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Posted on Nov 16 2021
By Chief

Greek Islands on a Blue Cruise

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Our family is going on a blue cruise this year to Greece. We'd like to share this experience with everyone! From Wikipedia: The term Blue Voyage, which is used in Turkey's tourism industry, has its origins in Turkish literature, deriving from the title of a book by Azra Erhat,[2] and was first introduced into Turkish literature by a handful of writers, such as Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (alias The Fisherman of Halicarnassus).[3] The author, who had been exiled to Bodrum in 1925, began taking trips with his friends on the local sponge divers' sailing boats, called gulets, and was moved and inspired by the local culture and natural beauty. These excursions became known as "Blue Voyages".

 


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iCurated
11-16-2021 at 07:00 PM

Greek Islands :

IOS
Ios is a hilly island with cliffs and beautiful beaches. Ios was the setting for movies such as “Ginger and Cinnamon (Dillo con Parole mie)” or “Big Blue” partly shot at Manganari, one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The bustling city of Ios is located at Ormos Harbor in the Northwest and forms there a steep road to Chora, a very picturesque Cycladic village only accessible to pedestrians. Ios is famous with its nightlife.

ORAK ISLAND
Orak Island has become famous for its marine life, and of course the crystal clear water. The Island is just 10 miles from Bodrum, heading east. Yachts and blue cruises regular pass by and often stop, even if they have an alternative destination. There are a number of lovely coves that sit below the many olive groves. Orak is not inhabited but it certainly enjoys a temporary population on yachts anchoring overnight.

Çökertme
When crossing the Gulf of Gokova you should stop by the village of Cokertme. The Bay of Cokertme has been immortalized in local folk songs. The reason being that the bay provides ample protection from trade winds, especially when the West-North and West-easterly winds blow up. This is a frequently used stop over for yachts as well as fishermen, and the village has a lot of restaurants and taverns, all built over time to handle the constant influx of visitors. The local food is amazing in flavor and is priced reasonably well.

KALYMNOS
Pothia Harbour is the capital of the island. The islanders ensured their livelihood with sponge diving for centuries. There are nice beaches such as Massouri, Mirties and Vlyhadia around the island.

KOS
Kos, known to be the birth place of Hippocrates, who is 'the Father of Medical Sciences'; also, Asclepion, the best known health center in antiquity is located here. All the people from the east Mediterranean with health problems were treated in Kos. Kos; the second largest island of the 12 islands (the Dodecanese Islands) has a very mild climate and very fertile lands. The island houses a 560-year-old tree, a 211-year-old fountain and a 290 km long beach. You may take a quick swim in Lambi Beach which is very close to Kos Harbour. Kos is one of the islands with the best night life. Nafklirou, a street full of bars, is always crowded, colourful, and full of life.

LEROS
Leros is a mountainous, green island with high cliffs and many small bays and villages. You should visit Platanos, the main city of Leros with steep stairs, narrow streets, and flower gardens. From Platanos you can take the steps leading up the Castle of Leros climbing 300 steps. Rent a bike or explore this island on foot.

LIPSI
On Lipsi Island there are beautiful sandy beaches and crystal green waters. The capital with its white houses, numerous taverns, cafeterias and restaurants is located in the small natural port. On the island, the Church of the Catopanaghia constructed in the 7th century deserves a visit, along with the Church of Panopanaghia from the 15th century.

MYKONOS
Without any question Mykonos is one of the most famous and picturesque Islands in the Mediterranean and a jet set spot, known for its night life, whitewashed landscapes and beautiful sandy beaches. A walking tour of Hora must include visits to the windmills, to the Paraportiani Church, the Maritime and Cycladic museums and stops at designers’ shops and Little Venice cafes. Make sure you meet “Petros” the Pelican, the mascot of Mykonos.

NAXOS
The island of Naxos is the largest and most central island in the Cyclades. Approaching the island by boat, you can see two small islands to the left and right of the harbour, one with the little church of Myrtidiotissa, and the other called Palatia which is linked to Naxos Town. The imposing gate, Portara is an ancient marble temple dedicated to Apollo. Ligdamis ordered this to be built in the God's honour in the 6th century B.C.

NISYROS
The volcano on Nisyros Island erupted in 1422 and is still active. Nikea village is located on the side of the crater is constituted with white streets and a mosaic-style square. You can still see the gases coming from the underground of the crater (volcano).

PAROS
Paros is located in the central Aegean Sea. It became known for its fine white marble. A must see is the bay Naoussa, a natural harbour, closed by a chain or boom in the ancient times. The three villages of Dragoulas, Marmara and Tsipidos, situated in an open plain on the eastern side of the island occupy the site of an ancient town. They are known together as the “villages of Kephalos” after the steep and lofty hill of Kephalos. On this hilltop stands the abandoned monastery of Agios Antonios (St. Anthony).

