Tuscan Archipelago Yacht Charters

It is told that the Venus of the Tyrrhenian sea while emerging from the waters of our sea to hug the horizon let slip seven pearls from her necklace which adorned her white neck. They transformed themselves in the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago: Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri. You can enjoy the uniqueness, the beauty of these pearls in every season. In summer you can spend a week end, a stay gies you the possibility to learn the history, the culture and the nature of the islands all the year long. Each island is different from the others. Every one has got its own history and enchanting legend. Time spent in these places will be unforgettable also thank to the difference linking the islands to a national park which increases the value of the landscape and the magic of the islands. Comfortable embarkation ports for a cruise around this area could be Rome or Argentario, Porto Santo Stefano, Cala Galera, Porto Ercole.

Capraia

The green Capraia with its coloured coast, with its small port and with the unmistakable scent of lentisk is always the same during the years. Even in August , when the port is completely full, the tourism is not noisy: here you breathe pure sea air. Every day the boats travel through the small port a big population of sailors, skin divers and simple bathers who want to spend their holidays in bathing costumes. The vegetation is flourishing and full of Mediterranean species. It fought against the volcanic nature but at the end it got the better as you can see from the lively and vegetable cover. The landscapes created by the vegetation with the help of the wind are really spectacular: thousand of daises, asphodels, the expanse of sea cistus with white flowering, the perfumed expands of “elicriso” and the plans with heather, strawberry-trees, myrtle and oleanders.

Elba

Elba Island lies 10 km only from the mainland and is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago having a surface area of 224 sq. km, it is the third Italian island in size. Elba has become an internationally famous tourist resort. Her climate is particularly mild. Her coastline, which winds for 147 km., is incredibly varied. The grandeur of the Mount Capanne group 񡹻 mt.) is magnificent. A "man size" island, Elba has been able to snatch up all the benefits from modern civilisation, its comforts and technology, without however compromising her nature, landscape, sea and coast, mountains and woods. She hasn't allowed her ancient villages to be disfigured nor the remains of her ancient civilisation to be destroyed. Elba is like a treasure chest rich in delightful surprises, framed by crystal-clear waters which caress sandy beaches, secret green bays and inlets, or steep cliffs. Inland environments range from shady woods, to sweet cultivated fields, to barren lands where aloe and cactus reign. And then you have Elba's towns: those on the sea, which often maintain the ancient flavour of a fishermen's shelter, and those chiselled out of the rock up high, which still tell us about pirate raids of long ago.

Giannutri

Giannutri Island stands aside compared to the other islands of the Tuscan archipelago but thanks to its geographical distance it is a very special place, perhaps unique and inimitable. Giannutri is a very small paradise , it is 500m .large and more or less 5 kms long, a beautiful walk. It is the ideal place for excursions and is attended especially by ski divers charmed by its depths. In the past Giannutri had already charmed the Romans who built a port and beautiful patrician villas. The sea is still keeping wrecks of their ships. The depths contain falaises, caves, meadows of Poseidonia, sea fans, sea roses, sea horses, sea stars, corals, sea urchins, dentexes, sargas, sponges but also wrecks. It is possible to meet dolphins, a whale or a turtle too. Giannutri is a real natural place with no beaches but only inaccessible rocks to barefoot. From the main rise the Poggio Capel Rosso, a 85m. peak, you can watch only the sea and no land can be perceived even in the clear days. The silence is broken by the thousand noises of the nature which is here the only actor.

Gorgona

Gorgona Island is the smaller of the Tuscan Archipelago to the west of Leghorn, it has got 300 inhabitants ( for the most part convicts) and is little more than 2 squared kms wide, it is mostly occupied by the goal . It has got a rocky ground, reaches the 225metres of altitude and is covered by the Mediterranean bush. The visit to the island, where the tourist can moor only in case of danger, is allowed each Tuesday of the summer’s months to small groups which are taken by a patrol boat from a ferry on service between Leghorn, Capraia and Elba. The tour is organised by the natural park ‘s cooperative society and includes the most suggestive places of the coasts, among them Cala Scirocco and Cala Martina and the areas covered by the Mediterranean bush which is a shelter for the wild rabbits, gulls, birds of passage and sea swallows. What catches one’s eye is the vegetation: the about 90% of the island in fact has got a Mediterranean bush which gives hospitality to more than 400 flora species.

Giglio

Giglio Island is in the centre of the Tyrrhenian sea, 11 miles far from the Promontorio dell’Argentario, and keeps inside its 21,21 square kilometres a treasure to be discovered . Its mild climate makes the island the ideal place for all season’s holidays. An uncontaminated reality . The crystal emerald sea with its rich in fishes depths is the frame of an area which is for the 90% still wild and which invites the visitors to go on excursions. Giglio’s port is a picturesque docking surrounded by high grounds full of vineyards. In the nearby of the docking of the ferries there are always expert boatmen ready to carry tourists in the near beaches. The bushes of poseidonia seem to emerge from the transparent water and the fishes looking for some food seem touchable as if they were within reach.

