Sailing in Central Greece, Part 2/5. This series follows a sailing trip from the Ionian Sea through the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. The The first part describes the route from Patras to the idyllic island of Trizonia.
The next morning greets us with a yawning lull. We spend the morning swimming and pay a visit to our boat neighbours from the previous evening. However, the calm is merely the proverbial lull before the storm, which is set to hit us the following day. We plan to ride out the storm in the harbour at Galaxidi, especially as this little seafaring town is an ideal starting point for interesting excursions.
Trizonia – Galaxidi | 22 sm
There’s no point in sailing today. We cover the 22 nautical miles to Galaxidi under engine power. Even so, the journey is spectacular. The route into the harbour winds its way between small islands that form a sort of gateway, only revealing the view of the picturesque village as we pass through. As we enter the harbour, we admire the neoclassical captains’ houses along the waterfront. Right in the centre, we moor at the bustling quay, situated directly on the promenade with its bars and restaurants.
The simple garden hose shower at the harbour is pure luxury compared to the small camping shower we usually have to make do with. Freshly showered, we head off to one of the harbour restaurants for dinner. We round off the day with grilled fish and Greek white wine. When we return to the boat after midnight, tired but content, the party in the bar opposite is only just getting started. Perhaps we should have mustered the energy to join in the fun, as the noise makes sleep almost impossible. When our alarm clocks go off at 6.30 am, the last of the guests are staggering off the dance floor.
A trip to Delphi
Our boat is moored in the harbour, secured in the Roman Catholic style and firmly tied up. We put our trust in the mooring lines and the watchful eyes of our neighbours on the harbour and, on this windy day, set off in a hire car for the oracle at Delphi, 35 kilometres away.
The place where the oracle priestess Pythia once sat on a tripod and delivered prophecies was regarded by the ancient Greeks as the centre of the world. For more than a thousand years, the sacred site was visited by those seeking guidance from all corners of the then-known world. Even rulers such as Croesus and Alexander the Great sought out the oracle. The remains of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the treasuries and the stadium are impressive relics of this once-important site.
We stand high up on the slopes of Mount Parnassus and let our gaze wander over the valley with its ancient olive groves, which stretch all the way to the coast. To round off the day, we visit the museum with its well-preserved archaeological finds. Anyone travelling around the Gulf of Corinth should not miss this excursion.
Coming soon: In the third instalment, the crew of the “Eleanor” sail from Galaxidi to Corinth in strong winds.
Antonia von Lamezan
Volontärin
