Most local mariners and veteran Greece holiday-makers already knew as much, yet National Geographic’s latest book, “Journeys of a Lifetime”, more-or-less … exposes the large island of Evia as one of the top 10 international destinations for sailing.

According to the book, Evia is described as “… separated from the (Greece) mainland by only 130 feet (40 meters) in places … Évia is Greece’s second-largest island. A rugged coastline of wide beaches and steep cliffs gives way to mountains dotted with villages and monasteries. Sailing along the coast of Évia in a caique (wooden fishing boat), you can enjoy the remote coves and beaches and the private island of Petali (or Petalious), as well as explore the main island itself. Travel with a group of six to eight friends; a leader and crew come with the boat hire.”

The “rugged coastline” refers to Evia’s eastern coast, whereas the western coastline facing the mainland – separated by the southern and northern Evoikos Gulfs – is ideal for calmer sailing – seasonal winds permitting. Northern Evia is verdant, with pine forests everywhere; southern Evia resembles more of the Aegean landscape.

Besides Evia, here are the travel media group’s other favorites for sailing holidays:

Nova Scotia and Labrador Tall Ships, Canada

San Juan Islands, Washington

Pirate Cruise, Grand Cayman Island

Star Clipper to French Polynesia

Junk Cruise, Andaman Sea, Thailand

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Seychelles Islands

Dhow Cruise, Straits of Hormuz, Oman

Lamu Island, Kenya