Sailing and trekking in the Cyclades islands
Amorgos – Antiparos – Greece
22 – 29 April 2023
Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades archipelago, seems to be the least known greek island, but is nonetheless charming. During spring it is less crowded, which makes it the ideal destination for one of the most suggestive treks in the Aegean. Beautiful mule tracks called Kalderini as well as marked trails allow us to cross the whole island. We will trek during the day and take refuge for the night in our sailboat, our house on water for a week. A piece of trivia: Amorgos is the island on which Luc Besson filmed “Le Grand Bleu”, which opened the Cannes Film Festival in 1988.
Activities
Mountainsailing, Trekking
Number of participants
Min 4
Prices
1.600 EUR per person
Activity duration
8 days / 7 nights
Objectives
– discover a little-known island with scenic views and beautiful environments.
– Live the adventure outdoors, and combine sailing and trekking.
– Taste the delicacies of local cuisine, and feel the warmth of the people
– Learn the basics of sailing
Practical Information
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The arrival airport is Paros (PAS). Depending on the departure airport, it will be possible to meet the guide before boarding the flight.
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You will meet the crew and board the sailboat in Port Mahon, which is close to the airport.
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Italian and EU citizens can travel to Menorca with their ID cards. A valid passport is advised but not required for members of the Schengen area.
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If you are coming from a country outside the Schengen area, visit mfa.gr to learn more about visas.
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Treks will be will be up to 5h 30 long, it will be possible to skip a trek and stay on the boat with the skipper, for those who wish to rest and relax.
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The entire trekking experience does not present any technical difficulties, although it is advised to be trained in walking long distances and be willing to adapt.
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Depending on the sea and weather conditions, the Skipper and the Alpine Guide will decide whether to visit the northern or southern part of the island.
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Daily programs will be adjusted to the fitness level of the group, by adapting the length of the treks to the needs of the participants.
Recommended clothing and equipment
Complete trekking apparel, GoreTex shell, rainproof and windproof cape, fleece sweatshirt, sturdy footwear, backpack and backpack cover, headlamp. Sleeping bag, personal towels and effects are needed for the accommodation on the boat. Bring a duffel bag, no luggage nor trolleys.
Room and Board
The sailboat will be the accommodation in which we will sleep, eat generous breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners after each day we will spend out exploring. There might be evenings in which we will want to eat out, the decision will be taken as a group. Please inform us in advance of any food allergies or specific dietary needs.
DAY 1
Meet the guide and the other participants at Paros airport, then transfer to the port to board the sailboat. Depending on the time of arrival, we might have some time to visit the city. Once aboard, the skipper will brief us all on on-board safety. Dinner in town and overnight stay on board.
DAY 2
After breakfast, we begin our navigation to Amorgos. We stop in the Koufounisia archipelago, made of two paradise islands, and trek a little to admire the crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. We continue to sail to Aegiali, a small village in the northeastern part of the island, where we will start our trek.
DAY 3
The first part of the Amorgos trek involves a loop itinerary starting from the fishing port and passing Thoaria. It then continues on the northern side of Mount Krikellos and touches the Aghios Theologos church and Stavros church; from its 680 meters above sea level we have a scenic view over the steep cliff. We continue towards Langada and Aegiali, from which we departed.
DAY 4
Our long trek of the day leads us to the fascinating Panaghia monastery and the charming village of Chora, to then get back to sea level in Katapola. The first part of the route takes place on the northern side of the island, where we pass the villages of Kato Potamos and Ano Potamos. Once on the southern side, we arrive to the perched and evocative Panaghia Hozoviotissas. Monastery, which was built in the XI century. We have some time to take pictures of the beautiful view, and then go up the ridge lined with windmills. We reach Chora, a small village in which we can take a long break to eat and explore the white alleys. In case we want to spend some more time in Chora, it is possible to get back to the port by car. We join again our skipper on the sailboat. The first part of the trek is around 4h45 long, while the descent from Chora to the port is around 1h30 long.
DAY 5
From Katapola we go west and reach Arkea Archesini archaeological site after a 2h30 long trek. After a visit of the ruins, we get back on board. Dinner and overnight stay on the boat in one of the sheltered bays of the island.
DAY 6
We sail to Hiraklia, where we can follow the scenic itinerary through the whole island. Dinner on board, or in one of the characteristic restaurants facing the sea.
DAY 7
After breakfast we sail to Antiparos, in which we have time to get around the beautiful bays and small villages, before coming back to Paros where we spend our last night on board.
DAY 8
Last breakfast together, then we will pack and transfer to the airport.
THE RATE INCLUDES: Organization and support by our Alpine Guide UIAGM for the duration of the trip; accommodation aboard the sailboat, skipper service, galley supply, breakfasts, post-trek snacks, dinners on board. Fuel, dinghy, port charges, boat cleaning fees at the end of the trip.
THE RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE: round-trip flight, any dinners at restaurants, anything that is not included in the “The rate includes” section.