Pianosa

Pianosa Island has been protected from the prison for 142 years, first penal settlement, and high security prison up today. The island is flat but also a unique resource: meadows of Poseidonia, a real “nursery” of the ichthyic fauna of the high Tyrrhenian sea , the most important catacombs to the north of Rome, the roman villa of Agrippa, the sanatorium of Punta Marchese where also Sandro Pertini was banished, a rich fauna and flora with many rarities due also to the isolated evolution and to an extraordinary migratory flow. The prison moreover, with its potentials, is a modern monument of the history of our land which goes from the robbers of the Maremma to the Austrian prisoners and includes the years of the terrorism and the slaughters of the Mafia. The wall which splits the island was built in the 1978 and it is a historic proof too. Unfortunately in the closed area there are the bays and the most beautiful cliffs of the all Tuscan archipelago. Pianosa is the only Tuscan island composed of sedimentary rocks. Thanks to its calcareous nature and to its level ground it has been cultivated since the ancient times.

Montecristo

Montecristo Island is wild and uninhabited, covered with Mediterranean bush and important shelter for birds of passage. It’s about 10 square Km wide and is one of the most wild island of the entire Tuscan Archipelago and the most far from the coast . Montecristo Island is composed of grey-pink granite , has got a wide, low pyramid shape and is rich in vegetation. Its inhospitable aspect kept the people away from the island during the centuries until in the V century when monks and hermits started doing a part of the territory hospitable. When you get ashore at Cala Maestra it is possible to see the only building of the island Villa Watson-Taylor where there are the sole trees of the all island. As for the fauna the wild goats are the rulers of the area , there are in fact about 400놼 animals probably coming from Minor Asia and carried there perhaps by the Phoenicians but now they are wild again. Their voracity has changed gradually the original Mediterranean bush.

The climate is typically Mediterranean where the sea creates a strong moderating effect, especially in the smaller islands. Even if humidity is evident, the summers are warm and mainly dry and breezy.

The winters are rather mild. Rains are common in the middle seasons and during the winter whereas there are often droughts in summer. The best period for cruising this area goes from April to October.

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La Maddalena Yacht Charters

La Maddalena - The Sleepy Resort with Pink Beaches A key point on the island, La Maddalena is becoming increasingly popular among tourist crowds for its beauty and traquil lifestyle, not to mention for its perfect beaches which are very similar to the ones on the Costa Smeralda. A national park, an old Navy base and lots of souvenirs await you to make the trip down here.

Many of the Yacht Charter sailors know the island of Sardinia in the center of the Mediterranean, but not many know that f you travel to the northeastern corner of the island you’ll find a small archipelago of 7 islands, the largest being Isola Maddalena. On that island, the largest town shares the same name.

The town is the closest to mainland Sardinia, positioned on the strait of Bonifacio, which separates the island from Corsica. Though smaller than other Yacht Charter destinations in the region, La Maddalena is well known for its beautiful landscape of the Costa Smeralda and its remote location, generally regarded to be off the beaten track.

Due to its remote location, you can imagine that La Maddalena is positioned outside the main traffic routes, either by air, land or sea. The only direct link that should be enough to get most Yacht Charter sailors into town is the ferry leaving from Palau, Sardinia every half hour.

That makes the problem of reaching La Maddalena a problem of reaching one of the main towns in Sardinia really. The closest airport is the one in Olbia, which serves the whole Costa Smeralda region. Palau is accessible by land through the SS125 and the SS133, depending from which part of the island your Yacht Charter group is arriving.

Home to the famous pink sands and azure waters, the remote La Maddalena is the perfect location for those Yacht Charter seaman looking to escape to a serene location. The overall look of the town is made up of a few old houses which retain that Mediterranean look and lots of bars and cafes. The main attraction in town remains the Piazza Umberto I and the via Garibaldi which leads down to the port.

However, the best asset the locals boast are the wonderful beaches which manage to attract a surprisingly large number of Yacht Charter visitors each year. The two most famous are the Cala Francese and the Bassa Trinita. There’s also a National Park which bears the same name located on the island, on the granite rocks that give way to myrtle bushes here and there.

As you’d expect, the local cuisine is based on seafood and fish, plentiful in the surrounding waters, the many restaurants serving up simple yet delicious recipes in the truest Sardinian style. Among the most notorious meat dishes are the Porceddu, the Carraxiu and rabbit a Succhittu. Fish dishes include the burrida (dogfish with walnuts and vinegar), the merca (mullet steeped in salt water and herbs) and bottarga (salted or dried mullet or tuna eggs).

The local shops found along the main road in town sell Sardinian rugs and local delicacies which are sure to whet the appetite of any Yacht Charter enthusiast.

When it comes to nighttime entertainment, La Maddalena is not exactly the most happening place in Sardinia, but remember this is reason so many Yacht Charter holidaymakers chose to come here. Other than cozy cafes, bars and restaurants and an occasional stroll on the waterway, there is little to do here once the sun goes down.

Bathing and exploring the beautiful beaches is definitely the most popular activity for tourists who come to La Maddalena. Also Yacht Charter adventurers might also find it interesting to simply start exploring the island. There is also a former US Naval base close-by that used to be active during the Cold War and acted as a submarine base too which is worth checking out.

The events here are mostly religious or related in some way to a Saint’s day. Such is the Sunday Pentecost of the Holy Spirit which takes place at the Trinity church in May and the Santa Maria Maddalena (patron saint) which is celebrated in July.