PATMOS
Patmos is a small volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. It is at the coast of Asia Minor, to the south of Samos and west of Miletus. The island of Patmos is famous in history as the place of St. John’s exile: “I John…… was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9); there according to general belief the Beloved Disciple wrote the Apocalypse, the imagery of which was part inspired by the scenery of the island. The spot where St. John was favored with his revelations is pointed out as a cave on the slope of the hill, half way between the shore and the modern town of Patmos.

RHODES
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands.
The island is quite a popular holiday destination as it has one of the best-preserved and the largest European Medieval cities and has warm weather for 300 days of the year. Rhodes has been the cradle of many civilizations; starting with the knights of St. John in the Middle Ages, then Ottomans and Italians. Thus, the island has a unique historical harmony and beauty. The main port of Rhodes is Rhodes City which bears the same name as the island. The other very touristic areas of Rhodes island are; Lindos and Kamiros. This city, which is still surrounded by a 12 meter thick city-wall which gives you the feeling of travelling back to Medieval times especially when you walk around its narrow, stone-paved roads. After dinner, we highly recommend you to enjoy in Rhodes Town night out.

SANTORINI
Santorini is today what remained after an enormous volcanic explosion which occurred some 3600 years ago at the height of the Minoan civilization destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island and leading to the creation of the current geological Caldera. Its spectacular physical beauty, along with a dynamic nightlife, has made the island one of Europe’s tourist hotspots. A giant central lagoon surrounded by high steep cliffs on three sides. The capital Fira, as well as Imerovigli and Oia –a must see- cling to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon.

SYMI
Symi is a mountainous Greek Island once known for shipbuilding and sponge industries to the point that the population reached 22.500. Today Symi’s main industry is the tourism and the population has declined to 2500. Its interior is dotted with small valleys and its coastline alternates between rocky cliffs, beaches and isolated coves. Its main town located in the Northeast coast, is also named Symi and consists of the lower town around the harbor, typically referred to as “Yialos” and the upper town called “Hora”. Panormitis is the island’s famous monastery which is visited by people from all over the world and many Greeks pay homage to St. Michael of Panormitis each year.

Sample Itinerary: 
 

Day 1

 Bodrum

When departing from Bodrum its best to start with something sensational to kick off the vacation, that why sailing to the Gulf of Hisonaru and onwards to Kos, which is due east and clos by will be a wonderful way to whet your appetite for all the wonderful mysteries that lie ahead. Imagine the Odysseus and look down into the clear blue sea as your yacht sails over horizons that have served mankind for millennia. What was once the garden of Neptune is now your grazing ground.

 

Day 2

 Orak Island

Orak Island has become famous for its marine life, and of course the crystal clear water. The Island is just 10 miles from Bodrum, heading east. Yachts and blue cruises regular pass by and often stop, even if they have an alternative destination. There are a number of lovely coves that sit below the many olive groves. Orak is not inhabited but it certainly enjoys a temporary population on yachts anchoring overnight.

 

 Çökertme

When crossing the Gulf of Gokova you should stop by the village of Cokertme. The Bay of Cokertme has been immortalized in local folk songs. The reason being that the bay provides ample protection from trade winds, especially when the West-North and West-easterly winds blow up. This is a frequently used stop over for yachts as well as fishermen, and the village has a lot of restaurants and taverns, all built over time to handle the constant influx of visitors. The local food is amazing in flavor and is priced reasonably well.

 The day's cruise

22Miles

2:15Hour

Day 3

 English Harbor

While sailing along the Gulf of Gokova you should visit the nearly sealed inlet aptly named English Bay. The name derives from the use of the bay buy the British during WWII for their torpedo boats. Due to its nearly sealed in topography, the bay provides perfect clear swimming conditions, and you will find two lovely restaurants on the eastern side of the cove.

 

 Seven Island

The seven islands in the south of the Gulf of Gokova is a very popular stop for Blue Cruises. They are nestled just south of Tuzla. The islands provide a perfect shelter for anchoring, and you can do virtually anything you like here, from sponge diving to snorkeling, water sports and swimming. Some even try to harpoon dinner but be careful of other swimmers. Martil island is nestled in the west, and towards the sour east are the islands of Long, Olive and Small. This is a natural gulf and even when the wind is blowing you will be safe. For the explorers you can go on-land and check out the Gulluk woodlands or just relax on the secluded beaches. After a successful days recreation, you can enjoy the fish dinner you caught while harpooning, don’t forget to capture the catch of the day on camera.

