The land of the gods, rich in history, culture, and mythology. Renowned for its magical beaches and crystal clear waters, the 6000 islands and islets, of which only 227 are inhabited, are scattered throughout the
Aegean and Ionian Sea. Each group of islands have their own charm, culture, beauty and history, coupled with excellent local cuisine and hospitality all combining to make yachting in Greece an unforgettable experience.
Ionian Islands
Located off the west coast of Greece, the Ionian Islands benefit from light winds and calm seas, boasting numerous anchorages and coves. Less disturbed by the Meltemi wind than its Aegean counterpart, the Ionian offers summertime conditions excellent for sailing and cruising. Venetian, Turkish, French, and British occupations shaped these islands; you are sure to find postcard pretty harbours and villages, experience fine cuisine and enjoy the stunning beaches lapped by gentle Mediterranean waters.
Corfu
Made famous to many by the writings of Gerald Durrell, Corfu has been portrayed as an idyllic Greek island for centuries. Escape the mass tourism and you can still find the Corfu of yesteryear; the charming villages, lush landscapes and stunning coastline, alongside beautiful beaches and pristine waters. Corfu has an international airport, making it an ideal starting point for your Ionian cruise.
Meet your yacht in one of the marinas in Cofu town, where the old city has been a Unesco World Heritage site 2007. It’s a wonderful example of Venetian architecture, and a great place to lose yourself for a couple of hours, exploring the tangle of harrow streets that are bursting with fine restaurants, colourful boutiques and no fewer than 39 churches.
Take time to discover the islands off the north western tip, Mathraki, Erikoussa and Othoni before discovering the picturesque bays north of Paleokastritsa on the west coast. The jewel in the crown of these bays is the beach at Rovinia, its turquoise waters make the perfect place to drop anchor and enjoy the beautiful pebbly beach.
Paxos
The tiny island of Paxos is Greece at its finest. With no airport, and only 4 taxis for the whole island, it has limited capacity in its hotels and villas making it a must stop stop on your Ionian cruising itinerary. From Corfu, sail down the east coast, stopping at the tiny port of Loggos for a truly unique Greek experience.
One of the best ways to discover the island is to do a circumnavigation in the yacht’s tender. Here you can explore hidden deserted coves and beaches, rystal clear swimming spots and caves that dot the rocky coastline. Stop for lunch at Mongonissi Beach, a lovely beach restaurant and fine swimming spot. On the way back, call at Lakka to enjoy this pretty little town with great boutiques and ice cream parlours.
Dine ashore in the evening at Levrecchio Beach a short walk from the village of Loggos, crystal clear waters lap the pebbly beach and the calamari is some of the best we’ve tasted.
ANTI Paxos
Just 3km south of Paxos, Anti Paxos is a virtually deserted island (pop. 21) known for its sandy beaches and beautiful waters, swimming and snorkelling is excellent here. Voutoumi beach is voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world time and time again. For the seeking more activity, pack your hiking boots and discover the numerous donkey trails that criss cross the island.
Lefkada and the Mainland
The pretty town of Parga, sits on the mainland peninsular close to the island of Lefkada. Another international airport is close by giving you the option to fly to Preveza airport instead of Corfu.
Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway is one of the few Greek islands accessible by car. It offers stunning vistas on its west coast with olive tree clad hills and dazzling white beaches. You can join your yacht in the pretty port of Nidri, overlooked by a statue of the famous Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis.
The private island of Skorpios lies close by, formally owned by Onassis himself, and the venue for his wedding to Jackie Kennedy in 1968 – the island remains private; but you can anchor off Jackie’s beach, a small sandy beach on the south side of the island, and swim ashore to capture some of the magic of this golden era. The snorkelling is excellent.
Lying to the east of Lefkada is Meganisi, a treasure trove of unspoilt beaches and turquoise waters. Untouched by large scale tourism, this island has less than 1000 inhabitants is a favourite amongst A listers looking to escape the crowds, Maganisi means ‘big island’, but at 10 square miles, it’s a tiny drop in the ocean compared to other Greek Islands.
