Greek Glam
10/16/2006 4:12:26 PM by Clint Brownfield
Although the Greek Isles are best known as the place where sun, sea and history meet, there’s much more to this region than meets the eye — and enough natural eye candy to keep you touring for days.
It’s believed that in the 9th century B.C., Homer wrote his epic poem, The Odyssey. Written in heroic verse, it has also been called the first novel, with exciting narrative and the effective use of flashbacks to recount the adventures of Odysseus on his way home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.
Today, travelers are still stopping by this isle — with a lot more ease — which is among approximately 120 islands (about 70 are inhabited) that dot the Aegean and Ionian seas. They are the Greek Isles. Some are historic, some are steeped in religion and one or two offer a party scene that is virtually unparalleled. These enticing variations on a theme are what lure travelers back again and again. After all, this is the place that has given us democracy, the Olympic Games and the earliest European literature. Many believe it to be the cradle of civilization as we know it.
While perhaps not the bargain it once was, Greece and its isles are now a part of the EEU, which has somehow translated into higher prices for lodging, meals and transportation. But never fear, the odyssey of your dreams is still affordable and well worth the money. And, you may get even more for your money due to the billions of dollars that were poured into the country to host the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The country’s infrastructure, including lodging, transportation and tourism possibilities, were greatly enhanced by this modern-day Olympiad.
Perhaps the best way to see the Greek Isles, and such mainland stops as Delphi, is to charter a yacht. This may not be the cheapest way to go, but if you and some friends pool your resources, the cost per person can be surprisingly affordable. After all, your transportation, lodging and most of your meals are included. Late spring and early autumn are considered the best times to go — crowds descend during the summer and winter when it’s time for a little hibernation.
More than likely, your trip will begin in Athens. Before you arrive in this thriving European capital, you should have already made arrangements for you and your party to set sail for what will become one of the most memorable trips of your life. On the flip side, many young travelers simply show up and plan their itineraries as they go, using ferries and inter-island flights to get from one isle to the next. Try this approach only if you have plenty of time and a very flexible schedule.
Charter companies will work with you and your group to form trips that will enlighten and entertain you. To say that Greece and its isles are a diverse and varied group would be a vast understatement. Wherever your interests lie, there is a special island waiting for you.
Many start with Hydra, which is only about 30 miles from Athens and is easily reached by private boat — making it an easy weekend destination for the Athens boating community. Here, each June the island celebrates its independence from Turkey with a mock battle and pyrotechnics.
Patmos, just off the Turkish coast, is also a must-see. Its diverse attractions appeal to history buffs, the religiously motivated, foodies, sun worshippers, shoppers and yachties. In 95 A.D., St. John was banished to Patmos from Ephesus. While living in a cave, he wrote the Book of Revelations. Today an impressive fortress-like monastery rests on this holy site.
In stark contrast, party central lies about 60 miles to the west in the Cyclades — Mykonos! Here in this hedonistic paradise you can party like it’s 2099. At this party mecca, everyone has a good time, where it’s possible to begin dancing at noon and carry on until the sun sets and comes back up again — just in time to make it to one of the sexy beaches on the island’s south side.
Santorini is also on everyone’s itinerary when first visiting the Greek Isles. It’s a volcanic masterpiece with white and pastel stucco homes and businesses spilling down the steep hills. From the harbor, you can take a cable car up to the top or do it the old fashioned way — by donkey.
Big and small islands go hand in hand throughout the Aegean, with the biggest being Crete. With 600 miles of coastline, there are plenty of adventures awaiting as you cruise around what many feel is the most diverse and beautiful of all the isles. Its turbulent history can be studied and appreciated amid today’s calm. Crete has been taken down several times through the ages; most recently by the Germans in 1941. Cretans do not take their freedom lightly.
The list of islands can go on and on and cruising the seas can help you learn about civilization — past and present. Cruising can also help you decide which islands you might want to revisit to spend more time getting to know the people, food and customs. Best of all, your trip will be much easier and probably a lot more fun than the one Odysseus had.
