Well I've definitely got the post holiday blues. This time last week, I was on a beautiful 42 foot yacht (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419 if there are any yachties that read my blog and want to know) sailing from Preveza to the island of Meganisi in Greece in 30 degree heat.
I'm struggling to find the words to describe just how amazing this holiday was. Completely carefree and different to any other holiday I've been on and I can't wait to start planning (and saving!) for the next one. (Please ignore any timestamps on the pictures, my camera hadn't been set up properly!)
Now, from the beginning; we flew into Corfu and got a taxi to Gouvia Marina where we picked up the yacht. From Gouvia we set off and anchored by a tiny nearby island called Lazareto for the night where we had a magical night swim and witnessed a beautiful thunderstorm behind the mountain range that borders Greece and Albania.
We awoke in the morning to find that the boat had been swarmed by wasps in the night so be pulled up the anchor and left pretty swiftly! After that, we set off for the island of Paxos. We moored for the night in a town called Gaios where we topped up on supplies, explored the town and had delicious food.
From Paxos, we sailed to the smaller island just to the south called Antipaxos. Now, when I say that Antipaxos has the bluest waters I have ever seen in my life, I am not exaggerating. This place was stunning! Unfortunately we didn't stay for too long as there were a large amount of tourists (can't say I blame them) and wasps again! We didn't leave before having a good swim though!
From Antipaxos, we sailed across to Preveza for the night where we again topped up our supplies and water tanks. We had a lovely dinner and far too much Ouzo (no offence if you're Greek or like that stuff but I HATE it!!) I must say that Greece had some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever witnessed. Truly breathtaking!
From Preveza, we had to quickly sail across to Lefkada where we just made it in time to get through the floating bridge before it closed. It only opens for 10 minutes every hour. We made our way down the channel and sailed to the island of Meganisi. This place was absolute bliss. We anchored in a little bay called Abelake bay alongside other yachts and swam and ate and drank all evening. We stayed in Abelake bay for 2 nights and explored the surrounding islands by day. We discovered that one island closeby called Skorpios was a private island owned by the late Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis (whom Jackie Kennedy remarried after JFK's assassination). We discovered this because as we got closer to shore, a rather intimidating looking private security boat approached us and told us to get lost.
Sadly, after this we had to begin our long journey home in order to arrive in time for check-out. We set off early from Meganisi to the Lefkada channel again and then along to Parga where we spent the night. Parga is a popular resort town full of amazing little shops and restaurants. If we could have stayed there longer, I would have loved to. We ate in a lovely restaurant called Kastro that overlooked the beautiful bay.
From Parga, it was time to go back to Gouvia in Corfu. We battled against strong winds on our return with 20 knots coming at us from our bow and big swells. We made it back in one piece looking a bit windswept and soggy (luckily, we lived in our swimwear!) and reluctantly handed the boat back.
Before flying home, we explored the beautiful town and markets in Corfu old town and filled any space in our bags with souvenirs and trinkets.
One thing is for certain, I'll be back.
Hopefully sooner rather than later.