Ithaca
It took Odysseus 10 years to return to his home of Ithaca in Homers epic poem the Odyssey, which cast Ithaca deep in the net of Greek mythical history. Once you set foot on this rugged island, its romantic pull continues to charm travellers, with ancient ruins, magnificent hill top villages, and its wild rocky coast line dotted with coves and inlets. Tim Morley has a list of secret caves to share, to keep them secret we won’t publish them here!
Spend some time ashore, discovering the town of Vathy, where the buzzing town quay sees local fishermen offload their catch for the waterside restaurants. It’s also the starting point for some excellent walks. Turn towards the east to explore a wonderful coastal path leading to the whitewashed chapel of Agios Andreas, or head up over the hill and you’ll be rewarded with some pristine and secluded beaches, Mnimata, Skinos and finally the white pebbly beach of Gidaki – one of the most beautiful beaches of Ithaca only accessible by boat or footpath.
Kefalonia
The magical island of Kefalonia, arguably the most enchanting in the Ionian Sea, is also the largest at 78 660 hectares. The island owes its name to Kephalos, the first king of the area during the Palaeolithic era. According to local legend, the King founded the four main cities on the island which were Sami, Pahli, Krani and Pronnoi, all named after his sons.
Lose yourself in the scent of the oleander trees, whilst exploring the dramatic coastline. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, filmed on the island in 1991 helped popularise this small island. The busy marina in the cosmopolitan village of Fiskardo is a great place to spend a day and night, the bustling little fishing town, packed with boutiques and shops offers a good choice of restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Assos, on the north western coastline is another picturesque village with pastel coloured houses that cascade down the hillside into the pretty natural harbour below. Perched on top of the hill is the Venetian castle of Assos, first built in 1595 to protect the local population from passing Turks or pirates. A short hike takes you to the top of the hill and the castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the Ionian sea below.
Kefallonia is also home to some excellent wines. The most notable grape is Robola, thought to have been introduced by the Venetians. Take a tour of the Robola Cooperative Winery situated in the rolling hills of the Omala Valley.
Zakinthos
Also known by its Italian name of Zante, Zakinthos is often associated with mass tourism and package holiday deals. However, escape the busy south and you’ll discover a remote and rugged wilderness, dotted with traditional villages, and a rocky coastline with limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, the perfect backdrop to your Ionian cruise. Visit Shipwreck Beach on the west coast, home to a cargo ship that ran aground in the 1960’s, avoid the Instagramming crowds by visiting early morning or later in the afternoon when the day boats have departed. Further north, discover the little village of Agios Nikolaos with its local tavernas then head north to Cape Skinari to drop anchor in the clear azure waters – great for diving and snorkelling.
The Saronic Gulf and Islands
Just a couple of hours from Athens, the Saronic Gulf Islands are renowned for their calm and protected year round cruising waters. Each of the islands have a unique feel and culture – discover charming coastal towns, ancient historic sites, or just relax on the beautiful beaches lapped by crystal clear water.
Athens
Visit the remarkable city of Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning over 3000 years. Known for its ancient monuments, the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus – all of which are UNESCO world heritage sites. Also worth visiting are the Archeological museum, and the Benaki Museum, both showcase the rich history and culture of Greece. Stroll along the pedestrianised street of Dionysiou Areopagitou to feel the heartbeat of the city, filled with tourists, street vendors, musicians and locals before heading up Philopappos Hill, a 70 hectare park scattered with ancient ruins. Close to the airport, The Four Seasons Astir Palace makes an excellent overnight stay before embarking your yacht at the marina in Glyfada.
Glyfada
Glyfada is one of the most elegant districts of Athens, marking the beginning of the Appolo coast. Glyfada stands out for its sandy palm-fringed beaches, cosmopolitan clubs, polished hotels, boutiques and restaurants. Swim in crystal clear waters or enjoy the beach club atmosphere akin to the Cote d’Azur.
