Zorba - Aegina to Naxos 2023 - Venturesail Holidays

Your Sailing Area

Aegina to Naxos

This one way sailing cruise give guests the chance to explore the Cyclades and Saronic islands on the way to Naxos. Begin on the island of Aegina ( a short ferry ride from the Pireaus port of Athens) and stop at Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most magnificent ancient landmarks in the Attica region.

The local secret of Kea is a great weekend hangout and summer hideaway and has a different landscape and architecture than its Cycladic sisters. Other island stops along the way could also include Sifnos – the most delicious greek island and a beauty to behold. Serifos – with its rugged mining sites, ladened with history, has its own distinct Cycladic flair and Kythnos boasting a wild natural landscape, elegant architecture and a selection of stunning beaches and a lovely hot springs to swim at night.

As we set sails to the island of Naxos, the largest island in Cyclades with beautiful beaches and a gorgeous old town of meandering alleys. We might stop is Paros (with its quieter sister Antiparos) offering guests a chance to visit and feel the “real Greece” with its relaxed local atmosphere.

From afternoon anchorages on remote islands perfectly lined with crystal coves for swimming and snorkelling to the very best, tried and tested tavernas on the main islands, there won’t be time to see it all and you’ll be longing to return before you’ve even stepped foot off the boat. There really is something for everyone sailing with Zorba, from relaxing on the sun deck to learning the ropes under the guidance of Greg, the experience really is yours to make.

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Zorba – Aegina to Naxos 2023

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More about Zorba – Aegina to Naxos 2023

Life on board

Sailing with Zorba in Greece is one that will leave long-lasting memories and will more than likely see you longing to return. A modern Beneteau Cyclades 50.5, Zorba is owned, managed and skippered by couple Aga and Greg who share a real passion for Greece both from the water and on the land. Comfortable, relaxed and offering an abundance of sunshine sailing, Zorba is the perfect yacht to show guests a truly authentic sailing holiday in Greece.

A typical Day

After a relaxed breakfast, spend a few hours sailing before anchoring up in crystal clear waters to explore historical ruins ashore, sun-bathe or snorkel away the afternoon. Hoist the sails again to find a new spot for the night before enjoying dinner ashore in a traditional Greek Taverna, specially hand-picked by Aga and Greg.

Getting involved

Your sailing holiday in Greece is truly as you make it. Zorba is a fun and simple boat to sail and can be sailed by Greg alone if guests prefer a more relaxing experience. That being said, the larger Saronic Gulf gives some great winds for sailing for those wanting to learn the ropes in a safe and supported environment. Greg used to be a sailing instructor so he loves to share his knowledge and skill with guests. From knot tying, to basic navigation, take the helm and reading the local charts, guests are welcomed to get involved as much or as little as they’d like.

The price also reflects the half board nature of this holiday as explained in Zorba’s life on board section. Breakfast and lunch are included but you will dine out in traditional tavernas for your evening meals. This is at the cost of the guest, but you’ll find a delicious local spread for as little as 15€ per person – and that even includes the wine! There is also a board cash of €250pp payable upon arrival that covers fuel, marina fees and water per person. This is reflected in the ticket price advertised and is based purely on the economics of Greece still being such a cash based society.

Meet your Skippers

Zorba’s owners and skippers Aga & Greg have been sailing yachts in Greece for over 15 years so they certainly know all the best spots to discover under sail. They will certainly make sure you have an unforgettable experience and are both dedicated to ensuring guests experience the very best of Greek hospitality.

Aga and Greg appreciate life on the water far away from tourist crowds – so prefer to show guests the quieter side of the Saronic Islands anchoring in small harbours or next to deserted islands with only resident goats and birds to entertain. Each day they make sure there is opportunity to swim in beautiful bays – some of them completely wild, others with just the one small taverna, serving fresh fish and seafood, often caught before your very eyes! For guests that are interested, they can also offer the possibility of jogging or yoga in the morning, with organic food on board and a healthy lifestyle their first port of call.

