Sailing the Greek Isles between Athens and Corfu

Day 1: Arrival in Athens - sail to Aegina
Day 2: Aegina - Corinth Canal - Itea
Day 3: Itea - Katakolo, 23 mi. (36 km)
Day 4: Katakolo - Zakynthos, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 5: Zakynthos, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 6: Zakynthos - Kefalonia
Day 7: Kefalonia - Corfu, 30 - 50 mi. (49 - 80 km)
Day 8: Departure from Corfu

All distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. The captain and crew prioritize safety and reserve the right to make adjustments as needed.

Day 1: Arrival in Athens - sail to Aegina
Arrive in Athens and embark in Piraeus, a bustling port blending modern energy with maritime history. Explore Zea Marina and Mikrolimano’s waterfront cafes or take in Athens’ iconic landmarks before setting sail at 8 p.m. Arrive in Aegina by 11 p.m. where the ship will remain docked for the night. 

Day 2: Aegina - Corinth Canal - Itea
Wake up docked in Aegina, known for its ancient temples, history, and pistachios. Spend the morning visiting the Temple of Athena Aphaia or the Temple of Apollo ruins, then explore Aegina Town, sampling pistachios and enjoying a coffee before setting sail at noon.

Arrive at the Corinth Canal at 4 p.m. Completed in 1893, this 3.9-mile canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and saving ships a 430-mile detour. Its narrow width allows only one ship at a time, requiring clearance. The crossing takes about an hour, offering views of the limestone cliffs.

By 6 p.m., the ship exits the canal and continues sailing toward Itea, arriving around 11:30 p.m., where the calm waters of the Gulf of Corinth welcome you for the night.

Day 3: Itea - Katakolo, 23 mi. (36 km)
Start the day in Itea, a waterfront town in Central Greece. After breakfast, your first day of cycling follows a route from Itea Marina to Delphi village and the archaeological site. Explore the ruins of Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater, before cycling back to the marina. Spend the afternoon at a seaside café or relax on a nearby beach. For a local experience, visit Moka Honey Farm or join the Olive Stories Tour to learn about beekeeping and olive oil production. The ship will depart for Katakolo at 8 p.m.

Day 4: Katakolo - Zakynthos, 42 mi. (67 km)
Arrive at 11 a.m. in Katakolo, the gateway to Ancient Olympia. Today's cycle route takes you to the ruins of the original Olympic Games, exploring the stadium, temples, and the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Try local dishes at a taverna or visit Magna Grecia farm for an olive press tour and tasting. Relax on nearby beaches before returning to the ship where it will remain docked for the night.

Day 5: Zakynthos, 20 mi. (33 km)
Depart from Katakolo at 8 a.m. and sail to Zakynthos, arriving around noon. Known for its natural beauty and the National Marine Park, Zakynthos is home to endangered Caretta-caretta turtles. Cycle from Zakynthos Marina to Gerakas National Park, then explore the lively Strata Marina, the Temple of Saint Dionysus, and a winery or olive oil press before returning to the boat for the night.

Day 6: Zakynthos - Kefalonia
Depart Zakynthos at 8 a.m., arriving in Kefalonia at 2 p.m. Known for its sailors, climbers, monasteries, and winemaking, the island is dominated by Mount Enos, the tallest peak in the Ionian Islands.

Visit Saint Gerasimos Monastery, home to the saint’s cave cell and ancient sycamore tree, followed by stops at Andrew the First-Called Apostle Monastery, the Monastery of Saint Crucifixion in Pessado, and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A local winery offers a chance to sample Robola wines, a Kefalonian specialty. Alternatively, you might choose to explore Drogarati Cave, known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and acoustics that once hosted Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti.  

This evening the ship will remain docked in Kefalonia. 

Day 7: Kefalonia - Corfu, 30 - 50 mi. (49 - 80 km)
After breakfast, set out on a cycling tour of Kefalonia, choosing between two routes that showcase the island’s stunning landscapes.

The standard route follows a scenic loop from Argostoli Yacht Marina to Melissani Lake, an underground lake where sunlight creates a mesmerizing display of blue hues. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the countryside before returning to the ship. For a more challenging ride, continue past Melissani Lake to Myrtos Beach, one of Greece’s most famous beaches, known for its dramatic white cliffs and turquoise waters. This extended route includes more elevation changes and breathtaking coastal views.

Return to the ship by 6 p.m. to begin sailing to Corfu.

Day 8: Departure from Corfu
Arrive in Corfu at 10 a.m., the legendary refuge of Odysseus, known for its Venetian architecture, British influences, and stunning coastline. Enjoy the island’s historic charm before disembarking.
 

Day 1: Arrival in Corfu - Kefalonia
Day 2: Kefalonia, 30 - 50 mi. (49 - 80 km)
Day 3: Kefalonia - Zakynthos, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 4: Zakynthos - Katakolo - Pylos, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 5: Pylos - Gytheio, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 6: Gytheio - Nafplion, 44 - 82 mi. (71 - 132 km)
Day 7: Nafplion - Athens, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Departure from Athens

All distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. The captain and crew prioritize safety and reserve the right to make adjustments as needed.

