With a vast choice of cruising grounds across diverse groups of islands, Greece is a treasure trove for yacht charterers seeking culture, peace and sunshine. Whether your group is looking for action and adventure or peace and tranquillity, there’s something for everyone.
The gemstone-hued waters of the diverse islands of Greece are becoming increasingly popular. Excellent food and a burgeoning wine industry as well as a surge in luxury resorts and spas have created an idyllic holiday destination.
With a lengthy coastline and over 6,000 islands, Greece is a diverse and rewarding yacht charter destination.
Culture vultures can get lost exploring the treasures that ancient civilisations left centuries ago, while those looking to simply relax can enjoy the climate and clear blue waters and mellow pace of life.
IONIAN ISLANDS
Corfu • Paxos • Lefkas • Ithaka • Kefalonia • Zakynthos
Located to the west of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands offer a cooler and lusher climate in which to explore the country’s many attractions. Having been historically occupied by the Venetians, French and British, the Ionian Islands are a rich melting pot of culture, cuisine and architecture. Hike among the olive groves and cypress trees, tour an ancient harbour town or try unique delicacies in these majestic islands.
CYCLADES
Mykonos • Kea • Tinos • Santorini • Kynthos • Delos • Naxos
The name Cyclades means “circular islands” because of their encircling of sacred island Delos. As the Aegean’s most famous group of islands, the Cyclades offers white sand beaches, striking architecture and a chance to enjoy a slower-paced, traditional Greek life. Santorini is a regular stopping point for yachts, where energetic guests can hike to see the panoramic views from the quaint clifftop town. Mykonos offers a vibrant nightlife option, as well as wide countryside and sandy beaches. Uninhabited Delos is a World Heritage Site popular with those seeking out history.
SARONIC GULF ISLANDS
Aegina • Poros • Hydra • Spetses • Agistri
The Saronic Gulf Islands offer sheltered cruising close to the capital of Athens with varied yacht charter experiences from historical ancient ruins to lively beach towns to peaceful hidden bays. Tour Aegina’s superb Doric temple and ruined Byzantine village, hike in the forested hinterland of Poros or experience a unique port town on Hydra with its historical stone buildings. Head to the westernmost part of the Gulf to enjoy the natural beauty and slower pace of life of the Peloponnese.
SPORADES ISLANDS
Skiathos • Skopelos • Alonnisos • Skyros
Consisting of 24 islands in the north-west Aegian, only the above four of the Sporades Islands are inhabited. The archipelago is the perfect answer to anyone seeking a peaceful yet reviving yacht charter. See dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals in their natural habitat of the marine park surrounding Alonnisos. Visit the fascinating Archeaological Museum of Skyros. Or trek up to Skiathos’s 300-year-old monastery for spectacular panoramic views and to see the first woven flag of Greece.
DODECANESE ISLANDS
Rhodes • Kos • Symi • Nisyros • Kalymnos
Renowned for Byzantine churches, ancient archaeological sites and medieval castles, the Dodecanese’s proximity to western Asia and a longstanding maritime trading traditions have provided these islands with an interesting cultural blend. Rhodes is steeped in history with its Street of Knights and Palace of the Grand Masters. Nisyros’s active volcano has provided a dramatical landscape ripe for exploration. Head to Kallithéa or Ialissós for beach time.
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