favorite cheap honeymoon destinations and 10 Reasons Every Couple Should Travel Together Before Marriage.

 

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