Sailing in Greece – the top places to visit on a Greek Island yacht charter holiday

With over 10,000 miles of coastline to explore on a Greek yacht charter holiday, our bases are the perfect gateways to discover some of the globe’s most tranquil islands, hidden coves, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine. Here, we take a look at each of our bases in Greece.

Cyclades

With over 200 islands to discover, a sailing holiday in the Cyclades is ideal for those looking for diversity, with island hopping being easy and line of sight navigation at its best. While the area is home to a northerly Meltemi wind in the summer months of July and August, perfect for a more experienced sailor, the routes will provide a rewarding sailing experience.

The island of Mykonos is a popular holiday destination for celebrities and the inviting cobbled streets and colourful houses are the scene of many a holiday snap. Visit the oldest stalagmite in Europe on Antiparos and relax on the fine golden sands on the beaches of Paros.

On the island of Kea, anchor at one of the quaint coves that line the shore and taste some of the local olives as you hike through the miles of groves that fill the island. Relax in the hot spring at Mount Kynthos, on the tranquil island of Delos, which is perfect for a day’s R&R, and swim and snorkel with various marine life off the coast of Ios.

No Cyclades yacht charter would be complete without a visit to the island of Santorini, with its postcard ready blue domes and beautiful white washed walls, the ideal location for a honeymoon and the most fabulous conclusion to your Greek sailing experience.

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Sporades

Discover the stunning islands of the northern Aegean on a Sporades yacht charter from our base in Skiathos. Distinguishable for their mountainous landscapes, deep blue seas and lush vegetation, the islands are located in the northwest of the Aegean and a sailing holiday from Skiathos is a great way to explore each of the islands in all their glory.

A popular location for budding historians and sunbathers, Skiathos is the most popular of the Sporades Islands and home to a number of picturesque beaches, perfect for relaxing on and swimming in the beautiful seas. If it’s nightlife you’re after, Skiathos is the island for you, and the multiple moorings both in marinas such as Porto Carras and at mooring balls are perfectly located for you to hop ashore and enjoy it to the max. Inland, visit the medieval monasteries on Mount Athos and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean monk seal, who is indigenous to the island.

Movie lovers will instantly reinvoke memories of the blockbuster hit, Mamma Mia on the island of Skopelos, where the now famous Agios Ioannis Kastri church hosted the film’s fairytale wedding. Take a trip to Panormos Beach and relax on the golden sand while you enjoy the serene views that surround you.

On Alonissos, visit some of the island’s Byzantine churches and enjoy an afternoon meandering around the capital city of Hora. Head to the island of Skyros where you can discover eerie sea caves and on the north east coast, spend a day relaxing on Molos beach with beautiful views, calm seas and warm sunshine.

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Ionian Islands

Located on the western coast of Greece and made up of 12 distinct islands, The Ionians are a popular destination for sailors looking for fascinating history, tranquil beaches, traditional Greek cuisine and outstanding sailing conditions. Here, line of sight navigation and exhilarating sailing conditions combine to ensure that your Ionian yacht charter is one you’ll always remember.

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Corfu, is incredibly popular with sailors and for very good reason. Visit Corfu Old Town, where labyrinthine streets culminate at the ancient fort, a magnificent piece of architecture dating back to the Byzantine era. Dive the Agní Reef, where you’ll come face to face with the eerie 40ft Agni shipwreck and witness fireworms dancing majestically through the colourful coral reef.

Kefalonia is home to the mystical Drogarati caves and the port of Sami is the perfect location for a day’s mooring to discover them in their entirety, while the breath-taking views from Myrtos beach are Instagram ready. On Zakynthos, or Zante, visit the world famous shipwreck beach, where you can moor in the sheltered anchorages and watch the impressive sunsets.

Visit the island of Ithaca where Odysseus completed his legendary journey and try the Greek dish, kleftiko, slowed cooked lamb with garlic and lemon. Finally, head to Paxos and Antipaxos where you’ll find old fashioned Greek charm and traditional tavernas located in idyllic settings and serving the freshest feta salads you’ll ever taste.

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Dodecanese

The south eastern Aegean Sea is home to the Dodecanese island chain, ideal for those looking for an exhilarating sailing experience. In addition to popular resorts such as Rhodes and Kos, a Dodecanese yacht charter will enable you to discover some of the lesser known gems that are poised within this stunning region.

The island of Symi is a welcoming location for sailors looking for colourful scenery surrounded by quaint hidden coves, providing perfect sheltered anchorages for those looking to moor for the day and enjoy some traditional Symi shrimp. The white washed walls of Chora are an inviting location for those looking to spend some time in a traditional Greek setting on the island of Patmos, and a visit to the serene island of Tilos offers a combination of historical architecture and quiet beaches.

When visiting the larger islands of Rhodes and Kos, it’s worth remembering some of the quieter ports and marinas, which offer lower marina fees but just as much, if not more character. In Rhodes, head south to Kiotari, where you can enjoy a relaxing day swimming and snorkelling or perhaps head inland for an afternoon’s adventure on a quad biking outing across the dunes. In Kos, visit the birthplace of Hippocrates and enjoy a mouth-watering meal at the Barbouni tavernetta on the island’s north east coast.

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Saronic

Sail from our base in Athens to discover the Argo Saronic region of Greece, located along the eastern coast of the Peloponnese and offering mixed sailing conditions throughout the year. The summer months bring the Meltemi winds, while the shoulder months of May and October offer calm, relaxed passages.

From Athens, you can explore the ancient ruins ashore, including the famous Acropolis and experience Greek life in all its glory, where the locals will create an environment you’ll never want to leave. There are a multitude of sheltered anchorages to enjoy and the scenery as you sail along the coast is breath-taking.

Visit the island of Hydra, with its colourful steeped buildings that offer exceptional views out to sea and enjoy an afternoon of swimming at the Bekiri Cave on the island of Spetses, before heading ashore to enjoy an evening meal at one of the cosmopolitan bistros that are popular with sailors.

If food is your passion, visit the island of Aegina where you’ll be spoilt for choice at one of the delicious eateries that line the harbour and offer mouth-watering local delights. Our favorite is Kappos Etsi where you’ll find dishes such as octopus confit or orzo pasta with mushrooms and pork. Enjoy your meal as you overlook the tiny fishing boats that line the harbour and visit the hilltop ruins of the Temple of Aphaia. Finally, sail to the island of Epidaurus where you can visit the ancient Epidaurus theatre or visit the vibrantly coloured buildings located on the island of Poros.

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Get in Touch

If you want to know more about sailing in Greece, speak to one of our experts who will be happy to share their knowledge with you. Use our price comparison tool to search for charters by date or destination, request a quote or contact our team on 877-292-0737.