ATHENS – Aegean Cargo Sailing, an award-winning venture, combines the sustainable carbon free transportation by sailboat of local food products between the Aegean islands with gastronomic eco-tourism, sailing island tours. The National Herald spoke with Dimitra Pappa, Projects coordination & communication director at at Aegean Cargo Sailing about the company’s unique and eco-friendly gastronomic tours.

TNH: What can guests look forward to when they book a tour with Aegean Cargo Sailing?

Aegean Cargo Sailing: Our guests will explore the unique Aegean islands and their communities from a local’s point of view, using the power of the wind and plying nearly-forgotten routes to engage with local producers and craftsmen who need to trade their goods within the Aegean. They will taste the unique gastronomy of each island and meet the producers behind the local products. Additionally, there will be time to visit archaeological sites, walk on ancient trails and experience authentic Greek hospitality, far away from mass-produced commercial tourism. The cost for participating in Aegean Cargo Sailing tours is used to subsidize the transportation cost of small quantities of high quality and low carbon footprint products, to expand sustainable agriculture and transport in the islands, support local producers to optimize their products and find markets for them.

TNH: What types of foods and delicacies of the islands will they enjoy on the gastronomic tours?

ACS: The products that we transport, but that can also be tasted onboard and on the islands, are premium, natural, and seasonal. We have a network of more than 60 local producers that offer olive oil, honey, wines, herbs, cheese, local beers, fish products, spoon sweets, dry fruit, honeybars, beverages, and much more. On the islands, we visit selected restaurants or producers’ facilities to taste the local recipes. Also, the ingredients that we use to cook in the sailboat are produced naturally and locally sourced.

TNH: When is the best time to book a tour?

ACS: Any time from spring to autumn is great to sail around the Aegean islands. The winds are a bit milder in May, June, or September while July and August is the meltemi period, which is perfect for more experienced sailors or lovers of adventure.

TNH: What are some of the most popular tours available now?

ACS: There is still availability for a few places in June, July, and the end of August. Aegean biodiversity is so unique and beautiful that it is hard to say which tour is the most popular. In any of the tours, our guests will have the opportunity to visit three or four different islands and taste their unique flavors.

More information is available online: https://aegeancargosailing.org/.