AEGEAN 600
Aegean Sea
START (Sounio) – Milos island to port – Gate at Santorini Caldera – Kassos, Karpathos and Rhodos islands to port – Kandelousa to starboard – Kos to port, Kalolimnos to starboard, Farmakonissi, Agathonissi and Patmos islands to port – Gate at Mykonos and Dilos strait – Kea island to port –
FINISH (Sounio)
The length of the course is approximately 605 nautical miles Non-Stop
Sounio
The temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, dominates the southernmost tip of Attica, where the horizon meets the Aegean Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times.
There are stories about the ship of King Menelaus who stopped briefly at Sounio on his way back from Troy; or about the unfortunate King Aegeus who drowned himself on that spot and the Aegean Sea got named after him; or about the people who built a temple using local marble to honour the god of the sea and safeguard the profits from the neighbouring Lavrio mines.
The unknown architect is probably the same one who built Theseion in the Ancient Agora of Athens. He decorated the temple with sculptures made of Parian marble (i.e. from Paros Island), which depicted the labours of Theseus as well as battles with Centaurs and Giants (Gigantes). The remaining sculptures are showcased in the Lavrio Museum whereas the impressive kouroi [male youths] that once stood in the temple yard are now on display in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Milos
Found in the southwest part of the Cyclades, this island has a handful of singular natural landscapes contributed by volcanic activity; mysterious rock formations, curious soil colours and numerous jaw dropping beaches.
Besides having countless unique sights to see around the island, it also is the homeland of the renowned marble statue of Venus of Milo seen today in the Louvre Museum.
Milos’ volcanic past is reflected on the large number of hot springs, caves and geological formations found around the island such as Kanavas, Alykis, Provatas, Pikropigis springs, Papafragas and Sikia Caves, and Kleftiko Cove.
The island also has numerous significant archaeological sites such as the early christian catacombs, the Bronze Age settlement of Phylakopi, and interesting museums namely the Mining Museum showcasing Milos’ 11.000 years old mineral history.
Santorini
Santorini, known since ancient times as Thira, is one of the most famous islands in the world. The fact that you can sit in front of the caldera, enjoy local dishes, a drink or a coffee while gazing at the remarkable beauty of an active volcano is priceless!
The island is actually a group of islands consisting of Thira, Thirassia, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni in the southernmost part of the Cyclades.
Santorini’s volcano is one of the few active volcanoes on Greek and European land The islands that form Santorini came into existence as a result of intensive volcanic activity; twelve huge eruptions occurred, one every 20,000 years approximately, and each violent eruption caused the collapse of the volcano’s central part creating a large crater (caldera). The volcano, however, managed to recreate itself over and over again.
Kasos
Kasos island is the southernmost island of the Dodecanese complex, with a rich history and common features with the nearby island of Crete. Besides its archaeological and historical interest, the island boasts natural charm. Stunning beaches, beautiful villages, fun local feasts, events and festivals as well as delicious traditional cuisine.
This is the ideal off the beaten path destination for laid back holidays where local customs are very much alive. Don’t miss a visit on the island during the carnival and Clean Monday celebrations. This is the time when you can savour local holiday delicacies and engage in traditional kite-making known as taliera.
Throughout the Easter holiday enjoy customs that have been passed down from generation to generation and taste mouth-watering local recipes.
Karpathos
High mountains, pristine landscapes, fragrant pine groves, traditional villages, turquoise waters and rich history make this island - the second largest in the Dodecanese group - an ideal destination for your holidays.
The age-old traditions and practices have shaped the locals’ everyday lives and are part of their festivals too.
You are welcome to join the celebrations and see how much they like to enjoy themselves in their special traditional way.
Pigadia is the capital and main port of the island, where you’ll easily find the accommodation you prefer, as well as some interesting monuments to visit. At the port entrance, Vounos will catch your eye: it’s an imposing 23-metre high rock, where you will see the ruins of an ancient citadel.
Rhodes
Rhodes has a long and impressive history; it’s a place where the strong mediaeval aspect blends with the traditional Greek one.
It is also an island with great natural beauty: the lovely beaches face the pine woods on the mountainsides; the mountain villages overlook the seaside towns; and the archaeological sites, the mediaeval monuments and the cosmopolitan resorts arranged in the traditional style all conspire to make the popularity of this destination so hard to resist, even to a demanding traveller.
This Mediterranean gem of an island boasts a centuries-old history: a turbulent past full of unexpected turns and twists of fate. It flourished during the 4th c. BC; this is when the famous Colossus of Rhodes, a gigantic statue sculpted by Charis from Lindos, Rhodes, who was a student of Lysippos, a master sculptor at the time.
The history of this island is a rich one, as each conqueror left their strong mark on it. Follow us on a time travelling experience around the Mediaeval town, and learn the stories about the Knights of St. John, who ruled the island from the 14th to the 16th c..
