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Zea Marina

Zea Marina (Piraeus) – this marina is located at the largest port of Greece, whose history goes back to ancient times. For sailors, this is the starting point to the Aegean Sea, the Saronic Gulf, the island of Crete, as well as the other Greek islands (including those near the shores of Turkey). This marina has 670 berths (up to 80 meters long).

The Saronic Sea is highly recommended for easy sailing, especially in July and August for avoiding the strong winds. Along this route you will find many cosmopolitan towns, ancient temples, Byzantine castles, small fishing ports, unspoiled anchorages and magnificent sandy beaches. Another possible route is that to the Cyclades. This is the central group of islands in the Aegean consisting of 21 main islands and 20 smaller ones. The Cyclades are considered by most to be the most characteristic part of Greece. Charming white houses and windmills, beautiful sunny beaches, ancient ruins, small taverns with good food and wine can be found everywhere. Yacht owners can visit the marina’s site: www.medmarinas.com For radio communications with the marina, yacht owners can go to VHF Channel 9.

Surf Club Kouros

Surf Club Kouros (Athens-Sounion Avenue, Km. 50, Anavyssos) — Anavyssos is a sea-side settlement on the south-east part of Attica prefecture, very close to Athens. It is an area with a history of centuries, since it is inextricably related to ancient Anaflystos, as the archaeological findings reveal. However, the most important finding may be the funerary statue of Kouros Kroisos, ca 530 B.C., which is considered by the historians to be the most artistic Kouros ever made, since this is the only Kouros showing motion (stride). This is also where KOUROS Club took its name from.

Anavyssos bay is a particularly popular destination for the windsurf fans, since the weather conditions allow windsurfers to enjoy their favorite sport throughout the year, due to the strong south winds during winter and the winds that start in spring and last until autumn, creating the ideal preconditions for freeride, freestyle, wave, race and slalom windsurfing. Visitors interested in windsurfing are encouraged to contact the Surf Club’s management through its website: http://surfclubkeros.com

Schinias Beach

Schinias Beach (Schinias, Marathon 19007) – located about an hour via car northeast of Athens, this is considered the best beach north of Attica (near the historic town of Marathon). This long, sandy pine-backed beach fills up during the Summer, and also attracts wind surfers. Campers also flock to the nearby Schinias forest.

Santorini

Santorini (Island) – a.k.a. Thera, this island, located in the southern Aegean Sea 200 km. southeast of the Greek mainland (a 7 ½ hour ferry ride from Piraeus/Athens port — via Blue Star Ferries, and Aegeon Pelagos Sea Lines), is the crescent-like remains of a volcano that erupted as far back as 1,600 BC. Such a dramatic history has resulted in the formation of one of Greece’s most eye-catching islands – in effect, a caldera. Firá is the picturesque capital of Santorini; perched high up on the edge of the caldera, it looks like a captivating painting. Firá, together with Oia, Imerovígli and Firostefáni located high above on a cliff, make up the so-called “Caldera’s eyebrow”, the balcony of Santorini, which offers an amazing view of the volcano. Santorini’s beaches contain white, red and black sand, along with volcanic pebbles, spectacular rock formations.

Paros

Paros (island) – this island, a six-hour ferry boat ride from Athens, is located in the central Aegean Sea. Sun-drenched beaches, like Chrissí Aktí, Santa Maria and Poúnda, welcome sun-loving visitors who want to enjoy the crystal clear sea, the sun or even their favorite water sports: from jet skiing to windsurfing, canoe kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as snorkeling. Water sports outfits, such as “Awake Paros” (www.awakeparos.com), “Force & Surf Center” (www.force7paros.gr) and “Surf Beach” (www.surfbeach.gr) are on hand to provide such activities to visitors. Chryssi Akti, named after the golden sand it is covered with, is the most popular beach for windsurfing at Paros island; in this area, schools take advantage of the shallow crystal clear waters and offer even to beginners the opportunity to test their abilities safely. Néa Chryssí Aktí beach (Tserdakia) offers countless thrills to those who are “advanced”, as this area is where the winds of the greatest duration and strength are recorded. Wind direction (left side-shore) combined with the angle created by sea waves lift windsurfers up — creating the ideal conditions for jumps.

