The ferries in Greece can be really tiny and the waters are sometimes seriously choppy. Even people who don’t get seasick can be miserable on these ferries.
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Agios Georgos
Located on Naxos and right next to the town it is the island’s most popular beach. It stretches many kilometers and is fully organized offering umbrellas and sunbeds for rent as well as water sports. Its sand is soft and the waters azure.
In the summer it gets crowded with locals and tourists but during the off season it is quiet, especially at dawn. It is the best beach for families with children as it is safe and the sea is very shallow, allowing young ones to play in the shallow waters.
The name comes from the homonymous 18th Century church that exists in the area. Pagon is used to differentiate it from another lovely beach in the south on Corfu.
This Sporadic Islands region of Greece is a yachting paradise. Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos are close together with plenty of beaches to explore as well as pretty little villages that offer endless magical summer nights at the tavernas. It also has become increasingly popular with fans of the film ‘Mama Mia’ who come to recreate the laid back lifestyle shown in the movie.
I get quite a few people saying they want to visit the Greek Islands but are worried about doing all their hotels, transfers and ferry tickets on their own. They use my Create-an-itinerary page where they tell me what islands, how many days and what kind of hotel and tours they’d like to do. I then put their itinerary together and give them a price.
Agios Yorgos
Agios Yorgos is one of the most picturesque villages in the entire Sporades. The village sits at the head of a deep bay backed by mountains and is surrounded by plane trees that give the village its distinctive green colour. It is known for its artisan cheese, Halloumi. This semi-hard cheese is made in small quantities on the island and requires a precise amount of goat and sheep’s milk to qualify as authentic. It can be eaten cold or grilled, baked, or fried and is popular for sandwiches.
The village is also home to a lovely church that dates back to the 14th Century. The locals are proud of the church and have fought hard to keep it open and functioning even after the island’s economy suffered from the recent financial crisis.
There is a wonderful museum on the island that showcases the history of the region. It has been recently renovated and is worth a visit. There are also many great restaurants and taverns in the village.
The islanders of Sifnos have been pushing hard to get a daily boat from Mykonos. After much lobbying and possibly a few exchanges of cash or favors they finally got it last summer. Until now there was only a ferry that came once or twice per week but now it will be coming every day.
Agios Ioannis
Located on the western end of Ponda, the beach of Agios Ioannis is quiet and serene. Its small pebbles and turquoise waters are a sight to behold, and the rocky seabed makes it perfect for fishing. The beach is not organized but a few taverns and rooms are found nearby.
The village of Agios Ioannis is a tourist destination in its own right, featuring a wide range of accommodations and amenities. The church of Agios Ioannis sto Kastri, dedicated to Saint John, is perched on top of a barren sea rock that offers spectacular panoramic views. The beach below is a paradise for swimming and snorkeling.
Agios Ioannis is also home to one of the most beautiful gorges on Corfu, the Mylonas Gorge. With a trail that starts in the village, visitors will experience the power of nature as it carves its way through the mountains and cliffs.
Lastly, Agios Ioannis is home to the biggest monastery on Milos and hosts a pretty large feast for its patron saint every September. The area has three beaches that are a short drive or walk away from each other, offering a great island experience. It is a must-visit for those looking to get off the beaten path.
Agios Athanasios
The town of Agios Athanasios is situated in the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki. According to the 2011 census it has a population of 4,932.
The Greek island of Skiathos is located south of mainland Greece and north of Skopelos. It is a popular yachting destination due to its calm seas and many beautiful beaches. In addition, it has many water canals, tunnels, and forests. It was also a filming location for the movie Mama Mia.
Agios Athanasios was founded by refugees from 25 villages of Eastern Thrace and 7 villages of Asia Minor, in October 1922. The modern town lies on the old national road that linked Thessaloniki to Western Macedonia and Southern Greece.
From the Costa Award-winning author of The Lie Tree and twice CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal winner Frances Hardinge, with atmospheric illustrations from double-CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Emily Gravett, comes this heartwarming tale of mystery and magic. Swarms of sinister moths and chilling headless birds will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The ferry schedules posted online are not always accurate. For example, the Minoan office did not know they had a Flying Cat going to Paros until a Dolphin Hellas Travel customer called them and told them that was what was on their ticket. The crew on the Blue Horizon did not attempt to stop the ship or help the man, but instead pushed him down onto the ramp as it was moving away from the dock. The coroner found he drowned.