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Sardinia Yacht Charters

A yacht charter in Sardinia is quite an experience. Sardinia is a universe unto itself. I n this italian island the local language is incomprehensible to all other Italians. An island with one of Europe's most stunning coastlines it's waters teem with fish it's golden sands disappear into oceans of blue it's rugged mountains are covered with flocks of sheep producing cheese so pungent, your palate will never forget.

Sardinia is completely unique and the perfect place for a yacht charter holiday that mixes excitement with the exotic. During the summer, yacht charters flock to Sardinia . With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, concentrated from April to September and warm winds off the African continent, the Sardinian climate, can be quite delightful and not quite as hot as other yacht charter areas in the Mediterranean.

You'll find, despite their weird and wonderful ways, that the Sardinian ports compete rather well with the Mediterranean ’s other chic hot spots. Summers tend to attract lovely warm days and crowds of millionaires, supermodels and luxury yachts, especially to the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda at Porto Cervo, near Olbia. This spectacular and unrivalled island presents a variety of shapes. In fact Sardinia is a surprising blend of "diversities" originated from its complex natural, historical and cultural richness, as it has been, since the most ancient ages, a meeting point for the various cultures of the populations which have landed on and colonized its coasts.

If you choose to charter your yacht in Sardinia, you should decide first of all if cruising the north or the south of Sardinia , two completely different worlds.

North Sardinia is the temple of fun. Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo with their nightlife, chic restaurants and boutiques attract the international jet set. In the northern part of the island, between Alghero and Olbia you will also find a rich coastline alternating beaches and bays while the landscape is predominantly rocky. A fantastic journey along the northern irregular coasts of Sardinia, where nature has been wonderfully moulded by a civilization, the roots of which stretch back at the time of the first inhabitants of the Mediterranean .

Porto Cervo, the heart of the Emerald Coast , is the exclusive holiday place favoured by the rich and famous that come to this paradise to enjoy the sea and the nightlife. The architecture of this summer spot fits with its surroundings, villas with dry stone walls and immaculately kept gardens scattered with Mediterranean vegetation and low palm trees. Porto Cervo has two harbours, Porto Vecchio (Old Port) is on the South-eastern side and dates back to the 1960s’, the new harbour is equipped with the most up-to-date infrastructures to cater for the international marine traffic. At the height of summer the harbours become literally the showroom of the most beautiful and biggest yachts that money can buy, many tourists walk past the yachts admiring such excess. Anyone not wanting to use the port may anchor in the bay, where one can enjoy total privacy. Porto Cervo has a Yacht Club, some exclusive hotels and restaurants, such as the renowned Cala di Volpe, great shops and numerous night bars and clubs. The nightlife evolves around La Piazzetta. For the golf lovers there is one of the greatest golf courts in the world. Set between the sapphire bays of Pevero and Cala di Volpe Pevero is the supreme masterpiece of the greatest of American golf designers, Robert Trent Jones. Described by several golf writers as 'the most beautiful place to play golf in the world', the course is also splendidly demanding.

Due to the care which has been taken to preserve the natural environment of the Porto Rotondo area, since 1967, international investors have made this area one of the most sought after destinations of the most exclusive tourism. Porto Rotondo is today the sworn rival of the, relatively close, Emerald Coast, attracting exponents from the International Jet Set. The Piazzetta, created entirely in local stone, the granite amphitheatre and the Church of St Lorenzo are of great architectural interest. Here one finds the boutiques of the world's top fashion designers, interior decorators and craftsmen. The harbor, where some of the most beautiful yachts of the Mediterranean are moored, is not to be missed. The beaches of Porto Rotondo include that of Spiaggia Ira, at Punta Nuraghe, which divides the Gulf of Porto Rotondo from that of Cugnana the small beaches of Punta Asfodelo with their supremely white sand and turquoise sea the beach Spiaggia dei Sassi e delle Alghe, on the road which leads to Punta Volpe Marinella Beach which is the largest and best equipped, perfect for waters sport enthusiasts. The small town of Porto Rotondo owes much of its Venetian influence to its major developer, the Count Dona Delle Rose. Although less well known in the UK than the Aga Khan’s famous Porto Cervo development, Porto Rotondo attracts its own "jet setters" and celebrity spotting is still a popular pastime.

Facing Palau is the Archipelago of La Maddalena, unquestionable natural attraction of extraordinary beauty, from where, reaching its highest point, Guardia Vecchia, you'll be able to enjoy a view of all the islands of the archipelago, sweeping all the way to Corsica.

In the short stretch of sea of the Bocche di Bonifacio dividing Sardinia from Corsica, many islands, of all sizes, rise from the waters, forming the Archipelago of La Maddalena considered one of nature's authentic masterpieces. They're grouped in the eastern (Santo Stefano, La Maddalena, Caprera, with the small islands of Monaci, Sperduti di Caprera, Pecora, Porco, Delle Bisce, Chiesa, Della Paura, Cappuccini) and the western ones (Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, Santa Maria with the little islands of Spargiotto, Spargiottello, Barrettini, Barrettinelli, Corcelli, La Presa, Paduleddi). The archipelago is characterized by various forms of granite, moulded by the wind and rain: the phenomenon of the "tafoni", big round rocks with fantastic shapes, entirely excavated by the crumbling of the rock from within. One of the most renowned is the one at Capo d'Orso on the coast in the vicinities of Palau.

