Discover the Best Sailing Experience

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ROUTE 1: SARONIC, start and end in Athens area

Greece is the perfect destination for those who seek and appreciate the historical and cultural heritage of the classical era. The ultimate route in Saronic is a mix of sailing, swimming/relaxing in beautiful bays and sightseeing unbelievable must-visit ancient landmarks.

On the way there is a UNESCO heritage ancient theater (the best preserved in the world); dinner in our favorite family-run Taverna where the tables are situated under the Orange trees - absolutely stunning (you can eat one growing directly above your head). Plus the owner is a woman (not very popular in Greece), which makes the place magic! In the Bay outside we anchor next to sunken city - snorkeling from the boat over ancient town below the water on depth of 1.5-2m; stunning 

Temple of Aphaia one of the ancient architectural wonders, built on the hill of Aegina Islands (also known as "pistachio island") - beautiful and unique; on Aegina we also have a possible trip to family-run pistachio plantation, where you can see how the pistachio grow and find out why there is only one male for 100 woman trees :) In the evening we go for dinner with live music on a typical greek instrument bouzouki - learning Zorba dance is a plan for the night! 

:) Hydra, jewel of the Saronic - an island with no car traffic - all the transportation is done only by donkeys; the sunset in Hydra is told to be even more beautiful than in Santorini. No wonder why this island is a place for summer houses for many film stars and singers. At the top after Long hike you can visit monks in a monastery. The architecture is absolutely amazing and one of a kind - maze of streets was built that way to protect from Pirate attacks. Getting Lost there is a very nice experience. 

Next small fishing village where you can find the nicest people in the world (or go fishing with a local fisherman!); the family that runs our favorite Taverna, after many years became our close friends, almost like family members. Kalotina and Notis will make sure that you will get the best service and be treated with care. Mamma is making absolutely the best moussaka in the whole of Greece! The tzatziki with homemade yogurt is a life changer :) 

Next our secret harbour (with one family-run taverna and no shop) that can fit only 7 boats. Very local place which is known only by those who have sailed there for many years. From there we can make a trip to a nice local winery and try some famous Peloponnese wine (more below)! Also a healing bath in volcanic waters is recommended! 

Poros - an Island with unforgettable views and the best grilled dorada we ever ate (and we travel a lot!). After supper we go for a nice walk / hike up the hill to reach a small typical chapel from which you have one of the best views in Saronic! A short breathing meditation at the top will be a perfect ending of the adventurous day. On the way down to the boat, an Ice cream place - the pistachio flavour from local nuts will make you come back for it the next day! :) 

P.S. We offer an attraction that is always very much enjoyed by our guests - a trip to the small, local vineyard with international wine awards. It is a very special family run place (NOT a tourist trap), actually we are the only tourists visiting this place. Father is a very funny guy who makes the tour and tells all about the wine making in the family (they even put some of the bottles at the bottom of the sea to give the special flavour) and Mamma (who doesn't speak english) cooks local dinner from ingredients coming from her garden. During wine tasting (which is more like wine drinking looking by the amount we usually drink) every bottle (usually around 7-8, white, rose and red) comes with a different meal that is well selected to this type of wine. After this amazing feast our hosts (if they are in the mood) show us the typical Greek dance and songs and usually we dance Zorba. it is truly a local and amazing night, often we hear the best during the cruise. The food is homemade and absolutely the best and the experience is as Greek as you can get :)

ROUTE 2: CYCYLADES, start and end in Naxos 

The Lesser Cyclades, also known as the Small Cyclades, is considered one of the most favoured sailing areas in Greece by the Owners of Zorba Cat. The area offers a breathtaking experience, ranging from anchoring in deserted bays with crystal clear water to exploring

ancient ruins and historical sites that showcase the very best of Greek culture. 

This trip is designed to explore the unspoiled side of the Cyclades, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. The route is determined by the wind and weather, as well as the preferences of all the guests onboard. For those who love islands and adventure, the Lesser Cyclades are a paradise. It’s all about disconnecting and adapting to the island’s pace of life. The combination of sailing, swimming, siestas, reading a good book, and enjoying generous taverna meals will make you forget about the days of the week. 

The flashy boutiques and selfie-stick-wielding crowds of Mykonos and Santorini are a million miles away. You can spend your days with a mix of sailing and exploration. Snorkelling in bays and caves, discovering a WWII plane wreck, wandering local villages, and indulging in traditional Greek tavernas, which the Owners are familiar with and are happy to guide you every step of the way.

The sandy shores and crystal clear waters of Iraklia are a great choice for your first stop. Offering a historical walk to the Cave of the Sacred Icon of Agios Giannis – an initial scramble through the entrance leads to a sequence of caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. The islands of Kufonissi (with its Caribbean-like turquoise water) and Schinoussa offer a truly unique and traditional Greek island experience. The dramatic mountain island of Amorgos is home to a breathtaking monastery carved into the rock, where the monks are waiting for you at the top with delicious psimeni (spiced “baked” raki) and loukoumi (Greek Delight you might say) after your stair climb.

If guests are interested in more sailing miles, Zorba may visit Ios and Folegandros offering one of the most scenic old towns (Choras) in the Cyclades. On the way back to Naxos, Paros (with its quieter sister Antiparos) offers guests a chance to visit and feel the “real Greece” with its relaxed local atmosphere. Near Antiparos, the islands of Despotico and Strongili, are known for their unspoilt nature and protected species under the Natura 2000.