If you’ve always enjoyed spending time on the open sea, sailing from port to port and exploring some lesser-known destinations, then a flotilla vacation is for you.
One of the advantages of choosing to sail in a flotilla instead of sailing alone is that you can make new friends along the way and expect some interesting company in the afternoons or evenings.
And what better place for such a break than Greece? With much of the nation surrounded by water, you won’t be short of options when it comes to choosing a destination.
There are the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea, known as the birthplace of Greek shipping, the picturesque islands of the Saronic Gulf, and the charming towns and ports of the Ionian Sea islands.
If the Ionian Sea appeals to you, then you will find Paxos to be an excellent base for a sailing holiday in Greece. The island has many beautiful towns and villages to explore, as well as some stunning natural scenery to enjoy.
You will start your flotilla sailing in Greece at the main port of Gaios Paxos. Here he will have the opportunity to explore its picturesque streets lined with 19th century buildings before embarking on his sailing adventure with the rest of his group.
Gaios Paxos is also a great place to get your first taste of traditional Greek cuisine, with its many restaurants and tavernas offering wonderful dishes created from fresh, locally grown produce.
In fact, the island is well known for its olive oil production and one of your first stops once you leave port may be to see the olive groves at Lakka Paxos.
Lakka is the second largest settlement on the island and the waterfront is lined with restaurants as well as shops selling olive oil and other local foods.
Stock up on some authentic Greek cuisine items before heading out on the next leg of your journey – you can create some great dishes in your kitchen as you sail.
Another Paxos town worth visiting is Loggos. This quaint fishing village is laid-back and the epitome of coastal life in Greece.
The little harbor and winding streets are perfect and you’ll also find that it’s a good place to buy more food and drink for your trip.
As with many of the Greek islands, here too you’ll find a welcoming stretch of sand where you can relax comfortably before taking the helm again.
When you leave Paxos, you should make sure to plan a stopover on the nearby small island of Anti Paxos. This island is almost uninhabited but its vineyards produce some great wines, so it’s worth a visit while you cruise.
Here you will also find two pristine beaches, so you can easily spend half a day sunbathing and swimming in the sea.
From Paxos, the next logical port of call is Corfu and you will be amazed by the architecture and attractions of Corfu Town.
This historic settlement is made up of winding alleys and beautiful buildings, with a fort and palace waiting to be explored.
If you are interested in history and want to learn more about the local culture, you can always visit one of the museums in the area or head to one of the churches to discover the role of religion in island life.
Of course, one of the attractions of flotilla holidays is fellowship and Corfu may be the ideal place to host a party or a great meal for your group due to the wide variety of restaurants, bars and other establishments on the island. .
You might also consider finding a secluded cove on one of the other islands to enjoy a beach barbecue amid stunning natural surroundings.
And if you’re tired after a full day of sailing on the open sea, you can always return to your yacht when you’re ready and get a good night’s sleep. Flotilla vacations combine the best of both worlds, giving you all the privacy you need while allowing you to meet other like-minded sailors and make new friends.