Greek Islands Yacht Charter

Chartering a yacht in Greece allows you to explore the amazing waters of the Mediterranean in comfort and style. The Greek Islands were always a source of inspiration for people from all over the world. The beauty of their landscape remains intact to this day despite the changes wrought on by time. No one will be left unmoved by the picturesque island villages, the endless stretch of turquoise blue waters, the deep red hue of the sunset, and the sense of joy and peace one feels when visiting these magical islands. The myriad islands dotting Greece’s Ionian and Aegean Seas provide insight to the remarkable history and lure of ancient mythology. The singularity of the Greek archipelago is mainly due to its geographical setting. In no other place in Europe is the land so fragmented into so many pieces scattered in the sea. The result of volcanic eruptions or massive seismic upheavals, each island is endowed with a beauty of its own. Sheer cliffs alternate with sheltered beaches, some with black sand in startling contrast to the green hills, blue sea, and the dazzling white houses. Thousands of enchanting islands make it possible to discover a new port of call every day.
The Greek Islands have also had a turbulent history. The islands where initially settled by tribes from every corner of the Mediterranean in prehistoric times and brilliant civilizations developed on many of them. From the island museum of Delos; the half finished, abandoned Kouroi of Naxos; the extraordinary Minoan palaces of Crete; the medieval grandeur of Rhodes and Kos; all the vestiges of everyday life in the ancient world still visible in the mute ruins will astonish even the most unhistorical minded visitor. The island clusters of Greece, thanks to their geographical location and their natural endowments, were the “bone of contention” for numerous conquerors.
In their attempt to preserve their Greek identity and heritage, the islanders kept to their old traditions and many still live according to their established ways and customs. All will be intrigued by the living folk art museum that is the island of Karpathos and the women in traditional costumes, the sponge fishermen of the Dodecanese, the island craftsmen still making their caiques according to the age old methods of their forefathers. And who could fail to be impressed by the incredible stories told by the old people of Symi and Mytilini about their patron saints.

Cyclades Islands Yacht Charters

The Cyclades is one of the most inspirational groups of Islands in all of Greece. White stone walls nestled into the arid hillside, backed by startling blue seas make these islands amazingly picturesque from the water on a yacht. There are ancient sites, Byzantine castles, museums and lively nightlife, shopping, dining, and of course the famous beaches.
The Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea are in affect the mountain peaks of the sunken continent of Aegeis. They consist of two approximately parallel groups of islands (Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Rhenia, Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Syros, Yaros, Naxos, Paros, Antiparos). The islands of Milos, Folegandros, Kimolos, Sikinos, Los, Amorgos, Anafi, Thira (Santorini), and Makronisos also belong, administratively to the Cyclades. The name “Cyclades” dates back to ancient times, and stems from the fact that all the islands form a kind of circle around Delos, the sacred island of the ancient Greeks. The Cyclades are mountainous, barren islands, but their unique architectural character has contributed to much of the image foreigners have of the Greek islands. The whitewashed houses with their courtyards full of fragrant flowers, the narrow cobblestone lanes, the bare, rocky mountains leading down to sandy beaches, the calm crystal clear blue sea and the hot summer sun-these are the components of a dream charter vacation that will leave no one unaffected. 

Some of the islands you might want to visit on your Greek yacht charter vacation

Thira or (Santorini)- rising from the sea like a precipitous rock with its unrivaled views of the surrounding volcanic islets of Thirasia, Aspronisi, Nea, and Palea Kammeni. Fira, the capital, clinging to the rocks almost a thousand feet above the sea, is one of the most picturesque places in the Mediterranean. Its small dazzling white houses with numerous windows and vaulted roofs are built in a style unique to the island. Fira is one of the most photographed places in the world. Of particular interest is the traditional architecture of Oia on the North end of the island or the site of one of the islands most important fortresses, Skaros. On the southern tip of the island is the site of the prehistoric city of Thera. Excavations have revealed an entire city with houses, streets, squares, and workshops that collapsed when the volcano erupted in 1600 BC.

 Mykonos- one of the best known and cosmopolitan islands in Greece with spectacular beaches and exotic night life. The capital lies on the west side of the island beneath the scant remains of a Venetian fortress (Kastro). This old neighborhood claims the towns pre-eminent landmark, the church of Virgin Paraportiani, the most important of the islands 400 churches. Its unique architecture combines Byzantine, vernacular, and western features. The south end of town is the famous Venice of Mykonos, with its café’s and balconies overlooking the calm Aegean Sea. Just above you will see the islands trademark windmills apparently on the site of the ancient city. There is a beach on Mykonos for every taste. Among the most beautiful are Kalafatis, Platys Yialos, Agia Anna, and Orno. If you feel adventurous, there are the nudist beaches Paradise and Super Paradise.

