3 Week Corinth Canal Cruise

3 Week Corinth Canal Cruise Overview

3 weeks exploring Greek waters This three week trip takes you from Orei in the Sporades through the scenic Corinth Canal and finishing in Gouvia Marina on Corfu Island! These delivery flotillas only happen at the start and end of the season, so are extremely popular and book up early!

Keener sailors really enjoy these flotillas because they cover longer distances each day and the weather has not quite settled into the summer predictability, so good wind is more common. These trips are not for beginners and it is normally our more practical and experienced flotilla sailors who take part. Quite apart from all that, these are also some of the most affordable holidays of the year.

Typical Itinerary & Highlights

Days 1 - 5, Starting your adventure in Orei

From Athens we transfer you to Arkitsa in the North Evia Gulf where the coach will drive onto the ferry for a delightful 45 minute crossing to Evia Island and on to our base in Orei Town. Your yacht and our team await you there, as does a drop of cold refreshment! Orei has a supermarket and bakery near the quay which is perfect for provisioning before heading off the following morning. Once stocked up and fully briefed, you'll head west into the North Gulf of Evia.

You might stop in Vathikielon Bay on the Mainland just down the coast from Glyfa which is well sheltered with good holding, ideal for a night at anchor. Another possible stop on the west side of Evia called Loutra is a great place to visit, it is a large town with plenty to offer in the form of amenities for stocking up. Loutra is also world-famous for its nearby thermal springs!

Making your way south through the North Gulf of Evia you can visit a number of ports, Limni is a brilliant choice offering great shelter with a nearby sandy beach to enjoy. You will also stop in at Chalkis which is Evia's largest town that's ideal for the explorers of the group with streets laden with shops, bars and restaurants. There are two harbours, the north main harbour and the south harbour named Voukari. Khalkis bridge only opens at night to minimise the local traffic, usually just after midnight. So in one evening you can enjoy two ports! Your skipper will give you a full briefing on bridge timings and costs.

As you head further south you might call into ports such as Malakonta, Eretria or Marmari before your passage across to Lavrion and into the Saronic Islands.

Days 6 - 8, Heading into the Saronic Gulf

As you enter into Saronic waters you may stop in at Lavrion harbour which has lots to offer. Plenty of waterfront restaurants and bars to choose from with supermarkets to stock up on the essentials.

From there you'll likely head across to Aegina. There are lots of archaeological sites to visit on the island, including the Ancient temple of Athena Aphaia and the ghost village of Paleochora. The island is also famous for its large production of pistachios.The main town on the island is lovely and you can enjoy a nice stroll along the port promenade and the narrow streets. This is a great place to stop for an evening or even just to anchor off for a spot of lunch and swim by the beach.

Days 9 - 11, Exploring the Saronic Islands

The next few days can be spent exploring the exciting Saronic Islands. There is a great mix here between very busy touristy islands and traditional Greek untouched islands.

Vathi is a beautiful small fishing harbour on the west coast of the Methana peninsula. It is a very peaceful hamlet set in spectacular surroundings at the bottom of a volcano - which for the energetic types can be climbed!

Dhokos is a beautiful island west of Hydra. The large bay on Dhokos is a very popular lunch stop and place to spend the night in good weather. There are several nice anchorages within the bay. There is also a small cove on the west entrance to the bay, with beautiful pristine waters.

Days 12 - 13, Cruising through the Corinth Canal

Next on the agenda will be heading north to the Corinth Canal, through the Canal and across to Galaxidhi.

At Galaxidhi it is sometimes possible to stop for a day and take a day trip to the Oracle at Delphi. Time is zooming by, so our next run is across to the island of Trizonia where a peaceful night and an idyllic dinner await. Eventually you will pass underneath the incredible Anti Rion suspension bridge and the next few days will be spent meandering around the South Ionian. Other possible stops in the Gulf of Corinth include Patras and Mesolonghi.

Days 14 - 17, South Ionian Highlights

Depending on the weather, there should be a few days set aside to enjoy the wonders of the South Ionian. Usually a busy area for yachts in July and August, this late summer cruise offers you a unique chance to experience the beauty of the area after the majority of tourists have headed home.

The Islands from Ithaka, Lefkas and Meganisi are likely to be overnight stops with plenty of time for swim stops along the way!

Days 18 - 21, Navigating the North Ionian

After passing through the Lefkas Bridge you will have chance to explore some of the northern Ionians most stunning ports. A likely stop is Parga on the Greek Mainland which offers a stunning beach, which you are likely to have to yourselves at this time of year. Other possible stops include Lakka and Gaios on Paxos Island and Mourtos on the Greek Mainland where the sunsets are unmissable.

On Saturday, you will return to Gouvia where the crew will host a final night meal at one of the tavernas in the Marina. Simply spend your final night relaxing and regaling tales of the flotilla’s events with your fellow sailors over delicious Greek food and wine.