The Islands of Greece
The Greek islands are amongst the most beautiful and interesting cruising areas in the world, packed with history. Go island hopping and cruise to some of the breathtaking areas such as Crete, Mykonos, and Corfu. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, walk through the ruins of great ancient civilizations, take a swim in a secluded bay, and indulge in the culinary delights of Greek cuisine. Visit one of the 169 uninhabited islands for a private trip or explore a cosmopolitan island full of superb beaches, colorful harbors, and charming villages. Home to the ancient gods, you will experience the myths and legends that are synonymous with Greece. The legends of Aphrodite and Venus have immersed the Aegean Sea with irrefutable romance, and its myriad islands promise infinite appeal, capturing the hearts of all who charter there. Stretching from the Sporades in the north to the Saronic Isles in the west to the Cyclades in the center and the Dodecanese in the south, the islands of the Aegean are layered with history and myth.
An ideal choice is to begin your charter in Athens
It’s home to some of the most spectacular historical sites in Greece. From there, you can choose to cruise through the Corinth Canal, past the quintessential Mediterranean landscapes of citrus and olive groves of mainland Greece, and on to the Ionian Sea and its seven islands.
The Ionian Islands
These include Ithaki (the homeland of Odysseus), which is situated off the west coast of Greece. These islands, while distinct from each other in their customs and traditions are a blend of cultures and people from all over Europe. Corfu is amongst this group, and all these islands are plushy green and verdant. When starting your trip from Athens, you can choose to cruise the Cyclades, the Sporades, or the Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese. Hereinafter you can find some particulars and details of all these destinations.
The Cyclades
They are rocky and dry islands with sparkling clear waters and beautiful small white houses. Míkonos, a cosmopolitan mecca for tourists, is bright and breezy with fine sandy beaches by day and alive with nightclubs and bars by night. The islands of Delos and Paros are approximately 28 nautical miles from Míkonos. Delos is rumored to be the birthplace of Apollo. The ancient ruins on this island have been compared to Pompei for their comprehensive picture of ancient life. Paros is a popular tourist island, and it is well worth a visit to the Katapoliani, considered the finest church in the Aegean. Íos is claimed to be the burial place of Homer. Today the island’s beaches are quite popular among nude sun-lovers. At night the waterfront throbs to the sound of music from bars and nightclubs. The town is a maze of streets brimming with bars and boutiques. Santorini is a giant volcano with a crater that is six miles long and four miles wide. The white-domed houses of the capital extend along the cliff top above the tiny harbor and present a remarkable sight from the seaward. Sifnos is a hilly island with popular beaches on the southeast coast and the delightful medieval village of Kastro on its eastern side.
Sporades
Sailing north from Athens on sun-speckled seas, the Sporades waits to welcome you. They are a small group of islands with ribbons of golden sand along curving shores framed by green, scented pine hills. The clear waters are a delight for swimming and fishing. Skiathos, green and cosmopolitan with pine woods separated by the sea by strands of golden sand, has been, thanks to its natural beauty and infrastructure, a favorite tourist destination for many years. Skopelos, all green, with its beautiful beaches and craggy shores, traditional towns, old churches, and monasteries, is an ideal resort. Alonissos, plainer but equally beautiful, with many blue-green, pine-clad bays, offers you the chance to explore, thanks to a large number of market paths, its reach, and a serene landscape. Alonissos and the many islets that extend towards the east mark the unique ecosystem of the National Sea Park, an area of major importance for the survival of many marine species and, above all, the Mediterranean seal. Remote, to the southeast of the cluster emerges Skyros, ancient and wild, with a long cultural tradition of its own, steep shores, beautiful bays, and sea caverns. The island is the natural habitat of a very rare pony, known as the “little horse of Skyros.” It is known for its traditional furniture, which is elaborate and robust, the direct descendant of Byzantine pieces.
The Saronic islands
They are situated southwest of Athens. They are favorites for sailing due to their close proximity, usually a two to three-hour sail. The islands consist of long sandy beaches, fragrant pines, and rocky capes, and the towns and villages are of an infinite variety of cultures and people. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, the Saronic Islands are definitely worth a visit. The islands have long sandy beaches, fragrant pines, and rocky capes. The towns and villages are of an infinite variety of cultures and people. Aegina is an idyllic Greek island very close to Athens, thus a very popular destination for quick getaways. Aegina has many archaeological monuments, charming villages, and beautiful beaches! The center of the island is Aegina Town, the beautiful capital of Aegina. Boasting elegant Neoclassical buildings, hidden alleys, and a bustling seafront promenade, Aegina Town is perfect for summer strolls! Spetses Island is one of the most popular Greek islands not only for the Greeks who crave a weekend getaway but also for international travelers! Spetses has a rather elegant atmosphere, mainly thanks to the Venetian mansions of its Town, which emit a vintage aura. Spetses Town, the charming capital of the island, is perfect for endless strolls, while there’s relaxing swimming to be had at the secluded Spetses beaches. A selection of yacht marinas, boutique hotels, and sophisticated restaurants complete the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Spetses. Hydra, arguably one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, is located in the heart of the Argo Saronic Gulf. Having been a filming location for “A Girl in Black” and “Boy on a Dolphin” movies, as well as a holiday destination for songwriting legend Leonard Cohen, Hydra stands out for its classy beauty! On Hydra, you won’t find any cars! Everyone uses their feet, boats, or donkeys to get around the island. The car ban, along with the elegant stone mansions of the island, creates a charming atmosphere and makes the island one of the most serene destinations near Athens.
Sail Greece
Greece is a country of unparalleled variety, profound culture, rich history, and natural beauty. It’s the perfect destination for a sailing vacation – quiet and relaxing, with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking for a destination that’s full of history, culture, and natural beauty, Greece is the perfect place to explore.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Dream Getaway
Haven’t booked your charter yet? If you’re still in the planning stages or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Songs In The Sails Yacht Charters. We’re here to help you craft the perfect Caribbean getaway tailored to your desires. Call or text us at 706-901-7525, and together, we’ll turn your dream vacation into a reality.
At Songs In The Sails, we believe in creating memories that last a lifetime. Let’s embark on this adventure together!
