Responsible Tourism

Aegean Sailing holiday

» For more information, reviews and availability, click here «

Aegean Sailing Trip

 

Taking as our base the island of Syros, the beautiful capital of the Cyclades, Tahita and her crew look forward to accompanying you on an unforgettable journey...
Isolated beaches, an ancient civilization, uninhabited islands, unrivalled nightlife... there is an island for everyone... Let us tailor the ideal sailing trip for you!

Here is an example of what you can experience in Greece!

• DAY 1: Meeting at our base, the main port of Syros, Ermoupoli. Briefing and arrangement of provisions. Then we depart for Rinia, once a thriving ancient port, now a deserted island opposite the island of Mykonos - and according to myth the birth place of Apollo. We stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters in one of the coves of Rinia. We sail to Myconos marina where we'll spend the night and you can sample the famed nightlife.
•
• DAY 2: In the morning you can visit the famous ancient port of Delos. Then we sail to Paros island where we stop for an invigorating mud bath and a refreshing swim. We spend the night at the little fishing port of Piso Livadi where you can taste the local fish delicacies of Antonis.
•
• DAY 3: Our first stop in the small Cyclades is the wild and largely inaccessible island of Iraklia. Here you'll experience the original life of the islanders and be able to follow the trek to the south side of the island and explore the ancient cave.
•
• DAY 4: Next, we'll sail to the tiny deserted island of Keros, known since about prehistoric times when it was inhabited. Here we will stop for a swim, a chance to snorkel and a barbeque. In the evening we'll sail to the pirate island of Amorgos, the famous setting for legendary film director Luc Besson's ''Big Blue''.
•
• DAY 5: In the morning we'll sail to the stunning bay of Nikouria where we'll stop for a swim and lunch. Then, back to the port of Amorgos, Aigiali. Here you can try the steep climb up to the monastery of Hozoviotissa. This fantastic ancient building occupies a spectacular site on a cliff, suspended between the sky and the sea below. Then, why not trek along the ancient paths which lead up to the village of Tholaria. When you're there, your reward is to taste Mrs Maria's home cooking while you listen to the local elders playing the violin and the lauto.
•
• DAY 6: Now it's time to sail to Manganari beach in the remote south side of Ios island. You'll have the opportunity to night dive through the phosphorescent plankton of the bay. Relax and enjoy the local fresh fish.
•
• DAY 7: And lastly, we'll sail and finish the trip under the cliff of Oia, Santorini - famous for being one of the most amazing spots in the world to watch the sunset! Donkeys will be used to climb up the hill in case you don't feel up to the never-ending steps to the village!
We're as flexible as the weather!
The above itineraries are just examples of what you can experience in Greece. Send us details of the islands you wish to visit, where you wish to finish you trip and let's work together to create the ideal journey for you.

Caring for the environment

A. Our crew
By having everyone involved in our organisation promoting and adhering to sustainable travel principles and encouraging our guests to embrace our sustainable travel principles:
By allowing space in our sailing boats for people to throw plastic bottles and other items which we take back to Athens for recycling
By using biodegradable cleaning products and avoiding at all times the dumping of chemicals or non-natural products into the sea
By ensuring that all guests are informed upon arrival that waste should never be thrown into the sea and recyclying of plastic bottles should be done in the designated place
By briefing our guests not to collect any corals or shells from the sea or beach. They are encouraged though to help us clean any garbage that they see inside the water or on the beach
By briefing our guests upon arrival on the necessity of cutting down on their use of water and electricity. There is a serious problem with water in the Greek islands and we recommend guests to use water and electricity only when and to the level that is necessary
By avoiding wasting paper in the office and using the internet as the main form of communication.
B. The boat
By trying to minimise the impact of our boat on the marine environment. Sailing ecologically is a very wide concept starting from the manufacturing of the materials to the use of the boat. We are constantly working on minimising the impact of our boats on the marine environment.
Having purchased a 2nd hand boat and kept maintenance in excellent condition. We aim to break with the conventional approach of charter industry which is often buying brand new boats and dumping them after 2 to 3 years
By budgeting in a way that by end of 2009, we will replace our conventional outboard with an electrical one
By using the motor as little as possible, mainly just to enter and leave the port and charge our batteries
By budgeting in a way that by February 2009 solar panels are placed on our boats to achieve electrical self sufficiency without the use of motor or generator
By raising money to buy hybrid engines so that we minimise the use of petrol
By avoiding, when mooring the boat, to throw the anchor on meadows of Poseidonia Oceanica which are essential for the ecosystem. We always use permanent moorings when provided
By having natural ventilation on our boats provided by wind scoops instead of air condition
By using a long lasting antifouling which is less harmful to the environment than conventional antifouling paints
By using biodegradable and with no phosphates products to clean the boat. We also use alternative boat cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda which are environmental friendly
By recycling the batteries of the boat and not just dumping after expiry
By keeping up to date with developments and new products that appear in the industry that minimise negative impact on the environment
By using a pink propylene glycol antifreeze product to cool the engine that is less toxic than the conventional ethylene glycol one (typically green)
By June 2008 plan to replace the traditional incandescent bulbs, which use a lot of energy with LED (light-emitting diodes) bulbs, whose energy consumption can be 15 times lower.
Supporting the local economy
By including in our itineraries and taking our guests to remote or underdeveloped islands [such as Kinaros (population: 2 people), Levitha, Iraklia and Anafi (population: under 100 people)] we aim to distribute economic benefits to those places that are hard to get to due to lack of frequent ferries or that are unreachable without a sailing boat or similar means.

By recommending the purchase of products from the local agricultural co-operatives which function in many islands
By advising our guests to taste the local cuisine in local taverns and get a taste of the local culture and avoid global restaurant chains
By recommending rooms & apartments that we have carefully selected that are run by local people, not generic hotel chains.

Supporting the local community

The traditional ways that islanders used to support themselves have become obsolete due to mass tourism and the tendency of the youth to move to large cities. Our approach aims to keep these old ways from fading out and for our guests to get introduced to the "real" island lifestyle.
By encouraging our guests to participate in the local way of life and not just be a distant observer. In our Wild Tales, people are welcome to give a helping hand to locals in their daily activities, for example, picking olives from trees or taking part in the preparation of local products.
By introducing people to the multi-cultural reality of the Greek islands. We explain the local body language and customs, we discuss historical and local stories.
Special projects
When our sailing boat is not chartered or being maintained, we offer the boat to scientists and organisations for their research and other environmental projects. We have already provided support to a team of biologists from the Athens University and a worker of the British Natural History Museum.
We are planning to run a series of events targeted towards the children of the remote islands of the Aegean Sea with the aim of educating and increasing awareness on environmental and conservation issues. The first one took place in the island of Iraklia in the Small Cyclades in October 2007.

 

» For more information, reviews and availability, click here «