Greece and Turkey: where to anchor and what to see this summer

“Tell me where you are and I’ll tell you where to go.” Summer and vacation time: the Mare Nostrum remains the realm of those looking for a nautical paradise within reach: area by area we reveal the most beautiful destinations to explore on a cruise! Bet 3: Adriatic Sea

Corfu, Greece, an island with lush vegetation and not-too-noisy nightlife, is a perfect destination for a Greek summer at a stone’s throw from home. Before you set sail, however, right in the capital city of Corfu: a must-see is the Byzantine Museum also because it houses a beautiful collection of Icons and votive gold. Another must stop between art and history is at the Archaeological Museum to see the incredible Gorgonian pediment: it dates back to 585 B.C. and belonged to the Temple of Artemis that was part of the ancient island capital Corcyra. Not only land in Corfu but also sea to be discovered: going down the east coast of the island, just before the port of Petriti, west of the homonymous cape Voukari, there is in fact the wide inlet of Voukari. Here you can bottom out in front of the small fishing village for a refreshing swim or some snorkeling.

We remain in the Ionian Islands of Greece and set course for Ithaca: in the large fjord of Kolpos Aetou that cuts the east coast there are at least three very well sheltered anchorages to visit by sea. They are Ormos Aetou, located at the southern bottom of the inlet, and Ormos Dexia, which lies instead just south of the Rock of Vathi and is the place where, according to Homer’s work, Odysseus disembarked at the end of his endless voyage. The last stop in the Ionian is the small and magnificent Zakynthos, an island that is visited from its wild bays. The first one to discover is that of Ormos Vroma: not only is it the only landing place that opens up along the island’s rugged west coast, but it is located right near the very famous “shipwreck beach.” Finally, in the capital town of Zakynthos to see is the Kastro, a defensive fortress built by the Venetians.

The coast of Aeolia the 150-mile-long stretch of Turkey‘s coastline that begins at the northern end of the Gulf of Edremit and reaches the great city and port of Izmir. It is a coastline full of lonely coves in which to drop anchor and more than pleasant, overwater spots, such as those in theAyvalik archipelago among whose coves one can find shelter even from the Meltemi. The first thing to do then is to go looking among the islets for the best coves, the first of which is certainly that of Poroselene, bordered by no less than two islets, that of Maden Alasi and that of Alibey Alasi. It is then right on the coast of the latter that one also discovers the wide inlet of Patrica Limani, perfect for a refreshing swim. Last stop in the narrow cove of Camilik Koyu, spectacularly surrounded by green wooded heights.

leggi anche

Feel like boating? The captain of the Amerigo Vespucci will teach you!

Also in Turkey, Bodrum is a delightful tourist town that is also home to important vestiges such as the medieval St. Peter’s Castle. From here one discovers a magnificent stretch of coastline that stretches into the Gulf of Gokova. The first real bay not to be missed along this route is the splendid bay of Cokertme, enclosed at the bottom by the village of the same name. Keeping the bar always to the east here we then reach another cove of particular beauty, that of Abkuk Limani. Crossing the gulf one finds oneself skirting the lush north coast until discovering, protected by the promontory of Karaca Burnu, the two islands of Sehir Adalari. Finally you head for spectacular and narrow fjord, that of Degirmen Buku: within it are two enchanting bays protected from all winds, those of Malderisi Limani and Okluk Koyu.

Finally we return to Greece to Rhodes: the capital city offers very fascinating sights, particularly in its medieval part. By boat, on the other hand, sailing on the southwest coast are three bays not to be missed: Ormos Lardhos, which is protected by the rocky cape of Ak Foka, Ak Istros, a small bay and with a fair amount of shelter from the meltemi, and Ak Prasso, which is enclosed by the promontory of the same name. In the center then of the northwest coast is Ormos Langonia wide and charming. Finally, Ak Ladhiko is the small and delightful bay that is protected to the north by the promontory of the same name.

The last stop on our summer Mediterranean is the narrow and long Greek island of Karpathos. To be visited strictly by sea, it is home in particular to three interesting anchorages: Amorfos little exposed to the meltemi but surrounded by dangerous shoals, Tristoma long fjord with wild views, and Dhiafani which is framed by three windmills and surrounded by cliffs.