Opa! Athens & Ionian Sea

What a great trip — two nights in Athens then a week on a boat setting anchor in small, port towns on the islands and the mainland of the northwest coast of Greece. If you think it sounds like a dream, you’re right.

I met my friend at the Acropolian Spirit Hotel which is exactly where you want to be if you’re walking around the old city. First stop, appertivo at the rooftop bar. The view was absolutely breathtaking!

This Greek white wine is called assyrtiko and it’s internationally famous. It’s dry with a crisp, citrus flavor that goes really well with the warm weather and fresh food. We found various brands of it everywhere we went and was never disappointed.

The first night we had reservations at a rooftop restaurant nearby that was recommended by a local earlier in the day. The view, the service, the food & wine were all fabulous and the prices were very reasonable — about half what I would expect in the States.

First thing the next morning we walked up to the Acropolis and enjoyed roaming the ruins of the Parthenon and other buildings constructed 500 years B.C. It’s sobering to think that no modern machinery was used and there were no computers to calculate weight loads or angles. The beautiful blend of art and function that has withstood centuries and witnessed the evolution of humanity is truly inspirational.

Sneaking down a side street, we found this perfect cafe at a dead end. Aerides Mezedopoleio was just right for resting with delicious, fresh, Greek salads and appetizers while we people watched and soaked up the ambiance.

Even after sunset, the Acropolis towers over the city reminding me that I’m in a very special place where Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, Alexander the Great, Homer, and others have walked.

The next morning, we flew to the island of Corfu to board “Eros” where 18 guests and 5 crew members would spend the week.

I was a little disappointed that the sails were never put up. We motored everywhere. But, on the bright side, the water was always beautiful and calm so I didn’t need to take dramamine for motion sickness. Hard to beat the Ionian Sea for beautiful, calm water.

The ship’s captain was Greek but the rest of the crew was Egyptian. They leave their families to work seven days a weeks from May through October then return home for six months. Our tour was run by sail-ingreece.com. Upon boarding, we toasted with Aperol Sprtizes and prepared for an adventure — “Yamos!” I was so full of positive energy and anticipation — none of which was misplaced.

We met our fellow passengers over a lovely welcome dinner — guests from Australia, France, United States, Germany, and England. Everyone was fun and interesting.

Our first and last nights were in Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mix of Venetian fortresses, neoclassical buildings, and narrow alleys influenced by various, foreign occupations throughout the years.

I never saw Greek dancers or plates being broken but that may be more of a tourist show. Outside of Athens, Corfu was the only place where there was any night life to speak of. All the other little towns we visited were quiet after dinner which was late by U.S. standards but typical of Europe.

Over the next seven days, we worked around language barriers, played music (the universal language), danced on the deck, walked around port towns and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Mostly, we relaxed. The sunshine and gentle rolling of the boat were perfect for quiet times, naps, and reading. I started reading a series on women in Greek mythology that I’m really enjoying.

Here’s the view from our bedroom porthole.

After breakfast each morning, we sailed to a beach for swimming.

The water is really this color — there’s no filter on this photo or any of my pictures. A couple times we went into caves. Our little boat could go places that the bigger boats missed so we generally had empty beaches and private swimming spots.

For those who might want to know the itinerary …

5/20 Overnight flight from USA to Athens

5/21 Athens — Arrive and check in to Acropolian Spirit Hotel

5/22 Athens — Visit Acropolis/Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon at sunset

5/23 Fly to Corfu and board “Eros”

5/24 Swim stop at the Blue Lagoon, overnight in Sivota

5/25 Swim stop at Arilas, overnight in Parga

5/26 Swim stop at Voutoumi on Antipaxos, overnight at Gaios, Paxos

5/27 Swim stop at Kipiadi, overnight at Gaios, Paxos

5/28 Swim stop at Loggos, overnight in Lakka (at anchor instead of in port)

5/29 Swim stop at Vido, overnight in Corfu

5/30 Depart Corfu and fly to USA

The Blue Lagoon is amazingly beautiful but it’s a popular spot so we didn’t have it all to ourselves.

Here’s my beautiful friend and travel companion blending into the clear, aqua, cyan water of Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos with the mountains and sky in the background; so many shades of blue.

Our French friends living up to the reputation of being ever-so romantic …

Beyond relaxing … floating away the afternoon …

So many little towns, each one full of bright flowers, unique personality, delightful cafes, beautiful architecture, history, culture and very friendly Greek people …

Beautiful sunsets every evening that ushered in another fabulous, Mediterranean dinner, always in a small cafe and sometimes ending with live music and the national drink of Greece, ouzo …

Truly, the seven-day boat excursion was one of the most enchanting, yet still easy and affordable, ways to experience the Greek islands that I can imagine. I return home from all trips with my heart and soul full from the experience but often I’m exhausted. This trip was so relaxing, only a bit of jet lag slowed down my return to the “real world.”

“The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing.” Socrates (469-399 BC) Greek philosopher and founding figure of Western philosophy

“Greece was a muse. It inspired creativity in magical ways that I can’t even begin to understand or explain.” Joe Bonamassa

“Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence, native to famous wits.” John Milton

“Greece is the home of Gods. They may have died, but their presence still makes itself felt.” Henry Miller