Cape Sounion
A couple of hours sail takes you to the spectacular Temple of Poseidon standing on a craggy cliff that plunges dramatically in to the sea 65m below. Built in 444BC, it’s one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Greece. Anchor below and marvel at the 16 remaining columns above, in the evening, watch the sunset or the moon rise and dine onboard like Greek gods, under the magical glow of the temple. Simply spectacular.
Hydra
After a busy few days in Athens, breathtaking Hydra is a welcome relief. One of the only Greek islands where cars and scooters have been replaced with donkeys or simply walking – this charming and idyllic island offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Athens life. Visit the town – with its warren of narrow marble cobbled streets and beautiful waterfront promenade lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Don’t miss the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Cathedral complex on the harbour – dating back to the 17th century.
Aegina
Easy going Aegina is a typical Greek island with more than its fair share of famous ancient sites. One of its main attractions is the Temple of Aphaia, and ancient Greek temple dating back to the 5th century BC. Located a top a hill, with spectacular views of the island and beyond, the temple celebrates the goddess Aphaia, worshipped as a protector of the island. Also note worthy is the remote ‘Old Town of Aegina’ also known as Paleohora, boasting the remains of a Byzantine settlement with more than 30 churches, several of which have been refurbished. Don’t miss the colourful fishing village of Perdika, with its narrow streets and quaint atmosphere, summer sees some tavernas host live music events, for an evening of Greek dancing and traditional music.
Spetses
The vibrant island of Spetses, with its old-world feel and rolling pine covered hills is a popular destination for super yachts. Nicknamed the Greek Riviera, follow in the footsteps of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Ingrid Bergman and make time for a cocktail at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel in Spetses town, also home to the islands best restaurants ‘On the Verandah’.
Corinth Canal
Completed in 1893 The Corinth Canal is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. Similar to the Panama Canal but on a much smaller scale, the Corinth Canal between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf saves sea-going vessels immense amounts of time as it provides a much shorter nautical route to the west from Athens and the port of Piraeus, the largest and most important port in Greece.
The canal is 6.4 kilometers in length and only 21.3 meters wide at its base. Earth cliffs flanking either side of the canal reach a maximum height of 63 meters. Aside from a few modest sized cruise ships, the Corinth Canal is unserviceable to most modern ships.T
Delphi
In ancient times, this archaeological site, located on Mount Parnassus, was considered the centre of the world. Home to the famous Oracle of Delphi, it was a sacred place where humans could communicate directly with the gods. The well preserved ruins are home to the Temple of Apollo, a theatre, and a stadium. A UNESCO world heritage site, a tour of Delphi can be arranged from a convenient anchorage on the north side of the Corinth Canal.
Sporades
Located in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades offer a the ultimate island hoping adventure. Graced by some of the best sandy beaches in the Aegean, these 24 islands, of which 4 are inhabited, are a paradise for cruising. Ideal summer breezes, numerous sheltered bays only accessible by water and the international airport on Skiathos all combine to make the Sporades a must visit destination.
Skiathos
Unforgettable Skiathos, with its spectacular beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters is the most developed island in the archipelago. The white washed buildings, blue doors and cats galore all add to the quaint feeling of Skiathos Town. Tavernas, bars and boutiques are strung along the waterfront and the cobbled pedestrianised streets behind. Stroll around the town to find hidden squares and tucked away restaurants. Take a tender ride to the islet of Bourtzi to swim in the shallow waters or find your own private beach, or cruise of one of its 65 beaches, our favourites being Kolios or Koukounaries on the south side of the island.
