Greek Islands - The Great Escape Travel Blog

Tips for renting a boat in the Greek islands.

9 April 202319 March 2023

Going to a Mediterranean location for your holiday always seems like a lovely idea! This especially goes for those who want to take it a step further and achieve a seamless vacation flow. If you are considering renting a boat on the Greek islands, you have come to the right place! Since we love to travel and have visited more than a handful of places, we share the best locations and tips on how to rent a boat in Greece.

Why the Greek islands?

The Greek islands have always been an attractive traveling option for people from all over the world. This archipelago provides lands of untouched nature, small and romantic villages, pirate caves, and a magical feeling overall! The uninhibited environment creates the perfect setting for experienced sailors and the beginner bunch!
On top of everything, almost all tours can be highly educational for children. So, however, you decide to go – be it alone, with friends, your significant other, or your entire family; you can rely on the magnificence of nature to give you and your companions everything you are searching for and more!

Budget & itinerary

Once you start thinking about renting a boat, there are two main things to keep in mind – your budget and the location you want to visit. Since Greece is one of those countries that can offer countless islands to choose from, take a deeper look at the options that are available in the area of your choosing, and see which one would work best for you.
Also, take note of the time as well. Exploring the winds and temperatures is important, including extensive research on the best sailing times. If you are a beginner, these points are a must!

Santorini

If you are renting a boat and want to experience the true Mediterranean, then the best option for you is Santorini and the Cyclades islands. You can do some island hopping and catch some of the most romantic sunsets. Rent a boat in Santorini and enjoy the clear waters, white architecture, and impeccable beaches that will take your breath away. Here’s a little introduction about Santorini.

Santorini is an awe-inspiring Greek island that has captivated travelers for centuries with its stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage. This island paradise boasts a mesmerizing blend of rugged cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and sparkling blue waters that are sure to take your breath away.

One of the most striking features of Santorini is its unique landscape, which was formed by a massive volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago. The result is a breathtaking caldera that offers unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands.

But there’s more to Santorini than just its natural wonders. The island is also steeped in history and culture, with ancient ruins and traditional villages waiting to be explored. From the iconic blue domes of Oia to the ancient city of Akrotiri, Santorini is a treasure trove of history and culture just waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re looking to relax on one of its pristine beaches, soak up the local culture, or simply bask in the island’s stunning beauty, Santorini is an unforgettable destination that will leave you longing to return again and again.

Crete

For those who want to witness some ancient architecture and step into the mythological world that Greece offers, this is the right island for you! The tasty cuisine and the wonderful culture are bound to keep you happily occupied all the time! Rent a boat in Crete and explore more visual delights.

Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is a place that truly has it all. From its rugged mountains and pristine beaches to its rich history and vibrant culture, Crete is a destination that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

The island is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Mediterranean, including the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, which is a hiker’s paradise. Along the coastline, you’ll find secluded coves and sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

But what sets Crete apart from other destinations is its unique blend of ancient history and modern culture. The island is home to some of the world’s most important archaeological sites, including the Minoan Palace of Knossos, which dates back over 4,000 years.

Today, Crete is a vibrant and bustling island, with a lively nightlife, delicious cuisine, and a warm and welcoming people. Whether you’re exploring the winding streets of Chania’s Old Town, sipping on a glass of raki in a traditional taverna, or simply taking in the stunning views from the top of a mountain, Crete is a place that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
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Paros

Another Greek gem that should be permanently etched into the books for all those adventurous types! If you want to fully appreciate all the shades of blue the sea can provide, then rent a boat in Paros. It is considered a popular place where people rent small boats to hop from one island to another and have the best time while doing so!
Paros is a stunning Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, known for its crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. The island has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times when it was an important center of the Cycladic civilization.

Today, Paros is a popular destination for travelers from around the world, who come to enjoy its natural beauty, traditional architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. The island has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an active adventure.

One of the highlights of Paros is its beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Greece. From the golden sands of Golden Beach to the secluded coves of Kolymbithres, there’s a beach to suit every taste. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Paros is also home to some of the most charming villages in the Aegean, with traditional whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and colorful flowers. The capital, Parikia, is a bustling town with a Venetian fortress, an ancient church, and a lively waterfront. Naoussa, a picturesque fishing village, is another must-visit, with its charming harbor, quaint shops, and bustling nightlife.

Beyond its natural beauty and charming villages, Paros is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The island is home to many ancient sites, including the famous Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Paros is also famous for its marble, which has been used to create many of the world’s most famous sculptures, including the Venus de Milo.

With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming atmosphere, Paros is a destination that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

Start fulfilling your dream of renting a boat and give yourself the magical experience you deserve! If you liked this blog, there are plenty more on the subject of vacationing here!

Greek Hotels – Your home in the Med

20 March 20233 June 2022

Greece is full of wonderful hotels – family size and equipped, plus boutique, quiet luxury size gems. Its Mediterranean location is an ideal holiday spot, and it is still seeing tourism increase steadily increasing by 10% a year for decades. The Olympics in 2004 boosted its popularity in the early 2000s, as did the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. Since then, Greece has been host to many international event which only service to raise its position in the holiday landscape, with no sign of a decline any time soon.

