Sailing Greece: Alexandroupoli to Corfu

Two seas in one cruise. A sailing route of about 1,850 km from Alexandroupoli in the north-east, down through the Aegean, around the southern tip of the Peloponnese and up the Ionian coast to Corfu. A relaxed cruise makes it in about four weeks.

The route. Alexandroupoli – the Chalkidiki peninsulas – the Sporades (Skopelos and Alonissos) – the Euboea coast – Cape Sounion – the capes of the south Peloponnese – the Gulfs of Messinia and Kyparissia – Lefkada – Corfu.

Highlights. The three “fingers” of Chalkidiki, including the monastic republic of Mount Athos. The green Sporades islands, where the film Mamma Mia! was shot on Skopelos. Cape Sounion with the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon, a landmark for sailors for 2,500 years. The sharp capes at the south of the Peloponnese, where the wind is strongest. Lefkada, which is joined to the mainland by a floating bridge. Corfu, whose old town and fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Good to know. In July and August the northern Aegean has the strong meltemi wind: spring and early autumn are calmer. The route is drawn as a straight-line course between the main waypoints, so real sailing will follow the coast and the islands more closely. The music is the sirtaki.

Picture: Yachts anchored at Limnonari Beach, Skopelos, dronepicr, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.