La Maddalena, is the most extended island and is mostly levelled. Along the southern coast lies the city of La Maddalena, delimited in the western part by the cape of Punta Tegge and in the eastern part by the ample bay of Cala Camicia and Punta Moneta facing this bay, at a distance of 500 meters, is the island of Santo Stefano. The natural environment is still wild and its coasts shelter small beaches overlooking fabulous waters. Going north, the coastline forms the coves of Spalmatore and Porto Massimo, then the cape of Marginetto with Point Marginetto, the most northern of La Maddalena. The coast goes back down south-west, forming, with the peninsula of Abbatoggia, the deep gulf of Monti di Rena the granite, here, is finely levigated by the violent west wind forms vast sandy dunes. You'll find the same phenomenon going just a little further south, past Punta Abbatoggia and past the little island with the same name, in the area of Spiaggia Bassa or Trinità where the sandy landscape is even more fascinating, with its dunes of very fine white sand. The coastline continues with the steep massif of Guardia Majore, penetrating just a little further in the bay of cala Inferno, rocky and irregular from there it goes back up west and then turnes definitely south with Punta Testiccioli. The whole area is one of the most inaccessible and the granite is marked by the sea's fury and by the strong north winds. A good refuge is Cala Francese, just a little further south, overlooked by a large granite quarry.

Caprera island is smaller than la Maddalena but its total coastline is longer, 45,5 km, because of the long and narrow cape of granite that stretches all the way to Punta Rossa, seat of a Navy Military base since 1887. The extreme southern coast of Caprera is a morphologically very frail and unsteady area a profound opening of the sea forms the marvellous Porto Palma. The entire eastern coast of Caprera and also the northern one, are formed by striking cliffs of granite, almost totally unaccessible, so evocative and beautiful, formed by the more steep side of the long massif of Mount Teialone.

The island of Asinara situated in the north-western part of Sardinia has an extension of 5.200 ha., while the sea's surface extension is 21.000 ha. The coastline is 110 km.long. It belongs to the Government and is part of the territory of the town of Porto Torres. The island is 17,5 km. long and its maximum width is 6,14 km. The western part is characterized by high schistose falaises, steep rocky slopes with numerous landslides and ravines, large canals and crevices, while in the eastern part you'll find wide bays and small beaches with the tipical rough sand of the granite morphology with ample rocky outcrops. This island is famous for its unique landscape and for the environmental beauties, but also and mostly for the rich wildlife: many are the species living on the island, some are very rare and, unfortunately threatened with extinction.

In the southern part of Sardinia with your yacht, you should not miss to see the coasts along Costa Rei, Porto Corallo, Cala Sinzias and Cala Pira.

The Gulf of Angels (Golfo degli Angeli) is a splendid scenery space that appears from the sea on the south side of Sardinia limited by Pula and Nora from the west and by the seaside resorts of Villasimius on the east, through the extreme Capo Carbonara in front of which a remote and wild Isola dei Cavoli is visible.

Cagliari is the principal town, hidden like a precious jewellery in the centre of the gulf. The coasts of the Gulf form interminable beaches with thin and bright sand. Across the panoramic street with spectacular cliffs and expanses of crystal and transparent water the easter bow unties through beautiful beaches and bays of Capitana, Torre delle Stelle, Solanas, Capo Carbonara, Isola dei Cavoli. There are several sport activities from typical water sports (including diving and snorkelling) to trekking, horse riding and golf.

Regarding the island history, there are a lot of interesting archaeological points to visit in the Gulf. For example Nora – the Sardinian Atlantis – the antic Phoenician – Punic - Roman town discovered more than ten years of excavations. According to the epigraphic Phoenician documents Nora was considered the most antic settlement of Sardinia. In the neighbourhoods of Nora, in Pula, you could visit the Tower of Saint Efisio (Torre di Sant'Efisio) of the unknown age, coming probably from around early VII century. Travelling through urban areas between Quartu S. Elena and Cagliari it is quite impossible to miss the expanse of marshland - lack of Molentargius (Stagno di Molentargius)– a settlement of beautiful aquatic birds, especially flamingos that reproduced there since 1993. They are protected and recognised nearly all over the world.

The coast of the Sulcis Iglesiente (South Western Sardinia) is disquieting, characterised by excavated roads and long beaches with dunes and cliffs, where the rare hawks called Eleonarae still nest. The land has been populated since the old Ages as evidenced by Montessu's necropolis with its Domus de Janas (Witches' houses).

Visit Carloforte, where architecture, language, tastes and scents remind the region of Liguria. In fact the population of the little island descends from the coral fishermen coming from Liguria imprisoned by the Saracens and released by Carlo Emanuele III in 1736. But the real treasure in this area is the long beach, characterised by white dunes, which goes from Capo Pecora to Piscinas. Walking along this beach you might meet wild rabbits, partridges and, with good binoculars, also the very rare Sardinian deer.

The Sardinian yacht charter scene has increased in popularity, of late, and the types of yacht charter are all the main types of yacht charter including motoryachts, sailingyachts, catamarans, luxury yachts and the ever more frequent super yacht charter.

As with other parts of the Mediterranean and Italy, the Sardinian yacht chartering season generally runs from April to the end of October. The summer season in July and August is the hottest and tends to have lighter winds. This is also the high season as far as yacht charter goes.

