Chartering Greece on a Yacht
With 6000 islands to suit every mood, whether you’re drawn to the trendy party capital of Mykonos or enjoy the privacy tranquillity of Anti Paxos — island hopping onboard a yacht is the best way to discover the most exclusive locations.
The Ionian Islands stretching out from the west of the mainland are the veritable jewels in Greece’s crown, each boasting its own precious personality. They are best suited to those looking for a blissful getaway with pristine beaches, lush vegetation and architecture that reflects the turbulent history.
For luxury travellers who wish to discover another side to the Greek islands, chartering a yacht around the Cyclades Islands is the ultimate glamour. Swap your sandals for a black-tie and pearls, Mykonos is a go-to party spot on any yacht charter itinerary. With its exclusive beach club scene, world-renowned restaurants, and all-night parties tempting supermodels and socialites alike to private yacht parties around the island, Mykonos is a go-to for any luxury traveller.
Ahoy Club offers many bespoke itineraries depending on your preferences and timings, but we want to share two of our favourite itineraries to inspire you at home and prior to the summer season starting in the Mediterranean. For more information on chartering a yacht this summer in the Mediterranean, please speak to one of our charter experts.
IONIAN ISLANDS
Best time to visit: June – September
Weather: 25 – 33°C
Ideal for: Relaxing and unwinding
Recommended length of stay: 7 – 10 days
Corfu
Meander the streets of Corfu Old Town where the architecture reflects hundreds of years under Venetian rule. There is something new to discover around every corner, from historic churches to picturesque restaurants in Liston Square.
Anti Paxos
The smallest of the Ionian Islands with only two square miles and a population less than 100 residents, Anti Paxos is a tiny island but quite possibly one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Islands. It’s time to take a dip in the clear turquoise waters and enjoy the multicoloured fish and underwater rock formations.
Paxos
The residents of Paxos (or also known as Paxi) are incredibly friendly and welcoming that you’ll feel more like a resident than a holidaymaker! The vibrant village of Gaios offers countless bars and tavernas serving delicious Greek cuisine. There are also boutiques and handmade craft shops dotted around the village. The stunning island is covered in olive groves which produce some of the finest olive oil – make sure you pick up a bottle to remind you of your travels long after your return home.
Cephalonia
Home to the stunning beaches like Mytros Beach or secret underground lake like the Melissani Cave. The Melissani Cave is over 3km long and it was created by a mechanical and chemical process that dissolves the rocks. If you feel like being a little more active whilst on holiday, you can go for a walk in Mount Ainos where deer and horses roam wild and free.
Zakynthos
Visit one of the most iconic Greek postcard snapshots, Navagio Beach or also known as Shipwreck Beach. There are many stories about how the ship arrived on the beach and it is claimed that the ship itself, after crashing, formed the beach were the sand built up around the wreck creating the unreal blue shade of water. The ‘Caretta-Caretta’ loggerhead sea turtles come to nest on Zakynthos, so keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful creatures when swimming in the warm waters or paddleboarding around your charter.
Ithaca
Ithaki has been known for centuries as the home of Odysseus. This is where, according to myth, Odysseus hid gifts that were bestowed upon him by the Phaeacians, who helped him return to Ithaki ten years after the Trojan War had ended. The tiny island is not as touristic as its neighbouring islands. The island boasts crystal waters and wonderful coves around the coastline, the ultimate place for total relaxation at sea.
Meganisi
The island of Meganisi is home to the Papanikolis Sea Cave; the second largest cave in Greece and also known to be a secret hideaway for the submarine Papanikolis during the Second World War. Your Captain can organise a small tender boat to take you and your guests further into the caves.
Lefkas
Enjoy your last breakfast on board and sneak in one last swim before preparing to disembark. Say goodbye to an incredible trip, crew and charter experience around the Ionian Islands.
CYCLADES ISLANDS
Best time to visit: June – September
Weather: 25 – 33°C
Ideal for: Active and Partying
Recommended length of stay: 7 – 10 days
Athens
Enjoy a welcome spritz on arrival and prepare relax and unwind before your week of exploration of the Mediterranean sun-kissed shores. Starting in Athens, the enriched capital of Greece, you can explore the 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, that still dominate the city before returning to your charter for a relaxing meal and watch the sunset as your set sail.
Kea
It’s time for your first swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Cyclades Islands. Visit the Lion of Kea, or Lionda, a famous archaic structure carved out of stone.
Sifnos
Sifnos, the island of flavours, is the birthplace of famous poets, like Ioannis Gryparis, Kleanthis Triantafyllou (or Rampagas) and Aristomenis Provelegios, as well as award winning chefs, like Tselementés.
East of the capital Apollonia you’ll find Kastro, a village on a steep hill which has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was once the capital of Sifnos. Ruins of an ancient citadel are found at the top of the hill, with narrow alleys and white houses forming a defensive circle down the hill to create a classic medieval-castle city.
Ios
A small island in the heart of the Cyclades. Ios is said to be the island of youth, where young people from all over the world meet and enjoy their summers. Ios is famous for its vivid nightlife with an uncountable number of bars, cafés, clubs and restaurants and for its beaches with crystal clear water.
The little port of Ios, with the domed Church of Saint Irini (17th c.) lies in a sheltered bay on the west coast of the island. When the sun goes down, party it up at one of Ios’ many electrifying nightspots.
Santorini
Renowned for its romantic sunsets, volcanic-sand beaches and stunning vistas, Santorini is undoubtedly a buck-list destination when chartering the Cyclades Islands. For the best views, enjoy the from the comfort of your charter at sea, where you can capture the perfect shot of whitewashed towns such as Oia, Fira and Imerovigli.
Amorgos
Amorgos offers secluded beaches, privacy, and tranquillity as well as hiking trails Located on the southern side of the Cyclades archipelago, Amorgos is one of the most magnificent Greek islands.
A fun fact about this beautiful island is that it was the setting location of the famous 1988 movie “The big blue”, starring Jean Reno and directed by the French film director, Luc Besson.
Naxos
A hidden gem within the Greek Islands, this small island boasts authentic hilltop villages, pristine beaches and ancient history, there really is something for everyone. Whether you want to relax to the sound of waves lapping on the shore or wander through the charming cobbled streets of Chora that become alive at night with street artists and vibrant eateries.
In Chora, you will also find The Castle of Naxos Town along with the Tower of Glezos. It’s easy to feel transported back into the Roman era with the fortresses and drawbridges.
As the sunsets, enjoy a glass of wine on the deck and set sail to your final destination, Mykonos.
Mykonos
Welcome to Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of the Hóra, always colourful and busy. The most glamorous of all is Matoyánni Street, lined with brand name stores, charming cafés and stylish restaurants.
This is your final destination on your Cyclades charter but we are certain you’ll be dreaming on returning from the moment you step off your charter.
Dreaming of Greece but can’t get there just yet? Don’t worry, our expert Nutritionist Stephanie Malouf has a mouthwatering recipe available for you to recreate at home and transport your tastebuds back to your favourite Greek island. View the recipe here
View our fleet of yachts available to charter in Greece or contact our charter experts for a consultation.
