Aegina

Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia is a remarkable archaeological site dedicated to the goddess Athena. Built in 450BC, these iconic ruins still have 25 original Doric columns standing today. That makes it well worth a visit. Aegina is located on a hill approximately 10km east from Aegina town. This ancient landmark is still regarded as one of Greece’s most significant historical sites.

Monastery of St. Nektarios

St. Nektarios Monastery was founded in the early 20^th century by renowned priest and teacher, Bishop Nektarios. Officially recognised as a Saint in 1961,  the Bishop performed a number of healing miracles during his lifetime, and even after his death. This Monastery is located near Aegina’s town centre. It is a very important religious building, with visitors from all over the world coming to pay their respects. On the other hand, others visit the Monastery with hope on healing some sickness.

Poros

The Temple of Poseidon

This impressive 6^th century temple was once a key meeting spot. Religious and civic matters of several ancient Greek cities were addressed.  Today, very little remains of this Kalaureian epicenter, with a selection of statues exhibited at the Poros Archaeological Museum.

Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi

This holy monastery was founded in the early 18^th century by Athenian Archbishop, Iakovos the Second. He reportedly experienced a life-saving miracle in the area where the building was eventually constructed. Therefore, the monastery of Poros once served as a refuge for a number of men who fought in the 1821 Greek Liberation War, and it was where the first Ecclesiastical School was opened in 1830.

Hydra

Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral

The 17^th century Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral (or Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) is in the middle of Hydra’s harbour. An earthquake destroyed the original building in 1774. However, Venetian architects reconstructed it. There is an Ecclesiastical museum in the monastery complex housing a selection of jewellery, icons, manuscripts, and other ancient relics.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of places to visit, with a number of other incredible sites to discover and enjoy. If you’d like to experience more of what the islands have to offer, join one of Athens Day Cruise’ special interest group tours. Multilingual guides will take you to see places that you may not have even imagined. This way you enriche your one day cruise even further.

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1. Dine with others

Once you’ve boarded Athens Day Cruise’s Platytera ton Ouranon, our spacious 3-deck cruise ship with all the amenities, you will be served a delicious traditional breakfast on-deck, comprising a variety of local tasty foods. This is the perfect opportunity for you to not sit alone! Join a table, meet other guests, and get some conversation going. Who knows what wonderful people you’ll get to meet!

2. Join onboard activities

Departing from Athens, the one-day Athens Day Cruise offers a great selection of fun activities for you to enjoy including live traditional Greek music, Greek dancing, salon treatments, tax-free shopping, and other entertainment options. Sign up for those activities you know you’ll like and meet other like-minded people. It’s easier making conversation with people who share similar interests with you so partake in the fun!

3. Mingle with guests

As you hop between the islands, you’ll definitely get the chance to enjoy some relaxing downtime. Join other passengers for a cocktail on deck, start a conversation and together experience the unique beauty of the Aegean Sea as you sail from island to island. Above all, there couldn’t be a more spectacular setting for creating unforgettable memories or finding unexpected friendships.

4. Take a guided group tour

Travelling through the Saronic Gulf is a journey that offers you a glimpse into some of Greece’s incredible history, culture, gastronomy, and traditional island living. Hydra, Poros and Aegina provide lovers of ancient Greece with a multitude of ancient sites, historical monuments and architectural charisma to see and visit over the course of one day.

So why not join other guests on Athens Day Cruise’ special interest group tours of Hydra and Aegina, which are led by multilingual guides. With limited time on each island, the guides will make sure that you get to discover as much as possible. Touring with a group also makes it easier to meet other people and strike up conversation. Who knows what brilliant friends you might make!

5. Don’t forget to smile

Meeting new people for the first time can sometimes feel a little nerve-wracking, and it’s okay if you’re shy. Just be friendly and be yourself. If you’re approachable, others will naturally be inclined to want to chat. And just think of all the potential new friends you’ll be making with people from all over of the world! Sounds pretty amazing!

A Athens Day Cruise is a wonderful way to meet a wide variety of travellers from across the globe, people – like you – looking to experience as much of Greece as possible! Many a great friendship has been struck on holiday so make the most of your time on-board and who knows who you’ll get to meet!

The post Our 5 Step Guide to Making Friends on a Cruise When Travelling Solo! appeared first on Athens Day Cruise.

Discover 8 of the most popular beaches with our list below:

Love Bay

One of the top Poros Beaches is Love Bay. Thise beach is located about 4 kilometres north-west of Poros town. It is probably one of the most popular and gorgeous  beaches on the island. Surrounded by pine trees, this little piece of heaven will win you over with its stunning azure waters, white sands and fine pebbles. Love Bay is great for all ages, making it a popular choice for families and couples alike.

Askeli Beach

Just a short bus ride away from Poros Town, Askeli beach is another gorgeous gem one needs to experience. Known for its long stretch of golden sand and beautiful pristine blue water. The panoramic natural landscape surrounding Askeli enriches the beauty of this beach location. Adding to its popularity are the number of fun activities available such as a range of water sports and even some beach volleyball.

Monastiri Beach

This beach is definitely one to visit, especially as a family, offering much to do by way of scuba diving and a choice of water sports. Located in a cove at the foot of Zoodohos Pigi Monastery (from which it got its name), this idyllic beach is perfect for relaxation. At Monastiri, you will quickly find yourself immersed in the tranquillity of the vibrantly green pine trees that overlook the vivid blue waters.

Vayionia Bay

Vayionia Bay is situated on Poros’ northern coast. The beauty of the lush pine clad hills that surround Vayionia combined with its breathtakingly crystal clear waters make for a setting like no other. Here, avid divers have the exciting opportunity to explore the ruins of a sunken city. This quiet pebbled beach is known for its laid back vibe so a must for those looking for a place to unwind.

Mikro Neorio Beach

This popular beach is a definite go-to for those looking for some exciting water action. Aside from a variety of water sports, there is also a water ski school available.  Just a short distance from Poros town, Mikro Neorio is renowned for its natural beauty. Beautiful pine trees lining the beach, which eventually reach the sea. There are various restaurants located nearby making it easy to grab a quick meal.

Russian Bay

This picturesque cove is widely known as the best beach on Poros. Has interestingly also been declared a historical monument. It was here, in the early 19^th century, where Russian ships docked while assisting Greece during their fight for independence. They were trying to gain freedom from Turkish rule.  Russian Bay is also protected from the wind, making for a peaceful swim in its scintillating waters.

Kanali Beach

Located opposite Askeli Beach, family friendly Kanali is a great small beach. You can relax on a sunbed and unwind for hours, taking in the gorgeous sea view. Moreover you can listen to the relaxing sound of the waves. The nearby beach bar can provide you with a variety of refreshments, so that you never have to leave this idyllic spot.

Panagitsa Beach

Last but not least of our top 8 Poros beaches is Panagitsa Beach. The enamouring beauty of this beach and the gorgeous nature is what keeps people coming back over and over again. If not swimming, take a walk to discover Panagitsa’s natural splendour.

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