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Aegadian Islands Yacht Charters

Aegadian Islands are a hidden paradise. The largest, the most populated and the closest to the mainland is Favignana, which is crossed in a north-south direction by a hilly ridge named Montagna Grossa (Large Mountain). The island has two ports and the spectacular tuna-fishing season is in force from April to June. Florio palace stands prominently on arrival. It was built in the second half of the nineteen century by a trading family from Palermo which bought the entire archipelago and acquired all fishing rights. In that period tuna-fishing knew its largest expansion, and was probably the only one permanently operating in Sicily. In the seventeen century, under the Spanish rule, tuna-fishing was one of the most important in the Mediterranean, both for fish quality and finish products which were exported the world over. Outside the urban area, landscape is spotted with pastures and cultures, separated by a close net of stone walls. The only sign of population is the presence of small whitewashed houses surrounded by rare indian fig and palm threes. 

The island's real attraction however are the tuff caves, a building stone mined there so aptly called "Favignana" less and less used today for building purposes, its softness was in the past exploited for sculpturing as well. Rock so mined form deep chasms and dry basins. Levanzo island, surrounded by Pizzo Monaco steeply following to the sea, is nearby. Docking is available at Cala Dogana. The island attraction called "Grotta del Genovese" is a true paradise for pre-historical fans. Bones and petrified trees are everywhere, together stone engraving and drawings going back more than 10000 years to the phaleolitic and neolithic eras, all of them exceptionally well preserved. A painter in search of subjects, discovered them in 1949. Animals and dancers painted in bright red and black, are represented. Getting to the "Grotta del Genovese" is however difficult even donkey riding, as suggested by the local guides. Marettimo, the third main island, is entirely different: surrounded as it is by Falcone mountain, 700 meters high, which gives a totally different out line to the island. Its distance from the two mainland ports, Trapani and Marsala, is the same and the short passage warrants an exclusive visit. An ensemble of Dolomite stones thrown in the crystal clear Sicilian waters with deep vertical cuts reaching the sea, the steep gorges followed by impressive rock towers is the natural frame to a series of superb caves with multicolored stalagmites. Notable among them are the cave of the nativity the Perciata and the Bombarda, where diving is easy and tropical fishes can be seen. Inland, climbing to Falcone mountain is a must where trough a path, a twelve century chapel and the remnants of Roman housing can be visited. Fish hawks and wild rabbits have their habitat there. On the sea side, however and very unfortunately seals have nowadays disappeared following the uncontrolled hunting that took place especially in the Camel cave. 

On your Sicilian crewed yacht charter vacation cuisine is an adventure in history. Its cooking speaks of its complicated history of invasions and occupations as well as of the fresh flavors of the land and the bounty of the sea. There is cuscus (couscous) from Trapani, an Arab legacy, served with a fish stew. Pasta con le sarde, with fresh anchovies, is traditional. Bottarga, tuna roe that has been salted and pressed, tops pasta in the renowned spaghetti alla siracusana. Sfinciuni di San Vito, a stuffed focaccia, is not to be missed, nor is caponata, a sensuous dish of eggplant, celery and onions that are fried separately and cooked briefly in a sweet and sour sauce that includes tomatoes, raisins, pine nuts, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Farsumagru, a meat roll filled with cheese, sausage and boiled eggs is one of the island’s classic meat dishes, and piscispada alla ghiotta, an exuberant swordfish preparation, its most famous fish dish. Cassata, a sponge cake with ricotta, chocolate, candied fruits and pistachios, is the most beloved Sicilian dessert ricotta-stuffed cannoli are known throughout the world. Cubbaita, a nougat with honey, almonds, and sesame seeds, speaks of Arab influence. Some of Italy’s best ice cream is made in Sicily, and little can rival the sweetness of its fruit. Sicily produces a number of great wines, most of them sweet: Marsala, Malvasia delle Lipari, and Moscato. Excellent table wines are made on the Regaleali estate other outstanding ones are Etna, Alcamo, Corvo, Faro, and Ombra. The best period for a yacht charter in Sicily is from April to October, even though the warmest months are, like in the most part of the Mediterranean area, June, July, August and September. 

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Pontine Islands Yacht Charters

Pontine islands were known to be inhabited since the civilization's onset Neolithic remnants and first bronze age obsidians were found hare although reliable life traces go back only after the final Roman victory over the Volsces on 338 B.C. Ponza island is nevertheless remembered as one of the eighteen Roman provinces to remain loyal to the capital during the difficult times following Hannibal's adventure. Emperor Augustus encouraged its residential expansion that later spread to Ventotene island as well. Rome used the two islands as a sort of golden retreat, an exile site indeed, for politically troubling public personalities: Caligola's mother Agrippina died there her mortal remains were brought back to the imperial capital with full honors, sailing upriver the Tevere on a bireme vessel. Ventotene harbor, as well as Pilatos' cove, used at Ponza to breed Moray fishes and other rare species, both dug in the tuff rocks, and Chiaia di Luna with its tunnel connecting the village to the beach through impressive cliffs, are all remainder of those days. Madonna point mansion, with its fish pond now nearby the cemetery, is also a remarkable visit spot. The nowadays harbor and surrounding Ponza's area lay-out, were built by Francesco Carpi at the end of the eighteen century, based on a project by Antonio Winspeare. This is the starting point for a tour to the archipelago.