Delos- the birth place of Apollo. Inhabited since as early as 3000 BC, this sacred island of Antiquity is now uninhabited but a must visit on your Mediterranean yacht charter. The island of Delos is an incredible archaeological site in itself. From the famous Terrace of the Lions to the foundations of the Temple of Apollo. The Keraton and the temple of Artemis and the Prytaneion the Temple of Dionysus. There is so much Archeology to see on Delos that one could spend days exploring the endless ruins.

Naxos-One of the first centers of the Cycladic civilization. Naxos has inherited many monuments from the different eras of its rich history. On the West coast lies the capital, dominated by the Venetian castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo. Inside the castle walls there are the Ursuline and Capuchin monasteries as well as the old school of commerce, now the archeological museum. One can still see the huge doorway of the 6th century temple of Apollo standing free on the islet at the entrance to the harbor. One of the most beautiful areas of Naxos is in Agidia in the interior. There are several Venitian towers on the island, while Moni claims the oldest Byzantine church of Our Lady Drosaini (6th C.). Near Filoti there is a hill called Za with a cave dedicated to the cult worship of Bacchus. Local tradition maintains that it was the birthplace of Zues.

Serifos- first mentioned in mythology as the place where the hero Perseus was washed ashore with his mother Danae and then set off to subdue the fearsome Medusa. The capital, with its ruined Venetian castle, dazzling white house and flag stoned lanes, is one of the loveliest in the Cyclades. Churches and monasteries are scattered throughout the island. In the north, near the village of Panaya, lies the Byzantine church of the same name, an important construction of the 10th or 11th century. West of Panaya there is a church of Agios Stefanos, whose walls show traces of Byzantine frescos. However, the village’s most outstanding monument is the 17th century monastery of Taxiarches near the village of Galani. This small fortress-like complex contains frescoes renovated in the 18th century along with sacred treasures, precious books and manuscripts. Serifos is a stony, mountainous island with tiny valleys tucked in between the hills and peaks. Though one of the most barren places in Greece, it is well endowed with beautiful beaches with crystal clear water.

Sifnos- Finds from excavations at Agios Andreas, Kalamitsi and Agios Nikitas prove that the island was inhabited from the Prehistoric through Hellenistic age without any interruption. Near Platys Yialos there are ruins of Hellenistic tower. The Capital, Apollonia, is built like an amphitheatre on the side of three low hills in the heart of the island. Its old mansions and churches are particularly attractive, and there one can visit an exhibition of folk arts and crafts. Kastro, built on a precipitous rock on the east coast of the island, was inhabited in prehistoric times as a digs of the British School of Archaeology reveal. Up to 1836 it was the capital of Sifnos. While ancient terraces date from the 8th century BC; the castle itself belongs to the 14th century. The most impressive Byzantine monument on the island is the monastery of Prophitis Ilias, dating from the 8th century. Other monasteries worth visiting are Vrysi (16th c.), Chrysostomos (1550), and Panayia of Chrysopighi (17th c.). At Seralia one can detect the outlines of the mediaeval harbor installations. Sifnos is graced with several villages of great charm. (Artemonas, Agios Andreas, Katavati) and many superb beaches (Kumar’s, Chrysopighi, Chersonese, etc.). Ideally suited for quiet holidays, it attracts rather sophisticated visitors and offers a wide choice of attractions.

The Smaller Cyclades- These are the ten tiny islands lying between los and Amorgos. Isolated, lacking amenities, but blessed with unspoiled natural environment and crystal-clear seas, they are ideal for vacationers seeking a return to nature. Most of them have been inhabited since prehistoric times and share a common history, confirmed by the presence of ancient and medieval ruins. The most important finds of the prehistoric era were discovered on Keros. None of these islands have been developed for tourism, but what they lack in amenities, they more than make up for in untouched charm and unpolluted seas.

Ionian Islands Yacht Charters 

Each Ionian Island in Greece holds a different charisma and charm for a yacht charter vacation. Some of the Islands that you can explore include Eptanisa (The Seven Islands): Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos and Kythera. These beautiful islands line Greece’s western boarder and offer close sailing proximity for a yacht charter holiday. Due to their Italian occupation at one point, they have quite a unique style of architecture and character all of their own.