As tourism is such an important industry in Greece, hotels are everywhere: they just can’t build them fast enough to meet all the demand. As a result, the quality of hotels in the country varies widely. Rather than being ranked with stars, hotels in Greece have been put into categories, with category A ranking the best. However, as the category system is based on a number of factors, like the sizes of rooms, it can often be deceptive with many category B or C hotels actually better in reality than some category A, or at least most people would consider them superior.

There are lots of things you should look for when choosing a hotel. What are the facilities like? Is there any building work going on? Can you bring children? What kind of rooms are there? Is it close to what you’ve come to see? The best way to get all these questions answered is to use a site that reviews or compares hotels, so that you can see all the features of each hotel laid out in front of you.

As an English speaker, you may find you are only able to book at quite big hotels. Smaller hotels will often rely on agencies to act as a go-between and translate into Greek for them which can push up the cost of staying there. The travel club we found is able to secure lots of rooms at lovely, quaint, off-the-beaten-track Greek hotels without any fuss or difficulty.

One last thing to note is that it is essential to book before you go to Greece rather than trying to find a hotel once you’re there. The exceptionally high demand means that in peak season all the decently-located hotels can easily end up full, leaving you to wander around aimlessly for hours trying to find something.

The travel club is able to source and unique, boutique, family friendly and ideally located hotels across Greece and the Greek Islands. Check out membership here: http://www.thetravelclub.info

Naxos: A true gem of the Cyclades, the Greek Islands

20 March 202330 May 2022

Thanks to a 2014 New York Times article declaring Naxos, Greece not to be missed, travel heavyweights have been including it year after year on their roundups of must-see destinations within the Cyclades – Naxos: a true gem of the Cyclades, the Greek Islands.

Unlike its neighbours Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos remains relatively unfazed by the hype – despite the fact that the picturesque island continues to surface on Greek island round-ups. Its low-key ambiance and quiet pace provide visitors with an authentic Greek island experience, only three and a half hours from bustling Athens.

When to Go

The weather in Greece is warm from March and April onwards, with peak crowds in July and August. Early September is an ideal time to experience the island. By September fewer tourists are packing the ferries and beaches, as children across Europe are back in school.

Getting There

The easiest way to arrive to Naxos is by ferry from Athens. From the port of Piraeus (just outside of Athens) a highspeed ferry will deliver you to Naxos in roughly 3.5 hours, while other ferries offer a more scenic 5.5-hour journey. Purchase your tickets in advance to alleviate any headaches at the port and guarantee your arrival time. See here for more info: https://www.greekferries.gr/

What to Do

Eat. Simply arrive hungry, and don’t leave until you’ve eaten just about everything. Local Naxian cheese and olive oil are not to be missed, as is imbibing on a glass of island-made Kitron (a spirit made from citron trees, a relative of the lemon). There are plenty of restaurants directly across the street from the port, however going inland (even if it’s a block or two) will often reveal restaurants aimed at locals instead of tourists, complete with more reasonable prices and authentic cuisine.

While it’s a drive nearly 45 minutes inland, a visit to Rotonda (located in the Apeiranthos region of Naxos) will deliver gourmet food with jaw-dropping views of the island and sea. Tip: Reserve a table for sunset, the views are some of the best on the island.

Naxos has no shortage of stunning beaches and beach bars. From the Chora (town center) the first beach is Agios Georgios, an easy 15-minute walk from the center of town. While there are ample oceanfront restaurants and beach bars, Agios Georgios is often the most crowded due to its proximity to the town center.

Outside of the town center, three well-known beaches dot the coast – Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka. Each boasts crystal clear turquoise water, not unlike the Caribbean, and Agios Prokopios and Agia Anna are within walking distance of each other. All three beaches are easily accessible by public transit that runs every half hour from the town center. If you want to rent a sunbed for the day (highly recommended to find reprieve from the scorching Mediterranean sun) visit any number of the beach bars along the beach. Some will rent two beds and an umbrella for a flat fee, others will include them for ‘free’ with the purchase of food or drinks.

Unique to Naxos is the Eggares Olive Press Museum, one of Naxos’s oldest remaining olive mills. A brief complimentary tour showcases the history of the mill, including original production materials once used at the site. Don’t miss a tasting, I dare you to leave without buying some of their oil. You’ll be hooked and we’d love to help you get there!

Where to Stay

There’s no shortage of accommodation options on Naxos, ranging from luxurious private villas to basic room rentals.

Iliada Villas are located a ten-minute walk from Paralia Agios Prokopios beach and offers guests their choice of villas, rooms, or suites with breakfast included. With an outdoor pool, restaurant, and pool bar, guests will want for nothing. Travel club members can save over £1000 GBP for a week in the Summer here.

Pyrgaki Hotel has great reviews for good reason. The Greek hospitality is evident from the moment you arrive. Save over £125 for a week here with the travel club

Interested in visiting Greece, or maybe island hopping for your next trip away?

Contact me here, I’d love to help you with big savings on your next Mediterranean escape! Or visit our travel club information page: http://www.thetravelclub.info