Next, we’ll take you on a tour around Rhodes’ amazing countryside.
Kos
Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese group. It’s a popular destination amongst travellers. Families, friends and couples enjoy its nightlife, local food, activities and accommodation.
The island offers everything you can wish for. Locals are hospitable, the beaches are sublime, the villages are picturesque and there are plenty of historic sites for you to explore. Kos, home of Hippocrates, father of medicine, gives the impression of an open air museum, where you will see ancient and mediaeval monuments as well as numerous archaeological sites, and spot the buildings dating back to the Italian Rule.
The island has been inhabited since ancient times and influenced by a large number of foreign cultures over the centuries. Explore by bike and see the town of Kos as well as the smaller villages, which are filled with monuments depicting the island's long history.
It’s a destination for all ages and tastes but especially if you love activities in nature!
Patmos
Patmos Island is globally known for its religious legacy, as it is the place where John the Evangelist (aka John the Theologian) wrote the Book of Revelation.
Over the recent years, it has also become a destination preferred by nature lovers and other holidaymakers who seek to experience this location’s spiritual atmosphere in a setting of beautiful land & seascapes.
Patmos’ uneven landscape includes a sinuous shoreline, steep-faced hills, and a volcanic terrain, and it has known a modest tourism growth, attracting visitors who wish to explore its rugged countryside. Much of this place’s allure is owed to its villages: their winding alleys, stone-paved squares, and traditional houses will make a lasting impression on you, as will the good food you’ll taste.
The island’s beaches with the amazing waters are also a great asset that will steal your heart away! These are some of the reasons why Patmos Island should rank high on your must-visit list of destinations. In 1981, Greece declared Patmos a “Sacred Island'', and in 1999 UNESCO included The Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse in its World Heritage Site List.
Patmos is also part of the COESIMA network, as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites in Europe.
Mykonos
Mykonos has been known as the island of the winds, and it’s located in the heart of the Cyclades group.
Its fame has spread across the world, as a cosmopolitan and luxurious holiday destination.
Bathed in the bright sunlight of the Aegean by day, she dresses in charm and mystery by night, beckoning its visitors to dance and have fun in the beach bars and clubs, go for a shopping spree in luxury stores, visit its art venues, and -in short- have a truly memorable stay! There are, however, two faces to this island that not many people know of.
The first one is the obviously intense, shiny and cosmopolitan aspect of it, and the other one is particularly picturesque, with stone-paved alleys, whitewashed houses, country chapels and windmills, that ooze calm and peace.
What makes this island special is that it can cover a variety of demands: you can visit it for its archaeological sites; get to know the local traditions in its picture-perfect villages; and you can explore its amazing beaches, considered by many as the top ones in the Aegean Sea. Chora is quite an impressive and picturesque Cycladic town.
You will find top hotels and resorts, designer clothes and goldsmiths boutiques, art galleries, and some of the most famous restaurants and bars in Greece.
For a taste of culture and history, take a boat trip to nearby Delos Island; it’s a big and impressive archaeological site.
Delos
The entire island is designated as an archaeological site, to be precise, a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s an ark of history, floating lazily on the waters of the Aegean Sea, just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos.
It’s a chance to walk around the revival of the glory of the Greek civilisation. It’s the head priest of the Cyclades, the birthplace of the immortals. It’s Delos.
In the ancient times, the myth of god Apollo, god of light, and goddess Artemis having been born there rendered the island sacred: no mortal would ever be allowed to be born on its land. But, a cradle of gods as the island has been, no mortals would ever be allowed to die on it either.
So, apart from it being a conspicuous religious and economic centre, the island had also been exclusive in that: even during the years of peak of the Delian Alliance, women on the brink of childbirth and people close to dying would be carried to the neighbouring island of Rineia.
The whole of the known world of that age was aware of the sacredness of the island and of its uniqueness.
Tzia
The island of Kea (aka Tzia) is a famous and charming Cycladic island with age-old traditions and interesting history.
Its landscape will catch your attention with its green fields, high hills, vineyards, olive groves, ravines, coves and secluded beaches. Visit the largest oak forest in the Cyclades and keep an eye out for the rich bird fauna.
Explore its numerous caves (Trypospilies Cave at Kalamos, Agios Timotheos Cave, and Agios Panteleimonas Cave) and the mining area at Orkou. Follow the 81 km paths and discover four ancient city-states of the island (Ioulida - Karthaia - Korissia - Poieessa).
Kea is a famous sailing destination mainly due to its proximity to Attica. Its waters are great for divers as a large number of shipwrecks reside on the sea bottom.
It’s only a 1-hour trip from Lavrio port, Attica.
in Lavrio (4 min away by car)