Here, divers will experience magical emotions in a totally unspoiled environment. Their spectacular and bright colours give the islands a particular charm and a surprising beauty also due to the wide variety of small coves, bays or inlets and to the different choices of fascinating walks through the history and nature of the islands that makes Pontine ‘s cruising area a top destination for a yachting holiday in Italy. Ponza can be reached from the close ports of Anzio (Rome) or Gaeta Naples is not so far ྶ miles from Ischia). This island can be best savored by circumnavigating it. Starting from the harbor and coasting southward along the Donna promontory where the water entrances to the Pilatus' cove are located, the Roman villa can be seen. Further south the Madonna cliffs, the Ulysses' cave and the long Scotti rocky wall are sighted together with Calzone Muto cliff just before the impressive Guardia promontory 280 meters high. Chiaia di Luna is located behind the lower Fieno point. This is a beautiful route safe also for night navigation when riding the west winds one seeks shelter into the bay.

One additional surprise occurs at the bay entrance when one find himself in front of this beautiful beach surrounded by suggestive multicolored cliffs. Coasting further Faraglioni mountain, Feola cove sheltered by a breakwater partially suitable for docking and with 2 meters water depth, is reached. After making good the sharp Corte point, the navigation continue into the Water cove, so called after the small port used by the water-tanker supplying the island. From the following Papa point to the extreme northern island end, the coast line becomes more and more irregular until the strait between Ponza and Gavi islet. The eastern side offers suggestive seascape views till the natural stone arch called "Spaccapolpi". Here two majestic coves separated by the "Faraglioni del Parroco" are reached. They are respectively named Inferno and Core coves. Good shelter from the south-west winds can be found at Frontone cove, behind the homonymous point. The other archipelago inhabited island is Ventotene, with an old Roman port dug into the tuff rock and surrounded by a picturesque village: a night in Ventotene is an experience anyone sailing the Mediterranean cannot miss. When lentils and other local plants blossom in springtime and their flavor can be felt miles away sailing downwind at nighttime, the time has arrived to steer for Ventotene and be taken by its ancient charm. If docking is not available at the old harbor ( Nicholas port ) you can now take advantage at the new marina, sheltered to the est by a breakwater.

Santo Stefano island is about a mile away from Ventotene. The island is two kilometers wide, with an old Borbonic penitentiary built on top, has a peculiar turtle shape. A visit is worth although the premise is closed down. Parmarola island, considered one of the most beautiful in the Tyrrhenian sea, lies at about six miles from Ponza's Guardia point. Cliffs and coves with crystal clear waters offer one landing only, which is the harbor cove with a sandy bottom in front of the beach. The only two restaurants in the island provide, in the good season, to the necessities of visitors. The wildest and pristine of the entire archipelago is without doubt Zannone island, resembling Australia both in shape ( but not size! ) and the rich luxuriant vegetation, a remainder of the forests that were growing in the islands prior to human colonization. Like the most part of the Mediterranean, the best period to cruise this area goes from April to October. The warmest months are July and August. 

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Delos Yacht Charters in Greece

It’s a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s an ark of history, floating lazily on the waters of the Aegean Sea, just a few miles away from cosmopolitan Mykonos. It’s a chance to walk around the revival of the glory of the Greek civilization. It’s the head priest of the Cyclades, the birthplace of the immortals. It’s Delos. In the ancient times, the myth of god Apollo, god of light, and goddess Artemis having been born there rendered the island sacred: no mortal would ever be allowed to be born on its land. But, a cradle of gods as the island has been, no mortals would ever be allowed to die on it either. So, apart from it being a conspicuous religious and economic centre, the island had also been exclusive in that: even during the years of peak of the Delian Alliance, women on the brink of childbirth and people close to dying would be carried to the neighbouring island of Rineia. The whole of the known world of that age was aware of the sacredness of the island and of its uniqueness.

Nowadays, Delos reserves its uniqueness to the known world: nowhere else in the Globe is there a natural insular archaeological site of this size and importance. No other island on Earth hosts so many monumental antiquities from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic periods, i.e. the centuries of the great Greek art, on a territory used exclusively as an archaeological site. Delos is not a museum; Delos is not there to tell a story. Delos is history itself. Visitors coming from the neighbouring islands are not there on an educational trip; they have rather embarked on a lifetime experience. And, as if by magic, the sacredness of the island lives on: the multitudes of people, who flock to share the island’s uniqueness, can do nothing but just visit it. The archaeological experience is the one and only activity the island is about. Its enchanting landscape is home to nobody. History is thus repeating itself: in a place of such importance, no person is ever born or dies.

Brief synthesis Delos, even though a small (350.64 ha), rocky island in the centre of the Aegean Sea, was considered as “the most sacred of all islands” (Callimachus, 3rd century BC) in ancient Greek culture. According to the legend, it was there that Apollo-Sun, god of daylight, and his twin sister Artemis-Moon, goddess of night light, were born.

