Greece, a mythic land where ancient roots inform the modern world.
Embark on an odyssey of time travel, from the profundity of World Heritage sites to the endearing contemporary culture. Every island in Greece has its own uniqueness, yet all are bound by a monumental maritime heritage. This makes a private luxury yacht charter an especially magical way to experience these ageless ports of call.
Greece is a world of legendary heroes, gods and seafarers, and many destinations in this storied realm are best accessed by sea. In addition to mainland coastal towns there are literally hundreds of islands to explore that offer spectacular scenery, exciting water sports action, fascinating history and captivating cultural traditions.
Imagine strolling down a street where the stone pavement was laid by hand a thousand years ago. Tiny whitewashed houses seem brighter than sunlight itself. Working men crowd the coffee house, hunched over backgammon boards. Women in skirts and scarves chat merrily while sweeping streets. Vendors roam on laden donkeys, shouting out their goods or trades for all to hear. High in the mountains the goatherds’ flutes play to each other across deep chasms.
Greece has nearly 9,000 miles of coastline and some 1400 islands, mostly uninhabited. The area is far too vast to experience during one charter. Here we provide an overview with links to each charter region.
Sporades Islands Yacht Charter
In the Sporades Islands the pace is slow and the ambiance is peaceful. Scattered across the eastern coast of mainland Greece, of the 24 islands in the archipelago only four are inhabited. A favorite hideaway for high-profile yacht owners, the many secluded coves and tiny beaches offer rare privacy. Head to the inhabited islands, Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros, to be charmed by welcoming locals. Explore castles, monasteries and ruins from classic to neolithic. Relax at a cafe with an ouzo and mezé. At sunset stroll the paralia, the promenade along the sea. Join the dancing at a spirited Taverna. View: Sporades Islands of Greece
Saronic Islands Yacht Charter
The Saronic Islands are attractive to yachtsmen for their proximity to Athens, excellent amenities and sheltered harbors. The most popular islands are Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Hydra. These charming and traditional islands offer superb, authentic cuisine at picturesque port side restaurants and tavernas, interesting shore excursions, shops and galleries, and calm waters for snorkeling, diving and watersports fun. Charter guests may easily combine a land based segment to visit Athens before or after their charter to the Saronic Islands.
Ionian Islands Yacht Charter
The Ionian Islands of western Greece consist of seven principle islands; Kerkyra (Corfu), Paxi (Paxos), Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. These islands are popular for their exquisite beaches and coves, green landscapes and traditional villages.
Kerkyra, with its charming harbor and a wealth of ruins and castles, is a popular port. Gerald Durrell’s evocative autobiography My Family and Other Animals (1956), describes his childhood on Kerkyra in the 1930s. Louis de Bernières, heart-wrenching Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (1994) is a work of literature set in Kefalonia during the Second World War. These inspirational islands are a favorite sailing destination with excellent sea conditions, safe harbors, and much to explore.
Cyclades Islands Yacht Charter
The Cyclades Islands are especially attractive to A-listers, drawn to these shores for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is to mingle with celebrities and the many rich and famous visitors. These storied sailing grounds offer a concentration of legendary beaches, first class establishments including designer shops, restaurants, clubs, resorts and spas. This island group includes: Amorgos, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Folegandros, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sifnos, Syros and Tinos among others.
Mykonos is perhaps the most famous, known world-wide as a jet-setter destination of endless partying. Ios, often compared to Ibiza, has an elite following who appreciate the secluded anchorages, trendy beach clubs and upscale night life. Many of the Cyclades islands have extensive archeological sites. The most notable is Ancient Thera, an antique city on a ridge of the steep, Messavouno mountain on the island of Santorini. Throughout these islands, diving among submerged ships and archeological treasures is thrilling.
Dodecanese Islands Yacht Charter
The Dodecanese Islands are located in the southeast part of the Aegean, near Turkey. They offer an enchanting exploration of the ancient, the historic and the contemporary culture. Olive groves and fig trees enrich the landscape. Ancient sites absorb the imagination. Excellent restaurants, shops, galleries and a vivacious nightlife provide the most alluring shore excursions.
The Dodecanese include 12 larger islands plus 150 smaller islands, of which only 26 are inhabited. The most historically important and well-known are Rhodes, Patmos and Kos. The other nine are; Astpalea, Kalimnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos and Kastellorizo.
Some have a remote, authentically traditional atmosphere. Others, particularly Rhodes and Kos, have historic sites and museums, a highly developed tourist infrastructure and sophisticated businesses.
On a private yacht charter your customized itinerary in the Dodecanese can include secluded or popular beaches, World Heritage sites, archeological dives, fine dining, museums, boutiques, galleries and dazzling night life.
Most international flights arrive in Athens; if at all posible, plan to spend at least a day to explore this sophisticated city! Contact us for further information about favorite yachting destinations, specific island itineraries, and a comprehensive selection of luxury charter yachts.