Skopelos
Wilder than its neighbour, Skopelos is a lush pine covered island, made famous by the movie Mama Mia. The church featured in the movie, Agios Ioannis Kastri sits on the northern coast and is a must visit temple for Abba fans, views over Skopelos and Alonissios are also spectacular. If Mamma Mia isn’t you thing, any of Skopelos’s 40 churches and monasteries can be visited instead. A scenic drive or energetic hike from Skopelos town can be arranged to visit some of the most important monasteries, Moni Evangelistrias, Moni Metamofosis and Moni Prodromou. The best beaches on the island are on the sheltered south west coast, drop anchor in any of the bays and hire a bicycle from Skopelos Cycling to discover the island, or opt for an e-bike to help climb the summit of Mt Delphi.
Alonnisos
With a population of just 3500, Alonnissos is the wildest, most distant and least visited of the Sporades Islands. Known for its peaceful authentic atmosphere, it’s the home of the first national marine park in Greece, a haven for marine life, including the endangered Mediterranean Monk seal. Hiking is a great way to discover the island, with 14 official trails all way-marked. For divers a dive to the 5th-century Peristera shipwreck, an underwater museum that protects the dive site, is worth a visit. The old city of Alonissos, abandoned after an earthquake in 1965, has been sensitively restored and is now an enchanting hill top village, offering a beautiful views from its peaceful cobblestone streets.
The Cyclades
The Cyclades, so named as the islands form a rough circle around the sacred island of Delos, offer the perfect cruising ground for your Greek Island adventure. Explore some of Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan islands combined with unfrequented gems brimming with yesteryear Greek charm.
Santorini
Witness the most romantic sunsets in Greece, Santorini is famed for its white washed buildings with blue trimmed windows and domes. Formed by volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, its landscape of rugged cliffs and black sand beaches with deep blue crystal clear waters make a perfect back drop to your Greek island cruise. Hike the spectacular caldera rim, or visit the city of Akrotiri – home to the ancient Minoan settlement that was preserved in ash after the eruption of the Thera volcano in the 17th century. In high season, Santorini is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with excellent restaurants and fashionable bars creating a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Paros and Anti Paros
Located in the heart of the Cyclades, and renowned for its stunning beaches, sweet rural villages and ancient remains, there is plenty to do in Paros, from excellent walks, to windsurfing and kitesurfing, to discovering the archaeological gems in in the old town of Parikia. Less than a kilometre away, the quieter island of Antiparos makes a beautiful and peaceful anchorage. Explore one of Greece’s most celebrated caves or just relax in this secret getaway destination.
Delos
The Cyclades live up to their name by encircling the sacred island of Delos. Considered the mythical birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis, Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors the chance to explore one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The island can be visited by tender, and at just 5km long by 1300m wide it offers a calming difference to the lively island of Mykonos next door. The island’s archaeological museum is well worth a visit.
Mykonos
Most famous of the Cyclades, renowned for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and charming white washed buildings. It can be hectic, the party scene resembles Ibiza, so use it as a base and take the tender to visit Delos, then spend the evening exploring Little Venice, a picturesque neighbourhood in Mykonos town known for its colourful buildings, narrow streets and waterfront bars and restaurants.
Andros and Tinos
Tinos is widely known for its Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site: the Church of the Annunciation. Leave the town and you’ll be rewarded with an island brimming with natural beauty; hidden bays and pretty villages on terraced hillsides, full of whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestones streets. Renowned for its marble sculpting heritage, the village of Pyrgos known as the Marble Village is the birthplace of Halepas (1851 – 1938), one of Greece’s most famous marble sculptors.
Andros, the northernmost island in the Cyclades is known for its beautiful beaches and charming villages. Visit the quaint town of Chora, with twisting narrow streets, Neo classical architecture, and a Venetian Castle. Several ancient ruins can be found on the island, and the hiking is excellent, with 19 excellent way-marked trails ranging from 30 minutes to over 6 hours. Famous beaches include Golden Beach and Batsi beach, or drop anchor in the boat accessible bays of Ahla, Vori or Vitali for your own slice of private paradise.