The island was first settled in the third millennium BC. The Apollonian sanctuary, established at least since the 9th century BC, reached the peak of its glory during the Archaic and Classical period, when it acquired its Pan-Hellenic character. After 167 BC, as a result of the declaration of Delos as a free port, all the commercial activity of the eastern Mediterranean was concentrated on the isle. Rich merchants, bankers and ship-owners from all over the world settled there, attracting many builders, artists and craftsmen, who built for them luxurious houses, richly decorated with frescoes and mosaic floors. The small island became soon the maximum emporium totius orbisterrarium (S. P. Festus, 2nd century AD) – the greatest commercial centre of the whole world. The prosperity of the island and the friendly relations with the Romans were the main cause of its destruction. Delos was attacked and looted twice: in 88 BC by Mithridates, the King of Pontus, an enemy of the Romans, and later, in 69BC, by the pirates of Athenodorus, an ally of Mithridates. Since then, the island fell rapidly into decline and was gradually abandoned.

Captured after its abandonment successively by the Byzantines, Slavs, Saracens, the Venetians, the Knights of St. John and the Ottomans, Delos was turned into a quarry site with its temple columns burnt for lime, and its houses left in ruins. The excavations that started in 1872 and are still in progress have unearthed the Sanctuary and a good part of the cosmopolitan Hellenistic town. The monuments that have been excavated up to now speak most eloquently for the grandeur of the sacred island and illuminate a past civilisation, which was Europe's cradle and wet nurse. The entire island is an archaeological site, which, along with the neighbouring islands of Rheneia, Greater and Lesser Rematiaris, constitutes an immense archaeological site.

Delos had considerable influence on the development of architecture and monumental arts during the Greco-Roman period, as seen in the immense Hellenistic sanctuary. A great part of its treasure of masterpieces was found during the excavations and is exhibited today in Delos’ Museum. This influence was matched later by the important role it has played since the 15th century in furthering our knowledge of ancient Greek art from a widely renowned site, which is among the first sites in Greece that captured the attention of archaeologists and travelers.

The island of Delos bears unique witness to the civilizations of the Aegean world since the 3rd millennium BC. During the Palaeo Christian era, it was the seat of the bishopric of the Cyclades. From the 7th century BC to the pillage by Athenodoros in 69 BC, the island of Delos was one of the principal Pan-Hellenic sanctuaries. The feast of the Delians, which was celebrated every four years in the month of May until 316 BC, included gymnastic, equestrian and musical competitions, Archaic Age dances, theatrical productions and banquets. Like the Olympic and the Pythic Games, it was one of the major events in the Greek world.

The archaeological site of Delos provides an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble that restores the image of an extremely important cosmopolitan Mediterranean port that began to prosper since 314 BC, reaching outstanding levels during the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Warehouses and trading companies abounded, large residential areas were established, public buildings were founded by associations of bankers, traders and ship-owners. Moreover, there were an unprecedented number of sanctuaries dedicated to foreign religions: temples of Sarapis, Isis and Anubis, temples to the Syrian gods Haadad and Atargatis, and even a synagogue in the stadium district.

Delos is directly and tangibly associated with one of the principal myths of Hellenic civilisation. It was on this arid islet that Leto, made pregnant by Zeus and fleeing the vengeance of Hera, gave birth to Apollo and Artemis after a difficult labour. According to a Homeric hymn, the island, which until then had been floating, became anchored to the floor of the ocean. The newborn Phoebus - Apollo threw off his swaddling clothes, bathed the universe in light and began walking with his cither and his bow. Kynthos, the mountain of Zeus, and the wheel-shaped lake, close to which the pregnant Leto suffered labor pains for nine days and nights, remain essential landmarks of the island's sacred geography, which was clearly defined by the additions made to the Delian sanctuary to Apollo between the 6th and the 1st centuries BC.

Delos was preserved through the centuries due to the fact that it remained uninhabited since the 7th century AD and due to its remote location. Nowadays, the entire island is designated as an archaeological site. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs monitors the condition of the monuments and constantly provides for their protection, conservation, support and presentation. Therefore, the property not only maintains its integrity but also, through continuous works catering for its preservation, it constantly enhances and highlights the values for which it was designated a World Heritage site.

Among the major factors that affect the monuments of Delos are the strong north winds that dominate the central Aegean region and its proximity to the sea. The property receives over 100,000 visitors annually and any risks to the fragile landscape are mitigated.

The authenticity of the site has not been challenged. The restoration work aims mostly to the preservation of the monuments in the state they were found during the excavations, while the methods and materials employed are compatible, discrete and reversible, in accordance to international standards. Therefore, there are no changes in the authentic character of the site during the last 130 years.

The landscape also remains unaltered; not a village or a town was ever built over the ancient ruins. The only modern constructions on the island are the Museum, the refectory and a few small houses for the personnel, which were necessary for the functioning of the property as an archaeological site.
The entire island of Delos is an archaeological site, protected under the provisions of Law 3028/2002 “On the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in general”. The Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs is the competent body supervising the site and overseeing all works carried out. The Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, the competent Regional Service of the Ministry, is responsible for its management and protection. All the works carried out in the archaeological site are supervised by the Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments of Delos, a scientific body that plans, supervises and executes work programmesfor the conservation, support and restoration of the monuments, as well as for the presentation and protection of the property.

Because of potential damage by the north wind, fragile marble sculptures, such as the Naxian Lions, were transported to the Museum and have been replaced with exact replicas. Moreover, research has been undertaken to investigate the structural materials of the ancient monuments, their origin and pathology. There are also ongoing studies for the overall conservation, support and presentation of the specific monuments.