Corfu, the largest of the Ionians was best described by John Fort from the British Consul in 1963. “….Exotic scenery, magical colors, flaming sunsets, romantic moonlight, luxurious vegetation, a riot of radiant flowers and colorful blooms, centuries old silver olive groves, glowing oranges, scented lemons, rich pergolas, sleepy lagoons, forgotten coves, bubbling springs, exciting caves, virgin beaches, golden sands, and pellucid turquoise emerald seas ­there is surely no other island in the whole universe to which these superlatives collectively apply.”

Many of Greece’s Ionian Islands are smothered in wild flowers during spring time. The island of Lefkas, like many in Greece, has literally dozens of superb coves to explore. On the cliff tops and hillsides of Zakynthos (Zante), you can still find the true Grecian spirit. The locals are traditional and proud. The old women stand in doorways, dressed in black, watching the world go by. If you can drag yourself, for a moment from the stunning surrounding of your yacht, hire a moped to explore these hidden treasures. This is the real Greece.

When you are exploring these islands by yacht you have a distinct advantage in Zakynthos. Smugglers Cove is one of the most famous and stunning beaches in Greece. Smugglers Cove can only be accessed by sea. The Blue Grotto is another spectacle of the ocean. The intensity and the shades here will have you redefining the color blue. A yacht charter vacation will allow you to experience so much more of these wonders.

The Aegean Sea & Sporades Yacht Charters

On a Greece yacht charter vacation through The Aegean Sea and Sporades, you’ll find islands with a wealth of natural beauty and artistic culture. With fine sandy beaches, pine-perfumed hills, ancient ruins and abundant sea life, this sailing area exudes a sense of exploration and independence. Greece’s Aegean Islands are less visited than the Cyclades, which makes them the perfect place for a less crowded yacht charter holiday, particularly if you’re interested in art, culture and history. Additionally, the fertile countryside is simply stunning. Some of the Aegean features include:

• Samos – a lush mountainous island, skirted by forested hills. Samos is the acclaimed birthplace of Pythagoras and an important Hellenic cultural centre.
• Lesvos – the center of artistic and philosophical achievement and creativity. It remains the spawning ground for innovative ideas in arts and politics.
• Somothraki – a wild and alluring island, still relatively untouched. Somothraki has made quite an impression with hikers.

Northern Sporades- Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos

The Northern Sporades on the eastern side of Greece are a very popular yacht charter area with some of the prettiest, thickly wooded, islands in the Mediterranean. Although somewhat busier, you’ll still be able to find fantastic anchorages.  Skiathos is considered the Mykynos of the Sporades, and Skopelos is following hot on its trail. Although crowded, the beaches are fantastic. Alonnisos, having escaped most people’s attention, is an absolute paradise for yacht charters. Alonnisos is serene and green. The water surrounding the island has been declared to be the cleanest in the Aegean and acclaimed as a marine park. This is a fantastic place to stop on your vacation, and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

 Dodecanese Islands Yacht Charters
 
The Greek Dodecanese Islands are an interesting charter destination. The islands lie in a crescent chain along the Asian Turkish coast curving west towards Crete and are suited to both motor and sailing yacht charters. The Dodecanese islands offer quite a variety so they are difficult to summarize, except to say that they have rustic and rugged landscapes, clear blue ocean stretches, and they are generally less touristy than the Cyclades and other parts of the Greek islands.

While the Dodecanese islands are fairly bare of vegetation – although not to such an extent as the Cyclades – in fact several islands are abundant with natural springs, especially Kos and Rhodes (Rodos), which are also relatively green and wooded. Their inhabitants live by farming, sponge-fishing (the Dodecanese forms the base of the Greek sponge-fishing fleet), but increasingly, the tourist trade and visiting charter boats.
There are forests and bush lands of pine, cypress, wild olive, cedar, mastic, arbutus bush and holly. There is also a variety of annual aromatic plants (oregano, thyme, lavender), carob and olive trees. This all makes for a rich mosaic of plant varieties. Often on the islets, unique plant and animal species have been observed (especially reptiles and invertebrate), remnants of an isolated evolution and adaptation to the unique conditions, which were created when these islets were cut off from the larger islands. Rare species of birds such as small hawks, wild pigeons, herons, and cormorants find refuge in the many caves, crevices in the rocks, high rocky outcrops.