Kea
Kea, a relatively undiscovered island in the archipelago is a peaceful and picturesque stop off, with beautiful craggy cliffs, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The main town of Ioulida, with its whitewashed houses and narrow alleys offers stunning views of the Aegean sea. Visit Koundouros, Otzia, or Spathi beach to swim in these azur waters, or visit the archaeological museum before discovering the multitude of well marked hiking trails that criss cross the island. For divers, Kea is home to some of the best diving in Greece, with over a dozen dive sites, offering a variety of challenges including walls, ship and plane wrecks and underwater caves.
Sifnos
Famous for its pottery, drop anchor in the protected harbour at Vathi beach and visit the pretty village to stock up on ceramic gifts. Cruise to Heronissos and anchor by the few fishing boats in this beautiful long and narrow bay. Nicknamed the most ‘delicious Greek island’ by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, sample some of the delights at Omega 3, a tiny beachside restaurant and a favourite with Hollywood stars.
Kythnos
Located in the western part of the Cyclades, Kythnos is a beautiful mountainous island, and home to the lovely marina at Loutra. The wild beauty, picturesque architecture and the lovely beaches attract many visitors, particularly Athenians on summer weekends. Chora and Driopida are the most traditional villages with stone houses and paved streets, while Loutra and Merihas have more facilities. Kolona is the most beautiful beach and a great anchorage, with soft sand and crystal clear water.
Dodecanese Islands
Situated in the south eastern Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish mainland, the Dodecanese (Greek for 12 islands) are often reported to be in the sunniest corner of Greece. Made up of 12 main islands with numerous small islets, they have been inhabited since pre-Minoan times. The islanders became the first Greeks to convert to Christianity, after the tireless efforts of St Paul who visited the archipelago twice in the 1st Century BC. Having been occupied by the Greeks, Turks (1522 – 1912), and more recently the Italian’s until they surrendered in 1943, they were formally returned to Greece in 1947.
Rhodes
The largest, and historically most important in the Dodecanese archipelago, Rhodes, is rich in beaches, vibrant nightlife and ancient history. The historic old town, with its UNESCO World Heritage status, is a wonderful medley of Byzantine, Turkish and Italian architecture. Its maze of cobbled streets harbours ancient ruins surrounded by 12 metre thick ramparts and a deep moat. Visit the 14th century Palace of the Grand Master built by the Knights of St John; the excellent Archaeological Museum home to Aphrodite Bathing, an exquisite sculpture from the 1st Century BC; or lose yourself in the tangle of streets that make up the Jewish Quarter. Next to this impressive old town, sits the so-called New Town of Rhodes, a mere 500 years old, a busy modern resort with a lively nightlife. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will appreciate the the variety of underwater life.- from the caves and swim throughs at Lindos, to the rich marine life on offer at Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes has plenty to offer.
Patmos
The spiritual island of Patmos, where the exiled Apostle, St John experienced his visions that formed the Book Revelation, is abound with picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and charming harbours. The lack of an airport has spared the island the influx of mass tourism, its numerous undisturbed bays make the perfect anchorage to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the island. Skala, possibly the most photogenic ferry port in Greece is lined with tavernas, cafes and stylish boutiques. The island is only 700m wide at this point so a 10 minute stroll takes you to Hohlakas Beach on the western coast. Trek up the hillside to Chora, nearby the Monastery of St John the Theologian, one of the most significant landmarks on the islands. The whitewashed village offers fabulous views of the island and is purported to house more monasteries per square metre than anywhere else in the world.
Lipsi
Pristine beaches adorn the coast of Lipsi, a hidden gem in the northern part of the archipelago. At just 8km long, this tiny island is full of peaceful coves and deserted beaches, back dropped by rugged hills. Be sure to try the local myzithra cheese, made from goats milk and seawater drizzled with thyme honey, also local to the island. The islets of Aspronisia, Macronisi, Tiganakia, Marathi and Arki with their sapphire waters, all offer a great choice of day anchorages.