Many projects have been implemented on the vast archaeological site of Delos in recent years, with funding from the European Union and the Greek State. The aim of the works has been the conservation and consolidation of the monuments and the creation of visitors’ pathways, thus ensuring access to the entire archaeological site, especially for people with disabilities. Moreover, the works aspired to make the visit to the site truly instructive, meaningful and, of course, safe for monuments and visitors alike.

Despite the major practical difficulties stemming from its remote location, which greatly exacerbates the conditions for the implementation of any kind of works, antiquity guards, archaeologists, conservators, architects and technicians reside on the island throughout the year carrying out important conservation, restoration and site-presentation work, gradually rendering the site accessible, more “legible”, comprehensible and friendly to the numerous visitors. However, renovation and refurbishment of the museum is deemed necessary in order to enhance visitors’ experience.

Any risks to the fragile landscape and the ancient monuments that might arise by the increasing number of visitors are mitigated by the designation of specific itineraries and by the employment of temporary personnel during the high tourist season.

Sample Greece (Mykonos) Itinerary:

Mykonos
Delos
Rineia
Syros
Serifos
Kimolos
Polyaigos
Folegandros
Koufonisia
Paros

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Kimolos Yacht Charters in Greece

Kimolos, between Sifnos and Milos, is a favourite destination for those in search of peaceful holidays outside the touristic mainstream, in an enchanting setting with fascinating historical, but also and unique geological monuments like "Skiadi", a rare mushroom-shaped formation that can provide shade to even 40 people.

This volcanic island, with a surface area of 36 square kilometers, has a unique variety of rocks, dominated by the white colour of the "land of chalk", while its coastline is interspersed with sandy beaches in some places and elsewhere by imposing, sheer rocks. Volcanic and mountainous Kimolos offers a unique variety of rocks, as well as very interesting fauna, which includes many migratory bird species.

The wetland of Alyki is significant. According to mythology, Kimolos was named after its first settler, Kimolos. It has been inhabited since at least the Mycenaean period and is known since antiquity for its chalk mines — a major source of income for the island.

Sights at Chorio: The capital’s old settlement of Kastro (castle) is one of Kimolos’ best attractions. It’s comprised of two quarters; Mesa (Inner) and Exo (Outer) Kastro, aka two fortified squares of houses built into one another. The dominating medieval castle, two-storey residencies (both ruined and restored), the famed “portares” (arcade gates) and the settlement’s walls are only some of the highlights here. Plus, of course, the Archaeological Museum and Folklore-Maritime Museum, which display a highly interesting overview of Kimolos’ history, lifestyle and traditions.

Sea caves: Vromolimni, Konsolina and Gerakia are the island’s most popular ones (accessible by boat). Vromolimni is the largest of them all, while Gerakiais highly impressive, with turquoise waters where you can dive and then walk into the cave.

Syrmata: These photogenic constructions with multi-colored doors are carved into the rocks by the fishermen, to house their boats and nets. They are located at the island’s fishing village of Goupa (and the nearby beach of Rema).

Ancient sights: Kimolos’ ancient city is located ashore and underwater at the settlement of Ellinika. The remains include the necropolis, houses and many findings, while relics of the acropolis can be seen on the islet of Agios Andreas (located at a distance of 200m). Moreover, at the island’s highest spot in the area of Paleocastro, lie the remains of an ancient acropolis and cylindrical tower.

The ruined windmills: They are situated at the area of Xaplovouni. Visit them at dusk, to enjoy fabulous views.

Skiadi: A rare natural phenomenon and one of the island’s top attractions. Skiadi is a bizarre rock formation that resembles a gigantic mushroom. You can reach it on foot, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon, in order to avoid the heat.

In the sea, the presence of underwater fields of posidonia oceanica seaweed is of particular importance, since it enriches the sea with oxygen and constitutes an ideal natural environment for a large number of fish and invertebrate species. In the many sea caves along the coast, seals find refuge to rest and give birth. The total population of the species in this area is estimated at 43, of varying ages, excluding newborns. Northeast Kimolos and Polyegos, as well as the sea area surrounding the two islands, are included in the NATURA 2000 Network of the most important ecological areas in Europe. In 1999, the organisation 'Mom' proposed the establishment of a protected area under the name "National Sea Park of Kimolos".

Events, Products and Specialties

Every summer, Kimolos hosts a variety of events. Furthermore, you can participate in the island’s numerous feasts – some of the most popular take place on July 20th (Prophet Elijah) and  August 15th (Panagia Konomou). Smaller festivals take place on the 26th of July, the feast of Agia Paraskeviat Xaplovouni and on the 5th of October, the feast of Ossia Methodia. The "Politistikos Avgoustos" (Cultural August) festival is held in Kimolos every summer, with exhibitions, sports events, children events, performances, competitions, and dance and music nights. Traditional fare in Kimolos includes the scrumptious "ladenia" (bread dough topped with tomatoes and onions baked in a roasting pan with plenty of oil), eggs with potatoes and onions, traditional manouri (fresh whey white cheese) and "xino" cheese (soft fresh cheese with a sour flavour), while the limpets, rice and red mullets with capers are exceptional savoury dishes. The paximadia (dry rusks) blended with schinokokko, the tomato paste and the local honey are exceptional.

Sample Greece (Mykonos) Itinerary:

Mykonos
Delos
Rineia
Syros
Serifos
Kimolos
Polyaigos
Folegandros
Koufonisia
Paros

For more information please visit:
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