The Cyclades, in the Wake of Le Ponant

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is home to many ancient landmarks. The city is famous for the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which attract visitors from around the world. Alongside its historical treasures, Athens is a vibrant modern city with lively neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Greece.

Further to the south of the Aegean Sea, Le Ponant will reach Polyaigos, an uninhabited, maquis-covered volcanic island protected for its flora and fauna. This white, craggy, sunlit rock with magnificent cliffs that plunge into the turquoise waters reveals its wild and natural beauty. With your yacht at anchor, you will discover the island’s secret contours and recesses, and enjoy magical moments swimming, snorkelling, paddle-boarding or kayaking. Enjoy the charms of this stunning island until sunset when the white rocks are reflected in the crystal-clear waters, creating a golden shimmer.ery.

At full sail, you will chart a course to Tinos, a wild island in the Cyclades where, according to mythology, Aiolos lived. The cerulean blue of the Aegean Sea reveals, in contrast, the pretty port with immaculate buildings. Called “the island of the Virgin”, this pilgrimage destination for Greek Orthodox Christians is also an intimate refuge where Athenians join their families for holidays. The magnificent landscapes of this unspoiled island are dotted with numerous dovecotes, each with a finely crafted architecture. Here, the pared-down decor of the picturesque villages with whitewashed stone houses reveals itself between the intertwining streets and colourful bursts of bougainvillea in bloom. Be captivated by the magic of a wine tasting. The breathtaking view of Mykonos offers an exquisite setting to this moment frozen in time. Included excursions are also possible to discover the island’s villages or a hike along a high point between two villages.

Located on a peninsula in western Anatolia, Çesme is a popular seaside resort on the Aegean Sea. It owes its name, meaning fountain in Turkish, to the natural hot springs dotted around the city. Cesme’s cool summertime weather makes it the favourite holiday spot of Izmir locals. Built in 1508, the imposing Ottoman castle overlooking the port is home to the archaeology museum and will delight fans of history. Nearby, the former Ottoman caravanserai is now the site of a grand hotel. Traditional windmills and stone houses lined with narrow streets form the picturesque decor of the nearby village of Alacati, confirming the region’s Greek heritage, and invite visitors to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere at an outdoor café.

The best words to describe Serifos are probably serenity and authenticity. This small island in the Cyclades archipelago is a port of call off the beaten track, on the waters of the Aegean Sea. The whiteness of its villages contrasting with its hilly scenery illuminates the dry vegetation that characterises the Cyclades. Its main town Chora, perched on the heights, can be reached by a steep path that offers unique panoramas over the deep blue sea and its magnificent bay.

You will discover Kythnos, an arid and rocky island covered in maquis. Low dry stone walls delimit the terraces where olive groves stand alongside fig and almond trees that feed the imagination as much as the people. Discover the chora and its beautiful white houses by taking a stroll along the intertwined streets. Then, the welcoming shade of a parasol awaits you for a nap on the beach. You might also be tempted by a swim or a spot of paddle-boarding or kayaking to discover the exceptional landscapes of this island surrounded by the exceptionally beautiful Aegean Sea.

Spetses, “the jasmine island”, is an unspoiled paradise and the favourite holiday spot of Athenian high society. The shaded outdoor dining areas of the restaurants serving local cuisine stand alongside beautiful boutiques. Away from the hustle and bustle of the world, stroll or cycle around the small port lined with the beautiful Neoclassical homes of shipowners and enjoy the pleasantness of the moment. There is a distinct dolce vita atmosphere in the air. From hidden coves to beaches of fine sand, this island is brimming with charm. The hiking trails through the pine forest also promise beautiful panoramas.

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known as the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is home to many ancient landmarks. The city is famous for the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which attract visitors from around the world. Alongside its historical treasures, Athens is a vibrant modern city with lively neighborhoods, museums, and cultural events. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Greece.