Day 1: Arrival in Corfu
Arrive in Corfu, the legendary refuge of Odysseus, an island prized since antiquity for its beauty and strategic location. Venetian architecture, British influences, and a lively culture define Corfu Town. Spend the day exploring its historic streets and scenic coastline before departing at 8 p.m. 

Day 2: Kefalonia, 30 - 50 mi. (49 - 80 km)
Arriving in Kefalonia at noon, you enter an island known for its mountains, monasteries, and coastline. Home to Mount Enos, the tallest peak in the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia has a mix of Greek and Venetian influences.

You have two cycling options today. The shorter route will take you from Argostoli Yacht Marina, passing through the countryside to Melissani Lake, an underground lake where sunlight reflects off the water. Stops along the way include Saint Gerasimos Monastery, with its ancient sycamore tree and cave cell, the Monastery of Saint Andrew, and the Monastery of the Crucifixion in Pessado. A nearby winery offers the chance to try Kefalonia’s Robola wines. The extended route continues past Melissani Lake to Myrtos Beach, known for its white cliffs and turquoise water. A detour to Drogarati Cave offers a look at its stalactites, stalagmites, and unique acoustics. Further along, the village of Agia Efimia is a good place to stop for a savory snack before returning to the marina.

After a day of cycling, the evening is free to explore Argostoli or relax on board. The ship remains docked overnight, departing at 8 a.m. the next morning.

Day 3: Zakynthos, 20 mi. (33 km)
Arrive in Zakynthos at 2 p.m., an island renowned for its natural beauty and the National Marine Park, a sanctuary for the endangered Caretta-caretta turtles. The cycle route will take you from Zakynthos Marina to Gerakas National Park, home to protected nesting beaches.

Back in town, visit the lively Strata Marina, the Temple of Saint Dionysus, and a winery or olive oil press to sample local produce. After a day of cycling and sightseeing, return to the ship and enjoy an evening on board, departing at 8 a.m. the following day. 

Day 4: Katakolo, 42 mi. (67 km)
Arrive at noon in Katakolo, the gateway to Ancient Olympia. Spend the day cycling to the ruins of the original Olympic Games, where you can explore the stadium, temples, and Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. Try local dishes like kreokakavos, oktapodi, or moussaka at a taverna, or visit Magna Grecia farm for an olive press tour and tasting. Back in Katakolo, relax on nearby sandy beaches before setting sail at 11 p.m.

Day 5: Pylos, 45 mi. (72 km)
Arrive in Pylos at 8 a.m., a historic town built around Navarino Bay. Cycle from the marina to Polilimnio Waterfalls, then on to Voidokilia Beach, a stunning natural cove. Explore Paleokastro Fortress for panoramic views before returning to town.

Alternatively, visit Niokastro Fortress, Nestor’s Cave, or take a detour to the medieval Methoni Castle. Conclude your day in the shaded Trion Navarchon Square before departing at 8 p.m.

Day 6: Gytheio, 44 - 82 mi. (71 - 132 km)
Arriving in Gytheio at 8 a.m., you find a quiet fishing town with historic architecture and a working harbor. The town’s waterfront has fish taverns and old mansions, while the Laconia region is known for its citrus trees, figs, tomatoes, wine, ouzo, and tsipouro. Nearby Mavrovouni Beach, the longest in the area, is a nesting site for Caretta-caretta sea turtles.

There are two cycling options today. The shorter route leads from Gytheio Marina to Diros Caves, an underground network of stalactites and stalagmites. Along the way, the Mani Peninsula villages offer the chance to sample regional foods like cured ham and xoriatiko loukaniko sausage. The return ride follows the coast back to the marina. For a longer ride, the route goes to Monemvasia, a medieval fortress town built on a rock rising from the sea. The route passes through rural Laconia before reaching the town, where visitors can walk its stone streets and explore Byzantine churches and castle ruins.

After cycling, return to Gytheio before the ship departs at 6 p.m.

Day 7: Nafplion, 26 mi. (42 km)
Arrive in Nafplion at 10:00 AM, Greece’s first modern capital. Cycle to the ruins of Mycenae, home to the Lion Gate and Treasury of Atreus. Back in town, stroll the sea promenade and try local specialties like trachanas soup and artichoke salad. Visit Karonis Distillery for a tsipouro tasting or explore the fortresses of Palamidi and Bourtzi. Depart at 8:00 PM.

Day 8: Departure from Athens 
Arrive in Athens at 8 a.m., disembarking in Piraeus, a bustling port blending modern energy with maritime history. Explore Zea Marina and Mikrolimano’s waterfront cafes, or venture into Athens for a final look at ancient wonders before concluding your journey.