ROCK 30 | XANTHIPPI

The journey begins in lively Athens, where the ancient and the modern coexist among the ruins of the Acropolis and the bustling neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Before setting sail, you can feel the historical energy of the city and prepare for the change of pace that only the sea can offer. Leaving the marina behind, you enter the deep blue of the Saronic Gulf.

The first stop is Aegina, a short distance from Athens but already completely immersed in a different atmosphere. Famous for its pistachios, the Temple of Aphaia, and crystal-clear waters, Aegina offers a pleasant combination of culture and nature. Anchors are dropped in quiet coves or in the main harbor, where seaside taverns serve fresh fish and ouzo at sunset.

We continue towards Poros, the lush island separated from the Peloponnese by only a narrow channel. The village climbs up a hill dotted with neoclassical houses, while the pine forests extend to the water. Poros is perfect for cycling explorations, walks to the lighthouse, or swimming in sheltered bays like Love Bay or Russian Bay.

The navigation then leads to Hydra, an icon of the Saronic Gulf, where cars do not exist and time seems to have stopped. The white stone houses overlook a charming harbor, full of boats, walls, and donkeys that still transport goods today. Hydra is discreet elegance, art, panoramic walks, and a unique light at sunset, when the colors reflect on the facades of the historic mansions.

Not far from Hydra lies Dokos, an uninhabited and rocky island, a refuge for those seeking solitude and pristine sea. Here, you drop anchor in sheltered bays, snorkel among clear seabeds, and enjoy the night under a sky full of stars, surrounded only by the sound of the waves and the silence of the wild nature.

Resuming the route, you reach Spetses, an aristocratic island scented with pine, famous for its horse-drawn carriages and lively waterfront. The port of Dapia is the heart of evening life, but it only takes a few minutes to discover more secluded spots like Zogeria beach or the Monastery of Agioi Pantes. Spetses perfectly balances vitality, naval history, and turquoise sea.

The navigation now enters the wildest and least traveled part of the journey. The next stop is Leonida, a small village in Laconia, nestled between the mountains and the sea. It is a peaceful and authentic place, perfect for a genuine stopover, with walks, swims, and local cuisine. From here, you head south, towards even more remote places.

In Fokianos, the anchor is dropped in a breathtaking bay, surrounded by clear cliffs and pine forests. The white pebble beach and transparent water evoke the Caribbean, but with the purest Greek charm. There are no ports or villages, just sea and silence: it is one of the most relaxing and unspoiled stops on the route.

The route continues to Malvasia (Monemvasia), one of the most scenic places in Greece. A medieval fortress perched on a rock separated from the coast by a narrow isthmus, with walls, Byzantine churches, stone streets, and terraces overlooking the Aegean. Here you walk through time, amidst Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman architecture, with a timeless atmosphere.

Just beyond lies Elafonisos, a small island with some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean. The fine white sand and turquoise waters of Simos and Panagia beaches create a paradisiacal setting, ideal for long swims and leisurely afternoons. The island has a simple and relaxed soul, perfect for rejuvenating after longer routes, (you might consider changing course and heading towards Milo)

Turning north again, you reach Kiparissi, a village nestled between the sea and the mountains, accessible almost only by sea. It is a hidden corner of the Peloponnese, loved by those seeking peace, authenticity, and untouched beauty. The bays around invite you to stay longer, with dives, dinners in taverns, and long evenings under the stars.

Continuing along the coast, you arrive at Hydra Limnioniza (or Limnioniza Bay), a little-known bay on the island of Hydra, perfect for anchoring and total relaxation. The calm and clear waters make it ideal for swimming or snorkeling, while the surrounding nature offers privacy and tranquility.

The penultimate stop is Cape Sounion, a mythical promontory of Attica, where the Temple of Poseidon towers over the cliffs. Arriving by sea, anchoring in the bay below, and ascending to the temple at sunset is an unforgettable experience, where myth and landscape blend into a perfect moment.

Finally, we return to Athens, closing the circle of the journey. After two weeks among islands, bays, history, and crystal-clear sea, returning to the city brings with it a new slowness, a sense of fulfillment, and the awareness of having experienced a profound journey, off the beaten path, into the most authentic heart of Greece.