 

 Long Port

Long Port is aptly named, with a 130-meter opening leading into an even wider bay area. The area is renowned for its beauty and many visitors anchor around the bay, or in a cove, to enjoy a calm moment before setting sail again.

 

 Kufre Bay

Opposite the southern shore of the Gulf of Gokova are four islands that include Kufre bay. Kufre is natural harbor and is surrounded by the Gulluk forest woodlands. This is a perfect place to either anchor in a small cove or in between islands, and enjoy some water sports, relaxation, and swimming.  This is a popular destination for yachts, so you will also enjoy company too.

 The day's cruise

34Miles

3:30Hour

Day 4

 Karacasogut

If you are seeking a tree lined coast where the leaves and pine needles provide ample shade, then you must come to the bay of Karacasogut. The styrax forest lines the seashore and the pine forests cover the hills. After a short walk up the hill for a beautiful view of the horizon, you can walk down along the coastline and settle down for a wonderful meal provided by the local taverna.

 

 Sedir Island

Around 18 kms north of Marmaris sits Sedir Island, which is also known as Cleopatra Island. The name comes from legend when Mark Anthony is said to have ordered sand to be brought to the island to create a soft beach for his Egyptian lover. The sand here is definitely different from local sand, and it resembles the sands of North African coastlines the island is home to some fascinating Roman ruins as well as the ancient ruined city of Cedrae. The island boasts an Agora as well as a preserved Roman theater. The waters here are crystal clear, and the sands are white and soft, yachts pass and anchor off the island, and bathers come here regularly, and the island is also home to some exciting activities.

 The day's cruise

12Miles

1:15Hour

Day 5

 Longoz (Kargili) Bay

For lunch, we will set sail to Longoz (Kargili) Bay; another place like paradise, sheltered with huge pine trees. Kargili bay is known for a relaxing atmosphere, it has pine trees that end at the waters edge and the bay area is shelter, providing a tranquil sea. If its total calm you seek, this is the place to visit, and just lie back, enjoy the gentle rock of the yacht as the day goes by. For dinner and overnight stay you will anchor in Ballı Su.

 The day's cruise

8Miles

1:00Hour

Day 6

 Tuzla Bay

Tuzla is a wonderful little fisherman’s village that hugs the coast. It is renowned for its epical local delicacies and is a great stopover for trying out new and freshly cooked seafood dishes. The waters are shallow and long, so it attracts many wading birds, in fact one of the reasons this village is so attractive is that it supports a plethora of wildlife that is not found in such concentrations in other places.

 

 Kisebuku (Alakisla Buku)

Kisebuku (Alakisla Buku) is named because of the Byzantine monasteries found in the region; ‘'kilise’‘ means church.  The large cove is an excellent place for yachts to anchor. There are mountains to the north of the Bay with westerlies the prevailing winds.  The ruins of an old monastery are found at Alakisla. There are plenty of attractions that you should plan to visit while you are here.  Yalikoyu, Akarca, Fork, the Summerhouse, Bath and Cistern should all be in your plans. Kise Buku is an important place for a blue cruise to stop for a while.  The groves of Oleander trees on the slopes down to the sea are a great sight, especially when combined with the colour of the sandy beaches.

 The day's cruise

26Miles

2:45Hour

Day 7

 Yaliciftlik

About 30kms away from the center of Bodrum lies the village of Yaliciftlik. This is a relatively “virgin” village passed over by tourism, so Yaliciftlik provides a real Turkish cultural environment unsullied by touristic clichés. It has a lovely beach, and which is relatively clear of bathers most of the time, and the village itself lives off farming, so is quite rural in style. Apart from a lovely walk around this village, you can enjoy a real Turkish meal, prepared locally for locals. The main style of food is naturally; seafood, which is caught daily and is always freshly prepared.

 

 Papuc Burnu

Just north of Bodrum you will find the nose shaped bay of Pabuc Burnu. This is considered to be good place to anchor, ad the clear blue waters provide for a nice dip in the sea, as well as a short visit onshore.

 The day's cruise

11Miles

1:15Hour

Day 8

 Bodrum

After an exceptional yacht charter, you come sail back to Bodrum and prepare for your flight home. This is a perfect time to visit this wonderful city and enjoy your last (but not final) taste of Turkey. Bodrum is a jewel surrounded golden sunsets and azure waters. You really should partake in all the local cuisine, cultural attractions and visit the waterfront outside the famous Bodrum Castle, built from the stones of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. It houses an amazing underwater archeology museum and is a must see when in Bodrum.

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