Leros
Thought to be the home of Artemis the Huntress, this pretty island has a long coastline with many deeply indented bays. The island saw a major battle in WWII, where British Troops forced an Italian surrender in September 1943, a massive German air onslaught recaptured the island in the Battle of Leros. The interesting WWII museum now occupies the tunnels built by the Italians under the woods west of Lakki. Hikers can climb up the steep path from Platanos to take in the spectacular views from the ruins of Pandeli Castle, dating back to the 10th century.
Kalymnos
The climbing paradise of Kalymnos entices climbers from around the world with over 80 designated climbing sites and numerous marked trails. The crystal clear waters are also proving to be popular with diving enthusiasts, with some notable shipwrecks that are worth exploring. Anchor at Rina bay by Vathy, offering great protection in turquoise waters. Explore the car free island of Telendos, explore the pretty beaches, take a hike up Mount Profitis Ilias for great views over the islands, or don a snorkel and mask to discover some of the underwater caves.
Kos
Boasting some of the best beaches in the Dodecanese, Kos is an island full of treasures. Hire a bicycle and explore the array of well maintained bike paths to see some of the best ancient ruins on the island. Visit the Tree of Hippocrates, where the father of modern medicine is said to have taught his students. Discover the Castle of the Knights in Kos town, a superb medieval castle nestled amidst an impressive array of ancient ruins from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras. Worth a visit is the small but excellent Archaeological museum, which houses some beautiful mosaics and statues from the ancient site of Asklepeion.
Nisyros
In between Tilos and Kos, the island of Nisros is home to a magnificent volcano. Its last eruption was over 25,000 years ago, but it’s classed as dormant, rather than extinct. You can hike to the crater, which was formed over 100,000 years ago. Sooth tired muscles at one of the islands hot springs, the source at Avlaki can reach temperatures of 60 degrees celsius.
Tilos
Rugged mountains and and pristine beaches make up the picture perfect island of Tilos. Quieter than its neighbours, with no airport and limited ferry service, Tilos is still a hard to reach destination, making it an essential stop on your Greek cruise. The anchorage of Eristos on the north of the island is a good starting point to discover the deserted village of Mikro Chorio, two 15th century churches are the highlight, as are the nearby caves where the bones of small pigmy elephants were found in the 1970’s, supposedly the last elephants in Europe killed around 4000BC. The island is also home to more than 54km of well marked hiking trails.
Karpathos
The long craggy island of Karpathos is possibly the most isolated island in the archipelago. Often wind swept, it’s a kite lovers paradise and offers few anchorages. It’s for that reason it’s one of the least spoiled islands in the Aegean. If the weather is right, anchor at Pigadia Bay, well protected from the meltemi. Visit the time forgotten mountain village of Olympus perched on a mountain ridge, where women still dress in the traditional costume and the jaw dropping views will leave you spell bound. Anchor for lunch off Apella beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dodecanese.
Astypalea
Famed for its aqua marine waters, Astypalea offers a perfect blend of laid back tranquility and Greek charm. Anchor in one of the numerous secluded coves to enjoy this unspoilt island – the tourist infrastructure remains minimal. Climb up the narrow streets in Hora to the 15th Century castle built by the Venetian Quirini family to protect the community from pirate attacks, views from the top are spectacular. A couple of uninhabited islands close by are excellent anchorages – Kounoupa and Koutsomytis both offer desert island vibes.
Halki
A little gem in the Dodecanese, Halki is close to Rhodes, but untouched by mass tourism. The charming town of Emborios is the setting for some gorgeous Neoclassical mansions in pastel hues that climb up the hill to a low ridge beneath the mountainous backdrop of the the island. Divers can enjoy the waters off Kania Beach, whilst for those seeking relaxation, the turquoise waters at pretty Pondamos beach are also home to Nick’s taverna, great for fresh seafood and fish.
Symi
The beautiful island of Symi, surrounded by blue coves and small beaches is the perfect lunch anchorage. Your first view of Giolos, the main village, is unforgettable. The colourful neoclassical buildings and picturesque harbour where fishing boats bob up and down on crystal clear waters, is full of tavernas and cafes, the perfect place to try the islands’ famous shrimp.