Parikía (Parikiá), the capital of Páros, is a beautiful Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses and impressive neoclassical mansions. A well preserved 13th century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the centre of the village offering an amazing view of Parikía. In the capital you can also admire an important ecclesiastical monument, the 6th century church of Panayia Ekatontapyliani, also called Katapoliani. The name “Ekatontapylianí” means the church with 100 gates (“Ekató Pýles” in Greek), one of which is a secret one! Don’t miss the chance to visit the baptistery (4th century AD), one of the best preserved baptisteries in the Orthodox East, and the Byzantine Museum. The Parikía Byzantine Museum is housed on the ground floor of the church. Its exhibits include icons, wood-carved iconostases and other heirlooms from various monasteries and churches on the island.

Odeion of Herodes Atticus

Odeion of Herodes Atticus (Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens) – located under the Acropolis, this ancient outdoor concert space (which dates back from 161 AD) is still used for musical events, particularly during the Athens Festival that’s held every Summer.

Naxos

Naxos (Island) – located 6 hours from Athens/Piraeus via ferry (via Blue Star Ferries), this is one of the larger islands in the Aegean Sea. Unlike other Greek islands, which tend to be arid and known mainly for their white-washed buildings, this island is lush and green with vegetation, complete with impressive high mountains, fertile valleys, green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional mountain top villages. In addition, this island also has its distinct ruins (Temple of Demeter – from the 6th century BC)

Mykonos

Mykonos (Island) – a 4 ½ hour ferry ride (via Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries) (or a much shorter regional flight) from Piraeus/Athens, Mykonos is perfect for water sport enthusiasts. There is an array of beaches for windsurfing. Interestingly, the most secluded ones are considered to be the best. Choose from Kórfos, Fteliá, Meyáli Ámmos and Kalafátis– where surfing lessons are also available. Play tennis or mini golf at Ayios Stéfanos, beach volleyball at Ayia Anna or try sea parachuting or jet skiing at Eliá or Kalafátis. Diving fans can do a little exciting exploration of the underwater magic of Mykonos. September is considered the best month for diving, as the water is warm and visibility is good down at the seabed. On the island you can find many well-organized diving centers (some of them also offer snorkeling lessons) and stores specializing in diving equipment. Explore the island on a caicque or a boat and discover secluded beaches, or take a boat tour around the nearby islets, which are also ideal fishing spots!

In addition, Mykonos is also known for its nightlife. Super Paradise Beach is a popular daytime partying venue that serves as a warm-up for some before proceeding to the island’s bars & lounges during the evening (such as Tropicana Beach Club, Cavo Paradiso, Agyra Bar, and Caprice). Those familiar with Spain’s Ibiza and the partying atmosphere there will feel right at home in Mykonos.

Lycabettus

Lycabettus (Lykavittos) Theatre (Lycabettus Hill, northeast of Athens) – this 4,000-seat outdoor venue hosts various concerts during the warm months, and has attracted pop, rock, dance, and world music performers, ranging from Bob Dylan, to B.B. King, Pet Shop Boys, Faithless, Scorpions, Bryan Ferry, UB40, Tito Puente, Buena Vista Social Club, and many others. It also acts as a venue for The Athens Festival (held during the Summer). Visitors can call the box office for info on future events:
+30 21 0722 7233

Lycabettus Hill itself (whose height is 277 meters) boasts the highest elevation in Athens – offering a great panoramic view of all the sights of the city – an attraction in its own right. Visitors can reach the top by catching the funicular from Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki (every 30 minutes, 9am-1.30am).

Kavouri Beach

Kavouri Beach (Vouliagmeni) – this golden sand beach is located 16 km. southeast of Athens, and offers free admission – a good deal for families, as well as those staying in the Greek capital. There are a few eateries by the beach, along with some shops, and umbrellas can be rented for a modest fee (€4). Of course, its proximity to Athens means that it can get crowded during the Summer.