Four go Luggering in Greece
Two weeks sailing in the sunshine – we couldn’t wait! After a disappointingly wet Scottish Spring, we were eagerly anticipating blue skies, gentle winds, warm sunshine and cold beer. This was to be an opportunity to explore Greece from the sea rather than a hot and cramped tour bus. And it turned out to be all that plus a lot more!
A week in Geni apartments on Lefkada, then a week in Frikes on Ithaca was the plan. We were a band of four friends when we set out: Colin and Lizzie from the west coast of Scotland and Chris and Janey from the east coast. But on arrival we teamed up with another couple, Tim and Judith from the West Country, and became six for the first week.
After a short familiarisation under Phil’s watchful eye, it was off out of Vliho Bay to explore the area to the south; to Madouri, Meganisi, Desimi, and any little cove or bay that looked good for a swim and a snooze. Geni proved to be a great base to relax and cool off in the pool, and Gialos Taverna, just a short walk away, an ideal spot to plan the next day’s adventure.
All too quickly, the first week was over and we said a sad goodbye to Tim and Judith and headed south to the island of Ithica and the small port of Frikes. And what a charming spot it turned out to be. The apartments were excellent (and right over an ice cream shop!) with a selection of great bars and tavernas just a short step away.
And it was to be another glorious week spent exploring the islands to the north and the south, including a couple of trips to the lovely little port of Kioni, just a short sail to the south of Frikes. Sailing, snoozing, swimming – ‘no G!’
Saturday came round all too quickly, and we headed north back to Geni on our final day of sailing. It was with some sadness that we stepped ashore for the last time and said goodbye to these trusty little boats. Plenty of impressively large yachts had motored and sailed past us over the 2 weeks but these little Luggers always drew a cheery wave and a friendly compliment and were easily the best and most relaxing way to see Greece from the sea. You have got to give it a go!