Kit list

Zorba has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

Light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
Flip flips, sandals OR Crocs
Swimsuits and a swim towel
Wash towel – micro fibres are great for lightweight and quick drying
Lightweight, quick-dry clothes

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

Warm, windproof and waterproof coat
Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
Sunglasses and a sun hat/cap
Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
Camera/binoculars
Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
Swim shoes to ensure you dodge those pesky Greek sea urchins…!
Cash – EUROS. Greece is still a heavily cash-based society
Charging cables for personal devices and EU 2pin adaptor for use in cabins (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices during the day by the chart table if needed)
A good book to read!
Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

SAMPLE MENU FOR Zorba

Please note that this is an example of what you may be served. Aga will be your host and main chef although guests tend to get involved with all aspects of life on board Zorba. Aga will go shopping on the first day and welcomes guests to join her so everyone’s preferences can be taken into consideration.

BREAKFAST

Selection of tea, freshly ground coffee and fruit juices
Fruits with nuts, oats, coconut with fresh greek yoghurt, honey and eggs.

LUNCH

Typical greek salad with fresh feta; tzatziki with bread; local goats cheese and figs

Evening meals are more often than not from a very considered list of Aga & Greg’s favourite Greek taverna’s. Local cuisine, fresh fish and seafood can be purchased at a relatively low local cost of about 15€ per person (including wine).

What’s included

Half board (breakfast, lunch and snacks)
All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
Full crew plus tuition
All tender trips to and fro the boat
Lifejacket
Fishing lines

What’s not included

Evening meals
Towels
Waterproofs
€250 cash per person on arrival for fuel, water and marina fees
Any flights
Transit hotels
Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
Travel insurance
Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
Crew tips
Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

Gallery

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Travel Planning

From: Aegina

To: Naxos

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Aegina

BY AIR

Flights go direct to Athens International airport from London Standsted with Ryanair, and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet.

You’ll then need to take a taxi from the airport to Piraeus port and take a ferry to Aegina port, which takes about 40mins to 1 hour. There are many different ferry options which run throughout the day, please use Ferry Scanner to find timetables. You can prebook tickets, or it is easy to buy a passenger ferry ticket at the port on the day.

Zorba’s crew, can assist you in arranging an airport/hotel transfer to take you to the port and will arrange for a taxi at Aegina port to pick you up and take you to Perdika, where the boat will be moored. This is a lovely island with lots of places to swim and relax before you board for your charter.

STAY IN ATHENS:

Try Athens Starlight Hotel, Attalos Hotel or Emporikon Athens Hotel.

Naxos

Naxos is in easy reach from Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Naxos Airport has connecting flights to Athens International Airport only.

MYKONOS – to Naxos

Flights go direct to Mykonos International Airport with EasyJet from various UK airports. British Airways flights are from London Gatwick and London Heathrow.

The port of Mykonos is also known as Tourlos or the New Port. It is only 3km from Mykonos Town and 5km from the airport (15–20-minute taxi or bus ride). From the port, there are ferry options to Naxos that take between 35 mins and 1 hour 20 mins.

ATHENS – Athens to Piraeus to Naxos

Flights go direct to Athens International Airport from London Stansted with Ryanair, and London Gatwick with Wizz Air, British Airways and easyJet.

You can catch a connecting flight internally to Naxos with Sky Express or get a Blue Star ferry from the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is approximately a 1-hour bus ride on the X96 (airport shuttle/express) from Athens International Airport. The ferry journey from Piraeus to Naxos varies between ferry operators and can take between 4-6 hours, depending on the type of ferry.

SANTORINI – to Naxos

Flights go direct to Santorini from London Stansted with Ryanair, from London Heathrow with British Airways and London Gatwick with easyJet. Tui flies from a few other UK airports.

All ferries depart from Athinios Port in Santorini, also known as the New Port or Thira Port. Travel time is usually between 1 hour 30 and 2 hours 50. The easiest way to the port is by taxi (there are no direct buses). There is a taxi rank outside the airport or you can pre-book a shuttle bus or private taxi in advance. The drive from the airport to the port is about 20 minutes.